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*Official* England in South Africa

GIMH

Norwood's on Fire
I hope it ends on day four tbh, can't be doing with the series being decided when I'm in work next Monday, and I'll be away from my desk all day, oh god, we best get it won at the weekend
 

wpdavid

Hall of Fame Member
I hope it ends on day four tbh, can't be doing with the series being decided when I'm in work next Monday, and I'll be away from my desk all day, oh god, we best get it won at the weekend
Monday would be nice if the result's OK, as it's a landmark birthday for me. Actually, I have a bit of history there. iirc Hoggard bowled them out on by birthday 5 years ago, and the Centurian 'result' 5 years before that was definitely was.

According to a piece on cricinfo, the pitch will definitely be quick, which suits their openers. If it also swings, it'll be a closer contest between theirs & ours. The groundsman was saying he didn't expect the game to last until day 5, which gives some idea of what we can expect. 2 for 4 anyone?
 

Woodster

International Captain
I'd be pretty pleased if it finished on Sunday (providing Englang win it!) as I'm off work Thurs and Fri but scheduled to be back in on Monday.
 

The_roc

U19 Captain
Anyone know who will be umpiring in the final test?

Thought the umps in the first 2 tests were first class, but some howlers in Cape Town. Don't want the series decided by dodgy decisions!
 

Woodster

International Captain
Anyone know who will be umpiring in the final test?

Thought the umps in the first 2 tests were first class, but some howlers in Cape Town. Don't want the series decided by dodgy decisions!
Thought Tony Hill was generally very good at Cape Town, but would prefer Darryl Harper to be back home enjoying a few years off. Shame his decision making is so poor because he seems a decent bloke.
 

King Pietersen

International Captain
All the clangers in that last Test came from Daryl Harper. Tony Hill had a couple of decisions over-turned but they were very close run things, he's been excellent in the series so far. Harper though, one of the worst International umpires I've ever seen. He gives Bob Willis something to rant about though, so it's not all bad, love Bob's rants about Harper.
 

The_roc

U19 Captain
Ah, dodgy Daryl. He's been around for quite a while but don't appear to get any better.

Wasn't he the guy that gave Tendulkar out LBW when the ball hit his shoulder?
 

zaremba

Cricketer Of The Year
I think it was probably out, but it's one of those that will be in the eye of the beholder. Here's the footage. It's by no means the worst decision Harper has ever made.

I'm a bit baffled by Harper. He surely can't be as poor as we all seem to think though, because otherwise he would have been given the heave-ho before now, wouldn't he?
 

Bonnie Prince C

U19 12th Man
I think the strangest part about the last test is to have the best umpire in the world, Aleem Dar, was sitting in the stand as thrid umpire. Then they have Darryl Harper standing out in the middle, who for years has made terrible decisions and is perfect canidate to be 3rd umpire where generally decision making is more straight forward.
 

four_or_six

Cricketer Of The Year
I think the strangest part about the last test is to have the best umpire in the world, Aleem Dar, was sitting in the stand as thrid umpire. Then they have Darryl Harper standing out in the middle, who for years has made terrible decisions and is perfect canidate to be 3rd umpire where generally decision making is more straight forward.
Wasn't it Harper in the WI-England series that was overturning perfectly good decisions?
 

TT Boy

Hall of Fame Member
de Wet out with a stress fracture of the back. Its de Wet's third in the last two years, so probably won't see him again. Hope the selectors don't opt for McLaren, Parnell form or no form has to play.

Wicket is supposed to be a green mamba and the forecast is for heavy thunderstorms throughout. South Africa don't like them green so England for the win.
 

TT Boy

Hall of Fame Member
Update on Tahir. According to SuperSport, Tahir could play but Gerald Majola didn't want another Beast situation happening and CSA want Tahir to get a South African passport before he plays for South Africa. Majola is unhappy that the selectors didn't tell him they wanted to pick Tahir as they could have got him a passport last year instead of now having a race against time to get the paperwork done before the Indian series. Though, it is a pretty weak excuse from Majola as Tahir has been talked about playing for South Africa by coach and selector since last year.
 

Stapel

International Regular
TBH, I won't remember this series (so far) for dodgy decisions, but for great Test Cricket.

A different subject: The question is a bit useless because SA are one down, but what would matter more: a series win or keeping the trophee home? In other words: would SA go for a draw if the series were level? The way I see it, trophees only matter when they are labeled as Ashes. Am I right in this?
 

TT Boy

Hall of Fame Member
Smith said if they win they keep the trophy, implying like a boxer they are still the 'champion' but in all honesty, a draw is what South Africa didn't want or expect before the series. England I don't know why has surprised them for some reason. Yet, if they were 1 zip up or even level at this stage, any talk of a green mamba would not be on.
 

popepouri

State Vice-Captain
de Wet out with a stress fracture of the back. Its de Wet's third in the last two years, so probably won't see him again. Hope the selectors don't opt for McLaren, Parnell form or no form has to play.
Could turn out for the better. His performances in ODI's compared to domestic List A is chalk and cheese really. Could be inspired to start performing at test level. Do doubt the left arm over adds so much more to the attack including his ability with the batting with such a long tail. Parnell, Morkel, Steyn and Harris looks more competent if things go **** up.
 
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aussie

Hall of Fame Member
de Wet out with a stress fracture of the back. Its de Wet's third in the last two years, so probably won't see him again. Hope the selectors don't opt for McLaren, Parnell form or no form has to play.

Wicket is supposed to be a green mamba and the forecast is for heavy thunderstorms throughout. South Africa don't like them green so England for the win.
That would be terribly disappointing..
 

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