*Official* England in South Africa 2019/20

[MW1304]

Can already tell de Kock is going to do his thing. This is where we could really do with Archer at his strike-bowler-est.

 

[StephenZA]

wtf was that QDK.

 

[MW1304]

Hey nice, that never happens to me.

 

[wpdavid]

Does anyone here have the faintest idea how Curran does that?

 

[SeamUp]

Unfortunately van der Dussen couldn't find the right tempo out there. Possibly put pressure on others.

For Hulk. I would say just moer it. No way will he have the defensive technique to try build a partnership especially with the new ball to come.

 

[StephenZA]

Another great catch from Stokes. See if hulk can actually show something.

This pitch is not a 200/6 pitch.

 

[wpdavid]

Unfortunately van der Dussen couldn't find the right tempo out there. Possibly put pressure on others.

For Hulk. I would say just moer it. No way will he have the defensive technique to try build a partnership especially with the new ball to come.

Maybe a bit harsh on VDD. I know his scoring rate was slow, but there really was no rush at this stage. And the game should be nicely balanced, but England have struggled to dismiss lower orders lately.

 

[Daemon]

Is anyone else reading the live text? Graham Onions thinks England are ‘well ahead’.

visionary

 

[SeamUp]

Maybe a bit harsh on VDD. I know his scoring rate was slow, but there really was no rush at this stage. And the game should be nicely balanced, but England have struggled to dismiss lower orders lately.

I just think he need to be slightly more pro-active against the right-arm off-spinner. Using his feet and not necessarily trying to hit every one but to get Bess off his groove.

Elgar then tried to hit him with greater risk for example.

There is no doubt run scoring isn't easy out there but I just wonder if this is a reason why Rassie has struggled to score FC hundreds. Loads of 50s.

 

[Pup Clarke]

Kp, Holding and Nicholas are an awful trio together. Incessant moaning

 

[StephenZA]

I just think he need to be slightly more pro-active against the right-arm off-spinner. Using his feet and not necessarily trying to hit every one but to get Bess off his groove.

Elgar then tried to hit him with greater risk for example.

There is no doubt run scoring isn't easy out there but I just wonder if this is a reason why Rassie has struggled to score FC hundreds. Loads of 50s.

This is true. But I think they needed to show patience. I would much rather they had gone at 2 runs an over to the new ball and try to get through that, than start playing injudicious shots. Right now our run rate has not improved and we 3 wickets further down.

If we had a stronger batting line-up then being a bit more aggressive is fine.

 

[StephenZA]

Kp, Holding and Nicholas are an awful trio together. Incessant moaning

Pietersen has absolutely destroyed the commentary team balance.

 

[SeamUp]

This is true. But I think they needed to show patience. I would much rather they had gone at 2 runs an over to the new ball and try to get through that, than start playing injudicious shots. Right now our run rate has not improved and we 3 wickets further down.

If we had a stronger batting line-up then being a bit more aggressive is fine.

I didn't want to sound too critical but it probably is a weakness in his game. It definitely wasn't all on him. Elgar & QdK should have could have done better. They experienced enough.

 

[StephenZA]

Stokes in the cordon making a big differrence with his catching.

And unfortunately I don't see the purpose of Pretorius in this Test team.

 

[SeamUp]

At least try and live dangerously Pretorius - it is what you good at. No defensive technique what so ever.

 

[wpdavid]

I suppose QDK would point to his attacking first innings 95 last time which effectively won the match.

Anyway, another drop and another wicket for Jimmy. If we can just get rid of Philander before stumps; I think he averages about 40 against us.

 

[honestbharani]

Won't say England are ahead just yet. These tracks do tend to settle down in RSA sometimes. And a bad 3rd innings can still cost England. And who knows what the Maharaj has up his sleeve, both with bat and ball.

 

[StephenZA]

I didn't want to sound too critical but it probably is a weakness in his game. It definitely wasn't all on him. Elgar & QdK should have could have done better. They experienced enough.

I think Rassie has got serious weaknesses in his game; but he deserves a chance after doing well in the LO setup. But I think this aggressive mentality needs to be shelved with the current batting line-up (not QDK, that his natural game). Going back to old school doggedness is what this batting line-up needs to do until it becomes strong again.

 

[Spark]

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

 

[SeamUp]

I think Rassie has got serious weaknesses in his game; but he deserves a chance to sow something after doing well in the LO setup. But I think this aggressive mentality needs to be shelved with the current batting line-up (not QDK, that his natural game). Going back to old school doggedness is what this batting line-up needs to do until it becomes strong again.

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.

EDIT : I think as a team we have to realise our own limitations and that is where maybe Elgar and QdK needed to be more aware. Who cares if we going no where. We must be there for the new ball.