*** Official*** South Africa in England 2017

[Bijed]

Just a quick (and now academic question) - if the 9th wicket had gone down last night, but too late for England to come out and bat (so I guess within 3 overs of the close), would they have been deemed all out or would Philander have still been allowed to come in this morning?

I'm thinking the innings would be considered closed, unless the wicket had gone down off the very last ball of the day?

 

[Compton]

Just a quick (and now academic question) - if the 9th wicket had gone down last night, but too late for England to come out and bat (so I guess within 3 overs of the close), would they have been deemed all out or would Philander have still been allowed to come in this morning?

I'm thinking the innings would be considered closed, unless the wicket had gone down off the very last ball of the day?

Would depend on the circumstances, I suppose. If play stopped because it was time for close regardless then it would be as-is this morning. If it was close because Philander wasn't available to bat then it would be England's shot this morning.

 

[marc71178]

Vernon back from the hospital, he's going to be able to bat today, though no doubt he'll be feeling peaky.

A bit of short stuff then I suspect?

Him being able to bat is all the more reason to bat again as if he's getting better we don't want to risk chasing and giving him more time to recuperate before bowling.

 

[S.Kennedy]

Agreed. This is the stupidity around this discussion........it's a great situation to be in and there is no right or wrong way to play this. But muppets like Kennedy (and I'm sure the sky crew later) will be out to define the mantra of Roots captaincy by the choice they make.

And as Brumbers has just pointed out......it's all a bit premature anyway.

It is my opinion that they should enforce it if they bowl them out early this morning and I'm perfectly entitled to that opinion, as you are yours. No need for ad hominem attacks.

 

[Compton]

Used to always enforce the follow on when I was playing Brian Lara, back in day.

Could never be arsed batting twice, and just bowled my seamers into the ground.

 

[StephenZA]

For some perverse reason I love the height disparity between Morkel and Bavuma when they are standing together in the middle.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Looks a better day for batting already. I think Root will opt to bat again even if he has the choice to enforce.

 

[StephenZA]

That shot there by Bavuma wafting outside is why he is not converting enough...

 

[Bijed]

For some perverse reason I love the height disparity between Morkel and Bavuma when they are standing together in the middle.

Reminds me of

 

[BoyBrumby]

Still can't get over how long TRJ's run up is.

Not going to help the over rate.

 

[S.Kennedy]

Looks like they'll avoid it so I guess we'll never know.

 

[Furball]

It would have been insane to enforce it.

 

[wpdavid]

Looks a better day for batting already. I think Root will opt to bat again even if he has the choice to enforce.

For the most part they've been completely untroubled. Our inability to bowl out SA's tail apart from 2nd dig and Lord's has been a frustration tbh. Given that Vern is available to bat you do wonder whether we'll even start our 2nd innings before the forecast rain arrives.

 

[social]

Good analysis from the comms

Toby has done well here but wouldn't back him in Oz (if we have a team)

 

[wpdavid]

About time too.

 

[_Ed_]

Fair effort to bat after spending the night in hospital. Kudos.

 

[StephenZA]

Another good nuggety innings from Bavuma...

 

[Bijed]

Cricinfo commentary

Squeaky bum time for SA?

Bit insensitive considering what Vern's just been through

 

[StephenZA]

Fair effort to bat after spending the night in hospital. Kudos.

Good commitment from the Philander... nice to see. Hopefully it means he can bowl as well.

 

[Stefan9]

Nice effort from the little man with the big heart.