*Official* England in South Africa Thread

[a massive zebra]

but the zero tolerance approach has gone totally out of hand. Players seemingly can't say anything these days without being fined. 100% of his match fee?! Ridiculous.

Harsh yes, but it might teach Vaughan to stop complaining about anything and everything every 5 minutes, a habit which has tainted many peoples opinions on him since he became captain.

 

[Zinzan]

S.Africa will be a tad disappointed. Can't see them winning from here unless they score quick runs tomorrow and England collapse. Looks like they will have to look to the last test at Centurion.

 

[Jono]

Anderson's wicket of Boucher is just about the most undeserved wicket I have seen in a long time. He was bowling absolutely garbage.

Regarding Vaughan, cricket is run by fascists.

 

[Slow Love™]

I think it's ridiculous how the Vaughan "situation" was handled. Not only was he fully justified in what he said, but the zero tolerance approach has gone totally out of hand. Players seemingly can't say anything these days without being fined. 100% of his match fee?! Ridiculous.

You're not wrong. I just read about this, and I still can't believe it. Even worse, his comments were more implications than literal criticisms.

In twenty years or so, the cricketing world will probably regard this era of the game's administration as being completely absurd.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Harsh yes, but it might teach Vaughan to stop complaining about anything and everything every 5 minutes, a habit which has tainted many peoples opinions on him since he became captain.

He was hardly complaining. He was commenting on the light. Batsmen appeal to the umpires for light all the time and don't get reprimanded. A captain who has to bat against quality pace bowling in the light makes a comment or two and is forced to win a Test for no pay.

 

[tooextracool]

or simon jones? bowler for bowler maybe?

assuming jones is fit, he will come in regardless.

 

[tooextracool]

On the evidence of this series, yes they will.

this series actually sums it up perfectly, harmison was really our only strike bowler, jones on the rare occasions that he bowled well was too. hoggard and flintoff are simply the sort of bowlers who'll get 3/60 odd. not bad but not devastating.

 

[wils333]

This is probably in wrong thread, but surely Jones's two drops in this match could be finally regarded as 'significant'?? He dropped one of the worlds most dangearous batsmen, and whilst he only got a twenty or so more, still fairly crucial, same with the tailender he dropped, just as England want to asssert some authority, he does that!! Why o' why can someone not help him with his keeping!! lol

 

[benchmark00]

Theres the lead to South Africa... Anderson's lost the plot!!!!

 

[Zinzan]

this series actually sums it up perfectly, harmison was really our only strike bowler, jones on the rare occasions that he bowled well was too. hoggard and flintoff are simply the sort of bowlers who'll get 3/60 odd. not bad but not devastating.

3/60 gives an average of 20

 

[age_master]

very happy to see Gibbs batting well

 

[BoyBrumby]

This is probably in wrong thread, but surely Jones's two drops in this match could be finally regarded as 'significant'?? He dropped one of the worlds most dangearous batsmen, and whilst he only got a twenty or so more, still fairly crucial, same with the tailender he dropped, just as England want to asssert some authority, he does that!! Why o' why can someone not help him with his keeping!! lol

It was a pretty regulation chance too. Hoggy was up & screaming @ Bucknor for the catch til the ump nodded in Jones's direction.

Jones owes us some very serious runs very shortly.

Some of Vaughan's field placings were, at best, questionable. No second slip to Boje when he edged & no gully for Ntini when a thick edge went right to where the traditional gully stands.

No Graeme Smith to lead the Saffies on the field, he's got mild concussion after wearing one in practice this morning. Guess that makes Boje skip.

 

[SJS]

Straus goes. Ntini strikes. England still behind.

 

[BoyBrumby]

B*gger. Duck for Strauss now. 2/1.

 

[superkingdave]

you wont ever see them with figures of 6/66 or 7/12.

7-63 anyone?

 

[Jono]

South Africa on top going into lunch. What a fight back.

 

[Pratters]

Bravo Proteas.

 

[Mr Casson]

South Africa on top going into lunch. What a fight back.

This is just the fourth day of our train trip to Draw City.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Pretty happy to get to lunch after that session.

Assuming Harmy is crocked for the 5th (& even if he isn't there's a case for dropping him on form anyway) I wonder what team we'll put out? If Vaughan suddenly doesn't fancy Giles's bowling (he was criminally underbowled in the first innings) I think there's a case for dropping him, moving Fred down to 7 & playing Collingwood or Bell. Ideally I'd say Pietersen as he could help Vaughan out should any spin be required, but he's not in the squad unfortunately.

Anderson should, of course, be dropped pronto.

 

[superkingdave]

Great lunchtime feature on the fixed match on the last tour, with Hussain providing a fascinating insight.