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***Official*** South Africa in Sri Lanka 2014
- Thread starter Maximas
- Start date
Maximas
Cricketer Of The Year
South Africa in Sri Lanka 2014 : Tharanga recalled for South Africa Tests | Cricket News | Sri Lanka v South Africa | ESPN Cricinfo
Well, ****, Dimuth dropped, god knows why, has been getting us off to solid starts with Kaushal Silva all year, YorksLanka will be happy though, and tbf he has earned his way in through good 'A' team performances earlier in the year, but **** me, Tharanga vs Steyn and Philander, oh god. Kula got dropped too, that wasn't a surprise, Pradeep's injured, which is good because it means the selectors won't be tempted to play him, but they might be tempted to play Mendis now - and youse all know what I'd think of that...
Well, ****, Dimuth dropped, god knows why, has been getting us off to solid starts with Kaushal Silva all year, YorksLanka will be happy though, and tbf he has earned his way in through good 'A' team performances earlier in the year, but **** me, Tharanga vs Steyn and Philander, oh god. Kula got dropped too, that wasn't a surprise, Pradeep's injured, which is good because it means the selectors won't be tempted to play him, but they might be tempted to play Mendis now - and youse all know what I'd think of that...
Maximas
Cricketer Of The Year
It was uncannily similar to when he got bowled by Moeen at Headingley, I think he's a little too concerned about LBW and not covering potential turn enough but it was a good delivery, both Moeen's and Duminy's today
viriya
International Captain
Considering Mendis's wicket taking potential in the subcontinent and SA's weakness vs spin, Mendis as the 2nd spin option doesn't seem a bad idea tbh.. who would be better anyway..
Maximas
Cricketer Of The Year
Harsh on the incumbent Dilruwan if he plays, but it wouldn't be the worst thing to do, I'm just really not a fan of Mendis because I don't think he has any potential outside of his niche, test matches at home against SA on a turning pitch could be within his threshold though
Maximas
Cricketer Of The Year
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...+2013;spanval1=span;template=results;type=fow
Seems to me the opening partnership we had was doing pretty well (especially note how the SL opening pair has occupied way more overs than any other pair, even when you consider the different amount of innings), we have a star studded middle order, he just need consistent, solid starts at the top to release the pressure off guys like Sanga - and that's what we were getting. We don't need hero or zero guys like Tharanga who have exploitable problems outside off, but at least he got picked after some good performances, and not just out of the blue
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viriya
International Captain
I see where you're coming from but I would think SL conditions would warrant an opener who can go big considering the conditions aren't that tough when opening? Tharanga may be hitting his peak now at 29 - he just got a big hundred in his last first class innings.. if he comes good he can eventually even be considered for our WC plans (say at the expense of Thiri/Chandimal)..
Looks like Chandimal is our permanent wicketkeeper in Tests from now on.. probably a good idea.
Maximas
Cricketer Of The Year
Yeah that's a pretty good point, but then again, this is Steyn Philander and Morkel we're talking about - we'll see soon enough, would delight me if he does well, but when I saw him poking outside off in Ireland I wasn't convinced, fingers crossed.
Tough on PJ, still up there with the best pure keepers, perhaps even the best, and he's played some handy knocks over the last 2 or 3 years, however Chandimal has scored prolifically at test level and commands a spot in this team
hendrix
Hall of Fame Member
Senanayake's action deemed illegal. All 4 of his deliveries. Banned from bowling.
YorksLanka
International Debutant
Yes and no mate, happy that hehas been recalled but not atthe expense of dimuth ( or silva) ..i wanted him back in the middle order but NOT to replace either of our current test openers who i do believe are doing a great job..
well done to SA on a series win which ithink they deserved(from the little i saw of the series.)
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YorksLanka
International Debutant
just seen that, and i have to say i am surprised BUT if that's the ruling then so be it. Hopefully SLC will work with him to rectify his problems and get him back to top level cricket.
Swingpanzee
International Regular
Really looking forward to this series, especially Amla's captaincy.
karan316
State Vice-Captain
Yaa, we all know you expect him to pick a 10fer.
karan316
State Vice-Captain
People usually judge Mendis from those bunch of tests where he was found out and had lost his touch, he's a different bowler now, knows his limitations and can still be effective. Yes, a stock ball would have made a huge difference, but it can be tough to even develop one with his bowling action. I think his overall performance depends on how accurately he can bowl more than anything else.
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Maximas
Cricketer Of The Year
If he plays, the key is getting him bowling to guys who haven't faced him much, get Herath wheeling away against Amla, AB and Duminy but Mendis could indeed be a real threat to guys like Elgar, Faf or whoever else who haven't faced him much - especially in these sorts of conditions. Given we have Herath, and at least three seamers with Matthews able to balance the attack we can afford to carry Mendis in our attack and take a punt with his inconsistency - might take a 10 fer, might take no wickets and go at 6 an over, worth the risk though looking at the SA batting line-up, could really do some damage. Although in saying that you sorta know what you're gonna get with Dilruwan and his batting lengthens our tail significantly, would certainly be a decent asset in these conditions as well
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karan316
State Vice-Captain
This is absolutely spot on, and I have always believed that such risks should be taken. And not only in SC conditions, I think that can come off on any test match pitch, especially on a day 4 or 5 pitch.
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