*Official* England in South Africa

[flibbertyjibber]

The number 1 team will come back and win this.. You guys have no chance.

Didn't realise we were playing India.

 

[R_D]

Didn't realise we were playing India.

In most people's eyes South Africa's the number 1 team apparently.

 

[Jayzamann]

In most people's eyes South Africa's the number 1 team apparently.

That's the tune I was singing before this test match began.

 

[GIMH]

Thanks to our efficiency, we now get highlights of the Ashes and the T20 WC. Plenty of Aussie fail lying ahead

Nether-who?

 

[grecian]

Well done England, comprehensive and professional performance

I've tweeted Jimmeh and Swanneh my congrats, gawd I feel so sad doing that, but I felt I had too.

 

[GIMH]

Haha good idea think I'll do the same

 

[Shaggy Alfresco]

Tweeted to ask whether he thinks he's better than Hauritz.

 

[Rant0r]

I've never understood people questioning whether Swann could continue his Ashes bowling form or not considering it was comfortably the worst he's ever bowled over the course of a series. He bowled a few good spells that really contributed to England's wins but I thought he underperformed for the mostpart compared to how he's bowled in the rest of his career - is it just a case of people not really paying attention to anything other than the Ashes or something? I don't get it at all.

Yeah he wasn't that flash in the Ashes

I haven't seen De Wet bowl yet, you don't rate Parnell? He looks like he had potential when I saw him bowl in Perth in an ODI earlier this year.

I thought Parnell looked the goods in the ODI's in Australia, FC Cricket is another game though really

Thanks to our efficiency, we now get highlights of the Ashes and the T20 WC. Plenty of Aussie fail lying ahead

Nether-who?

ahhaa, wicked

 

[Rant0r]

Tweeted to ask whether he thinks he's better than Hauritz.

ahaha, funny ****

 

[Pothas]

Carberry called up to cover Collingwood, very pleased for him although I think that is it unlikely he will play, think Collingwood will probably be ok for the next test. Delighted that he is in the frame though, Ravi clearly discarded for now and looks unlikely that Key is ever going to be recalled now, hope he does well if he gets a chance.

 

[Rant0r]

Doesn't Key still get picked for the A Team tours ? If so surely that can't mean he's completely out of the picture

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Not sure i'd go for Carberry but good luck to him if he plays.

 

[Rant0r]

Ramps

 

[fredfertang]

Typical England selection that - some things never change - pick the journeyman (not intended to denigrate Carberry at all) as a reward for a good season even though he's an opener and 30 next birthday - a perfect opportunity to pick James Taylor has been missed

 

[Rant0r]

Token black guy perhaps ?

 

[aussie]

Token black guy perhaps ?

HAAA ye probably. But seriously they should have picked Morgan.

 

[Rant0r]

Yeah I forget they don't have a quota system in England, although they should, like say, X amount of English born players per team.

But in all seriousness, yes, Morgan... or Ramps.... is Hick still available/alive ?

 

[GIMH]

Don't mention Hick, aussie would pick him ahead of Colly

 

[Rant0r]

Dear god

 

[aussie]

To be honest, this decline has been coming for a while now. They beat England in England whilst carrying a very ordinary attack and did the same against Aus where Dale Steyn, Harris and Kallis covered the shortcomings of their other bowlers. With the loss of Pollock, Nel and more recently Ntini, and with Kalllis struggling to overcome injury, their bowling attack is crying out for some younger blood. Hopefully for their own sake De Wet and Tsotsobe are given a run in the side fairly soon.

Can't agree that they beat ENG last year & AUS with a "ordinary attack". Ntini has definately gotten worse since since the Lord's test. But i'd say Morkel had his days in ENG & in AUS. Morkel probably officially hit rock bottom in the 2nd test vs AUS @ Durban earlier this year.

Plus i dont think Nel is much of loss TBH. Yea he had his little peak period a couple of years ago. But ATM i dont believe he would bring anything new to the SA attack.

Overall i dont think they are in decline, the batting still is very solid. Steyn/Morkel/De Wet would be very good i'd say especially if Morkel steps up soon. The only problem is how much longer Kallis will be able to bowl.