*Official* England in South Africa

[archie mac]

Plenty of inaccurate statements going around IMHO. Cook was not 'out of form', nor does he have problems converting 50s to 100s. He was technically exposed for a consistent period of time following the Ashes in 2006/07- summer 2009 and scored runs on a dearth of extremely flat pitches during that time while failing to score when England needed him to score most.

However, as I stated last test match, it took me as much as 3 overs to tell that Cook's technique is much improved from the period mentioned above and I really hope that given his talent and the runs that might follow as a result of the effort put in by Gooch and Cook himself over the winter will not continue to be confused with the notion of him recovering form or starting to convert his scores (which is a ludicrous statement in the first place given the number of 100s he has at his age). I don't think that he has overcome all of his technical weaknesses but he certainly does look to be playing with a much straighter bat, closer to his body and also his body position is far more front on than it used to be in defense. This quite obviously increases his chances of scoring runs at the test match level.

I have to admit i don't have the chance to watch as much of Cook as some, but I have watched him in these two Tests and the Ashes series, and the only change I can see is he has decided not to drive unless it is a rank long hop and not to cut. I imagine he will start to play these shots as his innings continues

In the 60s Kenny Barrington did the same thing against SA and scored a ton, although it was long and boring

 

[Manee]

Steyn isn't looking at full fitness, languishing in the 130-135kph range as he currently is - I can't help but think that De Wet may have been a better option.

 

[King Pietersen]

I have to admit i don't have the chance to watch as much of Cook as some, but I have watched him in these two Tests and the Ashes series, and the only change I can see is he has decided not to drive unless it is a rank long hop and not to cut. I imagine he will start to play these shots as his innings continues

In the 60s Kenny Barrington did the same thing against SA and scored a ton, although it was long and boring

It's improved shot selection, alongside getting his feet pointing in the right direction and straightening his back-lift. His back-lift used to point towards gully, now he looks behind him as the bowler runs in to make sure his back-lift is straight. It certainly had a positive impact on his game in England, as the first 2 innings he played after changing his technique, he scored hundreds, both in Pro40 games for Essex.

England in a surprisingly good position here. If these 2 can keep going and build a solid partnership, then the pressure should be reduced on Ian Bell when he comes in, which should give him more freedom to bat properly. Would be nice to go into the South African 2nd innings with a lead of 100+.

 

[Briony]

Steyn isn't looking at full fitness, languishing in the 130-135kph range as he currently is - I can't help but think that De Wet may have been a better option.

Agree, if Ntini was considered undroppable, they might as well have gone with a fit, strong body. Steyn has never got near top pace throughout the match.

 

[Manee]

Agree, if Ntini was considered undroppable, they might as well have gone with a fit, strong body. Steyn has never got near top pace throughout the match.

He seems to be working up some gas, this spell. Timed one bouncer at 151kph and is consistently at 135-145kph - perhaps he just needs a few overs to get match fit.

 

[BoyBrumby]

200 up.

I don't want to tempt fate too much and he's still feeling his way back, but still can't see the Steyn hype is justified. Has barely swung a ball either day. Bowls a fair lick, but straight up and down.

Cook cuts Harris for three as I type. It's been a great effort of personal denial from Cooky; has clearly resolved to bat time and just put the bad ball away.

 

[wpdavid]

I have to admit i don't have the chance to watch as much of Cook as some, but I have watched him in these two Tests and the Ashes series, and the only change I can see is he has decided not to drive unless it is a rank long hop and not to cut. I imagine he will start to play these shots as his innings continues

And it's not as if he's the first player to cut back his range of shots after a poor run. Didn't Steve Waugh do exactly that at one stage? iirc Thorpe did as well. Granted he's been lucky to stay there as long as he has, but if the penny has dropped, then good luck to him.

And as we speak, MPV on TMS is commenting on a change of technique that he's noticed in Cook's game.

 

[King Pietersen]

More recently Strauss did exactly that. Stopped playing the big booming drive for quite a long period of time, until he was completely happy with his form and technique again, and then it's come back more recently. Although you could argue he should put it away again in Tests, as it has been getting him out.

 

[Uppercut]

200 up.

I don't want to tempt fate too much and he's still feeling his way back, but still can't see the Steyn hype is justified. Has barely swung a ball either day. Bowls a fair lick, but straight up and down.

Ball just isn't swinging. Don't do that Aussie thing where you only judge players based on their performances against your team . Steyn rules.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Ball just isn't swinging. Don't do that Aussie thing where you only judge players based on their performances against your team . Steyn rules.

We'll see what happens with the new ball that's due in ten overs, I suppose.

But runs & wickets against England count double, obv.

Harris bowling tripe just now. Keeps dropping short.

 

[Briony]

Steyn is probably a bit unlucky that he's had to bowl on the sunniest day. It's a perfect batting day compared with the other two.

 

[Scaly piscine]

These two deciding they should try to get out for some reason.

 

[wpdavid]

These two deciding they should try to get out for some reason.

English

 

[GIMH]

Ball just isn't swinging. Don't do that Aussie thing where you only judge players based on their performances against your team . Steyn rules.

Meh, it's never allowed as an excuse for Jimmeh

 

[BoyBrumby]

Know it's easier with his pace right down, but a tiny bit of swing for Kallis tho, so there's some to be had.

Cooky palpably edgy just now, understandably so given his long wait for a ton.

 

[BoyBrumby]

That's it. Fair play young man.

 

[GIMH]

Pure relief on Cook's face, genuine smiles in the dressing room. 10th ton. well played

 

[wpdavid]

Ton up for Cook - really pleased for the lad.

 

[King Pietersen]

Played Ali. That's saved his spot in the side for another year. Good knock, not been pretty, but he's showed good discipline and has battled hard. Really gritty knock, really pleased for him.

 

[chalky]

Yeah great effort Cook a real triumph of mental strengh