**Official** South Africa in England 2012

[Spark]

It really is a big call, considering how much it can spin at Headingley

Warne's first commentary stint will be fun...

 

[Jacknife]

I wonder if they'll give Finn the new ball.

 

[Spark]

OK, I know we all like to complain about over-attacking fields, but moaning about no fourth slip might be a bit much, even at this early stage.

 

[wpdavid]

I wonder if they'll give Finn the new ball.

They should do.

 

[bombay_bomber]

OK, I know we all like to complain about over-attacking fields, but moaning about no fourth slip might be a bit much, even at this early stage.

To Mikey's credit this time, he did make the point before the shot was played!

 

[MW1304]

This is weird, such a huge match that I'm up for, yet its probably the least excited I've been about an England Test in a long time. Olympic fever has truly set in.

 

[Jacknife]

Bit of bounce in the deck.

 

[Jacknife]

Good length from Broad straight away.

 

[Spark]

Looks better through the crease than he did last week.

 

[Jacknife]

Not full enough from Jimmy.

 

[Spark]

Not full enough from Jimmy.

Quelle surprise.

 

[Dan]

I guess they made a judgement call - pick a 3/4 fit spinner who went wicketless last week to play on a seamer's pitch, or pick a young, fit fast bowler who ups the pace and bounce and has been taking wickets in the CC all year, and waiting for his test call-up.

I don't think it's a horrible move, but it is incredibly risky.

 

[ProteasFan]

Shane Warne on Twitter: "Can't believe England have left Swann out of the playing 11. Agree Finn should play but for me, Broad out. England seem to be in a panic"

 

[Spark]

Shane Warne on Twitter: "Can't believe England have left Swann out of the playing 11. Agree Finn should play but for me, Broad out. England seem to be in a panic"

Good to know I don't have to think before muting when Warne comes on, then.

 

[wpdavid]

I guess they made a judgement call - pick a 3/4 fit spinner who went wicketless last week to play on a seamer's pitch, or pick a young, fit fast bowler who ups the pace and bounce and has been taking wickets in the CC all year, and waiting for his test call-up.

I don't think it's a horrible move, but it is incredibly risky.

Put like that - and I think your analysis is correct - then it's brave rather than risky. Insofar as they're going to take all kinds of crap if it doesn't come off.

EDIT
And if our openers can't manage more than a handful of threatening overs at the start of the innings, then we're ****ed either way. Broad really is bowling some ****e again. Get Finn on before the new ball has been completely wasted.

 

[Jacknife]

Doesn't look a great call to be bowling.

 

[bombay_bomber]

Be brave? Drop Bresnan, hope your batters do the job and bowlers take wickets, everyone does what he is supposed to do

 

[Jacknife]

Started alright Broad but that was a poor over.

 

[Daemon]

Smith's played just 4 deliveries while Peterson's had 33..

 

[Prince EWS]

Anderson's looked a touch defensive given Strauss sent the oppo in, but Broad's just bowled pies largely. Poor start from England.