South Africa team selection

[StephenZA]

And perhaps something more than "Boxing Day test against Zimbabwe". There could be a concern that there are a significant number of people who would have gone to see India but won't bother because it's Zimbabwe.

Well it is December so we will have all the people from up above, running to the coast and throwing themselves in the water like lemmings... they might go see a few days of cricket as well.

 

[Stefan9]

Markram gets his chance vs bangladesh. Parnell picked as philander/morris replacement. Needs to pass a fitness test. Mulder drafted in as cover.

 

[StephenZA]

No real surprises, but Mulder to early (as mentioned by SeamUp elsewhere) I hope they do not play Parnell. Rabada not getting any wickets this Sunfoil round does not bode well. Hopefully bowling within himself.

 

[Firebreaker]

Why Heino Kuhn is not given a chance in SA?

 

[StephenZA]

Why Heino Kuhn is not given a chance in SA?

Injured.

 

[Dendarii]

Rabada not getting any wickets this Sunfoil round does not bode well. Hopefully bowling within himself.

The matches have all been run-fests, so it's difficult to assess the current form of the bowlers as not too many have come looking any good.

 

[Dendarii]

Injured.

Also no real point, given Markram's current form.

 

[SeamUp]

The matches have all been run-fests, so it's difficult to assess the current form of the bowlers as not too many have come looking any good.

Probably is better this way than the traditional early season shocker where teams are getting bundled for 80-120 like there have been in recent years.

Magala showing his pace through the air and whippy action working.

But then again little seamers of Siboto and van Schalwyk have picked up 5-fors.

 

[StephenZA]

So are we talking 7 bats (QDK batting top 6) and 4 bowlers or 6 bats an allrounder and 4 bowlers?

 

[Dendarii]

So are we talking 7 bats (QDK batting top 6) and 4 bowlers or 6 bats an allrounder and 4 bowlers?

With the backup bowlers being allrounders, it does point to them considering six batsmen. Then again, De Bruyn's 195 is tough to ignore, even if he did blot his copybook by getting out to Justin Ontong...

 

[StephenZA]

I am surprised their was not a consideration for an extra spinner in the squad, considering it is Potch.

 

[SeamUp]

I am surprised their was not a consideration for an extra spinner in the squad, considering it is Potch.

Depends if the groundsman can work his magic so that it goes back to normal - Flat but with decent pace and bounce.

Suppose they may call upon Markram a bit.

 

[Dendarii]

Elgar and Markram to handle additional spinning duties perhaps?

 

[SeamUp]

Good to see Morkel back in the groove. 9.3 overs 3 for 16

 

[StephenZA]

Morkel has really come back strong since injury... been great, we needed him.

 

[SeamUp]

It's been an interesting few months debating the opening position. In a funny sort of way it may have worked out nicely.

Carl Lewis‏
@Carl_LewisZA
While things did work out with Markram set to debut - spare a thought for Cook, in hindsight he was dropped a series too early - 3 Test tons

Tristan Holme‏ @tristanholme 2h2 hours ago
More Tristan Holme Retweeted Carl Lewis
Also feel for Heino Kuhn. Think South Africa will look back one day and thank him for taking a bullet in England

 

[SeamUp]

Morkel seeking clarity from Gibson on future | Sport24

Could still go Kolpak depending on 50 over WC plans.

Certainly seems like the generation of Amla, Faf, Ab, Jp, Morkel, Steyn are holding out for that.

 

[SeamUp]

You can't describe the importance Ray Jennings had in getting Markram where he is now and also former SA u19 player Murray Coetzee. But gut feels on players seperates the men from the boys and Jennings has/had it.

Also hope Jet's health is alright now.

Markram's star shooting higher by the hour - Cricbuzz

 

[SeamUp]

Positive buzz around Dean & Aiden

Stable opening partnership the key for Porteas, says Dean Elgar


Perfect time for Markram debut ? Faf


Such good words from a young man.

‘We have a good understanding of each other’s games (on opening with Elgar) and how we operate. I am excited to go with him,’ Markram told TimesLive.


‘I know that this is a very big opportunity and responsibility and I don’t take it for granted,’ he said. ‘I don’t want to put myself under any sort of pressure. It is a reality that is here but I won’t allow it to affect me too much.’

 

[SeamUp]

Love you Big Vern. Just cut down the beer and boerewors rolls in your spare time

https://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket...11363845?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

Big Vern has ‘good chat’ with Faf about #Proteas fitness

“The rehab has been going really well and I’m feeling a lot stronger,” said Philander. “The plan is to be available for the second Test (that starts October 6 in Bloemfontein).”

“Too many times the team has gasped ‘Vern could be injured again’. So he understands from a fitness point of view with important series coming up, Australia and India at home, he needs to be fit to get through all eight Tests,” Du Plessis said at the time.

“It’s international sport, you’ll always find criticism... as long as it’s constructive, then I’m all for it. You’ve got to take it on the chin

“Myself and Faf had a good chat afterwards, the way the two of us nailed down things was quite constructive at the end of the day. As long as you’re open and honest with each other, that’s the key thing.

“He made his view clear and obviously I made mine clear to him. As long as we understand each other, we’ve got a road to walk together.”

“It’s not about the amount of cricket we play. It’s that when we play and about when we have those rest periods and (so that we) put in the work, get stronger, stay fit, so we can stay on the park,” he remarked.