***Official*** South Africa in Australia

[Buddhmaster]

That is one weird half-century by AB. I think its 5 or 6 boundaries behind the wicket for him, really frustrating Lee. When he brought up his 50 his look on the face showed he knew it too.

He got quite a few runs the same way in his 1st Test 68

 

[Jono]

Thats why you had no hesitating jumping on Sala-whatevers bandwagon about an apparent weakness in Pontings 2nd innings capabilities, rather than mention his absolutely brilliant innings at Old Trafford. But no u couldn't help yourself

1) I voted Ponting's century at Old Trafford as innings of the year. (http://forum.cricketweb.net/showpost.php?p=677423&postcount=18)
2) I actually brought up that point regarding Ponting's low average since 2002 when chasing around 2 or 3 days earlier, so I haven't been 'jumping on any bandwagon.' (http://forum.cricketweb.net/showpost.php?p=675916&postcount=100)
3) Its true isn't it? Ponting seems to not score as heavily when chasing compared to when he's batting first. Once again I'm just stating the facts, particularly since Tendulkar is often accused of choking when chasing in ODIs since 2002 when that is evidently not true. My point was more to prove that Sachin isn't the choker people say he is, since Ponting has never been criticised of failing when chasing yet Sachin has.
4) Please get over it. I'll criticise who I like. Whether its Ponting, Smith, Ganguly, Vaughan or whomever, if they are making silly decisions as captain I'll point them out like everyone else has the right to do on this board.

Nice chatting with you. Since you are so touchy regarding Ponting, I'd hate to see what you'd do if you read this thread. (http://forum.cricketweb.net/showthread.php?t=16179)

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

Brilliant bowling from McGrath. There's still a little bit in this wicket, it's a sporting one for all the bowlers and good for batting as well if you apply yourself. Good cricket wicket all round.

It'll probably fail to deteriorate though, being a drop-in.

 

[parttimer]

I'd rather not . Some good points there, although its difficult to pin down the reasons behind the differential, bcos I don't think his batting's particuarly affected by pressure or tough conditions (barring Ind so far) and most would agree. For the record I didn't refer to either Tendulkar or ODIs (not worth arguing about).

 

[parttimer]

Warne bowls a massive ripper that turned 2 foot. Ponting gets the clue and brings on Mcgill

 

[aussie]

shoot feel a sleep on the bed, but doesn't seem as if i missed anything too exciting though.

 

[Jono]

Kallis' concentration is amazing. Whether he smashes a ball for 4 or is beaten by a ripping ball from Warne or MacGill, he's just so composed after every ball and doesn't feel the pressure (or rather doesn't show it).

Warne & McGrath vs. Kallis & Gibbs is such an awesome battle. The two most experienced bowlers for Aus up against the two most experienced batsman for SA (Not including Pollock I guess). Great test match cricket.

 

[Jono]

Brilliant bowling from McGrath. There's still a little bit in this wicket, it's a sporting one for all the bowlers and good for batting as well if you apply yourself. Good cricket wicket all round.

It'll probably fail to deteriorate though, being a drop-in.

How much did that ball which got AB Devilliers cut back? It was amazing. Every so few balls it'll cut back or stay low and we're only on day 2.

 

[social]

Unbelievable that Lee only has one wicket. He must be close to being the unluckiest bowler around at the moment.

SA need to score big in the first innings because the bounce is becoming more uneven and both Warne and MacGill have turned some balls square.

 

[aussie]

So 189 behind, Australia will be hoping to get Kallis out early tommorow has Jono rightly said his concentration so far looks dalm good. Get him early who be a huge psychological blow tommorow.

 

[Nate]

Haven`t posted the whole day... because I watched it all! Great day of cricket, big comeback

 

[Pratters]

I really dont get all this critism Ponting is getting for this because all the commentators reckoned Australia had enough time but when the match was drawn everyone was down on Ponting, total nonsense.

Well forget the commentators. The criticism from fans would/should have occured much before the result and the actual declaration - I can speak for myself - I would have said the same on the forum during the period had I not been travelling/working regardless of the result.

 

[Pratters]

Wow what an inning it should have been from Hussey!

And all credit to South Africa for fighting on in this superb contest.

 

[Gideon]

Good comeback by Hussey and McGrath. And it seems as though SA are really digging deep to try and get some sort of lead heading into the 2nd innings.

Kallis is the key for SA and Gibbs is looking dangerous aswell. If Australia can get some quick wickets tommorrow then SA will definately be on the backfoot. Tommorrow will be crucial.

On a side note, it was great to see Symonds given a bowl. He beat the bat on quite a few occasions with the odd ball hitting the edge, but landing safe. He certainly didnt dissapoint today.

 

[Sportsgirl]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/australiancricketonline

 

[Gideon]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/australiancricketonline

hmmm.......?

 

[Pratters]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/australiancricketonline

I see such a spam second time from you now. Despite some one identifying to you its stictly against forum rules the earlier instance.

 

[Demolition Man]

What a knock by hussey, for those who did not actually see it, well it was quite sublime. The timing was superb and his patience, composure and strokeplay was masterful. The best knock I have seen is some time.

Still believe he should have been in the side for the ashes.

 

[luckyeddie]

Thats why you had no hesitating jumping on Sala-whatevers bandwagon about an apparent weakness in Pontings 2nd innings capabilities, rather than mention his absolutely brilliant innings at Old Trafford. But no u couldn't help yourself

Can I have a go?

On his way to becoming an all-time great batsman.
The best thing I can say about his captaincy is there's room for improvement.

 

[ohtani's jacket]

Edit- I will actually go futher. IMO that drop was the series. (I am not saying South Africa would have definetly won the series if it had have been held but I am saying that as it didn't they now have no chance of winning the series)

Bowling Australia out for 250-odd is no guarantee, so no point worrying about it... Hussey played the hand he was dealt & South Africa had to roll with it... If South Africa's batsmen apply themselves, Australia are in for a long day. It wasn't a quick 355 and we've seen this Australian side taken to a fifth day, so tomorrow is crucial.

Be honest now, did you think South Africa would draw the first Test?