***Official*** England in South Africa 2015/16

[91Jmay]

Yeah, to be honest I think neither team played very well so cancelled each other out.

 

[weldone]

Probably about even after the first day. Think 300 is par judging by the first day.

I think England should score more than 300.

Some of the dismissals (Faf, Bavuma) were stupidity.

 

[Compton]

Strange day.

England didn't bowl well, South Africa didn't bat well, neither was particularly punished. Game very much in the balance. If SA can get to 330+ they'll be in a good position.

Morkel's got to fancy himself on this pitch, then again his natural length is probably a little short for the surface.

Interesting game.

 

[Howe_zat]

Didn't get to watch, but every batsman getting starts and there being no slip catches makes me think this is some pretty comfortable batting conditions being wasted.

 

[91Jmay]

Didn't get to watch, but every batsman getting starts and there being no slip catches makes me think this is some pretty comfortable batting conditions being wasted.

Nah the pitch has more than enough in it, ball swung all day virtually and was some nibble. That being said a good player can easily score runs on here as well. If we can knock them over for around 20 more tomorrow and then get a ton from one of the top 4 we have a massive chance.

 

[fishyguy]

Hardus Viljoen to take 7/37 bowl England out for 104 runs

 

[Tom Flint]

I remember everyone giving me stick after we won the 1st test for suggesting we keep the same xi for cape town rather than rushing Anderson back
55 overs and one wicket later it seems I may have been on to something!

 

[Spark]

A fully fit Anderson wasn't exactly amazing on a similarly roady road in the Ashes either. Bloke's clearly lacking a bit of zip, that's kind of unavoidable after an injury.

e: this is obviously referring to the previous match

 

[Furball]

Haven't watched a ball but gut instinct is to be happy with 7 wickets on a day where the opposition have won the toss and batted.

 

[cnerd123]

I saw a bit of the second session and there was bounce and swing on offer for Anderson and Stokes. Both bowled pretty well. Amla and Elgar were beaten a couple of times, played and missed at a few, but put the bad balls away.

Certainly isn't a roady mcroady road.

 

[Gnske]

Would say England are more satisfied with that day and probably on top given how many wickets were just gifted to them.

A tedious day from Cook and Compton tomorrow would be invaluable.

 

[Compton]

If SA get to 330+ tomorrow then they're in control of the match. They've got to fancy their seam attack to do well on this tomorrow, and England are batting last. Neither side played particularly well today.

 

[Jono]

Even for mine based on what I saw. Last partnership is handy. Agree SA would want at least 330.

 

[Marius]

Yeah, game is set up nicely.

Let's just hope our seamers bowl properly, and don't make it easy for the English. Really think we should have kept Piedt, but let's see what happens.

I'm going tomorrow, and the ground is apparently sold out so it should be great. The atmosphere at the Wanderers is amazing when it's full.

 

[Howe_zat]

thunderstorms today, apperently.

 

[Marius]

thunderstorms today, apperently.

Thunderstorms have been happening in the evening in Joburg this summer so far, haven't been many afternoon ones.

Some cloud around today, but high and fairly patchy. Should definitely get a lot of play in today.

 

[Cabinet96]

Why would you bowl mostly inswing to the left hander when you can swing it away?

 

[flibbertyjibber]

I presume Broad is feeling much better today, not sure why Finn isn't bowling ahead of him otherwise.

 

[LegionOfBrad]

Still bowling too short.

 

[Stefan9]

Nice effort from these two. Don't think england have bowled particularly well at them but always nice to get a 50 stand low down the order.