*Official* South Africa in India

[G.I.Joe]

I think its interesting that Dhoni has preferred Ojha over Mishra of late, and yet chosen to go with Mishra here. I'm sure the fact that it was a flat track against proper opposition had nothing to do with the change of heart.

 

[Uppercut]

Kumble would have done so much better on this surface (not saying he would have run through, but definitely would have picked up a couple and been economical).

The 'Kumble Length' balls were the ones doing the most, I noticed.

I can't imagine he'd have done much now. Maybe if it breaks up a bit on days four and five it'll become the type of pitch Kumble would have been able to take a few wickets on. He was a very specific bowler. He won matches for India that no other bowler in the world would have won.

I think its interesting that Dhoni has preferred Ojha over Mishra of late, and yet chosen to go with Mishra here. I'm sure the fact that it was a flat track against proper opposition had nothing to do with the change of heart.

He also bowled him more than he did anyone else, interestingly.

 

[Black_Warrior]

Criticism of both the spinners is a bit unfair. They bowled on the first day on a near flat pitch with no support..Its not easy to bowl on this surface especially against someone with over 10000 test runs at 55.

 

[FBU]

I don't know why Murali Kartik isn't playing.

 

[Black_Warrior]

^ Yeah I really like him too..I still remember a test match against Australia in 04..where he was turning the ball like crazy.. not sure why he is no longer in the reckoning..

Also, Indian fans dont have anything to worry about.. Sehwag can get 200 in a day all by himself..so its not big deal.. I just feel sorry for Paul Harris today!!

 

[Furball]

Sehwag vs Harris will be interesting, I wouldn't be suprised to see Sehwag throw his wicket away, like he had a habit of doing vs Vettori.

 

[silentstriker]

I can't imagine he'd have done much now. Maybe if it breaks up a bit on days four and five it'll become the type of pitch Kumble would have been able to take a few wickets on. He was a very specific bowler. He won matches for India that no other bowler in the world would have won.



He also bowled him more than he did anyone else, interestingly.

Kumble's ideal pitch was different than other spin bowlers ideal pitch. If you looked at the lengths that had the most uneven bounce - it was too short for mishy but perfect for Kumble. This was his pitch.

 

[Black_Warrior]

^ While I agree with you that Kumble's ideal pitch is different from a traditional leggie's ideal pitch..but I still think that had Kumble played in this match, it wouldnt have made much of a difference. I dont think Indian bowlers were that bad..you just have to give it to Amla and Kallis..they played well..they are two of South Africa's best batsmen to play in the subcontinent and they got a 1st day good pitch to bat and they cashed in on it.

 

[Furball]

Mishy was also unfortunate in that virtually every delivery he got to turn and beat the batsman, he managed to beat the outside edge as well.

 

[Black_Warrior]

Also, can a South African cricket fan please tell me as to why they are torturing Ashwell Prince by making him open the batting? What is wrong with A B De Villiers? I remember when he started in 06-07, he was opening the batting?

 

[silentstriker]

^ While I agree with you that Kumble's ideal pitch is different from a traditional leggie's ideal pitch..but I still think that had Kumble played in this match, it wouldnt have made much of a difference. I dont think Indian bowlers were that bad..you just have to give it to Amla and Kallis..they played well..they are two of South Africa's best batsmen to play in the subcontinent and they got a 1st day good pitch to bat and they cashed in on it.

All I'm saying is that balls were doing what Kumble hoped they would do on a length he liked bowling. I said right up top he wouldn't have run through the side but I bet India would have been in a better position than they are now.

 

[Black_Warrior]

^ Dont worry..its only a matter of time before India will be in a good position again..Sehwag is going to go crazy against Harris!

 

[silentstriker]

Have to get past Steyn and Morkel.

 

[Black_Warrior]

He has a 300 against Steyn in 2008.

 

[Black_Warrior]

Oops I just realized..Dravid and Laxman are not playing..Thats a bit of risky now..if Sehwag doesnt get a big score...India might actually be in a lot of trouble. A deficit of 550 plus will all of a sudden look too much for new players Bardinath and Vijay.

 

[silentstriker]

Wow, watching this on Sky Sports again - I'm in heaven. Indian channels are a travesty.

 

[silentstriker]

Gambhir gone!

 

[Sir Alex]

Gambir was due for a failure.. only hope it doesn't happen in this series.. please.

 

[popepouri]

Wow, watching this on Sky Sports again - I'm in heaven. Indian channels are a travesty.

and then there's Darryl Cullinan.

 

[popepouri]

Beauty from Steyn.