***Official*** India in South Africa

[Dasa]

^Who do you have opening then? AB and Smith (considering there's no chance of Smith going anytime soon)?

 

[TT Boy]

Wow! That exchange between Sreesanth and Nel was one of the best I've seen for a while. Nel delivers a lecture about "heart", and then gets hit straight over his head for six - what a reply! Loved the bat-twirling afterwards, too. I know that Nel did some arm/hand twirling afterwards, but in reality, he was trying way too hard to york Sreesanth from that point, and was mostly pushing it down the leg-side as a result. Sreesanth definitely won the battle - and probably the war as well.

I'd be shocked if either player copped disciplinary action - IMO, neither player transgressed into poor behaviour, it was just a great little contest between the players, with neither wanting to give an inch, and was completely in the spirit of the game from where I'm standing.

And personally, I think you can stick a fork in the South Africans, 'cause they're done, and surely India will go 1-0 up here. I can see why there'd be a bit of nervousness for Indian supporters in terms of their bowlers finishing the job, but I simply can't see South Africa getting up, even if the pitch is getting more comfortable to bat on. This should end up being a fantastic upset, and the performances of the two re-introductions to the side (Laxman and Sourav) is of particular note.

Yeah good little bit of fun, both players had smiles on their faces afterwards. I do like Sreesanth's front, guys in the box were saying that the first time he ever played against Sachin he started sledging him, a mortal sin for any cricketer in India to do of course. Wonder what Sree said, Chokedulkar maybe?

 

[adharcric]

Sreesanth is quite a character. His passion and intensity is the reason he's my favorite bowler right now. He did sledge Tendulkar at the Challengers last year and this year as well. This time, Sachin owned his ass and literally demolished him in a span of two overs. I don't care if Sreesanth cops a fine (obviously not regularly) because he's bringing that killer instinct to the team. That's something that Ganguly has. Zaheer right now has it too. Kumble has always had it.

 

[Dravid]

Sreesanth is quite a character. His passion and intensity is the reason he's my favorite bowler right now. He did sledge Tendulkar at the Challengers last year and this year as well. This time, Sachin owned his ass and literally demolished him in a span of two overs. I don't care if Sreesanth cops a fine (obviously not regularly) because he's bringing that killer instinct to the team. That's something that Ganguly has. Zaheer right now has it too. Kumble has always had it.

I love Sreesanths attitude. Much better than Nels.

 

[silentstriker]

Lunches last way too long in test matches TBH.

 

[silentstriker]

I love Sreesanths attitude. Much better than Nels.

Ehh...I've always enjoyed Nel. Sometimes he makes an ass of himself, but I always prefer the guys with intensity to the calmer ones.

 

[Dravid]

Ehh...I've always enjoyed Nel. Sometimes he makes an ass of himself, but I always prefer the guys with intensity to the calmer ones.

Sreesanth doesn't seem to be calm anymore.

 

[TT Boy]

^Who do you have opening then? AB and Smith (considering there's no chance of Smith going anytime soon)?

AB definitely, thought it was ridiculous how he was sent down the order. South Africa have treated him like some Mickey Mouse Jacques Rudolph, his one of their most talented cricketers yet his discarded from the one day team for long periods, finds himself being moved here, there and everywhere in the test side whilst the established players like Gibbs, Smith, Nel get a free ride regardless. As I said fundamental changes need to be made in the long run but just a little bit of cosmetic surgery would probably be enough for them to beat India and Pakistan.

Interesting to see where they go after this game, Steyn is out and hopefully South Africa are thinking about bringing in a new ball bowler who can swing the new ball (like Steyn). They have there fair share of seam bowlers but a bowler who swings the red cherry prestigiously would definitely be off benefit as the Indians have shown in this game.

 

[silentstriker]

Here goes...lets get a couple wickets while the ball is still new. Once it gets old, there may be a big partnership.

 

[Slow Love™]

Ehh...I've always enjoyed Nel. Sometimes he makes an ass of himself, but I always prefer the guys with intensity to the calmer ones.

Don't mind Nel either. You're right, he does sometimes go overboard and make an ass of himself, but often he's just as likely to have a real go at himself for bowling a poor delivery as he is an opposing player for taking him on, and he seems capable of giving credit where it's due.

 

[TT Boy]

I love Sreesanths attitude. Much better than Nels.

Its the same, all front though as we know Nel is 6ft plus and rather intimidating whilst Sree is anything but the sort. Sree did the same in the one day games and got his ass handed to him, there he was seen as a dick because he was all mouth and no product and doubtlessly when he comes across a nice concrete road anytime soon the same will occur. But they are two characters and the game is good for that as long as it stays ‘jovial‘.

 

[Dravid]

The crowd goes up as Smith manages to score one run.

 

[Dravid]

Almost an edge. Dhoni you idiot how can you drop that, what if that really was an edge!?

 

[silentstriker]

Come on, we need two more wickets. If we get one of these plus Kallis before the ball gets old, it will be huge.

 

[silentstriker]

Well well...can't let AMLA of all people score runs.

 

[TT Boy]

Amla has quite the fan base on Cricbuzz.com...

 

[silentstriker]

Gone! Horrible shot by Smith off a not a very good delivery.

 

[silentstriker]

Brilliant catch by Sehwag.

 

[Dravid]

My lord what a catch by Viru. If he took that catch his left, it would be as good as Pollocks catch in the first inning of India.

 

[TT Boy]

Smith gone, unfamiliar territory for him...