***Official*** South Africa In Australia

[iamdavid]

He's not a tail ender though, he certainly should be ahead of Lee, that's for sure. Has batted well up the order all his career.

Exactly, Krejza is an allrounder, always has been, people seem to have forgotten that since he's come onto the international scene. I believe it was his batting every bit as much as his bowling which first got him noticed in Sydney.

 

[eglezdzdiyd]

The differences in the quality of the tailend batting has almost been the difference in this test. Australia have a very handy 8, 9, 10, and even Siddle looked handy enough. The saffas is in stark contrast. Compare the amount of runs each team scored in the first innings after the 6th wicket fell, and it's almost the lead iirc. It's probably already been said, but thought I'd chuck it out there.

 

[howardj]

Jacques Henry Kallis proving once again he is the most valuable cricketer in the Solar system.

 

[Uppercut]

Jeez mate, give Haddin and Krejza some credit here, they have played some very good counter-attacking cricket to somewhat pull the Aussies out of the mess (as they are far from out of the woods yet).

That's not what i meant. South Africa had Australia in trouble, and just needed someone to come up with a quality few overs to knock the last few over. Instead it was the Australians who rose to the challenge. It's what's happened over and over and over again- from Katich and Clarke digging in, to Haddin and Symonds counter-attacking, to the tail wagging, then to Johnson's big performance. Every time the match has hung in the balance, it's been an Australian who's grabbed hold of it.

 

[Briony]

SA wanted to go with specialists, which is probably right but the lack of a Pollock down the order is costing them badly. Their bowling to Australia's tail has been poor as well. They will not make over 320+ for victory. The mental hurdles alone will be too much. Also with the inexperience of Duminy and Smith's injury the task is even tougher.

 

[Uppercut]

SA wanted to go with specialists, which is probably right but the lack of a Pollock down the order is costing them badly. Their bowling to Australia's tail has been poor as well. They will not make over 320+ for victory. The mental hurdles alone will be too much. Also with the inexperience of Duminy and Smith's injury the task is even tougher.

I think South Africa are as good at chasing as anyone, i don't believe mental blocks will come into it. But the pitch isn't conducive to a 320+ score, especially if Australia can bowl anywhere near as well as they did in the first innings. I'd be shocked if Lee once again bangs the ball on a perfect line and length for every single ball of his opening spell and goes wicketless.

 

[Matt79]

Jacques Henry Kallis proving once again he is the most valuable cricketer in the Solar system.

That guy from Betelgeuse is gun however...

 

[Storer]

Australia on top. Krejza and Haddin looking good.

 

[howardj]

Still a ripping track though

I reckon we will need every one of those 350

 

[Storer]

Still a ripping track though

I reckon we will need every one of those 350

We are set for a cracking 4th day, and possibly a 5th.

 

[NUFAN]

Pretty crazy to have 3 days in a row where 9 wickets have fallen.

 

[howardj]

I'm getting very strong mail tonight, from my selection panel sources, that Ben Hilfenhaus will be drafted in for Siddle for the Boxing Day Test.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

If by "getting very strong mail" you mean "making **** up as I go" then you're on the money.

 

[howardj]

How innocuous does Siddle look though - gun barrel straight.

By contrast, Hilf at least has some shape to his deliveries and has mastered the much-lost art of outswing (which, unlike reverse, can be employed right from the get-go).

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

So that's a confirmation on the making **** up, then? sw33t.

I agree with you though. I think Siddle has a lot about him and a good future but I don't think he should be there yet. Wouldn't be going with the Hilf just yet though, would probably be looking to Dougy.

 

[Nate]

Bracken ftw, etc.

 

[howardj]

Yep, don't think we can afford to have two greenhorn leather-flingers learning on the job (Krejza and Siddle). I believe we will see why in this 2nd innings. I am honestly tipping SA to go big in this run chase tomorrow

 

[SirBloody Idiot]

Yep, don't think we can afford to have two greenhorn leather-flingers learning on the job (Krejza and Siddle). I believe we will see why in this 2nd innings. I am honestly tipping SA to go big in this run chase tomorrow

Can't see it happening. They basically have two weak links in their lineup (McKenzie and Duminy) which puts huge pressure on one batsman to make a big ton.

 

[Prince EWS]

Can't see it happening. They basically have two weak links in their lineup (McKenzie and Duminy) which puts huge pressure on one batsman to make a big ton.

Backing McKenzie to get a score in the second dig, personally. Having a poor first innings doens't make him a weak link as such.

 

[SirBloody Idiot]

Backing McKenzie to get a score in the second dig, personally. Having a poor first innings doens't make him a weak link as such.

Not basing it on first innings at all. I'm just not a fan of manufactured openers and he has never looked comfortable there. Will have a horror series for mine.