***Official*** South Africa in Australia

[social]

I was about to say "and again" when Bracken needlessly slashed at a wide wide ball to leave one of the game's better hitters (Lee) with just one partner but McGrath's dismissal beat me to it.

A truly pathetic performance.

 

[Adamc]

Phenomenal bowling figures for Nel: 17.2-3-29-3. Pretty lousy batting effort really. It's a shame Kallis isn't playing as RSA would fancy their chances of a big lead otherwise. They definitely need a big score from one of their top three, but should be able to manage a first-innings lead regardless.

 

[Craig]

If they don't they should kick themselves or a freak bowling spell by the Aussies.

 

[Jono]

What a shot to start off from AB!

 

[Jono]

Another Inzyesque dismissal on the cards? (Avoiding the ball to prevent injury)

No, this time the 3rd umpire makes the right decision.

 

[Slow Love™]

Another Inzyesque dismissal on the cards? (Avoiding the ball to prevent injury)

No, this time the 3rd umpire makes the right decision.

I couldn't really follow the reasoning in the commentary booth on this one.

My understanding was that, once you've grounded your bat, providing you're not attempting another run, you're safe. If you want to jump in the air afterwards, it shouldn't matter. Am I wrong about this?

I would have thought that the "Inzy Situation" would only have come into play should he not have already grounded his bat across the line.

 

[Craig]

Gee Ab really does look a good player. Hope he does well.

 

[Jono]

Yeah I love watching him bat. I reckon he has quite the career in front of him.

 

[Jono]

Great day for South Africa, well on top in this game. Australia will have to fight back well.

 

[social]

Well the end of a day where SA are well on top.

However, as the most biased of SA supporters (Tony Greig) said, "the Aussies hardly excelled themselves."

**** poor performance really.

 

[aussie]

Well batted Aus!

Ponting wins the toss and bats in perfect bowling conditions
Hayden pulls a length ball straight up in the air
Langer- ditto
Hussey - ditto
Hodge edges a near wide
Gilchrist steers a rank long-hop to slip

Somebody tell them Xmas is Dec 25

This is the Ashes all over again

calm down, geez

 

[aussie]

well great bowling dispaly from SA today but it wasn't all good bowling some rash shots in the top order via evryone except Ponting n Symo IMO, while the form of Gilchrist now is becoming a worry no question.

Australia have theri work cut out tommorow and for the rest of the summer but i'll back them...

 

[andyc]

Shocking last few sessions there for Australia. Nel and Pollock bowled well, and while Ntini did as well, I don't really think he deserved a 5-for, he didn't seem to be doing much special. But, well played to South Africa. Some horrendous shot selection from Langer, Hayden and especially Gilchrist.

 

[Blaze]

Shocking last few sessions there for Australia. Nel and Pollock bowled well, and while Ntini did as well, I don't really think he deserved a 5-for, he didn't seem to be doing much special. But, well played to South Africa. Some horrendous shot selection from Langer, Hayden and especially Gilchrist.

I disagree. I thought Ntini was outstanding. He bowled consistantly well and got his reward. His first spell was pretty good without much reward I thought.

 

[andyc]

I disagree. I thought Ntini was outstanding. He bowled consistantly well and got his reward. His first spell was pretty good without much reward I thought.

I think his third spell was definetely a good one, but his first was somewhat erratic. He was consistent though, I guess I was just being a bit harsh because he didn't seem to be doing all that much with the ball. 'Twas a good bouncer he landed on Ponting though!

 

[Slow Love™]

Best moment of commentary all afternoon was when Graeme Smith was holding onto Ntini and patting and rubbing him on the head after a wicket, and Tony Grieg excitedly blurted "Well, that's marvellous! Something you wouldn't have seen in the old South Africa!".

 

[shaka]

he mustv bn trying to gain some form.

 

[cricket_fan23]

To anyone that saw both, was the Langveldt dropped catch worse than Shoaib Akhtars in yesterdays ODI Vs Eng?

 

[ClownSymonds]

Jesus Christ! I wake up to find Australia all out for under 300 within the first day, and who took they wickets? Dog! This is what happens to a team that drops a good many of its best players, I suppose.

 

[GotSpin]

To anyone that saw both, was the Langveldt dropped catch worse than Shoaib Akhtars in yesterdays ODI Vs Eng?

I kind of felt sorry for him then...**** bowling day for himself then he does that