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

[flibbertyjibber]

I'm watching the India game so missed it. What did he say?

Basically it will be a draw today as when the going gets tough Arsenal vanish.

 

[duffer]

Basically it will be a draw today as when the going gets tough Arsenal vanish.

Heh, just like South Africa at World Cups.

 

[StephenZA]

Abbott

 

[kykweer.proteas]

Switched on at the perfect time. That was a monster shot from abott.

 

[wpdavid]

Great start, they still have a good score but 350-370 would be well within catching distance

We're struggling now though, unless someone removes de Kock immediately. Cook definitely missed a trick last night by taking the new ball when Ali was well set and sending down the occasional snorter. And I gather our fielding let us down yet again this morning. Bayliss is having his work cut out improving that aspect, and it's going to cost us a series sooner rather than later.

EDIT
Gee, when we're poor, we really appallingly poor. I suppose this sort of performance might help avoid complacency over the series win, but really we have been just dire for most of this game so far.

 

[wpdavid]

Genuine question (re. Mark Wood) Did you guys watch a lot of the Pakistan-England series in UAE last year?

No I didn't. I remember reading bits about Wood bowling very well in spells, and I don't hold it against him not taking a truckful of wickets in those conditions.
I'm happy enough having him as first reserve if one of Anderson, Broad and Finn isn't available. But based on what I saw of him at home to NZ and Aus, that would be my pecking order.
Now that can change of course. I remember Simon Jones becoming an entirely different prospect when he developed his ability to reverse the older ball, and maybe Wood could be doing something similar.
Beyond that, I don 't think Jimmy will be around for much longer after our home series this year, so wood may well find himself one of the three full-time quicks in the side in 12 months time anyway.

 

[kingkallis]

Jp duminy is so damn predictable. Comes in, hits a few boundaries, gets himself out. The selectors should know this will never change, unless they want a part time spin bowler who scores 20 odd runs.

They killed a pretty decent middle order bat by promoting him to open. van Zyl should be tested at No.6 instead of JP.

 

[wpdavid]

I just saw that Woakes bowling average in tests is now 55. Maybe a record for someone who's been as 3rd seamer and has played more than a couple of tests?

If my sums are correct, if he finishes with 1 for 115 or more in this innings, he'll have an average of 60+.

 

[GIMH]

No I didn't. I remember reading bits about Wood bowling very well in spells, and I don't hold it against him not taking a truckful of wickets in those conditions.
I'm happy enough having him as first reserve if one of Anderson, Broad and Finn isn't available. But based on what I saw of him at home to NZ and Aus, that would be my pecking order.
Now that can change of course. I remember Simon Jones becoming an entirely different prospect when he developed his ability to reverse the older ball, and maybe Wood could be doing something similar.
Beyond that, I don 't think Jimmy will be around for much longer after our home series this year, so wood may well find himself one of the three full-time quicks in the side in 12 months time anyway.

If Anderson was to go that soon (I don't think so, but) then Broad and Finn opening and Wood first change is a pretty good attack tbf. But at the same time there would be fitness issues. I reckon Jimmy has a couple of years left in him though.

 

[StephenZA]

They killed a pretty decent middle order bat by promoting him to open. van Zyl should be tested at No.6 instead of JP.

Agreed, between him and Rilee... both have lots of potential. Think the decision would have to be based on form though and not sure what cricket there is between now and tests against NZ...

 

[Gnske]

That was some special fielding

 

[Howe_zat]

I keep seeing cricingif post boundaries off Chris Woakes, that suggests we're not doing well

 

[wpdavid]

If Anderson was to go that soon (I don't think so, but) then Broad and Finn opening and Wood first change is a pretty good attack tbf. But at the same time there would be fitness issues. I reckon Jimmy has a couple of years left in him though.

Yeah, Wood's fitness is a big concern. Maybe the older Curran might end up a better long term bet post-Anderson.


Off-topic, I know, but it's preferable to what's happening in the middle.

 

[Furball]

ffs

 

[Adders]

Englands fielding behind the stumps is ****ing village atm.

 

[wpdavid]

ffs

Apart from Taylor, the catching has been dire most of the series. It's a wonder we've won it really.
As I mentioned previously, I gather that Bayliss has identified it as a massive weakness stemming from what goes on at county level. Which shouldn't bet a surprise to anybody.

EDIT
As it was off Woakes' bowling, maybe Cook and Bairstow just wanted to make sure they weren't watching this level of dross get another go by dint of picking up a few when the horse has bolted.

 

[StephenZA]

Started poorly but better than hoped for session.... anything from now is bonus. Well played QDK.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

That one was a Cook error but there has to be something done. Even if Bairstow had gone I doubt he'd have got there but the catching in slips and keeper has been woeful this tour.

 

[Howe_zat]

I just want to watch England bat is that so hard

 

[wpdavid]

I just want to watch England bat is that so hard

The way we've played so far, that may not be an enjoyable experience.