*Official* England in South Africa

[Jayzamann]

I'd definitely put my stocks in Smith and Co. over Yousuf and Co. rightaboutnow.

 

[archie mac]

I'd definitely put my stocks in Smith and Co. over Yousuf and Co. rightaboutnow.

So would I, but it is a different stage of the match

 

[Scaly piscine]

After they lost their whizz kid, they did bat quite slowly in the first innings, and the pitch is pretty slow, but no I don't think they will. It could also be argued that Aust only has that many overs at them because they declared twice.

But again you could use your argument that they would have scored quickly towards the end of their first innings if they had not declared, which is a valid point

Yep. Plus it has the knock-on effect for the second innings because their lead is bigger so they can bat more aggressively then too. The tipping point is when you get to a situation like England today where you could only conceivably need another 100-150 runs (in quick time) and you've got tailenders trying to score but failing when you'd be much better served having proper batsmen having a go at the new ball balanced against the tiny chance of getting bowled out chasing those runs in 20-30 overs (for example).

 

[Jayzamann]

So would I, but it is a different stage of the match

Maybe then if Smith is still in, 3 down at stumps. Theoretically if they were both batting for a draw...

 

[archie mac]

Yep. Plus it has the knock-on effect for the second innings because their lead is bigger so they can bat more aggressively then too. The tipping point is when you get to a situation like England today where you could only conceivably need another 100-150 runs (in quick time) and you've got tailenders trying to score but failing when you'd be much better served having proper batsmen having a go at the new ball balanced against the tiny chance of getting bowled out chasing those runs in 20-30 overs (for example).

Yes I agree all very valid, but still not sure if Ponting was in the wrong, not that I personally would have declared

Anyway off to bed, two Tests back to back is taking its toll. I will stay up tomorrow night until the end if it looks like being a result

 

[archie mac]

Maybe then if Smith is still in, 3 down at stumps. Theoretically if they were both batting for a draw...

Sort of, but if SA can get in front each run is worth two (as the old saying goes), where as Pakistan know what they need to win the match

 

[wpdavid]

SA looking very comfortable for the most part. Given that the ball's going to be knackered in about 12 overs time, we need something very soon indeed if this is going to be interesting.

 

[Uppercut]

Smith's destined for a huge one. It happens every time.

 

[wpdavid]

In case anyone's interested, apparently Hoggard's just joined the Barmy Army.

 

[Uppercut]

In case anyone's interested, apparently Hoggard's just joined the Barmy Army.

He used to be their mascot when he played.

 

[wpdavid]

Swanneeeee!!!!

 

[NUFAN]

Bowling Swanneh!

 

[flibbertyjibber]

First English spinner to ever take 50 wickets in a year.

Go on Swanny.

 

[grecian]

Well done Swanneh, and sharp from Bell too, pretty much his day you'd have to say

 

[Jarquis]

Marry me Swanneh

 

[four_or_six]

Forget about Jimmy, I want Swann's babies.

 

[Nate]

Swanehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Just like Krejza in Perth.

 

[Dydl]

Despite being English, Swann is really growing on me...

 

[Shaggy Alfresco]

Swann, what an absolute GUN.

 

[wpdavid]

Sounds like a shocker from Amla - not complaining of course.