**Official** South Africa in England 2012

[stumpski]

I suspect that Finn will get the Lord's Test, as they went with Bresnan here - hard luck on Onions but I reckon Swann for Bresnan will be the only change. Pietersen's 2-5 became 2-35 very quickly didn't it, tbf he's not used to bowling this much. Reminds me a bit of when Vaughan or Ramprakash would have the occasional long spell.

 

[Spark]

Haha, my word.

 

[stumpski]

Pietersen is England's leading wicket taker for the series!

 

[NickDB]

Can't believe anyone is still thinking that run-rate might be an issue
I think that particular horse bolted about half an our ago.

Whilst I don't think it will change the result I'm far happier as a Saffer to be scoring runs. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that Eng may end up chasing 200 with 30 \ 40 overs left.

As I type Alma holes one to cook, so much much happier with a higher run rate.

Edit, I didn't realise we're almost up to a 200 run lead. So hopefully make that at least 250 \ 300.

 

[Thriel]

what did i say a few pages back before this game started. i said amla is a good batsman, but he wont get another 100 in this match, he hardly ever gets it twice in a row, and i got alot of flak about saying that, i said the danger man for england is kallis, its always been kallis, he's the darkhorse that can take the game away on any given day...

 

[DDP]

Can't believe anyone is still thinking that run-rate might be an issue
I think that particular horse bolted about half an our ago.

Granted I've only seen snippets on cricinfo today, but the decision not to play a spinner isn't looking any better today, is it. If Swann wasn't fit, then Panesar should have been called up.

Beyond that, the state of our fast bowling stocks isn't looking any better either. Interesting decisions to be taken for Lord's and beyond. Tend to agree with Scaly about bringing in Onions and Swann for Bres & Finn, but in other times the performances of our opening bowlers in this series would have raised questions over their participation at Lord's as well.

Swann is fit alright, got the green light from Flower to go play county....

 

[Agent Nationaux]

Now that Bresnan is starting to show his true average, I am starting to like the guy.

 

[wpdavid]

Whilst I don't think it will change the result I'm far happier as a Saffer to be scoring runs. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that Eng may end up chasing 200 with 30 \ 40 overs left.

As I type Alma holes one to cook, so much much happier with a higher run rate.

Edit, I didn't realise we're almost up to a 200 run lead. So hopefully make that at least 250 \ 300.

Yes, that's all very fair. What I was getting at but didn't say was that I just can't see us bowling you out soon enough for a run chase to be remotely viable. Not changed by KP's third scalp.

 

[Spark]

So, England.

Not only is KP your highest run scorer with your highest score, he is also your highest wicket taker with the best average and strike rate and has your best figures.

It goes without saying that you should think about this.

 

[Thriel]

Whilst I don't think it will change the result I'm far happier as a Saffer to be scoring runs. It's not beyond the realms of possibility that Eng may end up chasing 200 with 30 \ 40 overs left.

As I type Alma holes one to cook, so much much happier with a higher run rate.

Edit, I didn't realise we're almost up to a 200 run lead. So hopefully make that at least 250 \ 300.

to be honest im also a bit happy that amla is out, he bats far to slow to push the runrate, much better prefer kallis and AB or Duminy and AB at the crease if there is any chance to put engalnd in.

Draw is already a given, its unlikely England can bat and reach the target now, but if we want to declare and put them in we need 250+... but then again i doubt there will be enough overs to bowl them out as well.

kallis just hit 6 !!

faced 6 balls and hits a 6, man has a set of balls on him...

runrate now 6.40 in last 10 overs

 

[stumpski]

There must be a reason why De Villiers is scoring at a run a ball though - it doesn't look as if Smith is intent on batting out the day. England to be batting after tea, perhaps.

 

[TT Boy]

Kallis only a few more blows away from taking Gilly's record for most sixes in tests.

Gayle should take the record within the next 12 months mind.

 

[Spikey]

Kallis only a few more blows away from taking Gilly's record for most sixes in tests.

Gayle should take the record within the next 12 months mind.

Almost all of them accomplished against off-spinners iirc

 

[NickDB]

Yes, that's all very fair. What I was getting at but didn't say was that I just can't see us bowling you out soon enough for a run chase to be remotely viable. Not changed by KP's third scalp.

Fair enough, it's just as a long time Protea supporter I get REALLY REALLY nervous when we start losing wickets to part time bowlers. Especially with bright sunshine and a few overs left for the day.

 

[Ruckus]

There must be a reason why De Villiers is scoring at a run a ball though - it doesn't look as if Smith is intent on batting out the day. England to be batting after tea, perhaps.

yeah they are going for this. That Kallis 6 is surely confirmation.

 

[Garson007]

almost all of them accomplished against off-spinners iirc

 

[NickDB]

With this

runrate now 6.40 in last 10 overs

And this

There must be a reason why De Villiers is scoring at a run a ball though - it doesn't look as if Smith is intent on batting out the day. England to be batting after tea, perhaps.

I think you might be on to something there Stumpski. If SA puts in Eng I think it shows a completely different attitude from SA under Gary and I quite like it. But not going to get ahead of my self.

 

[Ruckus]

This is good to see from SA, even though it will probably end up being a token effort. Could have easily just batted for as long as possible.

 

[benchmark00]

Is Finn ********?

 

[Spark]

Is Finn ********?

What's he done this time?