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***Official*** Australia in South Africa

inbox24

International Debutant
I didn't realise the bowling cupboard was so bare until this match. When big Mac and Warnie retired, I thought the depth was enough to rival any international team, but now, even with a 12 man team (with five specialist bowlers), this Australian team wouldn't be able to the South Africans.
 

four_or_six

Cricketer Of The Year
I know people say Hauritz isn't good, but really he has had decent results in the three tests he played, and then he took quite a few wickets in the Shield match. It seems strange he's been dumped for a 36 year old who's spent most of the last 6 months injured.
 

Burgey

Request Your Custom Title Now!
Over-reacting imo.

These blokes have hardly bowled in a FC game in a while - Siddle just back from injury, Hilfenhaus - why didn'the bowl this full in the ODIs BTW? Johnson - no FC cricket for a while, Bollinger's had one FC game in about 4 weeks. McGain's been injured as well, and he's older than water. Give 'em a go - so long as they blow the cob webs out - they're a day and a half off a 16 hour flight after all.

And I dunno if any of them have even bowled in SA before.

Is this game at any sort of altitude BTW?
 

Top_Cat

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No, the glass is half-full!

Seriously, extreme pessimism is just as annoying as rampant fanboyism. The game is all of two hours old between guys who've just landed there who've started a day's play an hour after their bodies would be used to ending a day's play vs a bunch of guys with absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain who'd be fired up to do well. Context, people.
 
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TT Boy

Hall of Fame Member
Over-reacting imo.

These blokes have hardly bowled in a FC game in a while - Siddle just back from injury, Hilfenhaus - why didn'the bowl this full in the ODIs BTW? Johnson - no FC cricket for a while, Bollinger's had one FC game in about 4 weeks. McGain's been injured as well, and he's older than water. Give 'em a go - so long as they blow the cob webs out - they're a day and a half off a 16 hour flight after all.

And I dunno if any of them have even bowled in SA before.

Is this game at any sort of altitude BTW?
Yes. Potch is used by athletes from around the world as an high-altitude training centre.

But the wicket is the flattest in South Africa, so first class batsman making hay isn't anything new.
 

pasag

RTDAS
No, the glass is half-full!

Seriously, extreme pessimism is just as annoying as rampant fanboyism. The game is all of two hours old between guys who've just landed there who've started a day's play an hour after their bodies would be used to ending a day's play vs a bunch of guys with absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain who'd be fired up to do well. Context, people.
A guy with a T20 strike rate of 90s is in the process of making a run a ball ton against our best bowlers! If this isn't our worst session in the past few years I don't know what is. You're right it's too early for panic stations, but it doesn't make it any less embarrassing.
 

Nate

You'll Never Walk Alone
It sounds like the deck is ultra-flat, wait to see how we go batting on it imo.
 

Burgey

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A guy with a T20 strike rate of 90s is in the process of making a run a ball ton against our best bowlers! If this isn't our worst session in the past few years I don't know what is. You're right it's too early for panic stations, but it doesn't make it any less embarrassing.
Choose either of the first two sessions on Day 3 in Melbourne just gone.

I wonder if they're struggling ot adjust to the altitude? Not an excuse BTW, coz I really don't give a toss about this game provided there are no injuries. Just wonder if it's a factor here, seeing as people in every sport always bang on about it.
Edit: in fact, the altitude is the reason. Using the proven scientific fact that things which are kicked or thrown go further at altitude, it's apparent the number of half volleys dished up have been caused by our bowlers pitching the perfect length, but the altitude causing the ball to travel further into the "too full zone". :ph34r:
 
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TT Boy

Hall of Fame Member
Is this the same pitch as the 400 game a couple of years ago.?
No. The first test is at the Wanderers, scene of the 400 game.

Potch is an out-ground used by the Lions franchise and a ground where the likes of VB van Jaarsveld have one day S/R's of 200 on...
 

Nate

You'll Never Walk Alone
Which makes the bowl first decision all the more perplexing and idiotic.
Maybe Punter wanted to Test them out big time? If so, he got what he wanted. ;)

Don't like McGain's chances this tour, must be said. Whether that be because he gets injured or gets belted.
 

Briony

International Debutant
They arrived late Monday and it's Friday so they've had a couple of days to adjust but this looks almost like a third tier SA team so the bowling is not looking super flash. But if the Joburg pitch is juicy you wouldn't count them out. And the Saffers will be very rusty.
 

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