***Official*** South Africa in England

[stumpski]

Looks as if there was a bit of rain earlier, the covers are wet, but they're coming off now anyway. Start at 11.15.

Just switched on Radio 4, surprised to find TMS not on air yet.

 

[GIMH]

Been waiting since 7am for play to start, bastard weather!

 

[stumpski]

Oh gawd, I can see umbrellas up now.

 

[Richard]

Been waiting since 7am for play to start, bastard weather!

7AM just doesn't wash with me. I've recently been proud of myself for getting my waking time back to 8:30-ish.

BTW just noticed - in both Tests so far, the first wicket of the game has fallen to Morne Morkel thanks to a bad Umpiring decision.

 

[GIMH]

Wouldn't wash with me but I had little people wake me, apparently I had to do the early shift today as I am not going to be here tomorrow!

 

[pasag]

Telecast doesn't start for another two and a half hours here so would much prefer there was an extra half hour at the end of the day if I could have a choice.

 

[GIMH]

Selfish ****

 

[GIMH]

The weather looks fine, GTFO FFS

 

[Richard]

5 minutes, patience patience.

 

[stumpski]

I take it this means that 6.15 will be the 'official' close of play time now. And can play until 6.45 if they haven't bowled the overs, a likely scenario given that we haven't had one over of spin yet.

 

[GIMH]

Can't see Monty doing much today tbh

 

[Richard]

I take it this means that 6.15 will be the 'official' close of play time now. And can play until 6.45 if they haven't bowled the overs

It'll be 7 o'clock won't it? Given the lost play yesterday.

Though it's likely to be immaterial - there's almost certainly going to be further interruptions today.

 

[zaremba]

That Amla catch really is annoying. Looks like Amla and Bowden both had little doubt the thing had carried.

And let's emphasise - these two had a better view than anyone viewing TV pictures.

Yes, quite.

I may be wrong here, but I thought the 3rd umpire could only be consulted on disputed catches if the on-field umpires' view was obscured? It's hard to see how on earth Bowden's view was obscured.

I'm a bit annoyed with Mickey Arthur saying that he's 100% certain the ball was grounded. Not only is that not supported by the TV pictures (which merely suggest doubt as to whether it carried - they certainly didn't prove that it was grounded), but as you point out Amla, Bowden and indeed Vaughan were the people most likely to be able to tell, and they all clearly thought it was out.

Now some people were calling for Pattinson to get booed yesterday. Luckily that hasn't happened, but I would be neither surprised nor disappointed if AB gets a hard time from the crowd and the fielders when he comes out to bat.

 

[GIMH]

I actively hope he does

 

[superkingdave]

Yeah Micky Arthur... don't think i like him

Disappointed with the rain, with me on anti-biotics there ain't a lot of things i can do on the weekend given i can't drink or eat anything other than soup. But then again it's not even on tv till later anyway.

 

[Richard]

Good start for Prince.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmaShpGrBmE

Holy ****! Dirty cheat.

Yup, 'twas.

I thought so, was quite drunk that day.

 

[stumpski]

Probably in a minority of one here, but I'd like to see Pattinson get the first over at the other end. The more time he has to think, the more nervous he'll be I reckon.

 

[GIMH]

Got a feeling Anderson is gonna get a 5 or 6 fer here

 

[GIMH]

Probably in a minority of one here, but I'd like to see Pattinson get the first over at the other end. The more time he has to think, the more nervous he'll be I reckon.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I want to see Freddie as I only got to watch one over of his live yesterday, but I hope Pattinson gets a decent chance, and takes a wicket or two. Agree that the selection was lacking in reason, but it's hardly his fault and I back everyone who plays for us, whether they should be there or not.