*Official* England in South Africa

[BoyBrumby]

Ntini should have done the right thing by his country and hung up the boots. He was ever so lucky to be given hundred tests as a sentimental gesture. The past year he has damaged his reputation. He was someone who was always going to struggle once his pace dropped.

Nah, I don't agree with that. If he's feels he's still got something to give that's his prerogative. The selectors should have the cojones to drop him.

 

[Jono]

No one should ever be obliged to retire from their profession (other than if gross misconduct is involved) FFS. It's their livelihood.

 

[Uppercut]

It's such an ivory tower statement to say someone should turn down what could be their last ever chance to play cricket for their country.

 

[Briony]

Nah, I don't agree with that. If he's feels he's still got something to give that's his prerogative. The selectors should have the cojones to drop him.

It might well be his perogative but if he is aware of favourable quota selections, he's putting subtle pressure on them by remaining on the scene. Surely he knows he's compromising his team's chances of being competitive.

 

[NUFAN]

Where's Vernon Philander in the pecking order?

 

[BoyBrumby]

Lovely cut from Bell there. Ball sat up and begged for it, but nice shot all the same.

 

[Prince EWS]

Vaughan currently making a very big deal about Cook's technique regressing since he reached 3 figures to what was causing him so many problems previously - moving across to off stump far too soon apparently.

He still does it though. He plays the vast majority of his front-foot shots with his front toe half forward and pointing to extra cover, regardless of where the ball pitches. He has about four trigger movements that I assume were designed to correct that but he still does it. I don't know if we've seen a technical change as much as we've seen a shot selection change - he's just stopped poking at balls away from his body after getting in poor positions for off-side shots.

 

[BoyBrumby]

It might well be his perogative but if he is aware of favourable quota selections, he's putting subtle pressure on them by remaining on the scene. Surely he knows he's compromising his team's chances of being competitive.

That being so wouldn't the selectors be obliged to bring in another black African? I'm afraid I don't know a lot about the SA domestic circuit, but I'd guess there aren't too many black bowlers who're better than Ntini even in his current reduced circumstances.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Well Bell has got himself going,not entirely convincing but he has a start.Now like cook earlier he needs to go on and get a score.

This has been a brilliant day for England,only we can win this match from here and South Africa have some serious selection problems for the next test with their bowling not looking up to it apart from Morkel who has been superb.

 

[Athlai]

That being so wouldn't the selectors be obliged to bring in another black African? I'm afraid I don't know a lot about the SA domestic circuit, but I'd guess there aren't too many black bowlers who're better than Ntini even in his current reduced circumstances.

Parnell might be counted as coloured actually

 

[flibbertyjibber]

That being so wouldn't the selectors be obliged to bring in another black African? I'm afraid I don't know a lot about the SA domestic circuit, but I'd guess there aren't too many black bowlers who're better than Ntini even in his current reduced circumstances.

Parnell?

I wouldn't want to be facing him to be honest,looks a fine prospect.

 

[Briony]

That being so wouldn't the selectors be obliged to bring in another black African? I'm afraid I don't know a lot about the SA domestic circuit, but I'd guess there aren't too many black bowlers who're better than Ntini even in his current reduced circumstances.

With Prince, Amla and Duminy in the side they already have three non-white players which is what they had against Australia. If it has to be a black bowler it means they're not selecting to win, merely making judgements on skin colour. If they are awaiting the emergence of another black bowler, SA could be lumbered with Ntini for some time yet. Parnell you imagine will eventually take his place.

 

[Shaggy Alfresco]

Parnell might be counted as coloured actually

Don't ask me why, but apparently Cape Coloured doesn't count.

 

[King Pietersen]

Excellent shot Ian Bell. Used his feet and played it beautifully. This is the Ian Bell I've wanted to see since he came back into the side. Not looked this fluent at the crease for a while. He'll be out soon then...

 

[NUFAN]

Well Bell has got himself going,not entirely convincing but he has a start.Now like cook earlier he needs to go on and get a score.

This has been a brilliant day for England,only we can win this match from here and South Africa have some serious selection problems for the next test with their bowling not looking up to it apart from Morkel who has been superb.

Why can't South Africa win? South Africa COULD get 6 wickets and trail by 50. SA could bat all day on day 4 and 50 minutes into day 4 and set England 300 in 80 overs. England could get out in that time..

 

[BoyBrumby]

Parnell might be counted as coloured actually

So I believe, but from what TT Boy, Goughy & others have said, I'm under the impression that blacks are now treated as a separate case from "coloureds" or south Asians for quota purposes.

 

[Briony]

Well Bell has got himself going,not entirely convincing but he has a start.Now like cook earlier he needs to go on and get a score.





This has been a brilliant day for England,only we can win this match from here and South Africa have some serious selection problems for the next test with their bowling not looking up to it apart from Morkel who has been superb.

Yes they don't appear to be that effective at home these days. Touring sides, as Australia showed earlier this year, often adapt to conditions better than the hosts.

 

[Uppercut]

Don't ask me why, but apparently Cape Coloured doesn't count.

Really? Duminy's one, and he counts.

 

[Prince EWS]

This is the kind of situation Bell has usually excelled in, to be fair to him. The platform's been set, the bowlers are tired and England are looking to push on from a strong position to a big lead. He's obviously not a great batsman but you don't average nearly 40 after 50+ Tests being completely terrible - it may not be as much use as digging in when England are in trouble and he may not be England's best option for the #6 spot, but Bell's always been pretty good at this role.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

I wonder if England will refuse to take the light later and keep on batting.The extra half hour or so might prove useful as we know that tomorrow and on day 5 the Saffers will take it straight away.Should be looking for a lead of between 50 and 75 tonight.