*Official* England in South Africa 2019/20

[StephenZA]

I would be ecstatic with parity here.

 

[StephenZA]

It isn't even him trying to be aggressive or show intent. He was basically patting back Bess the whole time when there was no turn. We ended up going no where and then obviously the 2nd new ball was going to be crucial.

I was happy with Rassie going at a SR of 40. I understand it is not great world class test match batting and taking the game by the scruff of the kneck (or whatever other idiom) but this SA batting line-up is not capable of doing that. Once Hamza and Faf were out, a go slow to 300 was the best bet.

 

[SeamUp]

I was happy with Rassie going at a SR of 40. I understand it is not great world class test match batting and taking the game by the scruff of the kneck (or whatever other idiom) but this SA batting line-up is not capable of doing that. Once Hamza and Faf were out, a go slow to 300 was the best bet.

Elgar/QdK needed to understand the limitations around them so they are more to blame.

 

[SeamUp]

Great day for England. If they lost the days play then the tour was looking really tough. Lovely disciplined performance by them. Thought Broad lead the charge.

 

[Pothas]

There has obviously been some bad batting in this match but it has been classic late career Anderson today, so easy to take for granted.

 

[wpdavid]

Nice way to end the day. Fair to say we've bowled rather better than we batted.

 

[honestbharani]

Yeah.. amazing work from the old duo here.. They have kept England in the game and now got them ahead of the game.

 

[MW1304]

This would be a properly dreadful looking batting card if not for that one partnership.

This happened to us (or rather you) in the Ashes a lot too, one or two players with a score surrounded by practically nothing. Not sure if it says more about the England bowling, or about the state of batting worldwide at the moment.

 

[wpdavid]

There has obviously been some bad batting in this match but it has been classic late career Anderson today, so easy to take for granted.

He's been astonishingly good in conditions where he's supposed to struggle.

 

[MW1304]

Loving the Broad renaissance at the moment. Probably like the fifth one of his career tbh, but we were worried his last lean patch was the end for him.

Would have tipped him for 5 today if he hadn't overstepped, mind.

 

[StephenZA]

Elgar/QdK needed to understand the limitations around them so they are more to blame.

I think we talking cross purposes... I am not upset with Rassie. He is a limited player and I accept that. Elgars shot was stupid. And QDK is well...QDK. So I don't put blame on Rassie, I just don't understand everybody saying how him batting slowly caused Elgar and company to do silly things.

In other words... **** everything Pietersen was saying on commentary.

 

[SeamUp]

I think we talking cross purposes... I am not upset with Rassie. He is a limited player and I accept that. Elgars shot was stupid. And QDK is well...QDK. So I don't put blame on Rassie, I just don't understand everybody saying how him batting slowly caused Elgar and company to do silly things.

In other words... **** everything Pietersen was saying on commentary.

I don't think KP was wrong as such but it was the way he said it.

Thing is, Rassie has limitations and I also accept it but it doesn't mean his batting tempo was right out there especially against the spinner. Everything England would have wanted happened. And it isn't saying Rassie needed to slog but using his feet or pulling out the sweep would have been nice game plans to have and appreciating the match situation where the 2nd new ball was crucial.

And I also am not blaming Rassie totally for what Elgar and QdK did.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

2 woeful batting sides on show here. Gifted us back the initiative thank god.

 

[StephenZA]

Interesting to hear Elgar say that they did not feel the pressure to score runs... I agree with Elgar, keep going put overs into bowlers legs and try get through the new ball.

I don't think KP was wrong as such but it was the way he said it.

I don't think that KP was right in any way.

 

[BSM]

Hope Anderson gets the last two for 5 tomorrow. Imo has been the best bowler on show and has been unlucky not to get more.

 

[SeamUp]

Interesting to hear Elgar say that they did not feel the pressure to score runs... I agree with Elgar, keep going put overs into bowlers legs and try get through the new ball.

I don't think that KP was right in any way.

Funny way to show it.

Thing is, I think that is all we can expect from Rassie. 6 100s (23 50s) for the Lions in 88 innings is probably indication of his FC batting issue with tempo of an innings & getting out at the time he did today.

 

[StephenZA]

Funny way to show it.

Thing is, I think that is all we can expect from Rassie. 6 100s (23 50s) for the Lions in 88 innings is probably indication of his FC batting issue with tempo of an innings & getting out at the time he did today.

See how pissed Elgar was at himself... was not a happy man. He knows he ****ed up.

As far as Rassie goes we knew he had limits, it is why we had reservations in his selection. He will be a stop gap at best. Much like Pretorius.

 

[Stefan9]

Expect better from two of your most senior players. Atleast Elgar knows he ****ed up. Wonder if QDK even realises what he did...

 

[willeycoyote]

Good Newlands wicket, poor batting line ups on both sides. I think test crickets on its ass and will be gone in 20 yrs

 

[Prince EWS]

I used to really like him as a cricketer around 2015-16 when I had more hope for his batting and I still have a bit of a soft spot for him due to that, but I actually remain totally unconvinced that he should be batting ahead of Philander in this lineup, and that's not a good thing for someone who wouldn't be in contention as a specialist bowler.

And now he's not doing that.