*Official* England in South Africa

[Manee]

Only just picked up on this - quite astonishing, not least after what was being written about Broad on these boards six months ago.

I'd admit that I was a stern critic of his continual selection and think that the faith that he was given could have worked on a Liam Plunkett or even a Saj Mahmood, who had similar returns after a few Tests with the team but were not given the same faith, perhaps due to the lack of batting ability. However, he always had potential and is looking like a pretty handy cricketer, at this point of time. It is key that he really does get value for his spells, he rarely bowls a competant spell without picking up a haul of wickets, it is a valuable trait to have and it is that same trait that has risen Johnson and Steyn to the top of the bowling rankings.

 

[zaremba]

Anyone else think that Ntini may take the problem away from the selectors by announcing his immediate retirement from Test cricket?

Sky Sports mentioned a strong rumour that Ntini is on the verge of signing as a Kolpak for an English county. If that's true, Test retirement beckons.

Interesting post-match interview with Mickey Arthur in which he seemed to be hinting pretty strongly that Ntini is for the chop. My money is on Ntini jumping before he's pushed.

 

[ozone]

Sky Sports mentioned a strong rumour that Ntini is on the verge of signing as a Kolpak for an English county. If that's true, Test retirement beckons.

Interesting post-match interview with Mickey Arthur in which he seemed to be hinting pretty strongly that Ntini is for the chop. My money is on Ntini jumping before he's pushed.

I hope he does jump, it would not be a beffitting end him as a player to be pushed out.

Like the selection of Carberry BTW, think that you have to pick someone with a bit more experience for an away series against one of the best sides in the world, be it whether you're one up and playing well or not. As we are lacking in someone with real test experience, picking someone with a lot of FC experience is the next best thing.

 

[Jarquis]

Not convinced by Carberry in the middle order, thought he was pretty well known for having lead feet against spinners??

 

[Pothas]

Sky Sports mentioned a strong rumour that Ntini is on the verge of signing as a Kolpak for an English county. If that's true, Test retirement beckons.

Interesting post-match interview with Mickey Arthur in which he seemed to be hinting pretty strongly that Ntini is for the chop. My money is on Ntini jumping before he's pushed.

Interesting, pretty sure that he will be dropped anyway so would make definetly make sense.
Do not really see South Africa wanting/needing to make any other changes than that, they had a very bad test match but that batting lineup is still pretty solid.

 

[Pothas]

Not convinced by Carberry in the middle order, thought he was pretty well known for having lead feet against spinners??

He could always play at 3, I know KP is inked in at number four these days but see no problem with him and Trott going down one spot or for Trott to go back to 5.

 

[NUFAN]

2) Boucher surely destined to be a footnote in tests as the first man to be given out in both innings on referral?

Perhaps he'll be the first South African, but Mike Hussey was given out LBW using the referral in both innings at the MCG. Also Chris Gayle at the GABBA (first Test) was out LBW in both innings using the referral too.

 

[Rant0r]

Weren't they failed referrals though ?

 

[Rant0r]

Hopefully Ntini gets to go out the way he wants, but I think that time is now though

 

[Dydl]

Perhaps he'll be the first South African, but Mike Hussey was given out LBW using the referral in both innings at the MCG. Also Chris Gayle at the GABBA (first Test) was out LBW in both innings using the referral too.

Difference is that Hussey was given out both times by on-field umpires, and the decision was upheld by 3rd Umpire, while Boucher was given not out by on-field umpires, but was given out on review.

 

[Briony]

Anyone else think that Ntini may take the problem away from the selectors by announcing his immediate retirement from Test cricket?

He should to maintain his dignity. Once he was selected ahead of de Wet for the test with Steyn and Kallis less than fully fit, SA didn't have much of a chance of forcing victory, especially after forfeiting the chance to use the most bowler-friendly conditions of the match on the opening day.

The other question to be asked is why has SA become so vulnerable and eminently beatable at home?

And why can't Morkel, who appears to have the same tools as Broad, be as effective?

 

[Black_Warrior]

When Allan Donald said prior to this series that he had concerns about South Africa's bowling, I didnt know what he was talking about..but then I had a discussion with a friend of mine who happens to be a sports journalist who specialises in cricket prior to this series and I realized that the great fast bowler was right. You take Steyn out..and the attack is pretty ordinary.

I also realized that Ntini has passed his expiry date. Yes has been a great servant of South African cricket, a bowler who touched greatness from time to time..and he has been granted his 100th test. Time to give him the golden handshake. He is finished.

De Wet..not sure why he was dropped after the first test...took 3 wickets in the second innings.

Also, I remember a young fast bowler from a years ago by the name of Zondeki. I think I saw him in a test match against India and he looked pretty impressive to me. Not sure whats the story with him now..maybe a South African fan can fill us up on this.

and why arent Langevelt and Parnell considered for test matches??

I know most people are still thinking about the batting collapse and Broad and Swanne but honestly, this match was out of South Africa's hands the moment England managed a 200 plus lead. The culrpits were Steyn and Ntini.. I can forgive Steyn as he is coming after an injury but Ntini has to go.

South Africa have some serious problems with their bowling and unless rectified soon, they will lose this series. England have a pretty decent bowling attack, capable of upsetting even the likes of Smith and Kallis and that should make the difference in this series.

 

[Stapel]

The first test England got away with a draw, while the Saffies were in the driver's seat. The second test, SA got pwned by the English. The only difference was Friedel de Wet.

If De Wet plays in Kaapstad and/or if Steyn comes good again and/if Kallis' bowling comes good again (not unlikely as they ought to recover from their injuries as times go by), we could see quite a good series!

And Prince, Amla and Duminy won't stay in the single figures for many innings...

 

[Uppercut]

He should to maintain his dignity. Once he was selected ahead of de Wet for the test with Steyn and Kallis less than fully fit, SA didn't have much of a chance of forcing victory, especially after forfeiting the chance to use the most bowler-friendly conditions of the match on the opening day.

The other question to be asked is why has SA become so vulnerable and eminently beatable at home?

And why can't Morkel, who appears to have the same tools as Broad, be as effective?

Probably because he's not as good? Doesn't swing it as much, isn't as consistent, isn't as accurate, doesn't bowl as effective a length and doesn't have as many variations to fall back on when the pitch is horrendously flat.

 

[Scaly piscine]

The "why can't Morkel be as effective as Broad" line is being a bit harsh on Morkel and a bit generous to Broad.

 

[jboss]

It´s funny how life works. Beginning of series I called out JP Dumminy and all of suddon he averages 38. There is too much batting in SA to have a player with technical issues in squad. Elgar, Rossouw, Andiar and Malan come to mind. JP will never be test quality and Boucher is just riding on form. Kuhn could make the team anywya for his batting as he peforms every season.

 

[Uppercut]

The "why can't Morkel be as effective as Broad" line is being a bit harsh on Morkel and a bit generous to Broad.

It's not that they're a world apart in terms of quality, it's just that Broad takes big hauls when he bowls well and Morkel doesn't.

 

[Goughy]

When Allan Donald said prior to this series that he had concerns about South Africa's bowling, I didnt know what he was talking about..but then I had a discussion with a friend of mine who happens to be a sports journalist who specialises in cricket prior to this series and I realized that the great fast bowler was right. You take Steyn out..and the attack is pretty ordinary.

I also realized that Ntini has passed his expiry date. Yes has been a great servant of South African cricket, a bowler who touched greatness from time to time..and he has been granted his 100th test. Time to give him the golden handshake. He is finished.

De Wet..not sure why he was dropped after the first test...took 3 wickets in the second innings.

Also, I remember a young fast bowler from a years ago by the name of Zondeki. I think I saw him in a test match against India and he looked pretty impressive to me. Not sure whats the story with him now..maybe a South African fan can fill us up on this.

and why arent Langevelt and Parnell considered for test matches??

I know most people are still thinking about the batting collapse and Broad and Swanne but honestly, this match was out of South Africa's hands the moment England managed a 200 plus lead. The culrpits were Steyn and Ntini.. I can forgive Steyn as he is coming after an injury but Ntini has to go.

South Africa have some serious problems with their bowling and unless rectified soon, they will lose this series. England have a pretty decent bowling attack, capable of upsetting even the likes of Smith and Kallis and that should make the difference in this series.

Zondeki has had lots of injuries and ups and down in terms of form. He is still around playing cricket and the selectors will be keeping half an eye on him.

Langeveldt is 35 yrs old now and not a viable Test option unless a shortterm replacement

Parnell will have a future and his time will come in Test cricket.

I agree with you that the bowling was the main issue. There are issues with Ntini and Morkel and (as Ive said for a long time) I dont think Steyn is as good as some people think.

This is a pretty weak SA team and the fact it was towards the top of the world ranking shows we are in a period of pretty weak Test teams but we have parity that ensures close fought series.

 

[Jarquis]

Where's Phillander in the ranks?

 

[jboss]

Where's Phillander in the ranks?

2nd in domestic four day and as economical as ever and can bat. Plaatjies doing well too and Roeolf seems better option than Harris as he ectually turns the ball. Rudolph in for Dumminy as he bowls better spin and no technical issue. Elgar in for Prince who is a specialist opener. De Wet in for Ntini and be brave and play extra apinner in Smuts at newlands will fix some issues. Could give Wiese a try in stead of Morkell.

This team has to be the most blatent ignoration of talent ever witnessed and thats why I will not support proteas until Boucher leaves and takes Ntini with him and JP fixes his issue. Smith is worst captain since readmission IMHO and his record is flattering but never seams to have tactical plans for batsman and shocking ield placing. Team have been seen yo often lookin like teapots on the field.