Cricket: South Africa tour to India 2010

[Stephen]

I know its a bit early, but squads have been announced.

Castle Test squad: Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt), Hashim Amla (Nashua Dolphins), Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors), Mark Boucher (Chevrolet Warriors), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras), Paul Harris (Nashua Titans), Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors), Ryan McLaren (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Morne Morkel (Nashua Titans), Wayne Parnell (Chevrolet Warriors), Alviro Petersen (bizhub Highveld Lions), Ashwell Prince (Chevrolet Warriors), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Chevrolet Warriors).

Standard Bank ODI squad: Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt), Loots Bosman (Nashua Dolphins), Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors), Mark Boucher (Chevrolet Warriors), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras), Herschelle Gibbs (Nashua Cape Cobras), Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors), Albie Morkel (Nashua Titans), Morne Morkel (Nashua Titans), Wayne Parnell (Chevrolet Warriors), Alviro Petersen (bizhub Highveld Lions), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Chevrolet Warriors), Roelof van der Merwe (Nashua Titans).

http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Cricket/245/fd4487eeeb4c4215a0df2b4dfa3b827b/18-01-2010-06-26/Botha_returns_to_Test_squad


Fixtures

Sat 06 - Wed 10
04:00 GMT, 09:30 local 1st Test - India v South Africa
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

Sun 14 - Thu 18
04:00 GMT, 09:30 local 2nd Test - India v South Africa
Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Sun 21 Day/Night
09:00 GMT, 14:30 local 1st ODI - India v South Africa
Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Wed 24
03:30 GMT, 09:00 local 2nd ODI - India v South Africa
Green Park, Kanpur

Sat 27 Day/Night
09:00 GMT, 14:30 local 3rd ODI - India v South Africa
Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

[LancelotSA]

Botha included in the test squad I see.

[Morgoth]

depending on the pitch and if harris can get his act together then I will go with 2 spinners. I am not sure if the selectors see duminy as a spinner yet.

[Sting]

Half the Warriors squad is going!

Test squad
Notable absentees: Makhaya Ntini
Notable inclusions: Johan Botha, Alviro Peteren, Lonwabo Tsotsobe

[Morgoth]

dunno about you all, but I am not a McLaren fan, he is as much a good all-rounder as Flintoff.

[Devill]

Glad to see peterson in both the groups.

[Morgoth]

how did Andrew Puttic do in the supersport series?

[stefan9]

Botha included in the test squad I see.

Not surprising. You need two spinners for a sub continent tour. But unless we get a really poor pitch they will probably only play harris with duminy as the second spin option. But if india are 1-0 expect a massive turner at eden gardens.

I expect only chance for the 1st test barring injuries is harris in place of mcclaren.

Would have liked to see someone like rossouw or vandiar pick to go as an extra batsmen to gain some experience of touring a place like india.

[stefan9]

how did Andrew Puttic do in the supersport series?

13th overall. http://www.supersport.com/cricket/content.aspx?id=19411&cat=91

[Rosaudio]

What are the dates?

[Chris]

Sat 06 - Wed 10
04:00 GMT, 09:30 local 1st Test - India v South Africa
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

Sun 14 - Thu 18
04:00 GMT, 09:30 local 2nd Test - India v South Africa
Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Sun 21 Day/Night
09:00 GMT, 14:30 local 1st ODI - India v South Africa
Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Wed 24
03:30 GMT, 09:00 local 2nd ODI - India v South Africa
Green Park, Kanpur

Sat 27 Day/Night
09:00 GMT, 14:30 local 3rd ODI - India v South Africa
Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

OP, can you please update your original post with the tour dates. Would be helpful :)

[sand_man]

I'll put my cock on the block right now and say Harris is going to smacked all over the place in India if and when he plays...

Was it a coincidence that the test we finally win against England was with an all pace attack? Duminy is more than capable of bowling a bit of spin on day 5 but Harris in India is going to get pummeled...

[Morgoth]

I'll put my cock on the block right now and say Harris is going to smacked all over the place in India if and when he plays...

not so sure, the Indians usually make their pitch turn that extra bit when we have good seamers,

[stefan9]

Noticed something about the odi side which is an absolute horrific decision by the selectors. Amla has been dropped in the odi squad for bosman. No offence to loots and his fans but the man hasn't done a thing in the pro 40 while hashim has averages 45 in odi cricket and was one of our best batsmen vs england in the odi series. No problems with gibbs being back in, he has been superb for the cobras in the pro40 and deserves getting back in.

[LancelotSA]

I'll put my cock on the block right now and say Harris is going to smacked all over the place in India if and when he plays...

And I'll quote this just so you can't remove it!

But please can we define what "smacked all over the place" means so that you cannot get out of this. Give us a runs per over figure to work with. Also once your cock is on that block what action are you going to allow to take place? Putting your cock on a block is not daring in itself.

[Morgoth]

Amla seems to be SA's Shane Watson, always gets dropped for no particular reason,

[sand_man]

And I'll quote this just so you can't remove it!

But please can we define what "smacked all over the place" means so that you cannot get out of this. Give us a runs per over figure to work with. Also once your cock is on that block what action are you going to allow to take place? Putting your cock on a block is not daring in itself.Fair emuff. I suspect in the tests he will go at around 4-4.5 an over and might get 4-6 wickets in 4 innings at an average of around 70..

EDIT: If I'm off the mark you can make me sign up with Digichilli for a month. HOW'S THAT MR UMPIRE???!!!!! Seems punishment enough...

[LancelotSA]

Fair emuff. I suspect in the tests he will go at around 4-4.5 an over and might get 4-6 wickets in 4 innings at an average of around 70..

Done! ;) And cock off hey? Or just circumcision?

[sand_man]

Done! ;) And cock off hey? Or just circumcision?It's already circumsized so it will have to go yes... :wtf:

[Devill]

dunno about you all, but I am not a McLaren fan, he is as much a good all-rounder as Flintoff.

Also don't think that highly of him but he did bowl a couple of ok spells in the test and he brought his bit to the camp fire with his batting.

Unfortunately he seems to be one of the best we have atm :(

[LancelotSA]

It's already circumsized so it will have to go yes... :wtf:

ha ha :D

[Devill]

Noticed something about the odi side which is an absolute horrific decision by the selectors. Amla has been dropped in the odi squad for bosman. No offence to loots and his fans but the man hasn't done a thing in the pro 40 while hashim has averages 45 in odi cricket and was one of our best batsmen vs england in the odi series. No problems with gibbs being back in, he has been superb for the cobras in the pro40 and deserves getting back in.

+1. Poor Amla :(


Done! ;) And cock off hey? Or just circumcision?

But hat happens if he is right?

[LancelotSA]

But hat happens if he is right?

He gets to gloat! ;) I made no predictions, he did, and he made the offer to put his cock on the block. :D

[Morgoth]

Also don't think that highly of him but he did bowl a couple of ok spells in the test and he brought his bit to the camp fire with his batting.

Unfortunately he seems to be one of the best we have atm :(

I guess he gets the job done, but the SA commentators go on about him as the English did with flintoff, who imho was a decent bowler and a tonker,

[Stephen]

Ryan McClaren wont play in the tests i suspect. He was taking Harris' place at the Wanderers anyway

[killadoob]

And I'll quote this just so you can't remove it!

But please can we define what "smacked all over the place" means so that you cannot get out of this. Give us a runs per over figure to work with. Also once your cock is on that block what action are you going to allow to take place? Putting your cock on a block is not daring in itself.

Lance close your mouth and stop slobbering. It is not very rock like man :D.

[Vis1/0N]

Quite weird that they dropped Amla, he scored the most in the 3 matches against England.
Amla last 10 innings : 11, 86, 57, 80, 38, 2, 7, 97, 80*,13 = 471 which you can compare to the super Kallis's last 10 - 425. And Smith = 402. AB De Villiers 453. Gibbs 403.
Duminy : 6,6,41,111*,24,11,0,3,40,32 = 274.
Bosman Full Career : dnb,0,2,dnb,4,0,6,22,39,88,38,5 = 204 runs. Last played 2007. Sucess against Zimbabwe, and a 39 against WI, 22 India.

Sorry can't comment about run rate - but it is in statsguru.


Somebody phone the selectors quick, tell them they got their sums wrong in dropping our best ODI batsman. Isn't this weird?

[Devill]

I guess he gets the job done, but the SA commentators go on about him as the English did with flintoff, who imho was a decent bowler and a tonker,

I wish J. Rudolph never stopped being a bowler as then we would have had a good batsman that can bowl spin in the side right now :)

[killadoob]

I am not sure amla is our best ODI batsmen, good test player but i hope they try bosman/smither combination in the ODI's. The tracks in india will suit a player like a bosman.

[alf101]

Quite weird that they dropped Amla, he scored the most in the 3 matches against England.
Amla last 10 innings : 11, 86, 57, 80, 38, 2, 7, 97, 80*,13 = 471 which you can compare to the super Kallis's last 10 - 425. And Smith = 402. AB De Villiers 453. Gibbs 403.
Duminy : 6,6,41,111*,24,11,0,3,40,32 = 274.
Bosman Full Career : dnb,0,2,dnb,4,0,6,22,39,88,38,5 = 204 runs. Last played 2007. Sucess against Zimbabwe, and a 39 against WI, 22 India.

Sorry can't comment about run rate - but it is in statsguru.


Somebody phone the selectors quick, tell them they got their sums wrong in dropping our best ODI batsman. Isn't this weird?

Bosman scores quicker, they'll rather take their chances with him than Amla.
Kinda makes sense given their brave cricket approach.
Strike rate counts more than averages sometimes.


I wish J. Rudolph never stopped being a bowler as then we would have had a good batsman that can bowl spin in the side right now :)

Yeah great to watch, but not consistant enough, he was Smith's main rival in the test squad for a while.

[The_Pumpkin_King]

I know its a bit early, but squads have been announced.

Castle Test squad: Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt), Hashim Amla (Nashua Dolphins), Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors), Mark Boucher (Chevrolet Warriors), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras), Paul Harris (Nashua Titans), Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors), Ryan McLaren (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Morne Morkel (Nashua Titans), Wayne Parnell (Chevrolet Warriors), Alviro Petersen (bizhub Highveld Lions), Ashwell Prince (Chevrolet Warriors), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Chevrolet Warriors).

Standard Bank ODI squad: Graeme Smith (Nashua Cape Cobras, capt), Loots Bosman (Nashua Dolphins), Johan Botha (Chevrolet Warriors), Mark Boucher (Chevrolet Warriors), AB de Villiers (Nashua Titans), JP Duminy (Nashua Cape Cobras), Herschelle Gibbs (Nashua Cape Cobras), Jacques Kallis (Chevrolet Warriors), Albie Morkel (Nashua Titans), Morne Morkel (Nashua Titans), Wayne Parnell (Chevrolet Warriors), Alviro Petersen (bizhub Highveld Lions), Dale Steyn (Nashua Titans), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Chevrolet Warriors), Roelof van der Merwe (Nashua Titans).

http://www.sport24.co.za/Content/Cricket/245/fd4487eeeb4c4215a0df2b4dfa3b827b/18-01-2010-06-26/Botha_returns_to_Test_squad


Fixtures

Sat 06 - Wed 10
04:00 GMT, 09:30 local 1st Test - India v South Africa
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

Sun 14 - Thu 18
04:00 GMT, 09:30 local 2nd Test - India v South Africa
Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Sun 21 Day/Night
09:00 GMT, 14:30 local 1st ODI - India v South Africa
Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Wed 24
03:30 GMT, 09:00 local 2nd ODI - India v South Africa
Green Park, Kanpur

Sat 27 Day/Night
09:00 GMT, 14:30 local 3rd ODI - India v South Africa
Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad

only 2 tests? that sucks its hardly a "series"

[alf101]

only 2 tests? that sucks its hardly a "series"

It was going to be 7 ODI's only afaik, they changed it to include 2 tests after India became the #1 Test team.

[Stephen]

I just noticed no 20/20 games. That is surprising being India and all

[Chris]

I am not sure amla is our best ODI batsmen, good test player but i hope they try bosman/smither combination in the ODI's. The tracks in india will suit a player like a bosman.

I'd rather have Gibbs opening with Smith than Bosman. He is the top batsman in the MTN 40, with an average of nearly 80, while scoring at a strike-rate of 121. Yes we all know he has a wealth of international experience, but this proves he's still good enough to make the national side.

[cr@zydude]

Is Peterson there to open the batting? I think Ashwell is a great player, but he's just not an opener. It really hasn't worked in this series. Does Peterson do well in Supersport Series?

[stefan9]

I just noticed no 20/20 games. That is surprising being India and all

That's because IPL 3 starts right after the tour, no time for international t20's.

[stefan9]

I'd rather have Gibbs opening with Smith than Bosman. He is the top batsman in the MTN 40, with an average of nearly 80, while scoring at a strike-rate of 121. Yes we all know he has a wealth of international experience, but this proves he's still good enough to make the national side.

I would pick gibbs over bosman any day of the week. Gibbs may not be what he was but he still murders the domestic bowlers while loots can't even manage that.

[killadoob]

No 20/20's because of ipl and then icc pro 20 world cup

[chutzpah44]

Is Peterson there to open the batting? I think Ashwell is a great player, but he's just not an opener. It really hasn't worked in this series. Does Peterson do well in Supersport Series?

Not too bad

Petersen AN Lions 8 1 128 409 58.43

But Elgar is better (4 centuries and 4 fifties)

Elgar D Eagles 15 2 189 892 68.62

[Pegasus]

Prince should be ok to open in India, it's a lot easier there than here.
Even Hall got a 100 opening there.

[Devill]

Not too bad

Petersen AN Lions 8 1 128 409 58.43

But Elgar is better (4 centuries and 4 fifties)

Elgar D Eagles 15 2 189 892 68.62

I would go with peterson as he has international experience and he has proven himself against England here in the ODIs... Also he has been scoring great runs in the domestic games for more than one season :)

[stefan9]

I would go with peterson as he has international experience and he has proven himself against England here in the ODIs... Also he has been scoring great runs in the domestic games for more than one season :)

But has a poor first class record. Averagin 38 in 89 games is hardly test quality. Personally I would rather go for one of the younger bats in the country.

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/46934.html

[Devill]

But has a poor first class record. Averagin 38 in 89 games is hardly test quality. Personally I would rather go for one of the younger bats in the country.

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/46934.html

Yes but what does it say about Alviro that he averages 48.85 in International limited overs games but only 32.96 in domestic cricket...

Mayeb a man for the big moments? ;)

Also we should learn from Aus. Keep the guys in Domestic till they are ready even if that is only at 28/29...

Look at Hussey. He scored well in Aus' domestic cricket for some time before being included in the national test side at age 30.

[stefan9]

Yes but what does it say about Alviro that he averages 48.85 in International limited overs games but only 32.96 in domestic cricket...

Mayeb a man for the big moments? ;)

Also we should learn from Aus. Keep the guys in Domestic till they are ready even if that is only at 28/29...

Look at Hussey. He scored well in Aus' domestic cricket for some time before being included in the national test side at age 30.

Look at Smith,AB and Kallis who got picked early. You can argue it both ways. If you are good enough you are old enough imho.

I just don't rate alviro. Personally I would like Rudolph back next year when he becomes available again.

[Devill]

Look at Smith,AB and Kallis who got picked early. You can argue it both ways. If you are good enough you are old enough imho.

I just don't rate alviro. Personally I would like Rudolph back next year when he becomes available again.

Aye each to his/her own. I like alviro because he grabbed his chances and performed under pressure, out of position.

Rudolph is also 29, and I also rate him.

[sox63]

I think Prince and Duminy must thank their lucky stars that they are still in the team. Now they will go to India, score tons of runs and all will be forgotten about their respective technique issues.

Great to see Loots in the ODI team, on those Indian pitches with very little movement and not very explosive bounce, it seems tailor made for him. Great pick IMO.

[sublime]

Even Hall got a 100 opening there.

:D - thats a bit harsh!

I think they should give Alviro a crack as an opener and move Prince back to the middle - tough decision as to who to drop - I would say, on form, JP but I think his perceived talent and extra spinning option keeps him in and makes it tough to move Prince.

I seem to recall that the last test series was also only a 2 match affair in India. They really should make it at least 3, preferably 4 tests. India are currently ranked number 1 and we are ranked number 2 - how on earth can we only have 2 test matches?!? The BCCI is obsessed with money and T20, and they, rather than the ICC, appear to dictate what happens, when and how.

[chutzpah44]

What I think is unfair is the total lack of regard for performance in Supersport. There can be no motivation for any of these players, for despite how they perform they don't have any chance of a look in. Despite the fact that Prince and Dumminy have totally failed.

Top 10 Run makers

Name Province Inn N.O. HS Runs Ave
Elgar D Eagles 15 2 189 892 68.62
Cook SC Lions 13 390 830 63.85
Rossouw RR Eagles 15 139 683 45.53
McKenzie N Lions 13 1 140 680 56.67
Kuhn H Titans 13 1 160 556 46.33
Hendricks RR Eagles15 109 533 35.53
Gray AJA Cobras 14 1 113 510 39.23
Smuts JT Warriors 16 3 150 509 39.15
Tsolekile TJ Lions 12 5 141 495 70.71
Vandiar J Lions 13 1 128 490 40.83

Top ten wicket takers

Name Province Runs Wkts Ave
Friend Q Dolphins 576 36 16.00
Philander V Cobras 506 33 15.33
Louw JH Dolphins 628 32 19.63
Deacon WA Lions 736 25 29.44
Theron J Warriors 623 24 25.96
Harris PL Titans 658 23 28.61
Joubert P Titans 472 20 23.60
De Wet F Lions 630 20 31.50
Mbhalati EN Titans 661 20 33.05
Plaatjies FC Cobras 382 19 20.11

[Mamajyot]

Amla seems to be SA's Shane Watson, always gets dropped for no particular reason,

I think the reason is that he is either not black enough or either not white enough.

No other logical reason. On performance he is one of S.A.'s best batsmen in ODI and TESTS.

[Mamajyot]

I am not sure amla is our best ODI batsmen, good test player but i hope they try bosman/smither combination in the ODI's. The tracks in india will suit a player like a bosman.

You obviously dont read or dont understand stats.

[Devill]

I think the reason is that he is either not black enough or either not white enough.

No other logical reason. On performance he is one of S.A.'s best batsmen in ODI and TESTS.

Do not know about the racial issue you seem to look for.

I do however agree that he is one of our top batsman and he will keep getting better.

It makes no logical sense to keep him out of the ODI group :mad:

Also it is weird as he was tapped to be one of 3 players to take over from Smithers or be his 2nd in command once boucher/kallis has gone.

[killadoob]

Problem is we do not want a good batsmen upfront we want an explosive one.
He does not fit that bill, bosman does so let's give bosman a chance and see what he does i say.

[Mamajyot]

Mike Proctor has a history with asian players.

Go and search for "mike proctor racist" on google.
You get 19300 pages about it.

[alf101]

Mike Proctor has a history with asian players.

Go and search for "mike proctor racist" on google.
You get 19300 pages about it.

I get 6 for Mamajyot racist

[Chris]

However we still need people to get 70s and 80s to get a big score in ODI cricket. There is little point in having a batsman with a SR of say 130, when his average is only 20 [for instance, not talking about Loots specifically]. I'd rather have a member of my team scoring 75 off 90 balls and a person on the other end being explosive [30 off 20 balls]. Having two explosive players is asking for trouble...

[Devill]

Mike Proctor has a history with asian players.

Go and search for "mike proctor racist" on google.
You get 19300 pages about it.

Mandela racist has 542 000 pages :rolleyes:

Maybe read some of the articles.

Maybe they feel there is only space for one player in the "Kallis mould".

Ps Proctor does not have 100% say of who playes were. Sure Smith and Arthur also have big insets.

[alf101]

However we still need people to get 70s and 80s to get a big score in ODI cricket. There is little point in having a batsman with a SR of say 130, when his average is only 20 [for instance, not talking about Loots specifically]. I'd rather have a member of my team scoring 75 off 90 balls and a person on the other end being explosive [30 off 20 balls]. Having two explosive players is asking for trouble...

There's about a 1/8 chance that they'll come off, whick makes it worthwhile having them in the side.

A quick 30 or 40 can be better than 80 off 100 balls sometimes, we have enough guys who can do that.

[Chris]

There's about a 1/8 chance that they'll come off, whick makes it worthwhile having them in the side.

A quick 30 or 40 can be better than 80 off 100 balls sometimes, we have enough guys who can do that.

Yeah but I don't really see Loots becoming the next Adam Gilchrist :p ... but let's give him a chance. If he can do that quick 30 or 40 then that's good...

[Devill]

SA would really love a Sehwag :D

Also when smith gets going he is very destructive in the ODI format.

[alf101]

Yeah but I don't really see Loots becoming the next Adam Gilchrist :p ... but let's give him a chance. If he can do that quick 30 or 40 then that's good...

Nor do I, I'm hoping for the next Afridi.

[killadoob]

Nor do I, I'm hoping for the next Afridi.

Not sure i think bosman can do it hey.

I like him i think he can smash us to victory for sure.

[stefan9]

Mandela racist has 542 000 pages :rolleyes:

Maybe read some of the articles.

Maybe they feel there is only space for one player in the "Kallis mould".

Ps Proctor does not have 100% say of who playes were. Sure Smith and Arthur also have big insets.

Smith has a say but has no vote. Arthur has a vote along with proctor,craig matthews and some else .

[Pegasus]

Not sure i think bosman can do it hey.

I like him i think he can smash us to victory for sure.

That 94 he got in the T20 was pretty good to watch. :)

[Devill]

Smith has a say but has no vote. Arthur has a vote along with proctor,craig matthews and some else .

I am willing to bet that "say" is close as you can get to a vote if not more;)


That 94 he got in the T20 was pretty good to watch. :)

Yeah and for T20 thats great but imo bosman fires maybe 1/10 times....

I would rather win 9/10 thx.

I would much rather see Gibbs in there as he has been getting runs in the domestic form of the game at pace.

[killadoob]

Gibbs also fires 1/10 times.

If i recall bosman got runs in both those pro 20's hit a 50 and 94 if i recall.

[Devill]

Gibbs also fires 1/10 times.

If i recall bosman got runs in both those pro 20's hit a 50 and 94 if i recall.

He did.

Gibbs fires 5/10 times, 8/10 when he is in good form.

Go look at the domestic cricket. Bosman has done nothing while Gibbs has been doing well.

Bosmans T20 Average is higher than his ODI average... think there might be a reason for that?

Ps Bosman averages 28.28 with a best of 99*
Gibbs averages 35.67 with a best of 175

Could someone please get the runs scored by bosman in the MTN40 and by Gibbs in the MTN40?

[Pegasus]

I am willing to bet that "say" is close as you can get to a vote if not more;)



Yeah and for T20 thats great but imo bosman fires maybe 1/10 times....

I would rather win 9/10 thx.

I would much rather see Gibbs in there as he has been getting runs in the domestic form of the game at pace.

There's 11 players in the team, so 1/10 is above average. ;)

[killadoob]

So bosman hits 50 odd and 94 in 2 pro 20's and you are calling for gibbs?

Odd to me, damn give the guy a chance. I say. Gibbs is finished for SA i think.

[phoneJunky]

There's 11 players in the team, so 1/10 is above average. ;)

There is only about 6-8 batsmen in a team, so 1/10 is below average.

[Chris]

MTN 40 ODI batting stats (http://www.supersport.com/cricket/content.aspx?id=19489&cat=543)

Bosman is not even on there. I am not surprised. Killa how can you say Gibbs is finished when he is the top run scorer and has the second highest SR on that list. Don't be ridiculous, he has earned himself the right to be in the ODI team.

[chutzpah44]

He did.



Ps Bosman averages 28.28 with a best of 99*
Gibbs averages 35.67 with a best of 175

Could someone please get the runs scored by bosman in the MTN40 and by Gibbs in the MTN40?

Gibbs H Cobras 9 3 121 477 79.50
Bosman LLDolphins 8 44 140 17.50

[Devill]

So bosman hits 50 odd and 94 in 2 pro 20's and you are calling for gibbs?

Odd to me, damn give the guy a chance. I say. Gibbs is finished for SA i think.

:erm: We are not playing pro 20s in India are we?

As ODI bowlers/batsmen are not necessarily good test batsmen, so are pro20 players not necessarily good ODI players ;)

You have yet to answer the me if you think there might be a reason why bosmans pro20 average is higher than his ODI one.


There's 11 players in the team, so 1/10 is above average. ;)

Maybe redo stats 1 ;)

[killadoob]

Well bosman has not been able to show what he can do in the one day format now has he and the odi format for an opener is not that different to a pro 20.

first 10 overs are the like the first 6 of a t20 so it is exactly the same so using my theory an opening t20 batsmen should be a great opening odi batsmen as for tests well i think it is clear to see bosman is no test player :D.

ODI's are also not tests, those first 10-15 overs can determine your fate.

[Devill]

Well bosman has not been able to show what he can do in the one day format now has he and the odi format for an opener is not that different to a pro 20.

first 10 overs are the like the first 6 of a t20 so it is exactly the same so using my theory an opening t20 batsmen should be a great opening odi batsmen as for tests well i think it is clear to see bosman is no test player :D.

ODI's are also not tests, those first 10-15 overs can determine your fate.

Oh he has shown us what he can do in ODIs....

Averages 20.40 at a strike rate of 86.44 with a highest of 88 against Zim....

Next highest is 39 then 38 then 22 and the rest are all single figures.

Gibbs averages 36.30 with a highest of 175 and a strike rate of 83.32

Also it is clear to see who is in form... or did you not have a look at the MTN 40 Top 20 list?

[Smooth Criminal]

I don't expect anything special in India. Not because of our performance, but either because they'll most likely bat for 2 days each on those flat tracks for a draw, or India will prepare a dust bowl that renders pace almost useless.

The ODIs I'm not too sure about, seeing that we're not in the best form at the moment.

[killadoob]

Ok so bosman has had the amount of time in SA team that gibbs has had? Bosman has the peace of mind of knowing he will be selected in just about every game?

No no i think bosman needs to be given a chance just like gibbs has been given for the last 10-12 years or whatever. Comparing gibbs SA career to bosman is idiotic to say the least but anyhow we will see how he does hopefully.

[Devill]

Ok so bosman has had the amount of time in SA team that gibbs has had? Bosman has the peace of mind of knowing he will be selected in just about every game?

No no i think bosman needs to be given a chance just like gibbs has been given for the last 10-12 years or whatever. Comparing gibbs SA career to bosman is idiotic to say the least but anyhow we will see how he does hopefully.

You still have not answered my question........

Also are you saying that you would pick Queen latifa over Eva mendez for sex if given the choice?

[stefan9]

Well bosman has not been able to show what he can do in the one day format now has he and the odi format for an opener is not that different to a pro 20.

first 10 overs are the like the first 6 of a t20 so it is exactly the same so using my theory an opening t20 batsmen should be a great opening odi batsmen as for tests well i think it is clear to see bosman is no test player :D.

ODI's are also not tests, those first 10-15 overs can determine your fate.

He has had more than his fair chances for the dolphins in the pro40 and failed miserably. To be selected for the proteas you need to show that you can do it at the lower levels. Gibbs has murdered the domestic attacks while bosman has failed. Bosman should not be going to india, amla should be.

[killadoob]

We shall see :D

I would not have sex with either, now say megan fox and we got a deal :D.

[Devill]

We shall see :D

I would not have sex with either, now say megan fox and we got a deal :D.

You would not have sex with:

http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Eva_Mendes/eva_mendes_image__2_.jpg

Are you gay?

[killadoob]

Might a lil gay but she does not hit my spot hey :D

[Devill]

Might a lil gay but she does not hit my spot hey :D

Jip we have another gay Capetonian on myBB....

No wonder you favour bosman... are you looking at vital stats and not cricket stats Killa? :D

[killadoob]

Nope i just like bosman and from what i saw in the t20 he can do the job given the backing.

Say to him you will open in every game in this series. Give him some confidence that if he has one bad innings he will not get replaced. Maybe he is not doing well in the mtn 40 but gibbs has also gone through phases where he has done poorly.

We shall see and i may be totally wrong but i hope not. Time will tell :D.

[Smooth Criminal]

No wonder you favour bosman... are you looking at vital stats and not cricket stats Killa? :D
Maybe he likes the bos on Bosman :P

[killadoob]

LOL

I always enjoy explosive openers and amla is not that and gibbs is out of favour, so gibbs or bosman i do not really care. They went for bosman so all is good :D.

[milomak]

it would be great to see what loots could do in the ODI team if he was given backing like killa states. That being said, I personally wouldn't have chosen him for this tour given his current form.

[Pegasus]

You still have not answered my question........

Also are you saying that you would pick Queen latifa over Eva mendez for sex if given the choice?

Depends who is on top.
Queen Latifah would def give the best head.

[Devill]

Depends who is on top.
Queen Latifah would def give the best head.

Would you be advocating the notion that fat people give the best head cause they are hungry?

[phoneJunky]

Would you be advocating the notion that fat people give the best head cause they are hungry?

lmao, but I think there should be a study on this.

Anyway, back on topic. Duminy only has 3 wickets less than Harris and Harris bowled more than double that amount in the last test if I read the news24 article correctly.

Don't you think we should try another spin combination then, Duminy and Botha?

[Devill]

lmao, but I think there should be a study on this.

Anyway, back on topic. Duminy only has 3 wickets less than Harris and Harris bowled more than double that amount in the last test if I read the news24 article correctly.

Don't you think we should try another spin combination then, Duminy and Botha?

I think Duminy should bowl more he is under used and he does actually turn it.

If he was given proper help he could turn into a more than decent spinner. He could become a great all rounder.

I also think that they must see who is bowling well in the nets and in the warm up games.

[phoneJunky]

In the last decade South Africa dominated the all rounder list with Kallis, Pollock and Klusener. Hope we can add a few more to the list.

[Devill]

In the last decade South Africa dominated the all rounder list with Kallis, Pollock and Klusener. Hope we can add a few more to the list.

Would be great to have a spinning all rounder though.

We have 2 great fasst bowlers in the making in Steyn and Morkel. Parnell and De Wet also look like they will step up sooner rather than later and McLaren (im not a big fan) is there for the seaming all rounder option.

I hope duminy fixes his batting problems and in the same time takes some time to work on his bowling to become a fully fledged all rounder.

[stefan9]

Would be great to have a spinning all rounder though.

We have 2 great fasst bowlers in the making in Steyn and Morkel. Parnell and De Wet also look like they will step up sooner rather than later and McLaren (im not a big fan) is there for the seaming all rounder option.

I hope duminy fixes his batting problems and in the same time takes some time to work on his bowling to become a fully fledged all rounder.

Don't think De Wet will last long. He is already 29 and with his cronic back injuries it could be very hard to come back.

If parnell performs well in india its going to be very hard for de wet to get back in. Really bad luck for him to pickup that injury when he did.

Duminy will come right with his batting. Just going throw those growing pains that ab and kallis also did. He also offers a great second spinning option, means we can play 4 pace men and 2 spinners in india.

[OzzieCapie]

Amla seems to be SA's Shane Watson, always gets dropped for no particular reason,

Very poor example.

On the contrary...if Watson had not been given as many chances as he has been given over the years, he would not be in the position he is.
No-one else has had so many chances to prove himself.

The selectors have been desparate for Watson to perform for many years in the search of an all rounder.

The reason he kept getting dropped is that he kept getting injured, and when he wasn't, he never performed...yet they kept bringing him back when he was ready.
His recent run is the longest that he has been uninjured and this time he has taken his chances.
Btw his injuries and rehab has been part of some research into back injuries causing limb injuries.

What has this got to do with team...anyway, perhaps the selectors re looking for an opener that can do something different rather than more of the same...and that may be all it is.

[Vis1/0N]

Should have worked Bosman back into the team during the England tour, then taken him to India thereafter. He must be in their plans for coming World cup. I think in Bosman's top form he will be spectacular, but he will always give a chance, and it will be a spectacular 10-30 runs more often than big contributions. He is not quite the Sanath.

[Sting]

Interesting watching the Dolphins batting first against the Titans today... Bosman and Amla opening the batting.

I prefer Amla.

[Mamajyot]

Amla does not deserve the crap treatment.
If he did not have the beard Proctor would have selected him!

[killadoob]

So you are basically calling a proctor a racist?

Hmmm interesting. Why do people pull the race card so much. it gets pathetic after awhile.

[Morgoth]

So you are basically calling a proctor a racist?

Hmmm interesting. Why do people pull the race card so much. it gets pathetic after awhile.

no his calling Amla a terrorist!

[Mamajyot]

Hi
Please could you give me/us a plausible explanation why Amla left out?
Also, use stats and acceptable evidence.

BTW: Did u see Amla destroy the Titans on the way to MTN finals???

Titan's suck!!!

[Sting]

no his calling Amla a terrorist!

Dean Jones?

[OzzieCapie]

So you are basically calling a proctor a racist?

Hmmm interesting. Why do people pull the race card so much. it gets pathetic after awhile.

No...he just looks bloody ridiculous with the beard...enough reason to drop him:D

[Devill]

Interesting watching the Dolphins batting first against the Titans today... Bosman and Amla opening the batting.

I prefer Amla.

+1 I was there yesterday and although he did have a shaky couple of shots he showed (again) that he bats fast and well enough for ODIs.

BTW the one six he hit was one of the best cricket shots that I have seen in the last 6 months.


Hi
Please could you give me/us a plausible explanation why Amla left out?
Also, use stats and acceptable evidence.

BTW: Did u see Amla destroy the Titans on the way to MTN finals???

Titan's suck!!!

Can you give us a plausible explanation why proctor is a racist?

Can you maybe give us some graphs and some charts to back this statement up?

//I repeat kids: "Don't smoke crack" :rolleyes:

[Stephen]

There might be injury concerns in the Indian camp to their batting line up


http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/23601/Dravid-Yuvraj-doubtful-for-1st-SA-Test-Kirsten


Key batsmen Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh, both nursing injuries, are doubtful starters for the first Test against South Africa, India coach Gary Kirsten said.

"Yuvi (Yuvraj) will be out for a while. He would be struggling for the first Test (against South Africa). And for Dravid, he is also not sure. It is a bit of concern because we want a full strength side against South Africa," Kirsten said.

Dravid had his cheek bone fractured by a Shahadat Hossain bouncer yesterday after which he retired hurt. Yuvraj too has a ligament tear in his left wrist, which ruled out his further participation in the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh.

India's first Test against South Africa begins on February 6 in Nagpur.

"It is a difficult situation we are in. But you cannot do anything about injuries. It's out of our control. We have to wait and watch and what stands for these players in the few days ahead," Kirsten said.

The South African, however, assured that Sachin Tendulkar was fine.

"Sachin is all right, he is fine," said Kirsten.

Tendulkar came tumbling down while trying to catch Tamim Iqbal off Virender Sehwag.

Kirsten said despite their injuries, Dravid and Yuvraj would not be sent home.

"It was quite a nasty hit on Rahul and we have to see if he needs to consult a specialist. He is not going back now. Yuvi had torn cartilages on his left wrist, but he will also stay back," Kirsten said.

Dwelling on the match, Kirsten conceded his bowlers were not too impressive today.

"We did not bowl as good as we can though the wicket is not easy for the bowlers. After taking a 300-plus lead, you want early breakthroughs and knock the opposition down as soon as possible. There might have been some impatience," he said.

Bangladesh rode on the record 200-run stand between Tamim Iqbal (151) and Jumnaid Siddique (55) to reach 228 for three, having lost two quick wickets in the final session.

"We are happy that we got two quick wickets towards the close. We did well towards the close of play. Zaheer Khan was getting reverse swing from his final overs. The wicket will deteriorate tomorrow and hopefully it will assist the spinners," Kirsten added.

"We are leading by 83 runs and we want to get early wickets tomorrow morning. There are two more days to go and we are backing ourselves to win the game," he said.

Asked about Tamim Iqbal's aggressive 151, Kirsten said, "He is an aggressive player. We have Virender Sehwag like him. It is good for your team. An aggressive player at the top of the order can damage the opposition by knocking off quick runs early on."

[Morgoth]

Dean Jones?

calling a spade a spade :D

[Mamajyot]

I see that CSA reads my posts.
Proctor has been sacked as selector.
No doubt its related to Hashim not being selected.

[undesign]

I see that CSA reads my posts.
Proctor has been sacked as selector.
No doubt its related to Hashim not being selected.

Not selected for the India tour?

[Mamajyot]

Not selected for the India tour?

for the ODI series.

[undesign]

for the ODI series.

Oh OK, thanks.

[killadoob]

Hashim was selected though just not for the ODI side which i agree with so i highly doubt it was that.

It may have been they refused to select ntini or some player of colour to make up a quota and got fired. Let's hope this is not the case.

[Devill]

I see that CSA reads my posts.
Proctor has been sacked as selector.
No doubt its related to Hashim not being selected.

Yes they drop an asian player(amla) for a black player(bosman) and then they boot the selectors and the coach for not bringing in the qoutas.

Seriously?! Do you even know what cricket is? Do you know we are post apartheid? Post WW2?

You seem lost and confused mate and you make little to no sense.

[stefan9]

India's squad:


Badrinath and Mithun in India squad

Cricinfo staff

January 28, 2010
Text size: A | A
S Badrinath remained unbeaten on 93 at the end of the first day, Tamil Nadu v Karnataka, Ranji Trophy Super League, Group A, 3rd round, Chennai, 1st day, November 23, 2007
S Badrinath could finally be in line for his Test debut © Cricinfo Ltd
Related Links
News : Indian selectors sweat over fitness reports
Players/Officials: Subramaniam Badrinath | Abhimanyu Mithun | Wriddhiman Saha
Series/Tournaments: South Africa tour of India
Teams: India

S Badrinath, the Tamil Nadu batsman, was virtually assured of a Test debut after he was one of only six specialist batsmen named in the 15-man squad for the first Test against South Africa. During their tour of Bangladesh, India lost Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh to injuries, but the selectors named just one batting replacement. The squad also featured Karnataka fast bowler Abhimanyu Mithun as replacement for the injured Sreesanth, and Bengal wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha for Dinesh Karthik, dropped presumably for his irresponsible shot and a duck in the Chittagong Test. VVS Laxman, who injured his hand while going for a slip catch in Chittagong, was deemed fit.

The long injury list meant the selectors picked the squad only for the first Test, which begins in Nagpur on February 6. They will reassess the fitness of players and the performance of the replacements before naming the side for the second Test. A BCCI release, however, all but ruled out Dravid and Yuvraj of the second Test as well. Dravid, who fractured his cheekbone after getting hit by a Shahadat Hossain bouncer in Mirpur, was advised three weeks' rest, the release said. It also said that Yuvraj was out for the whole series. Kris Srikkanth, the chairman of selectors, though, said they would reassess the injury status after the first Test.

Saha's selection, ahead of Karthik, was prompted by the back problems MS Dhoni has suffered of late. Saha was signed up by Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugural edition of the IPL, and managed 318 runs in five games at 39.75 in 2009-10 Ranji season.

Sreesanth, who picked up a hamstring injury in Chittagong and missed the Mirpur Test, was recovering at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. "I am recovering well and thought I would be fit enough for the full series against South Africa," he told the Hindu, a day before the selection. "But it seems to be taking a little more time and I should be good enough for the second Test and one-dayers." Mithun, his replacement, was rewarded for a sensational debut Ranji season, during which he took a hat-trick in his first match, led Karnataka to the final, and ended as the leading wicket-taker, scalping 47 at 23.23 apiece.

The Indian selectors also named a squad for Board President's XI's two-day match against the South Africans in Nagpur. Rohit Sharma was appointed captain while Mithun was also part of that squad in order to give him a look-in ahead of the Test. The big omission from the list of 14 was Wasim Jaffer, who scored 638 Ranji Trophy runs at 53.16 this season. It was a clear message that the selectors wanted to invest in youth for these tour games, and not bring back players who have been tested at the top before. Abhishek Nayar, at 26 years, was the oldest player in the side.

India squad for first Test: MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, S Badrinath, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, M Vijay, Sudeep Tyagi, Abhimanyu Mithun, Wriddhiman Saha.

Board President's XI: Abhinav Mukund, Parthiv Patel (wk), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma (capt), Manish Pandey, Cheteshwar Pujara, Abhishek Nayar, Piyush Chawla, R Ashwin, R Vinay Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun, Shikhar Dhawan, Umesh Yadav, Manpreet Gony.

[paddy_za]

I reckon we are gonna cook this series. Our bowlers were really starting to come into form towards the end of the English series. Stoked to see Duminy ripping a few off those crusty pitches. Harris not so much...

[Devill]

only 5 more days :D

Woooohoooooo :D:D

My team:
Smith
Amla
Kallis
AB
Duminy
Prince
Boucher
Parnell
Morkel
Steyn
Botha / Harris

[paddy_za]

botha instead of harris please! otherwise, sweet side:>

[Devill]

botha instead of harris please! otherwise, sweet side:>

Yeah with parnell in the side Botha will find some extra rough outside off stump that he can bowl into to the righthander batsman.

[stefan9]

I will still stick with harris. Harry had two bad tests vs england but he still better than botha imho.

[paddy_za]

Are you serious? Have you seen harris try to bat? My mother has more batting technique than him. Not to mention the fact that he doesn't actually spin the ball?

[Morgoth]

Are you serious? Have you seen harris try to bat? My mother has more batting technique than him. Not to mention the fact that he doesn't actually spin the ball?

The Indian pitches will extract natural spin, they always prepare it that way in order to assist their bowlers..

[paddy_za]

Yes, however, Botha is a better batsman, fielder, leader and spinner of the ball. So which do you suppose is the more logical choice?:)

[Morgoth]

Yes, however, Botha is a better batsman, fielder, leader and spinner of the ball. So which do you suppose is the more logical choice?:)

imho try and play both of them, the Indian light will allow you 4-5 extra overs per day with 2 spinners. unless we are talking about JP bowling again,

[stefan9]

Are you serious? Have you seen harris try to bat? My mother has more batting technique than him. Not to mention the fact that he doesn't actually spin the ball?

We are picking a test side not an odi side. Harris has shown before that he can contribute, he put on 80 with jp at melbourne before the epic jp/steyn partnership. Yes he looks akward but he does his job. Strange how someone who doesn't spin the ball always outbowls botha in the super sport series.

[paddy_za]

I rate JP... I feel if he works at his bowling he could become very effective. These days a spinner is expected to be able to pull his weight in other facets of the game besides his bowling. (batting, fielding etc) Harris IMHO is a very incomplete player in this regard. All this being said, he's a really nice dude and a good character to have in your team and I think that could be one of the reasons they have been persisting with him...

[Stephen]

Warm up game score so far

Indian Board won the toss

Indian Board President's XI 1st innings

A Mukund c Duminy b Steyn 8
PA Patel† c Smith b M Morkel 8
AM Rahane c M Morkel b Parnell 12
RG Sharma* c Harris b Parnell 20
MK Pandey not out 43
CA Pujara not out 16

Extras (lb 4, nb 2) 6

Total (4 wickets; 28 overs) 113 (4.03 runs per over)

Bowling O M R W Econ

DW Steyn 6 2 14 1 2.33
M Morkel 5 0 17 1 3.40
LL Tsotsobe 6 2 20 0 3.33 (1nb)
WD Parnell 5 1 15 2 3.00 (1nb)
PL Harris 6 0 43 0 7.16


This is the score at lunch

[sox63]

Warm up game score so far

Indian Board won the toss

Indian Board President's XI 1st innings

A Mukund c Duminy b Steyn 8
PA Patel† c Smith b M Morkel 8
AM Rahane c M Morkel b Parnell 12
RG Sharma* c Harris b Parnell 20
MK Pandey not out 43
CA Pujara not out 16

Extras (lb 4, nb 2) 6

Total (4 wickets; 28 overs) 113 (4.03 runs per over)

Bowling O M R W Econ

DW Steyn 6 2 14 1 2.33
M Morkel 5 0 17 1 3.40
LL Tsotsobe 6 2 20 0 3.33 (1nb)
WD Parnell 5 1 15 2 3.00 (1nb)
PL Harris 6 0 43 0 7.16


This is the score at lunch

It seems the Indian batsmen are ALREADY showing a fondness for Harris.

Imagine Tendulkar and Co chomping at the bit to get at him. :o

[venom]

lol @ them spanking Harris.

On the Harris vs Botha issue: If Harris gets it right, which he is currently not, then he will pose more of a threat to the Indian batsmen than Botha will. Those guys will murder a second-rate offspinner. And don't forget that Harris outperformed the Pakistan spinners in their own turf not too long ago. Duminy spins it more than both of them, but that alone will not guarantee success.

[Mamajyot]

It seems the Indian batsmen are ALREADY showing a fondness for Harris.

Imagine Tendulkar and Co chomping at the bit to get at him. :o

And this is just an invitational side.
Hell, boje is better than both botha and harris imo.

[Stephen]

And this is just an invitational side.
Hell, boje is better than both botha and harris imo.

Ah the Troll is back

One thing i I need explaining. I am still trying to figure out who at first class level is better than Harris. If said bowler can spin the ball more than Harris, why hasnt said person taken more wickets than Harris

[sox63]

Ah the Troll is back

One thing i I need explaining. I am still trying to figure out who at first class level is better than Harris. If said bowler can spin the ball more than Harris, why hasnt said person taken more wickets than Harris

IMO, if Harris is the best we can offer, he is going to get spanked all over the place.

We may as well pick Mclaren over him to bolster our batting, and let Duminy do his bit. At least he can spin the ball. :D

[Devill]

Ah the Troll is back

One thing i I need explaining. I am still trying to figure out who at first class level is better than Harris. If said bowler can spin the ball more than Harris, why hasnt said person taken more wickets than Harris

I agree but atm harris is not in form at all. If he does not find it later today or even tomorrow then I will not pick him for the first test.

Good to see tsotsobe in there. IMO he is not a strike bowler (the kind you need in test match cricket) on sub continental pitches but some game time for him here and hopefully in the ODIs :D

[paddy_za]

Ah the Troll is back

One thing i I need explaining. I am still trying to figure out who at first class level is better than Harris. If said bowler can spin the ball more than Harris, why hasnt said person taken more wickets than Harris

I think Harris has been exceptionally lucky... This series is going to show him up for the incomplete player he really is:P

[sox63]

Bowling O M R W Econ
DW Steyn 9 4 17 1 1.88

M Morkel 7 0 22 2 3.14

LL Tsotsobe 6 2 20 0 3.33 (1nb)

WD Parnell 8 1 42 2 5.25 (3nb)

PL Harris 12 0 70 0 5.83

J Botha 8 0 25 1 3.12 (5nb)

R McLaren 5 0 29 0 5.80 (4nb)

JP Duminy 1 1 0 0 0.00



It seems both Botha and Harris are playing in this game, and Botha is doing a far better job of it.

[paddy_za]

It seems both Botha and Harris are playing in this game, and Botha is doing a far better job of it.

What about JP?:P

[Stephen]

I think Harris has been exceptionally lucky... This series is going to show him up for the incomplete player he really is:P

Please explain with examples, dying to hear your theory

[paddy_za]

Please explain with examples, dying to hear your theory

Na, that is tedious. Lets rather just wait and see what happens.

[AirWolf]

8 bowlers in that list - which other 3 are playing in this game?

[sox63]

8 bowlers in that list - which other 3 are playing in this game?



Players per side 15 (11 batting, 11 fielding)




South Africans team
GC Smith*, HM Amla, J Botha, MV Boucher†, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, PL Harris, JH Kallis, R McLaren, M Morkel, WD Parnell, AN Petersen, AG Prince, DW Steyn, LL Tsotsobe


It seems the whole bloody squad is getting a run. :D

[Devill]

They are :D

[LancelotSA]

Botha has bowled 8 overs and got 1 wicket for 25 runs..... he has, however, been no balled 5 times.... I hope those weren't for his bowling action as that could put paid to his chances.

[stefan9]

Botha has bowled 8 overs and got 1 wicket for 25 runs..... he has, however, been no balled 5 times.... I hope those weren't for his bowling action as that could put paid to his chances.

Umpires don't call that on the field anymore. There is no way the human eye can judge whether its 15 degrees. If they have an issue they report the player to the match referee and it goes from there. But seems botha is bowling himself into the test side, or harris is bowling himself out of the test side.

[Devill]

AG Prince lbw b Ashwin 42 (114) SR 36.84

GC Smith* c †Patel b Mithun 45 (60) SR 75.00
The two SA wickets to have fallen.

[Devill]

JH Kallis retired hurt 63 (58) SR108.62 8 fours and 3 sixes?!

HM Amla retired hurt 72 (112) 64.28

Nice.

[paddy_za]

Hope they aren't badly hurt..

[Stephen]

The two SA wickets to have fallen.

AB was out as well

AB de Villiers b Chawla 27(54) SR 90.0

[Stephen]

Hope they aren't badly hurt..

No they say "retired hurt", when the batsmen stops batting to give another person a chance.

[paddy_za]

No they say "retired hurt", when the batsmen stops batting to give another person a chance.

And what do they say when they retire because they are hurt?

[Stephen]

And what do they say when they retire because they are hurt?

They actually say the same thing, I guess its the way the scoring works

[stefan9]

Batsmen retire hurt regularly in tour games to insure everyone gets a hit before the real stuff starts. Nothing to worry. Not a good batting display though.

[Devill]

Batsmen retire hurt regularly in tour games to insure everyone gets a hit before the real stuff starts. Nothing to worry. Not a good batting display though.

Kallis lloked in good form ;)

[paddy_za]

Was this game televised? Damn I can't wait for Sat! Amped for some test crickey!

[stefan9]

Kallis lloked in good form ;)

Was talking genereally. Kallis and amla did well before retiring. The other 4 got starts but didn't go on, the rest except for steyn seemed to struggle judging by the scoreboard. But we will see on saturday, guys need to realise in the subcontinent you need to go and get big tons to setup the game. Can't wait for saturday even with all the issues I have a good feeling about our chances.

[Devill]

Was talking genereally. Kallis and amla did well before retiring. The other 4 got starts but didn't go on, the rest except for steyn seemed to struggle judging by the scoreboard. But we will see on saturday, guys need to realise in the subcontinent you need to go and get big tons to setup the game. Can't wait for saturday even with all the issues I have a good feeling about our chances.

I am also very very excisted to have the tests start :D

[I am Penguin]

I am also very very excisted to have the tests start :D

Circumcised?

[Stephen]

Was talking genereally. Kallis and amla did well before retiring. The other 4 got starts but didn't go on, the rest except for steyn seemed to struggle judging by the scoreboard. But we will see on saturday, guys need to realise in the subcontinent you need to go and get big tons to setup the game. Can't wait for saturday even with all the issues I have a good feeling about our chances.

I think the lower order were just trying to play shots, Boucher only got in after tea and the ball that got De Villiers shot along the ground


The tea break arrives with De Villiers being bowled by a scuttler from Chawla that barely got above ankle height.

[Devill]

Looks like Botha might get the nod. Wonder if they will play 2 spinners... the rumours are a dust bowl pitch for the first test.

[stefan9]

Looks like Botha might get the nod. Wonder if they will play 2 spinners... the rumours are a dust bowl pitch for the first test.

They won't. Not with duminy being more than a decent second option. They will back the 3 pacemen to do it with reverse swing. Genereally a pitch that dusts also provides uneven bounce and reverse. Even aus when they won in india won with their seamer not warne. The spinners needs to contribute but indians genereally play them very well so your seamers play a big role if you want to win.

[killadoob]

Playing 2 weak spinners against india in india?

Sounds like a horrid idea to me.

[sox63]

Playing 2 weak spinners against india in india?

Sounds like a horrid idea to me.

+1

[Mamajyot]

India will triumph!

Jai Hind!

[killadoob]

Well it all boils down to how we play their spinners surely? We hate spin.

[sox63]

Well it all boils down to how we play their spinners surely? We hate spin.

I think hate may be too strong a word to describe it. The majority of our top six dont seem to play them with confidence for a prolonged period.

AB is the only one, IMO, who seems to play them confidently ALL the time. It has proven to be his downfall a few times, particularly that "chip" shot of his to mid wicket. But other than that, when he is facing spinners, as a spectator, you get the feeling that he is looking to be positive and is prepared to use his feet.

The other guys seem to me to just play the ball from the pitch on the back foot, which is too re-active for me, and any captain would have men around the bat ALL the time to wait for when they make a mistake in reading the spin.

[stefan9]

Good news for us. All three of sharma,vijay and badrinath can play but it will be big pressure on gambhir,shewag and sachin if laxman isn't there. Having three inexperienced players in a top order is always a worry.


Rohit called up as cover for Laxman

Cricinfo staff

February 4, 2010
Text size: A | A
Rohit Sharma watches the ball go past the slips, Mumbai v Punjab, Ranji Trophy Su[per League, Mumbai, December 19, 2008
Rohit Sharma is part of the squad after concerns over VVS Laxman's injury © Cricinfo Ltd
Related Links
News : Injured Laxman out of Bangladesh series
Players/Officials: MS Dhoni | VVS Laxman | Rohit Sharma
Series/Tournaments: South Africa tour of India
Teams: India

The Indian selectors have called up Rohit Sharma to the squad for the first Test against South Africa as cover for VVS Laxman. Laxman hasn't fully recovered from the finger injury he sustained while fielding during the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong last month.

Captaining the Indian Board President's XI in the tour game against the South Africans, Rohit managed just 20 but was delighted with his selection. "It feels good that I've been asked to stay back...Bahut hi achcha lag raha hai (I'm feeling great)," he told the Kolkata-based Telegraph.

This is the first time Rohit is part of the Test squad since the 2008 visit to Sri Lanka. He was in fine form during the Ranji Trophy this season, making 527 at 87.83, including a highest of 309* against Gujarat.

Meanwhile, Laxman skipped the team's fielding practice on Wednesday afternoon, but did have a bat at the nets.

India will be sweating over the injuries that have dogged the side of late - key batsmen Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh and fast bowler Sreesanth have already been ruled out of this match.

Captain MS Dhoni, though, looked to have recovered fully from the back spasms which forced him to miss the Chittagong Test. "One can't have any control over injuries. Obviously, we'll miss Dravid. It's like a captain having no control at all over the toss."

[alf101]

SA 17 /2

Kuk start

[killadoob]

Relax, SA is normally 2 down or even 3 down early :D. Recovery in progress. At the moment we are batting a player short in most games as prince is useless and so out of form. another duck :eek:

I think when he bats again he should come and play pro 20 rather, i mean surely whatever he is doing ain't working for him. Maybe he just needs to play more positive instead of defensive. Swinging the bat cannot really produce any less ducks i suppose :D

[alf101]

Relax, SA is normally 2 down or even 3 down early :D. Recovery in progress. At the moment we are batting a player short in most games as prince is useless and so out of form. another duck :eek:

I think when he bats again he should come and play pro 20 rather, i mean surely whatever he is doing ain't working for him. Maybe he just needs to play more positive instead of defensive. Swinging the bat cannot really produce any less ducks i suppose :D

India is the one place where u actually WANT to open the batting, he can't complain this time.

Anyway, Kallis scoring quickly. 55 runs in a session for him, must be a personal best for him.

[LancelotSA]

Interesting new feature on cricinfo (well new to me) with hawkeye now featuring. Pitch maps, bee hives, wagon wheels, even on going win/loss predictor to take a peek at.

http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/data/500/medium/Clipboard0133.jpg

[LancelotSA]

India is the one place where u actually WANT to open the batting, he can't complain this time.

Yes, he can!


Not everything conspired against India, though: a sharp bouncer from Zaheer hit Ashwell Prince on the arm guard and the batsman was given out caught behind. Perhaps used to the review system, he wanted to challenge the decision, but had to take the walk back.

Now there was a lot of criticism about not having hot spot in SA but why aren't they using anything in India?

[alf101]

Nice 100 from Kallis.
Hope nobody mentions that he doesn't have a 200 yet, he always gets out shortly after.

[LancelotSA]

Nice 100 from Kallis.
Hope nobody mentions that he doesn't have a 200 yet, he always gets out shortly after.

Um, I think you just did! :)

Also important to note that he has a strike rate of 62! Exceptional batting!

[Devill]

Nice 100 from Kallis.
Hope nobody mentions that he doesn't have a 200 yet, he always gets out shortly after.

STFU! :p:D

Well gillespie has one... hahahahahha thats funny.

Ps I did say kallis looked in good form didnt I? :D

[killadoob]

A tail ender has 200 but not one of the all time great 5 day batsmen? That is rather alarming :D Hope he gets one before he is forced to retire.

[alf101]

Think his high score is still 189 against Zim.

Wouldn't my high score against them (Like Hayden).

[sand_man]

A quite stunning recovery by Amla and Kallis. Kallis is going to get 300 this test!!!! :)

BTW what's with the poor crowd attendance?

[Fiekus]

A quite stunning recovery by Amla and Kallis. Kallis is going to get 300 this test!!!! :)

BTW what's with the poor crowd attendance?

Kallis almost always falls in the morning after being set overnight.... hope not this time, OR he has to get that 200 tonight still :)

[sand_man]

Kallis almost always falls in the morning after being set overnight.... hope not this time, OR he has to get that 200 tonight still :)
Agreed, going to be interesting to see what happens with the new ball..

[OzzieCapie]

Nothing on Pay TV in Aus...not even highlights..enough repeats of old rugby league and 20/20...time to ditch the Foxtel methinks...more channels more junk....only things we watch are ocassional Discovery and Nat Geo or the girls have it on endless repeats of old (insert old sitcom), Law & order etc
Don't watch EPL anymore either and free TV has more than enough good TV one can watch.

[Chris]

Why are they allowed to bowl more than 90 overs?

I thought once you had bowled your quota for the day you could get off the field?

Not that it's bad for SA... :p

[cybershark]

Nice, 291/2 at the close, Kallis* 159 (290), Amla* 115 (225).

[Sting]

Why are they allowed to bowl more than 90 overs?

I thought once you had bowled your quota for the day you could get off the field?

Not that it's bad for SA... :p

It's a minimum of 90 overs per day...

[Chris]

It's a minimum of 90 overs per day...

Technically speaking anyway :p

I remember the SA/Eng series... wow we lost a lot of overs to 'delaying tactics' yet no punishment was forthcoming.

[R13...]

Kallis GONE! No double for him:(

[AirWolf]

Damn, I really thought he was going to get it this time :(

[Sting]

AB scratching around - hope he fires today!!

[sox63]

What the hell did they put on the pitch overnight??? Its turning sideways!! :eek:

[Vis1/0N]

Kallis almost always falls in the morning after being set overnight.... hope not this time, OR he has to get that 200 tonight still :)

That albatross on his back is growing huge, the overnight 159 to 173 while Amla scored more this morning (don't know about balls faced this morning). It must have been affecting him. Kallis needs to get 3 doubles and maybe a triple to transcend into ultimate greatness ( my list ). Not just one.

Hundreds by Kallis seem like failure, actually it should be kudo's to him. But it is hard to see a beautiful maiden's face when there is the huge ugly mole.

[killadoob]

What did you guys kallis's over night avg is again? 18 or something stupid so he was never going to make it :D.

Vision some of the hottest females have a big mole on their face :D

[sand_man]

Cindy Crawford :love:

[Mamajyot]

Well done Hashim on your maiden double hundred!

[Mamajyot]

AB scratching around - hope he fires today!!

He's looking very good now with 52*

[OzzieCapie]

Well done Hashim on your maiden double hundred!

Kallis yet to get one after 34 hundreds and Amla adds his name to the list.

[Mamajyot]

Kallis yet to get one after 34 hundreds and Amla adds his name to the list.

I rather have 34 hundreds with no double than 10 hundreds with 3 doubles!

[cr@zydude]

Well done Hashim on your maiden double hundred!


I rather have 34 hundreds with no double than 10 hundreds with 3 doubles!

Well done Amla.

Look they are both great cricketers, the thing is, Jaqcue is nearing the end of his carrer, and the double hundred will be a blck mark on his amazing record. He will go down as SA's greatest player, with or without the double hundred, but for a palyer that great is sad not to have done it. Maybe it will happen, maybe not, he'll still get my vot efor SA's best player.

[sand_man]

I rather have 34 hundreds with no double than 10 hundreds with 3 doubles!
+1, I don't get the obsession with double hundreds...

I would rather a batsman gets 54 every innings than a triple then a duck for the next 6 innings...

Kallis's average is a whopping 54.8. Who honestly cares how he gets them???!!

[Mamajyot]

Well done Amla.

Look they are both great cricketers, the thing is, Jaqcue is nearing the end of his carrer, and the double hundred will be a blck mark on his amazing record. He will go down as SA's greatest player, with or without the double hundred, but for a palyer that great is sad not to have done it. Maybe it will happen, maybe not, he'll still get my vot efor SA's best player.

Point taken. No disrespect meant to either players they have my respect!

[phiber]

They drop the referral system for this series ? I though they had to use it everywhere until May ?

[LancelotSA]

I rather have 34 hundreds with no double than 10 hundreds with 3 doubles!

I'm with you on this one. In fact I will take it even further and say that it is your average that matters more. When people discuss Donald Bradman I am yet to hear them mention the number of centuries or double centuries he got. All discussions revolve around his average.

In fact look at the people on this very forum who claim Graeme Smith is not as great as his average indicates as he has some really big scores in there which affect it.... you may be better off not getting those huge scores as it gives your critics less ammo.

I personally don't give a damn if he gets a double hundred or not. He is still a great player. If not one of the greatest.

[LancelotSA]

Why is it when things aren't going your way you get all the rough decisions?


Khan to Prince, OUT, 128.4 kph, Given out caught behind but it went of the arm-guard. Now then... now then .. What a ferocious delivery. Zaheer Khan serves up a well-directed bouncer at the face. A stunned Prince takes out the bottom-hand off the handle and offers the bat as a face-shield. The ball crashes into the arm-guard and pops up to Dhoni. It has been given out. Prince staggers out towards Smith, perhaps asking whether we have UDRS here. No. And off he goes.
Unlucky Prince.


Harbhajan Singh to Duminy, OUT, flighted from round the stumps, on the middle and leg line, Duminy misses the sweep shot and is struck right in front of the middle. Hawk eye suggests it would have bounced over the off stump. Hmm...

[sand_man]

They drop the referral system for this series ? I though they had to use it everywhere until May ?Yeah what's up with that? Hawk eye had the ball just going over off stump. Would JP have appealed that decision one wonders?

Unlucky, his poor run continues

[Morgoth]

to me kallis won't make the list of all time great batsmen, but would be close to the top when it comes to all time great all-rounders. (Sobers/Waught might beat him )

As for bradman - he played in an era with poor bowling imho, when Jardine implemented Body line his average dropped,

[Morgoth]

Why is it when things aren't going your way you get all the rough decisions?

law of attraction :D

[sand_man]

to me kallis won't make the list of all time great batsmen, but would be close to the top when it comes to all time great all-rounders. (Sobers/Waught might beat him )

As for bradman - he played in an era with poor bowling imho, when Jardine implemented Body line his average dropped,
Well currently he has the 42nd highest average of all time so yeah I would include him in the list of all time great batsman... Certainly SA's greatest of all time..

[Morgoth]

Well currently he has the 42nd highest average of all time so yeah I would include him in the list of all time great batsman... Certainly SA's greatest of all time..

greats player maybe, but for Graeme Pollock/Kirsten makes my list of top batsmen (maybe because they are left handed like myself :D)

[sand_man]

greats player maybe, but for Graeme Pollock/Kirsten makes my list of top batsmen (maybe because they are left handed like myself :D)Gary Kirsten? A more tenacious and hard working batsman you would be hard pressed to find but greatest of all time? Nah...

Pollock awesome, such a pity such limited exposure on the world stage...

Look at Kallis's credentials. (http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=runs;te mplate=results;type=batting)..

Unbelievable!!!

[phiber]

I wonder if SA will declare towards the end of this session.... 530 or so, and put them in for like 45 mins ?? If boucher gets his normal game going i think its on the cards.

[Stephen]

to me kallis won't make the list of all time great batsmen, but would be close to the top when it comes to all time great all-rounders. (Sobers/Waught might beat him )

As for bradman - he played in an era with poor bowling imho, when Jardine implemented Body line his average dropped,

Who is Waught?

If its a typo for Waugh you got to be joking

[Morgoth]

Gary Kirsten? A more tenacious and hard working batsman you would be hard pressed to find but greatest of all time? Nah...

Pollock awesome, such a pity such limited exposure on the world stage...

Look at Kallis's credentials. (http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=runs;te mplate=results;type=batting)..

Unbelievable!!!

Kirsten being an opener would naturally have a lower average, it makes sense, but he is one of my personal favorites, always loved watching him :)

There is no doubt that Kallis is a great player, but I put him on the list of our best All Rounder and not Batsmen,

[Morgoth]

Who is Waught?

If its a typo for Waugh you got to be joking

Steve Waugh?.....

arguably one of Australia's best captains of all time
good medium pace bowler
bloody good batsmen.

makes him an all rounder :)

[Stephen]

Steve Waugh?.....

arguably one of Australia's best captains of all time
good medium pace bowler
bloody good batsmen.

makes him an all rounder :)

Good batsmen yes, but nowhere near Kallis as an allrounder

[phiber]

Gary Kirsten? A more tenacious and hard working batsman you would be hard pressed to find but greatest of all time? Nah...

Pollock awesome, such a pity such limited exposure on the world stage...

Look at Kallis's credentials. (http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=runs;te mplate=results;type=batting)..

Unbelievable!!!

Would have been awesome if GK had the chance to play more than the 10 or so he played. Kallis is exceptional though, definitely the best South African of all time, and def on the top 10 batsmen of all time list in my mind!

Anyways, check Hashim he is playing awesomely.

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/43906.html <---- 16 50's and 7 Hundered... Awesome conversion rate. Nice average too. 41. Think he needs to get that a little closer to 45, but I think he is a fantastic number 3. Now lets see if he can get 278 ;) Provided SA don't declare:P

[Morgoth]

Good batsmen yes, but nowhere near Kallis an an allrounder

being captain counts, and he use to by one of those players, if he had your balls in a vice grip then he would squeeze it even harder :)

[Morgoth]

anyways, I reckon we should bat this one out until another 2 sessions tomorrow morning.

[Stephen]

being captain counts, and he use to by one of those players, if he had your balls in a vice grip then he would squeeze it even harder :)

It was pretty easy with the resources he had available. Would have liked to see Waugh in a frail batting line up that Kallis had to deal with for a long time

[Morgoth]

It was pretty easy with the resources he had available. Would have liked to see Waugh in a frail batting line up that Kallis had to deal with for a long time

that is the thing, Waugh/Taylor's captaincy put players like Mcgrath/warne/Hayden on the map.

[Stephen]

that is the thing, Waugh/Taylor's captaincy put players like Mcgrath/warne/Hayden on the map.

No, it makes captaincy easier

[Morgoth]

another one of our great batsmen arguably (but never got the chance to play due to sanctions) might be Bary Richards (http://www.cricinfo.com/southafrica/content/player/46982.html)

[Morgoth]

No, it makes captaincy easier

When he took over Australia wasn't that 'great' yet, his captaincy put it there and let players like Mcgrath and Warne achieve what they did, remember it is a lot easier to be great in a winning team then a losing one.

[Stephen]

When he took over Australia wasn't that 'great' yet, his captaincy put it there and let players like Mcgrath and Warne achieve what they did, remember it is a lot easier to be great in a winning team then a losing one.

Australia were doing pretty well when he became captain:

http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/team/2.html?class=1;spanmin1=15+Mar+1990;spanval1=span; template=results;type=team;view=series

[Morgoth]

Australia were doing pretty well when he became captain:

http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/team/2.html?class=1;spanmin1=15+Mar+1990;spanval1=span; template=results;type=team;view=series

but weren't that great, up to 1999 they were beatable, SA /Pakistan/Sri Lanka beat them quite regulary, after Waugh took over he took it to an entirely new level, making captaincy for Ponting even easier :)

[LancelotSA]

Not really sure of the relevance of Australia's success under Waugh because as far as I am aware captaincy does not get considered when deciding on the greatest all rounder tag.

[LancelotSA]

Anyways, check Hashim he is playing awesomely.

16 50's and 7 Hundered... Awesome conversion rate. Nice average too. 41. Think he needs to get that a little closer to 45, but I think he is a fantastic number 3. Now lets see if he can get 278 ;) Provided SA don't declare:P

It is currently on 44.22 including this innings. That is not out though, not sure what the loss of his wicket will do to the average. Too lazy to work it out ;)

http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/43906.html?class=1;template=results;type=batting

[OzzieCapie]

I rather have 34 hundreds with no double than 10 hundreds with 3 doubles!

I just said:


Kallis yet to get one after 34 hundreds and Amla adds his name to the list.

Did I say its a bad thing or good thing?

Don't read more into posts thatn you have to, just pointed out that it happenned. Given that Gillespie has one too, it could also be construed that its not big deal.

The bigger deal is how kallis' mindset changes...goes to bed on 150, then comes out like a plodder.

[SlyFly]

Cant believe they declared... Should have given Amla some more time to get 300, told him, get to 300 so we can declare already! That would have put us past 600 and that is a good score I think... Indie looks like they are in a hurry...

[OzzieCapie]

I'm with you on this one. In fact I will take it even further and say that it is your average that matters more. When people discuss Donald Bradman I am yet to hear them mention the number of centuries or double centuries he got. All discussions revolve around his average.

Maybe in your pub.

His average is always mentioned by everyone with the slightest knowledge that he existed, because its such a magical figure and "if he only got 4 runs in the last innings...etc etc", and its the only thing they know about him.

But everytime mention is made -in the cricket savvy pub's- of the 34 100's of a 136 test player or 45 100's of a 165 test player, then it is quickly brought down to earth by:
29 100's in 52 tests ,
conversion of 29/42 of his 50 plus scores to >100,
conversion of 12/29 of his 100 plus scores to >200, and
conversion of 2/12 of his 200 plus to >300 (with one other at 299*)

So if you want to pretend that for some reason scoring 100's or 200's doesn't matter for Kallis, I wonder what the Don would have said.

The other thing to note is that you have to look at Kallis' scores when things matterred, al la Smith's 100's in 4th innings winning chases etc.

That said, on the all rounder debate if one looks at batting and bowling averages, across both forms of the game then Kallis has no match in history, as good and flamboyant as the others may have been.

cheers

[LancelotSA]

That said, on the all rounder debate if one looks at batting and bowling averages, across both forms of the game then Kallis has no match in history, as good and flamboyant as the others may have been.

cheers

Interesting how we revert back to looking at averages when we do that... why is the greatest not judged on the number of 100's scored or the number of 5 wicket hauls?

[Vis1/0N]

Kallìs conversion rate is not that special for a top player. Randomly Hayden , Gambhir, Sehwag, Pietersen have fared better. But then Kallis and Dravid are plodders, often playing in bubbles and only the bad balls regardless of the match situation.

Tendulkar, Lara and Crowe are great players who have played in some poor teams that crumbled easily. Kallis has spent mosr of his career with a decent batting order, and truer wickets. Crowe has an excellent conversion rate, has played in a lowly team, and the trying NZ wickets. Not as many landmarks as Kallis or Dravid though and a poorer average. Volume of runs and average are part of what makes them great players.

I also look for destroyers and similar match winners.

[killadoob]

For me i reckon brian lara has to be the most destructive batsmen of all time :D

400* 778 582 43 4 68.72 3 not out 1 v England St John's :eek: that is just crazy.

[LancelotSA]

For me i reckon brian lara has to be the most destructive batsmen of all time :D

400* 778 582 43 4 68.72 3 not out 1 v England St John's :eek: that is just crazy.

The trouble with something like that is a South African would never be allowed to do that.... and I would not want them to! Already on cricinfo there were people questioning when smith was going to declare when Boucher was in today. That was with the score around 550. To go on and bat to 751 runs, as was the case in that match, makes it obvious that a result was not what WI were after. England was 3-nil up going into that 4th test. The result was a draw.

A similar thing happened before in 1993/1994 season. Lara again scoring 375 at St John's. Again it was in the 1st innings and again the game went on to be drawn. On that occasion though the series was level on 2 a piece going into that 5th test.

There seems to be a fair degree of selfishness going on there....

[killadoob]

Maybe so but for the most part if lara never scored the west indies went out cheaply and lost. So remember lara carried west indian cricket for many years. I wonder what the pressure must be like knowing when you go out to bat you hold the key to not losing a game.

I hear what you are saying though.

[Vis1/0N]

I agree, the raw stats on these landmarks are not everything, context is important as well. For example, I picked Martin Crowe as an example, as he would not readily come to mind as an all time great. Averaging 45, and scoring 18 50's and 17 100's in a lesser team with NZ wickets - rather impressive. (Commenting on reading stats and not the destructiveness.)

I think that that accolade would go to Viv Richards.

[SlyFly]

At the time Brian Lara got those scores he played in a very poor team, that was always the underdog.. So most of the time he could just play, because that ment they wouldnt loose... They didnt play for wins they played not to loose... Its easy to get scores when no one minds you making 400 runs... The problem for Amla today was that South Africa wants to win the test and giving him time to get a bigger score isn't in the interest of the team... But I would have loved to see how much he could have gotten...

[alf101]

For me i reckon brian lara has to be the most destructive batsmen of all time :D

400* 778 582 43 4 68.72 3 not out 1 v England St John's :eek: that is just crazy.

In the 1990's the best batsmen to watch for me was:
Lara
Waugh
Cullinan (yes him)
Mark Waugh

[SlyFly]

Definately Lance Klusener in the 1999 World Cup... Not as a career batsmen but in that Tournament...

Michael Bevan was also a good all-rounder...


In the 1990's the best batsmen to watch for me was:
Lara
Waugh
Cullinan (yes him)
Mark Waugh

[Morgoth]

Micheal Slayter used to be awesome too :D

[Morgoth]

Interesting how we revert back to looking at averages when we do that... why is the greatest not judged on the number of 100's scored or the number of 5 wicket hauls?

it comes down to consistency, average indicates consistency the thing that will never make kallis one of the all time great batsmen in my books is this double century, it shows he cannot play a great innings measured by that caliber.

[OzzieCapie]

Interesting how we revert back to looking at averages when we do that... why is the greatest not judged on the number of 100's scored or the number of 5 wicket hauls?

You like to take people out of context and have an endless argument about nothing.

I said 'IF', i.e. on averages alone yes...but I haven't drilled down to other factors, and have no intent on doing so. On other factors the jury swings towards different all rounders.

The thing that makes Kallis a genuine allrounder is that in all forms of game at one time or other he would have been picked as a bowler or batsman in own right...the averages does support that.

[Sting]

India 69/3

[phoneJunky]

Well done to Amla, and we got a decent start. Hope we can have them 8 down before the end of todays play

[Sting]

119/3 at lunch.

We need to get Sehwag asap. Then either Badrinath or Dhoni and we are into their tail!!!

[phoneJunky]

Sehwag looks good for his hundred... Hope he doesn't do another 319

[Devill]

Sehwag looks good for his hundred... Hope he doesn't do another 319


46.4
Parnell to Sehwag, OUT, 132.4 kph, A wide delivery gets him a wicket though! Sehwag can't believe what he has done. He throws his head back and shuts his eyes as he almost winces in pain as he walks off. It was full and well outside off stump, Sehwag reached out and ended up slicing it to deepish cover. Fifth wide ball in a row. Sehwag falls after a fine knock.

V Sehwag c Duminy b Parnell 109 (139b 15x4 0x6) SR: 78.41

He is in great form but thats is the end of him thankfully :)

[Sting]

196/4

Come on Proteas - one more big one!

[Devill]

196/4

Come on Proteas - one more big one!

Think it more likely 2 more wickets (one being Dhoni) and we have the "tail" exposed. If we can have them xxx/8 at the end of play we should be able to win this one if the pitch does crumble a bit more tomorrow and on day 5.

Might even leave us with a nasty 100-150 to chase :(

[Devill]

Usman Sharif "It adds to greatness to Sehwag that 14 of his 18 hundreds have come against Australia, South Africa, Sri lanka and Pakistan. 4 of the best and threatening bowling attacks. And none of them has come against Bangladesh or Zimbabwe in 7 tests... hmm, true legend?"

From cricinfo :D

[Smooth Criminal]

Dhoni gone :D Come on boys, one more and we're into the tail!

[phoneJunky]

Out is Dhoni - 221/5

[Devill]

57.4
Harris to Dhoni, OUT, Gone! What a way to go. It kicked in from the rough well outside the leg stump, Dhoni just thought it would turn in to hit his body and sort of lazily held his bat up .. but to his horror the ball bounded off his body on to the bat and popped up at slip! South Africa tighten the noose. Enter Saha.

MS Dhoni c Kallis b Harris 6 (29b 1x4 0x6) SR: 20.68

221/5. Come on SA!

[Devill]

AB de Villiers is keeping. Boucher has a bad back

Mmmm hope boucher is ok. Wonder where he is fielding. Also I wonder if he leaves the field or if he is allowed to bat if he does not field.

[Devill]

58.1
Steyn to Badrinath, OUT, Steyn takes out Badrinath. South Africa climb all over India. It was a length delivery on the middle and leg, flicked straight to short midwicket. Soft dismissal but that's that. SA take great control over the game.

S Badrinath c Prince b Steyn 56 (139b 7x4 0x6) SR: 40.28


221/6!

[phoneJunky]

Steyn to Badrinath, OUT, Steyn takes out Badrinath. South Africa climb all over India. It was a length delivery on the middle and leg, flicked straight to short midwicket. Soft dismissal but that's that. SA take great control over the game.


S Badrinath c Prince b Steyn 56 (139b 7x4 0x6) SR: 40.28

Good going

someone always beats me... :(

[Smooth Criminal]

Dale you beauty!