*Official* 2024 South Africa tour of New Zealand: 2 tests

[The Hutt Rec]

I mean it's going to be one of the biggest debacles of the century in test cricket if we don't take this out 2-0 (unless it's rain affected).

There would have to be huge questions asked and some heads would roll I'd say.

 

[StephenZA]

Strong batting for SA but pretty dodgy bowling. Dane Patterson could be handful been very good for awhile. But nothing exciting.

 

[NZTailender]

 

[NZTailender]

Despite the South African side being far short of their top team, still the start of the test summer and gotta be pumped, should be fun.

Are you trying to draw TH out of his Sunday slumber?

 

[NZTailender]

I'm guessing Blundell bating above Phillips is for consistency and experience as it can't be because they genuinely think Blundell is a better batsman (and I'm a big Blundell fan).

 

[straw man]

A little surprised Santner made the side, I guess it was him or Wagner.

 

[SeamUp]

Strong batting for SA but pretty dodgy bowling. Dane Patterson could be handful been very good for awhile. But nothing exciting.

Some good county seasons behind Paterson is a positive. Olivier a fraction of what he was but he can get the ball to talk when not banging it in.

Moreki used in short bursts you would think and de Swardt/Brand to try hold an end.

 

[StephenZA]

Some good county seasons behind Paterson is a positive. Olivier a fraction of what he was but he can get the ball to talk when not banging it in.

Moreki used in short bursts you would think and de Swardt/Brand to try hold an end.

If you took the top 6 and replaced Moore with Markram I don't think you get a much better in SA. De Zorzi could also come in but 7 down is just a completely different set of players.

 

[NZTailender]

NZ to get smashed on the rocks by the Moreki Bowlder








I'll see myself out

 

[SeamUp]

Moreki!!!!! First ball. Legend.

 

[The Hutt Rec]

Conway's nightmare continues ...

 

[Smudge]

NZ to get smashed on the rocks by the Moreki Bowlder








I'll see myself out

Prescient.

 

[NZTailender]

Conway's nightmare continues ...

Put a fork in him this summer, he's done. Needs a spell.

 

[Bahnz]

Jeez Conway is really shot, huh?

 

[NZTailender]

Prescient.

Literally as I hit post did he get trapped lbw.

So what happened the last time a debutant took a wicket with their first ball in test cricket recently?

 

[SeamUp]

If you took the top 6 and replaced Moore with Markram I don't think you get a much better in SA. De Zorzi could also come in but 7 down is just a completely different set of players.

I think you ask 10 guys and their top 6/7 would all be different. Think it just shows you how open the fight is for test batting spots.

What I will say is, no South African has scored more FC runs or 100s than Rickelton in the last 3 years. He feels the only truly dominant FC player at the moment we have.

 

[Smudge]

Literally as I hit post did he get trapped lbw.

So what happened the last time a debutant took a wicket with their first ball in test cricket recently?

I think he faded into oblivion. Didn't he?

*checks Windies v Aus scorecard*

 

[Skyliner]

Conway is cooked.

 

[NZTailender]

I think he faded into oblivion. Didn't he?

*checks Windies v Aus scorecard*

The fact neither commentator has brought this up yet is pretty poor imho

 

[The Hutt Rec]

I've got one and only one hope for this series - Duanne Olivier is spectacularly unsuccessful, his strike rate drops, and Shane Bond regains his rightful place as third best of all time.

View attachment 38936

I've run the numbers and all we need is 34 wicketless overs from Olivier.