**Official** South Africa in Australia 2014

[dogwalker]

Apparently Faf doesn't bowl anymore because of a bad back. So that's why they've been trying out the filth that AB bowls. Because AB has never had back problems.

 

[the big bambino]

Kind of agree with SA's balance problems and I'd go for the extra bowling option as Philander and Morkel can handle the bat a bit. Kyle Abbott and Duminy would make them better.

 

[Spark]

Philander, sure, but Morkel has turned into a bit of a rabbit against decent bowling of late.

 

[dogwalker]

Morne Morkel? Cannot bat.

Tonight I watched Domingo say they will pick seven batsmen and that he understands it will leave the bowling light. Shocking decision.

 

[Spark]

It'd make sense if the seven batsmen picked were all actually good but there's scant evidence of that so far

 

[the big bambino]

C'mon Dogwalker, Morne's not that bad with the willow. From an Aussie perspective I worry about his ability to hang around and hit big. Anyway all of this relative to his position in the batting order. I think they have enough clump in the tail to justify playing a bloke like Abbott and make themselves more competitive that way.

 

[anil1405]

Kind of agree with SA's balance problems and I'd go for the extra bowling option as Philander and Morkel can handle the bat a bit. Kyle Abbott and Duminy would make them better.

Steyn is twice as better than the two names you have mentioned when it comes to application with a willow in his hand (and would make a better no.7).... Philander to me looks like he is least bothered to score runs and just wants to hang around (at best)

 

[the big bambino]

Steyn is twice as better than the two names you have mentioned when it comes to application with a willow in his hand (and would make a better no.7).... Philander to me looks like he is least bothered to score runs and just wants to hang around (at best)

Fair enough about Steyn's batting (though I think twice as good is a bit ott). All 3 of Steyn, Philander and Morkel have poor odi batting averages, especially in comparison with their test performances, but I'm guessing that's just a function of them having to hit out with few balls to play with (so to speak). If their roles where modified with the addition of an extra bowler I'd reckon you could get more out of them batting wise.

 

[dogwalker]

What happens if we're chasing 250 and we're 80/4? That's why we need the extra batsman.

Well, ****, pal, with that bowling line-up we'll be chasing 570 never mind 250.

 

[anil1405]

I was talking about the application part (not ability) where Steyn is much better at...last odi is an example. When Proteas needed to score quickly Philander managed one run in about 12 deliveries whereas Steyn attempted to go bang bang straightaway. Although Vern has the ability I believe he lacks in match presence.

 

[Spikey]

cricket.com.au ‏@CricketAus 29s29 seconds ago
Faulkner, Starc, Watson and Coulter-Nile measuring their run up. Looks like we could see some pace today #AUSvSA

Drats

 

[Cabinet96]

The immense pace of James Faulkner and Shane Watson.

Nice to see Pat Cummins is alive though.

 

[Valer]

The immense pace of James Faulkner and Shane Watson.

Nice to see Pat Cummins is alive though.

Watson was reasonably quick with his original action to be fair.

 

[Nate]

cricket.com.au ‏@CricketAus 29s29 seconds ago
Faulkner, Starc, Watson and Coulter-Nile measuring their run up. Looks like we could see some pace today #AUSvSA

Drats

big Doherty fan?

 

[Spark]

someone tell me why ncn and not haze is playing

 

[Valer]

someone tell me why ncn and not haze is playing

Testing different players so Clarke gets his set squad before the tri-series.

 

[morgieb]

someone tell me why ncn and not haze is playing

Haze is probably being rested.

 

[Spark]

that slow motion fall was truly magnificent

 

[Antihippy]

With Maxwell bowling like this I don't really see why we need Xavier Doherty anymore.

 

[brockley]

Yeh but Xavier says he has changed.