*Official* Sri Lanka in South Africa 2011/12

[Briony]

Think SA should have used the opportunity to blood some new talent like Rossouw, maybe Pienaar and a different keeper and as mentioned revert to AB as fielder, especially now he's captain. If they have the right specialist batsmen, they don't really need the extra flexibility AB gives them as keeper. Couldn't see the point of resting Albie Morkel who hasn't played that much anyway and surely Botha brings as much to the table as Robin Peterson.

 

[Briony]

Last time SA toured SL for a bilateral tournament (2003/04) they were whitewashed 5-0. Now us Sri Lankans can be somewhat satisfied that SA couldn't give it back this time around.

A question for SA fans: Don't you people think you're missing AB the out fielder? If he weren't the wk in the 4th ODI, I think the result would have been very different. Whatever happened to Morne van Wyk? (He kept wickets in the WC I think)

Do you really think they give a toss about this though given that they're experimenting, resting players and have largely produced pitches which suit sub-continent teams more than their own during this series?

 

[Nomanculture]

Do you really think they give a toss about this though given that they're experimenting, resting players and have largely produced pitches which suit sub-continent teams more than their own during this series?

Seems you're hurt. Look here, I wasn't trying to annoy people here or something, was just pointing out a positive (if you can call that one) that we can take from this series.

But two things I have to tell:

1) We never experience these sorts of bouncy pitches in the SC. There wasn't much grass on the ODI pitches that I agree, but that doesn't resemble the SC unless they're keeping low and turning.

2) For the 4th and 5th matches of that 2004 series, we rested all three MoMs from the first three matches. Still we won comfortably.

We're still ****ty as of now, far inferior than SA, ok there I said it.

 

[Quaggas]

Seems you're hurt. Look here, I wasn't trying to annoy people here or something, was just pointing out a positive (if you can call that one) that we can take from this series.

Wtf? You just got through telling us SA were showing signs of choking. So where's the positive for SL?

 

[MrPrez]

Philander: A waste in ODIs. His record says it all: FC bowling average <20; OD average >30.

 

[longtom]

Philander out - Albie back in. Still no Botha ... I don't get it. If you don't plan to use him - release him to get more FC practice.

Having said that - I reckon they have seen enough of Robby P by now. Is it quotas again?

 

[Spikey]

FirdoseM:
Things I will miss about Sri Lanka: Dilshan bringing himself on to bowl at random moments. #cricket #savsl

Fiddy on the money

 

[Black_Warrior]

I love Firdose..she is kinda hot And I love women cricket commentators/analysts

 

[MrPrez]

Don't agree with most of her writing (including an article saying how ODIs are outdated due to one boring match), but I agree with her statement there!

 

[nsniks]

From cricinfo

This just in: Sri Lanka Cricket are set to replace current coach Geoff Marsh with Graham Ford, the former South Africa coach

 

[MrPrez]

Just saw that.

 

[Viscount Tom]

From cricinfo

So basically Sri-Lanka get their first test win for ggod knows how long perform admirably in a ODI series against SA and he get the sack.

 

[Black_Warrior]

Good decision but the timing was wrong. Why can't you announce these things AFTER the tour is over.

 

[MrPrez]

Ja that felt a bit strange!

Is AB de Villiers the best ODI batsman in the world?

 

[longtom]

Is AB de Villiers the best ODI batsman in the world?

I am always wary of these superlatives - they having a habit of exploding into your face.

Having said that - he certainly has a good streak going, three 50s in a row and looking easy going when others struggle. One of the few batsmen who appear to get it right to look comfortable on almost any surface.

Time will tell - but I sure like what I am seeing so far!!

 

[BoyBrumby]

Dreamy cut from the boy that last over. Gave himself room and just caressed it behind square.

Interesting sweep from Fat Gray there. Nervous 90s syndrome.

 

[MrPrez]

I am always wary of these superlatives - they having a habit of exploding into your face.

Having said that - he certainly has a good streak going, three 50s in a row and looking easy going when others struggle. One of the few batsmen who appear to get it right to look comfortable on almost any surface.

Time will tell - but I sure like what I am seeing so far!!

I saw a visual earlier - in 2006 (I think) he averaged mid 30s - since then, he has never averaged under 50 in a year.

 

[Black_Warrior]

Great knock under pressure from the big man Smith here..

 

[Viscount Tom]

Smith unleashing the levers now.

 

[MrPrez]

Absolute carnage here.