***Official*** India in South Africa

[Jono]

Munaf is almost a lock for the 3rd Test.

If he wasn't selected because of fears regarding his fitness, then fair enough. If he wasn't selected because they were encouraged with what they saw of VRV in the 1st test, than that's fairly crap.

 

[Jono]

Hmmm.... Sreesanth turning it on again, eh? This game's getting pretty interesting. What do people think India can chase? If they're given four sessions and a bit to bat they ought to be able to chase a target, but anything 300+ will be quite difficult. Seems more likely now that either side will win rather than a draw.

Sheesh, that first appeal in the last over of Kumble's was pretty close.

Rains are predicted to come this afternoon though, and India can always take the light tonight and tomorrow.

 

[silentstriker]

If he wasn't selected because of fears regarding his fitness, then fair enough. If he wasn't selected because they were encouraged with what they saw of VRV in the 1st test, than that's fairly crap.

They said it was fitness. THey didn't want to take a chance for him breaking down for the long term.

 

[Langeveldt]

300 above and I'm happy.. Although I expect the rains and light will have something to do with things

 

[silentstriker]

300 above and I'm happy.. Although I expect the rains and light will have something to do with things

Yea, I don't see Indian top order firing enough to get 300. Even 250 would have been an OK score, on the 4th and 5th day.

And as you say, rain + bad light will decide if India can save this. We have a shot, but Smith proved he wasn't useless and Sehwag better do so as well, or he needs to be sent back like Pathan.

 

[silentstriker]

So I say India will bat sometime before tea, probably by declaration? That a fair assumption?

 

[social]

Hmmm.... Sreesanth turning it on again, eh? This game's getting pretty interesting. What do people think India can chase? If they're given four sessions and a bit to bat they ought to be able to chase a target, but anything 300+ will be quite difficult. Seems more likely now that either side will win rather than a draw.

Sheesh, that first appeal in the last over of Kumble's was pretty close.

Yep, thought that was definitely out - half forward, well below knee roll, only going one place

As for the match, SA are strong favourites right now - the Indian batting lineup doesnt inspire any confidence with Dravid out of touch and the wicket is still doing enough

 

[social]

So I say India will bat sometime before tea, probably by declaration? That a fair assumption?

Doubtful

SA have not won in eons and will be naturally cautious

Added to fact that they will probably be bowled out and I think a declaration pre-tea is unlikely

 

[TT Boy]

South Africa need one more hour with the bat, if the wheels hadn't come off this morning so badly then a lunch time declaration could have occurred. If they do bat for another hour or so that we probably give them seventy odd overs (with bad light and threat of a bit of rain) to get the Indians out.

 

[silentstriker]

Doubtful

SA have not won in eons and will be naturally cautious

Added to fact that they will probably be bowled out and I think a declaration pre-tea is unlikely

Well usually the light intervenes not too long after tea. If we can get to tea unscathed, we only have to bat out one day tomorrow (and not a full day at that, due to the light). It might be possible then.

Not to mention the potential showers.

 

[silentstriker]

South Africa need one more hour with the bat, if the wheels hadn't come off this morning so badly then a lunch time declaration could have occurred. If they do bat for another hour or so that we probably give them seventy odd overs (with bad light and threat of a bit of rain) to get the Indians out.

Yea, thats most likely.

 

[TT Boy]

Doubtful

SA have not won in eons and will be naturally cautious

Added to fact that they will probably be bowled out and I think a declaration pre-tea is unlikely

They won their last test series at home as comfortably as you like, sure it was New Zealand but nevertheless 'eons' is probably not the best description.

 

[TT Boy]

Even a score of 280 could well be enough, Indians are notorious for not knowing when to stick or twist and last time they were asked to bat out and save a game they folded to Shaun Udal.

 

[silentstriker]

Even a score of 280 could well be enough, Indians are notorious for not knowing when to stick or twist and last time they were asked to bat out and save a game they folded to Shaun Udal.

Haha yes. Dhoni going down the track, twice, was the highlight of that tour for me. I got labeled a troll for my relentless attack on that bastard (and I still haven't forgotten him).

 

[TT Boy]

Weather forecast- http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/SFXX0011.html

Does not look good for tomorrow though saying that the Rain/Thunder combo has been on that weather report every day since last week and it has not occurred so far.

 

[GIMH]

Haha yes. Dhoni going down the track, twice, was the highlight of that tour for me. I got labeled a troll for my relentless attack on that bastard (and I still haven't forgotten him).

LOL I remember you going on about it, but who called you a troll?

Shame I'm in work, this sounds like a decent Test, is it?

 

[TT Boy]

Im not too fussed about losing these six wickets, if we can get to 300 ahead it stops us being too conservative and declaring late.. Good to see Smith in some runs.. I bet the terrorist will be playing in the next match though..

Probably game over for Amla for a while, got a poor decision it must be said but its not like South Africa need a quota or two. Really has disappointed since coming back, one good knock against New Zealand on a road then nothing else other than the mandatory LBW dismissal. If Kallis is fit for Cape Town he can slot in at three with a genuine batsman (Duminy, Rudolph et cetera) coming in at six. Or if they want a batsman (not Andrew Hall) who can send down a couple of overs if need be.

 

[social]

Well usually the light intervenes not too long after tea. If we can get to tea unscathed, we only have to bat out one day tomorrow (and not a full day at that, due to the light). It might be possible then.

Not to mention the potential showers.

Logic dictates that they should have a swing for half an hour or so as they probably have enough already

I just have my doubts as to whether Smith can overcome his naturally cautious nature

 

[Slow Love™]

Rains are predicted to come this afternoon though, and India can always take the light tonight and tomorrow.

Ah, didn't know about the weather. Is a lot of rain predicted, or just potential showers?

South Africa are obviously in the box seat with the runs on the board, but I would have thought that if India survived through tonight and tomorrow, they'd have a shot at chasing something around 300 or so, simply through the innings being long enough. But I guess a draw's right back on the cards if the weather plays a significant part. Certainly wouldn't blame the Indians for taking the light tonight when it's offered though, no need to do anything silly.

Situations like this can get tricky for the fielding captain. If the lead should get above 300 or so with these two still at the crease, you might start to think about just spreading the field to induce the Saffies to bat on further.

 

[silentstriker]

LOL I remember you going on about it, but who called you a troll?

Shame I'm in work, this sounds like a decent Test, is it?

Yea, its pretty exciting.