***Official*** South Africa in New Zealand 2012

[straw man]

Apparently a cover blew off the ground last night and we have a wet patch on the outfield.

Good start

 

[Cam7]

I don't think I've ever seen the outfield at the Basin looking so wet (other than when it's actually raining, of course!). The umps were initially saying at least an hour's delay to the start of play but I reckon we can write off at least the entire first session.

Then there's the possibility of even more showers during the day, of course.

 

[Cam7]

Umps having another inspection at 11:30. Lunch now likely to be taken early at 12pm.

 

[Cam7]

Lunch confirmed for 12pm. Umps having yet another inspection at 12:30.

 

[Meridio]

Don't want to tempt fate, but it looks like it's clearing up outside (I'm about 3 kms from the Basin). Feels lighter anyway.

 

[Cam7]

Umps out having another inspection now and they're looking rather concerned. I predict another delay.

 

[Cam7]

2pm start?

 

[Cam7]

2pm start confirmed. Minimum 63 overs.

 

[Mike5181]

Away tests is where it's at.

 

[Furball]

How soon is 2pm? Not sure what your time zone is.

 

[sonnench]

How soon is 2pm? Not sure what your time zone is.

An hours time.

 

[Meridio]

Another shower passing over up here at work. Not sure which direction the wind's going though, hopefully not towards the Basin.

 

[Cam7]

Currently drizzling on the Kapiti Coast and possibly heading this way, apparently.

 

[Briony]

Taylor wins the toss and will predictably bowl. Obviously a massive advantage to the kiwis on a green deck.

Kallis injured replaced by Duminy.

de Lange replaces Tahir.

 

[Howsie]

I don't know, the ball will move around early on you'd think but I'd hardly call this pitch a greentop. Graeme Smith himself said he didn't know whether he would've battted or bowled first on this pitch, say's it all really.

Happy to see de Lange play too, Tahir was just a passenger really.

 

[Meridio]

Taylor wins the toss and will predictably bowl. Obviously a massive advantage to the kiwis on a green deck.

Yeah, we're pretty much unbackable favourites now. Especially considering we've just won the toss and bowled first after dropping a seamer.

 

[Mike5181]

Smith just about suggested dropping Daniel Vettori.

 

[Briony]

Smith didn't exactly say he would bat first, more that he was more likely to do it had it been an early start.

If the conditions are conducive you need three, not four seamers.

You could also argue that SA's advantage of four seamers rather than three and Tahir has been negated now that they are bowling second. So it probably evens out.

Certainly the kiwi batting should be stronger and they will bat in easier conditions.

 

[Cam7]

And here's the rain again!

 

[Flem274*]

Should have played in Palmy