If McClaren had managed that then you just say well done.
Good to see a SA fan chipping in with a decent rant. The NZ rant dominance of this thread has been overpowering.
I watched the highlights and some of those shot were diabolical. I'd rather they bat smart
Elliott is a weird cricketer. He looked good in ODIs in 2008/09, calm and had a method that worked for nudging the ball around and keeping up the scoring rate. Then lost it completely and has barely deserved to be picked in the Wellington side at times in last few years. I thought for this tour he's somehow blackmailed NZ selectors into paying for his flights over to SA to visit the family, but instead he's looked competent and has batted well.
Munro clearly has a very good eye. Needs some serious serious work on that foot movement though. Moves like a Rhinoceros doing ballet - when he does wants to move, the upper torso leads and the feet follow reluctantly somewhere behind. Especially obvious against the spinners (though I don't think he even knows what he's supposed to do with the feet against spin). Most of the time though just completely avoids moving the feet at all - who needs back foot and front foot games? Needs a sports-training-montage with lots of skipping and boxing to get him on his toes and he'd be a different batsman.
Franklin finally looks at home as a batsman in ODIs and T20s. ARGHH FRANKLIN WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SUCH A ****HOUSE BATSMAN IN TESTZZZZ
His approach in ODIs reminds me of Twose and Styris, without some of their power. Knows that he hasn't got all the shots, but has worked out where to place the ball for 1s and 2s, and can hit out for the odd boundary. Makes for a more effective player than some batsmen who have more timing or more shots, but find the fielders too often (Sinclair IMHO).
Nothing weird about it at all. He's a relatively average player who hit an excellent purple patch but inevitably faded.
What about Munro
The funny thing about the Smith shot was that before the ball was bowled the commentators were saying that all he had to do was knock the ball around a bit and be there (with McLaren) and they would have got there without any anxiety. Next ball he lofts straight to the fielder in the deep and he walked all the way with head bowed and didn't raise the bat etc.
His place is taken by Ryder. There will be plenty of time in the future for him to gain a place.
For your team that you are picking perhaps. The selectors may show those who traveled to SA some loyalty.
Yes, perhaps Hamish Marshall too
I never would have expected him to return at nearly 34 and bat well at international level again. Not after the lack of runs for Wellingtron.
