***Official*** South Africa in Australia

[James90]

First few days were brilliant because it was so even and you were curious as to see how the rest of the test would end up. With both sides dismissed for under 300 you could almost be certain that one side was going to win and that added to the attraction. To see what sort of score the Australians would have to defend. Because of that I found the last day frustrating with Warne bowling so well and the Saffies just meeting it with a dead bat. It was still good cricket but I just wish there was a result.

 

[marc71178]

Might have to delay the migration to the bar on the first day

As an International Cricketer I hope you would only be drinking Orange Juice...

 

[marc71178]

I actually think you can. I don't know about anyone else, but on Sunday afternoon I was talking to my television and asking why Ponting had not declared.

The worrying thing was the TV replied and it agreed that he should've declared!

 

[marc71178]

And I highly doubt an extra hour or two bowling would have made a difference.

I think it would've made quite a difference.

Extra time in the fading light on the 4th evening may have got another 1 or 2 wickets and then the pressure on SA would be so much more - 6 or 7 wickets to bat out a day is much more daunting a task.

 

[marc71178]

I can't help thinking that, by the time England return next year, the attitude that was rampant in the team during the Ashes this year - when even Gilchrist admitted that they weren't putting the work in - will have returned.

If it means we have another series as good as the last one - I don't know if many people will be complaining.

 

[Nate]

I will.

 

[Josh]

I agree. I went to the first 4 days and it was fantastic to watch.

It also sets up the expectation of another good match here in Melbourne to which I will attend each day.

 

[Barney Rubble]

Thought I'd pop in to share this bit of genius from Warnie and Mark Nicholas, found on another site:

During the lunch break of the just-completed cricket test match between South Africa and Australia, Mark Nicholas was asking Shane Warne to explain some of his bowling actions for the younger viewers. While explaining one particular ball, the conversation went as follows:

SW: For this one you want to keep your hand as straight as possible.
MN: You don't want **** in your hand?
SW: No, you definitely don't want **** in your hand.

Bowling, Warney!

Guess the missing word.........

Way to not put your foot in it, Mark.

 

[Pratters]

Not the best use - and certainly not the attack I'd want in all conditions.

So you are against a 2 spinner 2 seamer attack.

Also you dont want the possibility of a 3 seamer and 2 spinner attack discussed earlier in this or the Windies thread..

So I am guessing you would want a 3 seamer and a spinner attack?

 

[Pratters]

christ Macgrath what wa way to end the session a clear run-out oppurtunity missed befor tea urghhhhhhhhhhhhh, boy i have wasted all morning watching these borning SA's

No use being foolish from RSA perspective

 

[Pratters]

It wasn't Pontings fault we took only 3 wickets in a whole day. Warne bowled pretty well and could have had a few more. Mcgrath Lee and Bracken need to have a look at themselves. But well done to SA esp Rudolph and Kemp

Ponting left no hope for RSA to win preventing rash shots if RSA had a target to chase. So in that respect it was Ponting's fault as captain.

Also, really what is the story of the team backing the decision and it not being Ponting's fault and McGrath saying 9 out of 10 times Australia would have won it?

Captain takes responsibility and underestimating your opponent is never wise.

 

[Pratters]

Who cares, Craig? You don't not select guys on the basis that it sends out the 'wrong message'. At all times at the professional level, the interests of the team are paramount. I think it's pretty clear that Symonds is a bit of a dud, and was selected this morning on the basis that Australia would go on to win this Perth Test. It was like: "ah we'll be one nil up anyway, so we can afford to carry his batting, for the sake of his medium pacers" (which Ponting hardly uses anyway). He is not anywhere near the sixth best batsman in the country (in the longer form of the game), hardly gets brought on to bowl his ineffective mediums, and therefore I don't think he should be anywhere near Melbourne on Boxing Day.

The fact that Australia could take only 5 wickets - shows what I said earlier.

Against stronger teams the 4 bowler policy will hurt. Lee is batting well and so is Warne. The current bowling line up without a potent Gillespie of the past will not take 20 wickets consitently.

Going in with 3 seamers and 2 spinners is the preferable option according to me.

That more than perceived aussie arrogance in squad selection has more to do with the draw.

 

[Pratters]

Mate, did you even watch the Ashes or the first innings of this Test? Or the way our middle-order has been collapsing for ages? Or the form of Gilchrist in the last six months?

What happened to the great Australian batting and its great back up strength?

The batting has hardly been there in recent times but its not the reason for panic buttons IMO.

If you cant take 20 wickets you cant win tests. So an all rounder or a 5th bowler is necessary against better sides at least as the potency of McGrath, Gillespie and Warne trio doesnt exist right now.

 

[marc71178]

So you are against a 2 spinner 2 seamer attack.

Only as an idea for use in all conditions

Also you dont want the possibility of a 3 seamer and 2 spinner attack discussed earlier in this or the Windies thread..

Provided one of the players is good enough to bat top 6/7 I'm not against it, but the fact is there isn't someone able to do both.

 

[marc71178]

If you cant take 20 wickets you cant win tests. So an all rounder or a 5th bowler is necessary against better sides at least as the potency of McGrath, Gillespie and Warne trio doesnt exist right now.

But such a player doesn't exist!

 

[Jono]

Well Australia can have Ganguly if they like, since he's not playing for India. He can fit the allrounder mould

 

[irfan]

Damn straight Jono - he could be the "bowling allrounder" they are yearning for. India already have pathan

 

[Craig]

Well, I don't think Ponting's decision to nurse Hodge to his double hundred cost the match - but it was quite unnecessary, just like the call to bat on to a 560 or so lead when Martyn was nursed to a century last year at Perth (that Pakistan was bundled out for 70-odd by a rampant McGrath doesn't change the point). I guess the crap will really hit the fan when he does this and we end up a wicket or two short at the end... But on this occasion the South Africans just exhibited great concentration and determination, particularly Rudolph, whose century was extremely valuable and he withstood some intense pressure.

Don't think anybody's mentioned it, but I thought Billy Doctrove, umpiring only his fifth test, did a really great job, with some tough calls. Apparently he has some background as a FIFA ref. If his performance is any indication of the standard of some of the new arrivals to the international panel, things are definitely on the way up.

Anyhow, good stuff from the Saffies, holding out for over a day and without Kallis too. It looks like we have an interesting series on our hands.

I would agree, apart from the no-ball he has umpired pretty well. In other forums I have visited (WI ones) Doctrove didn't come with a glowing reputation so I had some reservations, but I'm glad to eat some Icelandic Humble Pie.

Tastes nice.

 

[Pratters]

But such a player doesn't exist!

Erm the 5th bowler option clearly is a possibility. The all rounder option Australia is trying to go with going in with Symonds isnt working moreover because Symonds isnt batting or getting a bowl from Ponting!

Its basically a choice between 5 bowlers and a 4 bowler attack (with 3 seamers and two seamers). With two spinners the fairly new ball isnt exploited to the fullest as you mentioned and isnt a wise choice for even considering except in very spin friendly conditions.

Australia going in with a perceived all rounder is a neither here nor there situation.

Personally I would go in with 5 bowlers for reasons I mentioned.

 

[marc71178]

If it is a possibility, then which player is the 5th bowler then?