*Official* England in South Africa 2019/20

[TT Boy]

According to Neil Manthorp in the Daily Mail, Pretorius has a Kolpak contract with Nottinghamshire. Could have another Olivier and Abbott situation.

 

[TT Boy]

Notwitstanding the fact that they will probably be rolled over by Philander tomorrow, England had a pretty good day. Have a feeling the decision to bowl first isn't going to age well at all but nonetheless it was a pretty respectable performance with the ball, besides the first session. Will be interesting to see how the pitch plays for the rest of the match.

I think England would be happy. I only caught the 3rd session and that with the old ball but it looked a decent 300+ wicket and the bowler that matches up with the likes of Rabada and Nortje, Archer, didn’t look threatening.

 

[Stefan9]

According to Neil Manthorp in the Daily Mail, Pretorius has a Kolpak contract with Nottinghamshire. Could have another Olivier and Abbott situation.

He is merely stopgap for wiaan mulder anyway. Probably wouldn't be playing if wiaan was fit.

Not surprised given his age and brexit closing kolpaks soon.

 

[StephenZA]

He is merely stopgap for wiaan mulder anyway. Probably wouldn't be playing if wiaan was fit.

Not surprised given his age and brexit closing kolpaks soon.

I think Faf is enough of a fan that he may have been given the chance anyway.

But my understanding, which the article kinda confirms, is that Dwaine was not keen for a kolpak deal but obviously needed to decide his future, because he was unsure about his opportunities otherwise. With the recent change of administration he suddenly had an real opportunity at international cricket.

As you say, from a long term perspective he is not the answer so maybe, it is literally a case of 'for this series'.

 

[Dendarii]

He is merely stopgap for wiaan mulder anyway. Probably wouldn't be playing if wiaan was fit.

I agree, although Mulder's does seem to have been injured quite a bit lately. I haven't paid much attention to just what those injuries are, so I don't know whether they're starting to become a bit of a long-term concern, but there appears to be a desire to balance the test side with an all-rounder, so an alternative to Mulder is needed (which Phehlukwayo isn't), hence the attempt to persuade Pretorius to stay.

And the article isn't saying that he's definitely gone as it does seem to suggest that he might be able to get out of the contract.

 

[Heboric]

They are saying Mark Wood is down with sickness as well

 

[SeamUp]

I think Faf is enough of a fan that he may have been given the chance anyway.

But my understanding, which the article kinda confirms, is that Dwaine was not keen for a kolpak deal but obviously needed to decide his future, because he was unsure about his opportunities otherwise. With the recent change of administration he suddenly had an real opportunity at international cricket.

As you say, from a long term perspective he is not the answer so maybe, it is literally a case of 'for this series'.

Sounds like it has been agreed on paper or at least verbally but Smith has seriously made him reconsider.

I honestly can't blame the individuals. More our system. Never been his greatest fan (like Wiese) but they certainly have got results in our domestic cricket. It might be a blessing in disguise for SA but it will continue to hurt the domestic game?

 

[SeamUp]

Nortje has been a night watchman before so he can't be the worst number 11 in the world.

 

[StephenZA]

wtf review was that?

Would have liked a few more this morning. Hopefully Rabada and Philander have it switched on this morning.

 

[Heboric]

Typical, the more 'favoured' batsmen gets out

 

[StephenZA]

Typical, the more 'favoured' batsmen gets out

No real surprise playing at balls would normally leave trying to score runs.

 

[SeamUp]

Would have liked 40 more.

Were divots left yesterday ? When the sun bakes on them and they get hard it comes sooner and is often harder for batsman to deal with than the cracks that come a little bit later.

 

[StephenZA]

Would have like 40 more.

Were divots left yesterday ? When the sun bakes on them and they get hard it comes sooner and is often harder for batsman to deal with than the cracks that come a little bit later.

Pollock said the divots weren't as many as expected, however the heat seems to be causing cracks quicker...

 

[StephenZA]

Another 1st baller?

Edit: Nope England relieved.

 

[SeamUp]

Really ? Both innings ?

 

[SeamUp]

Not out.

 

[Spark]

Haha that ball is just way too good for anyone to actually hit.

 

[StephenZA]

I dont know how Burns survived those 6 balls... don't think he was capable of hitting any of that in the middle of his bat.

 

[Spark]

Wait, Philander has hair?

 

[SeamUp]

Vern will love the sight of Dom Sibley on this tour.