Australian cricket tour of South Africa September/October 2026

Is there truth in the statement that T20 cricket has changed the sport so much that most Test nations can only field 1 or 2 ''proper'' Test batsmen while the rest are now too conditioned to play shots, getting their runs quickly and then getting out.

I'm thinking back to a time when both us and the Aussies could field 5/6 high-quality Test batsmen that could dig in and build partnerships.

For us specifically, it seems that Temba is the only one with the temperament to dig in while the rest of the top order just has a go at everything.
 
thestaggy said:
Is there truth in the statement that T20 cricket has changed the sport so much that most Test nations can only field 1 or 2 ''proper'' Test batsmen while the rest are now too conditioned to play shots, getting their runs quickly and then getting out.

I'm thinking back to a time when both us and the Aussies could field 5/6 high-quality Test batsmen that could dig in and build partnerships.

For us specifically, it seems that Temba is the only one with the temperament to dig in while the rest of the top order just has a go at everything.
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The game has definitely sped up over the last two decades or so. The days of Kepler Wessels grinding out a 150 ball forty or fifty being considered normal are long gone (unless when a match is trying to be saved). Some of the shot selections we see nowadays (ramps, scoops, reverse sweeps etc) would have likely got you dropped if you had pulled them out back the test heyday but now they are considered common place. I'm sure that T20 plays a huge role in this.
 
Agent_Smith said:
The game has definitely sped up over the last two decades or so. The days of Kepler Wessels grinding out a 150 ball forty or fifty being considered normal are long gone (unless when a match is trying to be saved). Some of the shot selections we see nowadays (ramps, scoops, reverse sweeps etc) would have likely got you dropped if you had pulled them out back the test heyday but now they are considered common place. I'm sure that T20 plays a huge role in this.
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Kepler and Peter Kirsten batting together was a cure for insomnia...
 
Agent_Smith said:
The game has definitely sped up over the last two decades or so. The days of Kepler Wessels grinding out a 150 ball forty or fifty being considered normal are long gone (unless when a match is trying to be saved). Some of the shot selections we see nowadays (ramps, scoops, reverse sweeps etc) would have likely got you dropped if you had pulled them out back the test heyday but now they are considered common place. I'm sure that T20 plays a huge role in this.
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and yet Rickelton and Mulder did it when we needed it. We do have a little bit of depth in the test team.
 
Agent_Smith said:
The game has definitely sped up over the last two decades or so. The days of Kepler Wessels grinding out a 150 ball forty or fifty being considered normal are long gone (unless when a match is trying to be saved). Some of the shot selections we see nowadays (ramps, scoops, reverse sweeps etc) would have likely got you dropped if you had pulled them out back the test heyday but now they are considered common place. I'm sure that T20 plays a huge role in this.
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I recall that the peak Aussie team (mid 2000s - mid 2010s) would score at a fast rate, in the 4+ runs/over region, but they stuck around. They were the first team to take on a more aggressive approach to Test batting while being patient. That opening trio of Langer-Hayden-Ponting striking the ball at 60 was absolutely horrible to deal with because they could do it all day. Just pile on the runs and wear your bowlers out.
 
Creag said:
I had people over and did not get to see the end of the MEGA choke. Wow, though. What a win for the lads. So proud.

And for the Aussies, thank you for plunging as you graciously did.

For several in their squad, this may be their last outing. Labuschagne and Head. Neither belong in their XI. Their next game is against NZ, Go New Zealand!
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Why would it be the last outing for head? Their best batsmen besides Smith.
 
Luke7777 said:
My only change to this team would be George out for Bosch/Muthusamy, depending on the wicket. Wouldn't mind seeing Peter getting a run somewhere, if only to get KG batting at 10 :)
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Peter is a very long way off. Let him show he can games for lions and SA A in first class cricket first.
 
dont post here on weekends but damn saturday i was at sons cricket

get a message ..rabada 2 1st over

then 3 then 4 down

got home after lunch 7 down

aussies did very well until green gave in

but damn harmer destroyed them , hate to be a spectator at the stadium when the game was about survival but the 6 wickets was magical
 
Luke7777 said:
True, but I really want a leggy as part of the squad... maybe Josh Breed ?
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I love leggies,warnie was one of the players who made me fall in love of the game. But currently I just don't see one we can realistically picked.
I hope breed,seleka and peter develops into ones we can pick.

I miss seeing legpsinners in test cricket, its now dominated by offspinners and left arm spinners.
 
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stefan9 said:
Not sure if I should post this here or another thread.

Some exerts from usman khawaja's upcoming book. The whole team including staff knew about it and they had used it the previous test aswell.

So much for bowlers knew nothing.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2118839287299162444
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Must admit, I'm a little surprised that everyone knew.

But then thinking about the Aussies and their attitude I can see it.
 
stefan9 said:
Not sure if I should post this here or another thread.

Some exerts from usman khawaja's upcoming book. The whole team including staff knew about it and they had used it the previous test aswell.

So much for bowlers knew nothing.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2118839287299162444
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Usman showing how grateful he is to Australia for taking him in and giving him a good life, Showing how grateful he is for cricket Australia giving him a living and many chances to play for them.

Throwing his mates under the bus at every opportunity.
 
Pegging said:
Usman showing how grateful he is to Australia for taking him in and giving him a good life, Showing how grateful he is for cricket Australia giving him a living and many chances to play for them.

Throwing his mates under the bus at every opportunity.
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You'd prefer everyone just keep lying?
 
I am supporting Usman in this. He’s not ungrateful.

It’s disgusting how were nailed for a team decision. The bowlers were 100% complicit. How would they not be in on the decision and not know how to bowl in a way to take advantage of it.

All should be held accountable. Not just Cape Town but they did in PE too.
 
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