Dropping Hardus Viljoen from the squad is incredibly disappointing. I presume one of Steyn or Philander is expected to be fit for the 3rd test if they're doing so; however, I'd actually be more inclined to drop Morris (regardless of the fact that he can bat). You don't really bounce back from a bowling performance like his so soon.
Yeah, I'm actually surprised they released Duminy. Duminy at 7, followed by four pacers would have seemed to be a goer.
Not at all. Vern isn't close to being a number 7 batsman, and our batting has been pretty weak (excluding this innings, which has been on a road).
Yeah, but both Steyn and Philander should be available for the 4th test, so it really doesn't amount to anything. The better bowler, Viljoen, gets to play more cricket, so it's a good decision.
I mean, that's the 4th test. What about the next test? Do we keep this bowling attack? I really don't think Morris has looked up to it.
They released them to play a 4 day game between the second and third test. They are still available to play the third test. Those who are released are just allowed to get game time.
Ah. Forgot about QdK
They're almost certainly not going to play any of those players though. It's basically an admission that they won't be selected for the test team, so they can play for their franchises without raising concerns around fatigue.
I think both will be fit, tbh - which will make Morris getting dropped from the squad either way. Remember this is not a squad announcement, more just who out of the reserves are getting cut.
Yup. I'd be shocked if any make the initial squad. The release of our reserve middle-order batsman, imho, indicates a move towards a specialist opener for the next game, with Van Zyl as reserve.
Newlands is only going to go flatter in years to come. It's the only South African stadium that's regularly sold out. Need to milk all five days. Wouldn't be surprised if there were expansion plans for an extra 5k-10k seats.
Nothing on Pranav
