South Africa team selection

[StephenZA]

Nice to see a bit of a comeback from the A side this morning. All the pacers sharing the spoils so far.

The Board Of Control For Cricket In India

 

[SeamUp]

Does anyone think there needs to be a defined role for Muthusamy ?

I always knew him as a batsman first but his bowling has been more successful domestically as he probably doesn't have enough batting ability.

It would be nice to see him given some responsibility with the ball to see where he is.



PS Lacking a strike bowler to rap things up. Lead a 100 now.

 

[MrPrez]

Does anyone think there needs to be a defined role for Muthusamy ?

I always knew him as a batsman first but his bowling has been more successful domestically as he probably doesn't have enough batting ability.

It would be nice to see him given some responsibility with the ball to see where he is.



PS Lacking a strike bowler to rap things up. Lead a 100 now.

I don't see any reason for him in Tests. In ODIs he's essentially a guy who can bat 7/ bowl 5 and give us a bit more batting depth (as Lucky can bat 8 then I guess?).

Neither of his primary skills are Test-worthy - his bowling is clearly behind Maharaj and Piedt, and I'd rather have Fortuin/Linde over him too.

 

[SeamUp]

I don't see any reason for him in Tests. In ODIs he's essentially a guy who can bat 7/ bowl 5 and give us a bit more batting depth (as Lucky can bat 8 then I guess?).

Neither of his primary skills are Test-worthy - his bowling is clearly behind Maharaj and Piedt, and I'd rather have Fortuin/Linde over him too.

It is my thinking too. Until he scores runs domestically to knock the door down I would rather go with Fortuin or Linde.

It only pushes someone like Mulder down to 7 when he has a far superior ceiling than many batting above him.

 

[MrPrez]

It is my thinking too. Until he scores runs domestically to knock the door down I would rather go with Fortuin or Linde.

It only pushes someone like Mulder down to 7 when he has a far superior ceiling than many batting above him.

I don't even think it would push Mulder down. I'd be surprised if Mulder didn't bat above Muthusamy.It would just result in something weird like

5. QDK
6. Mulder
7. Muthusamy

Which is completely unnecessary.

Realistically I think they see him as an alternative for Mulder at 7 in spinning conditions and are also testing him to see where he stands relative to Fortuin and Linde.

 

[Dendarii]

I agree regarding Muthusamy. He doesn't make the test side as a batsman and there's no way he's going to displace Maharaj as a bowler. There would maybe be a case for him being the second spinner ahead of Piedt with the argument being what you lose in terms of bowling is offset by strengthening the batting, but only if he were a different type of spinner and offered some variety. As for ODIs, he's got a List A average of 26.60 with a strike rate of 72.17, so he's not making big scores and not scoring quickly, so there's not enough to justify a place there.

 

[StephenZA]

Unfortunately Muthusamy seems to be neither one thing or another. In tests he would be an alternative for Piedt, but Piedt is a much better bowler and has improved his skill with the bat enough to be clearly the 2nd choice spinner at the moment.

 

[SeamUp]

P.Malan out for 4

 

[SeamUp]

I agree regarding Muthusamy. He doesn't make the test side as a batsman and there's no way he's going to displace Maharaj as a bowler. There would maybe be a case for him being the second spinner ahead of Piedt with the argument being what you lose in terms of bowling is offset by strengthening the batting, but only if he were a different type of spinner and offered some variety. As for ODIs, he's got a List A average of 26.60 with a strike rate of 72.17, so he's not making big scores and not scoring quickly, so there's not enough to justify a place there.

Unfortunately Muthusamy seems to be neither one thing or another. In tests he would be an alternative for Piedt, but Piedt is a much better bowler and has improved his skill with the bat enough to be clearly the 2nd choice spinner at the moment.

Share the same thoughts,

 

[SeamUp]

P.Malan out for 4

30 years of age and domestic domination last couple of years. He is peak. Now or never.

SA A scores

v Aus 8 & 34
v Ind 7 & 0
v Ind 0
v Ind 0 & 4

My slack is very short. Eddie Moore next game. Not pretty but surprisingly dominant in his scoring speeds. Want to see if he has a bit of mental grit about him and can step up to the next level or not.

 

[SeamUp]

A bit concerned how Markram's going at the moment. Class is permanent but it frustrates me how QdK was left to meander and not challenge himself and kick on for a period in his career.

 

[StephenZA]

A bit concerned how Markram's going at the moment. Class is permanent but it frustrates me how QdK was left to meander and not challenge himself and kick on for a period in his career.

I think this is a different problem though. I think that QDK was not encouraged to challenge himself. I suspect that Markrams poor form from the LO is weighing on his mind. He is a man you can see that gets very frustrated with himself and always expects more, which is good, but you can also lose confidence and doubt your ability if you have long term failures, rather than just play a bit more naturally.

 

[SeamUp]

I think this is a different problem though. I think that QDK was not encouraged to challenge himself. I suspect that Markrams poor form from the LO is weighing on his mind. He is a man you can see that gets very frustrated with himself and always expects more, which is good, but you can also lose confidence and doubt your ability if you have long term failures, rather than just play a bit more naturally.

Fair. Things come a bit more natural and easier to de Kock but you can also see how pissed off he gets when he gets out but I suppose he is more that he can't believe it


Elgar (Surrey), Maharaj (Yorkshire) playing the latest County round. Talk is Faf will play for Kent next week.

 

[StephenZA]

Fair. Things come a bit more natural and easier to de Kock but you can also see how pissed off he gets when he gets out but I suppose he is more that he can't believe it

Never seen QDK not play naturally... sometimes to naturally!

Elgar (Surrey), Maharaj (Yorkshire) playing the latest County round. Talk is Faf will play for Kent next week

Hope we see some decent performances.

Do we have any warm-ups going into the Tests?

 

[SeamUp]

Never seen QDK not play naturally... sometimes to naturally!

Hope we see some decent performances.

Do we have any warm-ups going into the Tests?

Can't seem to find anything. Not surprised if it is the case with modern cricket. Considering the type of pitch we will get they probably just prefer to net.

 

[SeamUp]

For the 2nd SA A game I hope to see.

Markram
Moore
Hamza
de Bruyn
Mulder
Klaasen

* Second would be with the above if fit.

These guys will be added to Elgar, du Plessis, Bavuma & de Kock.

The future is Breetzke, van Tonder, Qeshile, [maybe Bedingham/Verreynne] in test cricket. Hopefully keep improving this season.

Opening may become an issue if Moore doesn't step up and they decide Breetzke will be better 3-6. You then look at J.Malan and Rickelton and any others. But let us hope Markram/Elgar can take us on a bit longer.

 

[SeamUp]

Kyle Abbott gets Elgar for 11

 

[SeamUp]

Kesh with a 5-for. Really hope to see him backed this home summer unlike last. One of the worst parts of the Gibson tenure.

 

[SeamUp]

Not loads of footage around of our domestic players but looking forward to Eddie Moore getting an opportunity to open with Markram in 2nd SA A game.

2017 performance here with some shots. Shows his weaknesses and strengths.

Not pretty but he scores at surprisingly dominant speeds as an opener. He also gives me the feel of someone with grit & with the little bit of talent he may step up. Definitely a player worth seeing at SA A level whether he can do so.

 

[SeamUp]

Talk is Nkwe wants to start the re-build with QdK/KG being the leaders.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/...uinton-de-kock-captaincy-option-t20-world-cup