***Official*** South Africa v West Indies

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

So, you think five batsmen, Hinds, Browne, a spinner and three pacers? Are there any quality spinners in the West Indies at the moment who could come in?

Some would suggest Dave Mohammed and I would agree he is the best option at the moment. Still, I don't think his mind is focussed on the game.

 

[Swervy]

has everyone fallen asleep..SA 42 runs in 32 overs

 

[wpdavid]

has everyone fallen asleep..SA 42 runs in 32 overs

Looks like De Villiers did. What's the feeling about the rain? Are we likely to have any more play today?

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

The interesting thing is, it wasn't raining! If I were Chanderpaul, I would've told my fielders to stay in position. The covers were literally on and then off.

Aparently Shep felt it best to give the pitch two minutes of rest.

 

[wpdavid]

The interesting thing is, it wasn't raining! If I were Chanderpaul, I would've told my fielders to stay in position. The covers were literally on and then off.

Aparently Shep felt it best to give the pitch two minutes of rest.

Judging by Cricinfo, it seemed to unsettle the batsmen, what with Rudolph's near misses and the almost run out that followed. They sound OK now though.

BTW Talking of Chanderpaul, is there any thought if him staying in charge when Lara returns?

 

[Swervy]

anyone see Deonarine's 'doosra' a few overs a ago...shocked everyone, i jumped out of my seat, I thought it had bowled Smith

 

[wpdavid]

anyone see Deonarine's 'doosra' a few overs a ago...shocked everyone, i jumped out of my seat, I thought it had bowled Smith

Not me - I'm having to rely on Cricinfo. Is Rudolph as sketchy as he sounds? It's hard to work out how he's survived judging by the commentary.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Good riddance Mr. Smith.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

BTW Talking of Chanderpaul, is there any thought if him staying in charge when Lara returns?

I would hope so. It wouldn't be very sharp policy otherwise. Would do more harm than good to take it away from Chanders now IMO.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Not me - I'm having to rely on Cricinfo. Is Rudolph as sketchy as he sounds? It's hard to work out how he's survived judging by the commentary.

Let's just say that Ashwell Prince must be shaking his head in the dressing room.

 

[Swervy]

Not me - I'm having to rely on Cricinfo. Is Rudolph as sketchy as he sounds? It's hard to work out how he's survived judging by the commentary.

yeah he doesnt look to comfortable....he also could have /should have been caught at first slip a bit ago .

Smith out..nice one.

I have been so impressed with WI control this match, certainly all round they look a completely different team to last year (and indeed they are a different team!!!!)

 

[Swervy]

I would hope so. It wouldn't be very sharp policy otherwise. Would do more harm than good to take it away from Chanders now IMO.

I agree...you can tell its been an experience for him.

He seems to be getting some stick from the commentators for not getting Powell on,declaring when he did etc..but teh fact is all his decisions have worked so far.

Its really refreshing to see WI play well again, especially against the shockingly overrated South African team

 

[Langeveldt]

Its really refreshing to see WI play well again, especially against the shockingly overrated South African team

I don't think they are over rated.. Personally I'm full on humble pie and bar Kallis and De Villiers, am not overly excited about any of their players really..

Seems like we've had our years of challenging Australia for number one, and we've just lost the will.. (As well as Kirsten, Cullinan, Cronje, Rhodes, Donald)

 

[luckyeddie]

Smith out..nice one.

I have been so impressed with WI control this match, certainly all round they look a completely different team to last year (and indeed they are a different team!!!!)

Only time (6.5 hours tomorrow) will tell whether Chanderpaul, in giving absolutely nothing away, has made a very astute captaincy decision or dropped an almighty clanger. The keenness in the field is there, the bowlers (apart from the dreadful no-balling in the first innings) have been admirable, but it seemed to me to be screaming out for an extra slip and a short leg just to put a little pressure on.

 

[aussie]

south africa are really a shadow of their former selves these days, they should be embarassed having bowlers like Collins, Powell, King, Hinds & Deonarine making them fight so hard for their runs

 

[Langeveldt]

south africa are really a shadow of their former selves these days, they should be embarassed having bowlers like Collins, Powell, King, Hinds & Deonarine making them fight so hard for their runs

Four days though.. I despair at how influenced people get by a couple of days play..

True we are below par, but to be fair the series could end up being won by SA, the boot on the other foot, and the follow on a distant memory..

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

south africa are really a shadow of their former selves these days, they should be embarassed having bowlers like Collins, Powell, King, Hinds & Deonarine making them fight so hard for their runs

Have you watched the cricket? This so clearly substandard bowling performance is one of the most refereshing I've seen in years. Some credit perhaps?

 

[luckyeddie]

Have you watched the cricket? This so clearly substandard bowling performance is one of the most refereshing I've seen in years. Some credit perhaps?

Come on, Liam. Aussie's an er, New Zealander or something. He's not going to give the Windies any credit.

 

[aussie]

aussie

Have you watched the cricket? This so clearly substandard bowling performance is one of the most refereshing I've seen in years. Some credit perhaps?

yeah since i came from school, maybe i could give the WI bowlers some credit, but come on Liam its not the best bowling attack that the WI can put up and guys like Smith, Kallis, Gibbs should be slapping themselves for their performances so far with the bat in this test.

 

[Langeveldt]

Have you watched the cricket? This so clearly substandard bowling performance is one of the most refereshing I've seen in years. Some credit perhaps?

Spot on Liam..
I got yorked tonight by our clubs opening bowler twice in two balls at practise tonight.. I decided to compliment him on his good bowling rather than get angry at myself for missing the ball.. Refreshing to be honest, takes a lot of aggro out of a poor performance