*** Official *** - The Big One : Zimbabwe in South Africa

[Tec15]

Damn. So how serious is De Kock's hamstring injury? That will really mess up the team balance. I would love to see him back by the Cape Town test, but given that it's a hamstring problem, I'm not sure he'll recover in time.

 

[Bahseph]

If only Morne figured out how to bowl like this earlier in his career. Been a joy to watch since he came back.

 

[MediumFast]

Had a great day at St Georges today. Occupied a spot in the Long room for the first time. Day/night Tests definitely brings the game to life later in the day. Count me in as a fan.

 

[Stefan9]

I guess if QDK is out Klaasen comes in. Don't see AB willing to keep for more then an injury standin during a game.

Still want steyn and faf both in for the next game...

 

[weldone]

Selection dilemma

I really don't want Morkel or Philander dropped in the first test against India - they are is superb bowling form

Phehlukwayo has to be dropped, and 6 batsmen have to play in the first test imo. So, just two among Steyn, Rabada and Maharaj can play.

 

[Arachnodouche]

Four pronged seam attack, not even a debate. Go with your strength instead of pretend balance.

 

[Gnske]

Interchange Morkel/Maharaj.

It'll be harsh on Keshav, bloke hasn't done much wrong. Neither has Morkel really.

 

[weldone]

Four pronged seam attack, not even a debate. Go with your strength instead of pretend balance.

If you are going with a 4-man injury-prone attack and you have a good quality spinner to take care of the workload then he's a good option. But I get your point - actually all of them are good options. I'll personally drop Rabada maybe - but I'm not sure tstl.

If SA go with four-pronged seam attack then the pitch has to be a green mamba. That's the only way it'll work.

 

[weldone]

Interchange Morkel/Maharaj.

It'll be harsh on Keshav, bloke hasn't done much wrong. Neither has Morkel really.

I watched Zimbabwe's innings today. Morkel is bowling like a great great bowler. He was superb against England too. He's in the form of his life really.

 

[Stefan9]

Personally I still prefer 6 batsman (including the keeper ) + all 5 bowlers. But's that's me, selectors are likely to be more conservative.

 

[stephen]

Did anyone really expect this game to look any different after day 1?

 

[Prince EWS]

Did anyone really expect this game to look any different after day 1?

I expected South Africa to still be batting, tbh.

 

[stephen]

I expected South Africa to still be batting, tbh.

Fair call. They did declare though.

 

[Prince EWS]

Fair call. They did declare though.

Yeah, but they wouldn't have if they were only three or four down as I was expecting.

 

[harsh.ag]

Agreed with the four man pace attack. Dropping Morkel would be incredibly dumb right now. Could drop Steyn before Morkel imo

 

[Daemon]

I hate to say it but I'd leave either Rabada or Steyn out.

 

[Dendarii]

Personally I still prefer 6 batsman (including the keeper ) + all 5 bowlers. But's that's me, selectors are likely to be more conservative.

That's my preferred option too. And since they went with Phehlukwayo rather than De Bruyn and had Philander coming in at 7 in this match, that suggests that they might be thinking that way, although obviously there could be another reason for picking Phehlukwayo.

 

[StephenZA]

Great day at the cricket yesterday.... nicely sunburnt, very relaxed. Markrams innings was a pleasure to watch and Morkel is bowling so unbelievably well, cannot lose his spot. Surprised by the amount of grass left on the pitch.
Disappointed that Steyn did not play, really wanted to watch him in his come back game.

As regards the team, I really feel they are looking at the 6 batsmen 5 bowler combination, but QDK`s injury is of major concern for that balance. If QDK is not fit then they may ask ABdV to keep temporarily and I really don't want that. If they bring in another keeper, then we only have spots for 4 bowlers. Balance of team is shot without QDK, I really hope its not major.

 

[Stefan9]

They seem to have made the same mistake as the Adelaide curator for the first day/night test regarding grass.

 

[MediumFast]

I suspect they are keeping Steyn as a ready-made replacement in case of injury or fatigue or if they play five bowlers. The other 3 are so good that you can't just replace any of them even with Steyn. Morkel is a world-class operator at the moment, Rabada is no.2 bowler in the world and Philander the best new-ball bowler in the world. A tall, hit the deck bowler that can pitch it up + genuine quick enforcer + seam/swing bowler = perfect.
Would be nice if they can play all four but unfortunately they won't do that I suspect.