***Official*** West Indies in Zimbabwe and South Africa

[Corli]

Sometimes to send a message to the bowler that it's the pitch helping him. Sometimes to fix some crack or another in the pitch. Also, could be to calm/recollect themselves.

Flatten the sides of cracks.

Thanks and thanks

 

[TT Boy]

Why? I don't see the logic of using someone that out of form when AB is perfectly capable of opening. Would have been much more sensible to bring in a middle order player.

The rationale put forth from the selectors is rather poor. Apparently Gibbs week off is enough and because his opening in the one day games, he might as well open in Kingsmead, even though he hasn’t scored a run in test cricket for a very long time.

Not great stuff from the selectors, especially with Durban being a rather difficult surface for openers, especially ones who are so woefully out of touch. Gibbs has been give a rope but presumably its only to hang himself with.

 

[garage flower]

Hugely encouraging performances so far in this series by the Windies, but difficult to see them maintaining their spirited challenge in the final test.

Without Edwards, there'll be far too much pressure on Taylor and Bravo unless Collins can quickly hit his straps and - unless Sarwan is flown out - I'm not sure the batting can continue to be as competitive as it has been with Gayle on the sidelines.

As the series progresses, what I'm seeing is that a Windies team with only a handful of international class players can still be competitive, simply by applying themselves on a consistent basis rather than just producing one or two decent sessions per match, as has tended to happen over the last few years.

Looking at individual players, I think this should be the last series for Ganga and Morton, neither of whom are good enough for test cricket. Rawl Lewis - selected somewhat bizzarely ahead of the likes of Amit Jaggernauth - must also be given the boot (he wouldn't be considered an all-rounder if he was playing in the local park with me and my equally inept mates!). Powell is a trier, but he doesn't do anything well enough to compensate for his lack of consistency and accuracy. I wouldn't write him off altogether, but - all things being equal - he wouldn't be in my side for the first test of the home international season.

 

[roseboy64]

Look s like Gayle is out. So Smith in then, with Collins possibly coming in for Edwards.

 

[popepouri]

The rationale put forth from the selectors is rather poor. Apparently Gibbs week off is enough and because his opening in the one day games, he might as well open in Kingsmead, even though he hasn’t scored a run in test cricket for a very long time.

Not great stuff from the selectors, especially with Durban being a rather difficult surface for openers, especially ones who are so woefully out of touch. Gibbs has been give a rope but presumably its only to hang himself with.

I think this was a perfect time to look elsewhere for an opener and I think Puttick should have got the chance. Puttick is in form and he's opened with Smith in the past.

 

[Pup Clarke]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/7172910.stm

Would be wise for Gayle to sit out of this test as the ramifications could be huge if he got struck on the hand again.

Also a chance that Harris could be dropped for forgotten man Shaun Pollock.

Haven't seen Zondeki bowl (who might be in line to play if Steyn's not fit) since Headingley 2003 and I definetely hope he has matured in that time as he seemed awfully raw 4 years ago.

 

[NUFAN]

Hopefully Parchment on debut can stick around.
Also pleased to see Sammy back in for Lewis and Pollock in for Harris.

 

[TT Boy]

Stunner taken by Gibbs. West Indies three down and in all sorts of trouble.

 

[TT Boy]

Kingsmead, wicket has had some pace and bounce this year and Nel is likely to be more threatening to the West Indian batsman than a wicket to wicket Pollock

Pollock's been unplayable thus far, so Nel has something to live up to.

 

[TT Boy]

Four down!

 

[Perm]

Oh dear.

Pollock showing why he should always be in the side. Bit disappointed that Harris isn't playing, but I suppose that's due to the surface.

 

[TT Boy]

Chanderpaul gone for a duck.

 

[pasag]

Haha, oh dear.

 

[TT Boy]

Six down, Pollock gets his third.

 

[Protean]

awesome stuff, dunno why Steyn hasn't got to bowl again though!

 

[Langeveldt]

Turned the TV on and, wow




6 brothers line up for a paternity test on Jerry Springer....

 

[Perm]

awesome stuff, dunno why Steyn hasn't got to bowl again though!

Probably not worth risking him re-injuring his leg.

 

[oz_fan]

Great to see Pollock back in the side and at his best.

 

[Oscillatingmind]

Can anyone direct me to a commentary that i can listen to over the internet or radio?
or is this not avaliable

 

[Protean]

happy herschelle got some runs there, pity it wasn't a few more but still, enjoyable