***Official Australia in South Africa***

[Jono]

Sorry I forgot to ask. What did Smith and Boucher say Langeveldt?

Do you remember Boucher coming out and saying he lost respect for the Aussies when SA toured there a couple of months ago, and that he didn't enjoy having a beer with them after the game etc.

Here's an article that mentions it:
http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wisdencricketer/content/story/237991.html

Smith is obvious, he's been taunting Australia (particularly Ponting and Warne) from the minute he landed in Perth (and probably even started it during the Super Series when he was captain there).

Nel has also mentioned that Symonds is the least liked Australian player.

 

[Jono]

Report for the final day.

Quality as usual. Top stuff.

 

[howardj]

Report for the final day.

Top work.

The last sentence says it all really:

In the end it was the brilliance of Warne that won out, but it was the fight of Boucher, Nel and Boje that made the game a classic.

 

[Francis]

I love the picture of Warne being embraced by his peers in that report.

Anyway yeah I know the Boucher remarks. Outta hand really. I wonder who the two men are? Warne being Warne should be an immediate candidate. Smith is Smith... but hasn't he been quieter recently? He said at the start of this tour that he's over talking with Warne and their just focused on batting.

Had no idea Nel said he didn't like Symonds! Nel's a classy one aint he.

 

[Langeveldt]

I just don't understand it. you have two of the proudest sporting nations in the world slanging out, playing the greatest game ever created, and they are acting like babies over a rattle..

I'd pay good money to be in any one of their positions for a day, as millions of people would.. They should respect that, and be happy that they are out there in the first place..

I'd like a shoutout to Nicky Boje.. A cricketer who gets on with playing more than most these days.. Not the greatest talent, but at least he's a sportsman which is more than can be said for most... Ditto Mike Kasprowicz

 

[howardj]

With the pitch microphones turned right up (as they have been for this Test Match) I think people are a little shocked with the amount (and the poor standard) of 'sledging' passing between the players.

 

[Jono]

I just don't understand it. you have two of the proudest sporting nations in the world slanging out, playing the greatest game ever created, and they are acting like babies over a rattle..

I'd pay good money to be in any one of their positions for a day, as millions of people would.. They should respect that, and be happy that they are out there in the first place..

I'd like a shoutout to Nicky Boje.. A cricketer who gets on with playing more than most these days.. Not the greatest talent, but at least he's a sportsman which is more than can be said for most... Ditto Mike Kasprowicz

Nicky Boje certainly does rule The way he handled Warne's sledging (well it was more taunting) was so cool and comical.

Go Nicky Kaspa's good too, but less cool.

 

[andyc]

A bit strange giving Warne the man of the match there... he only went well in the second innings. Ponting would've been the far better choice in my opinion.

Anyway, a good win from Australia, with everyone chipping in. It'll be interesting to see if Tait gets a go in the next test for Kasprowicz, who hasn't done all that much.

 

[aussie]

Report for the final day.

nice work

 

[aussie]

Unlike England just under 2 years in Durba, Australia have managed to win before the umpires offered the light.

 

[atichon]

A bit strange giving Warne the man of the match there... he only went well in the second innings. Ponting would've been the far better choice in my opinion.

I'm quite happy actually. There used to be a trend to give MOM to any batsman who scored 50 even though the bowlers did win. From what I saw recently there was less bias towards batsmen and it's fair.

I don't know if there are any stats regarding MOM breakdown between batsmen and bowlers, but I'm sure batsmen win it most of the time

 

[Francis]

I expressed my feelings on Warne in another thread where I said there's a lot I don't like about him but can't help but respect him for his contributions to cricket. But just recently he's been disgraceful. It's like he's more arrogent than ever. His strategy is laminated in his sense of greatness. His stalling is worse than ever. His insults a little more fiesty. His over-acting and pressure on umpires is worse than ever... I mean people just laugh and say "oh he likes to have his fun!" I disagree... well it may be fun but he's going too far.

In many ways this series has gone a bit too far from Nel to Smith to Boucher to Warne.

Anybody noticed how placid Stuart Clark is? Never seen him even stare somebody down and there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[aussie]

I expressed my feelings on Warne in another thread where I said there's a lot I don't like about him but can't help but respect him for his contributions to cricket. But just recently he's been disgraceful. It's like he's more arrogent than ever. His strategy is laminated in his sense of greatness. His stalling is worse than ever. His insults a little more fiesty. His over-acting and pressure on umpires is worse than ever... I mean people just laugh and say "oh he likes to have his fun!" I disagree... well it may be fun but he's going too far.

Well what can i say, those are the reason you hate those are the reasons i love him

 

[Langeveldt]

Well what can i say, those are the reason you hate those are the reasons i love him

says it all really..

Warne, best bowler who's ever lived.. He doesn't need to be an idiot to get attention..

 

[luckyeddie]

Well what can i say, those are the reason you hate those are the reasons i love him

I'll join in with the chorus of "Warne is (possibly) the best bowler who ever lived" - but he has achieved greatness DESPITE being a jellybrain, not because of it.

 

[marc71178]

A bit strange giving Warne the man of the match there... he only went well in the second innings. Ponting would've been the far better choice in my opinion.

Without Warne's 2nd innings, was there any hope of an Australian win?

 

[Ikki]

I'll join in with the chorus of "Warne is (possibly) the best bowler who ever lived" - but he has achieved greatness DESPITE being a jellybrain, not because of it.

Yes, I think even if you dislike his antics, he's a champ for other reasons. Personally, I love his sledging and all that jazz. This is sports guys, this ain't chess.

 

[Ikki]

Without Warne's 2nd innings, was there any hope of an Australian win?

I really really doubt it. The seamers, while doing very well, didn't look like penetrating enough of the batsmens' defenses. He bowled well and took wickets off guile. I can see why he may have gotten the MOTM award. While two tons in consecutive innings is huge (the 2nd was superfluous, but still an achievement), it was Warne who won this game. Saffies weren't looking to win this one and we're trying to take it to bad light and Warne forced the wickets out of their grasp.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

I feel so bad for Mark Boucher, I don't think he could've played a more solid innings.

He never looked like getting out, not even for one ball.

 

[Slifer]

Hate to admit it but these Australians are just Dam# good. Perhaps the best team of all time. Even without Mcgrath they still found able replacements and were able to dominate RSA in RSA. Ive found a new respect for these men. They were able to ignore all of the pre tour ramblings of Smith and co stuck to playing cricket and we can all see the results. Ponting and co. take a bow u duly deserve it.