Hord & forst, can our cricketers beat South Africa?

[bob10]

If you had told me our cobbled together team of almost pensioners, crocks & discards would have beat England 5-0 in this ashes series, I would have admired your spirit, but not your judgement. Oh me of little faith. The stats from this series are almost unbelievable.


Australia became the first test team to win 5-0 with the same 11, the first team to set an opponent 500 for victory three times in a row, the first Australian team to take all 100 wickets in a 5 test ashes series & George Bailey equalled the World record of 28 runs off an over.


However, South Africa are, IMO, a far better cricket side than England. They have more steel in their spine than England , and I believe their bowlers will bowl a better line & length, a much harder nut to crack. I'll leave the last word to Darren Lehmann, courtesy of the Courier Mail
" History tells us it will be a great challenge, but challenging history is what we are all about ". Can't wait, at least the attitude is right, Bob

[Ean Austral]

If you had told me our cobbled together team of almost pensioners, crocks & discards would have beat England 5-0 in this ashes series, I would have admired your spirit, but not your judgement. Oh me of little faith. The stats from this series are almost unbelievable.


Australia became the first test team to win 5-0 with the same 11, the first team to set an opponent 500 for victory three times in a row, the first Australian team to take all 100 wickets in a 5 test ashes series & George Bailey equalled the World record of 28 runs off an over.


However, South Africa are, IMO, a far better cricket side than England. They have more steel in their spine than England , and I believe their bowlers will bowl a better line & length, a much harder nut to crack. I'll leave the last word to Darren Lehmann, courtesy of the Courier Mail
" History tells us it will be a great challenge, but challenging history is what we are all about ". Can't wait, at least the attitude is right, Bob

NO, they are a totally different team and will expose our top order for what it is...fragile to say the least.

Hope the aussie put up a good fight and don't rely on the bowlers and Haddin to rescue them every time.

Cheers Ean

[bob10]

It's game on! you beauty!!! Bob


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[bob10]

NO, they are a totally different team and will expose our top order for what it is...fragile to say the least.

Hope the aussie put up a good fight and don't rely on the bowlers and Haddin to rescue them every time.

Cheers Ean


Doolan to no. 3 , Watson to 6, [;)] masterstroke, IMO. Pattison in the squad. Hopefully. Don't expect the same 11 against S. Africa. Lehmann is a far better coach than that. Bob


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;)

[Homestar]

Looking for some good cricket, but I agree with Ean - even England's bowlers were able to show up our top order too many times. Always leaving the bulk of work for the lower order - I don't think that will wash against a better attack.

BUT - I think they can dig deep if needed to make it an interesting contest.

BRING IT ON!!!

[Naks]

Hord & forst, can our cricketers beat South Africa?


No. I refer you to the 438 game.

I have tickets to Day 2 of the Newlands Test, can't wait :D

[sheerluck]

NO, they are a totally different team and will expose our top order for what it is...fragile to say the least.

Hope the aussie put up a good fight and don't rely on the bowlers and Haddin to rescue them every time.

Cheers Ean

It's interesting to note that Watson has provisionally been dropped down to number 6, with Bailey out. I don't think they need to make wholesale changes, but I reckon that move looks to be a good'un.

[bob10]

No. I refer you to the 438 game.

I have tickets to Day 2 of the Newlands Test, can't wait :D


That concerns me, as well. But, with Johnson & Pattison [ remember him? ] Watson at 6 , who knows? Would the saffas be playing for the pride of the former Australian coach? Motivation , perhaps. Australia have not toured S.Africa well for a while. Another hurdle, let's see how mentally strong our side is. Bob

[gimposarillios]

Can't see how pattison could get a game. Harris is still our best bowler, Johnson is a match winner and when we don't look like getting a wicket siddle somehow finds an edge and can bowl all day.

[bob10]

Can't see how pattison could get a game. Harris is still our best bowler, Johnson is a match winner and when we don't look like getting a wicket siddle somehow finds an edge and can bowl all day.


Agree about Harris. The best for a while , I reckon. But, he is walking wounded. remember Pattison in Africa the last time? Leave it up to the coach. Bob

[Barra1]

I'm a bit hesitant to post again on this subject:(

I recall a post I made just before the Brisbane Test virtually damning Clarke to history as a lousy leader of men and predicting he would get the sack at the end of the Ashes Series.:(

But damn - isn't it great to be wrong:D:D:D:D

Back to the South African Tour. I reckon there is a lot of focus on the South Africans roughing up our batsmen - and certainly, Steyn and Co., will be a very different prospect when compared to the Poms.

But what about their batsmen and our bowlers. Have the South Africans faced a pace attack like Johnson, Harris, Siddle and yes, Pattison. Yes they have faced these bowlers before but have they faced the "new, McDermott/Boof version"?

I can't wait for the Tests to begin:D:D:D

[nugge t]

I am with everyone not seeing the 5-0 but SA will be much harder than the Poms.

They are the best team in the world and it is hard to see them rolling over like the Poms. having said that, they will miss Kallis who has been the backbone of the side with bat and ball and he will leave a big hole that takes time to fill.

They are not a young side either with the majority 28+ and a number over 30. Smith is 32...by no means past it in todays cricket but they will have their selection issues in the next few years.

As England have just discovered....how long can you keep the passion?

I suspect the series will pivot around the performance of......Australia's top 6

[bob10]

Interesting, but Bailey may not be No. 6 , Watson may be there, & if so, lookout!, Bob


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[Barra1]

Interesting, but Bailey may not be No. 6 , Watson may be there, & if so, lookout!, Bob


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Why?

[bob10]

Why?



IMO, Watson is much better suited to bat down the order. he could be the glue that holds the innings together, and make some big scores. Said that for a while, like I said Australia would win the ashes back, let's see what happens, Bob

[Barra1]

IMO, Watson is much better suited to bat down the order. he could be the glue that holds the innings together, and make some big scores. Said that for a while, like I said Australia would win the ashes back, let's see what happens, Bob

History suggests otherwise:(

However, your forecasts regarding the Tests were much better than mine (geez - it is hard to be humble - but yet so glad we belted the Poms) - so let us hope your predictions regarding Mr "How Many Chances Does A Bloke Get" Watson are correct.

I simply base my comments on a No. 3 Batsman or No. 6 for that matter having an average below 38 after 50 or so Tests - well....it is not encouraging is it ......would I place my life in his hands to hold an innings together.......would you?

But Bob....I hope I am so wrong - as I have been before....and if Watson holds the innings together and scores and scores - I will be the first to say "Bob - you were correct and I'm a silly duffer".

And guess what - once again - I will revel in the Aussies glory and conveniently forget my predictions.

[bob10]

History suggests otherwise:(

However, your forecasts regarding the Tests were much better than mine (geez - it is hard to be humble - but yet so glad we belted the Poms) - so let us hope your predictions regarding Mr "How Many Chances Does A Bloke Get" Watson are correct.

I simply base my comments on a No. 3 Batsman or No. 6 for that matter having an average below 38 after 50 or so Tests - well....it is not encouraging is it ......would I place my life in his hands to hold an innings together.......would you?

But Bob....I hope I am so wrong - as I have been before....and if Watson holds the innings together and scores and scores - I will be the first to say "Bob - you were correct and I'm a silly duffer".

And guess what - once again - I will revel in the Aussies glory and conveniently forget my predictions.


Have faith, it is all that holds us together, at times. Faith in your team mates, in your coaching staff, in your self, confidence builds on it's self, we have not seen the best of Watson, but I predict we will soon, because of Boof. What a wonderful Aussie nickname, for the saviour of Australian cricket. Big call? perhaps. But he has that wonderful Aussie ingredient in his nature, mongrel, and he has the down to earth nature which enables him to pass that mongrel on to these young sooks, we have had in our team. When they pass from boys to men, with a bit of mongrel, ..... anything could happen. We may even beat India in India. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, there is one very good side to get past first. That will not be easy. Bob

[nugge t]

Must admit I am more with Barra on this one Bob. No doubt about Watson potential and I hope Boof can harness it with consistency but not sure Watson has shown the grit to hold an innings together.

Unfortunately has that school boy sook look when things go crook rather than a mongrel..I want to rip someones head off :D

[bob10]

After watching Watson bat in the first one dayer, it is getting harder to have faith in him. If only the big boofhead would move his feet.....he should practise in a bed of bullants :D oh well, we'll see next game Bob

[bob10]

This does not give me confidence , Bob


Shane Watson to be rested for ODIs in Sydney and Perth, Dan Christian called into squad - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-16/shane-watson-rested-for-sydney-and-perth-odis/5202856?&section=news)

[sheerluck]

This does not give me confidence , Bob


Shane Watson to be rested for ODIs in Sydney and Perth, Dan Christian called into squad - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-16/shane-watson-rested-for-sydney-and-perth-odis/5202856?&section=news)

Not so fast Bob. Dan Christian has been doing a pretty good job in the Big Bash. I feel that's a decent swap for the one dayers.

[bob10]

Here is the Test squad for South Africa, bowling side good, batting? Bob


George Bailey dropped for Australia's Test tour of South Africa, Shaun Marsh returns - ABC Grandstand Sport (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-20/george-bailey-dropped-from-australia-test-squad/5208332'section=sport)

[bob10]

South Africa not happy, Bob


Cricket South Africa asks International Cricket Council to withdraw funding model review - ABC Grandstand Sport (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-21/south-africa-asks-icc-to-withdraw-revenue-control-plan/5211712'section=sport)

[bob10]

Watson down the order? I hope so, Bob


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[bob10]

Well, surprise, surprise, Watson out of the test thru injury. He has missed almost half of the tests available to him in a 9 year career through a variety of injuries. Moises Henriques looks like taking his place. I give up, Bob

[sheerluck]

Well, surprise, surprise, Watson out of the test thru injury. He has missed almost half of the tests available to him in a 9 year career through a variety of injuries. Moises Henriques looks like taking his place. I give up, Bob

I think CA need to call time there. He's not going to get any better with age.

[Homestar]

Hmmm, not the morning we were looking for. 83/3 at lunch...

[bob10]

Hmmm, not the morning we were looking for. 83/3 at lunch...


Yes, annoying. How many more times will the lower order have to save the innings? And can they do it with this African Attack? I would like to think so. Good cricket ahead, Bob

[sheerluck]

Disappointed to see Rogers only score 4. I thought he was one of the stand outs of the Ashes series.

[gimposarillios]

What more does Hughes have to do to get a game. He is the future.

[jakeslouw]

At ZAR 9.95 to the Ozzie Dollar, it just depends on how much you offer our boys, mate...........

:o

[bob10]

Shaun Marsh to the rescue, with Smith in a supporting role. 4 for 297, we need a big lead to put the pressure on S. Africa, who will be batting last, you would think. I expect S. Africa to fight back. Looking forward to tonight, Bob


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[Homestar]

I went to bed when Clarke was out thinking this isn't going too well. Should have stayed up by the look of it now - always the way, when I'm not watching things go well.:D

[bob10]

I went to bed when Clarke was out thinking this isn't going too well. Should have stayed up by the look of it now - always the way, when I'm not watching things go well.:D


Go to bed early to night, I will ring you, Bob :angel:

[Homestar]

I have to anyway - early start tomorrow, so I won't see much tonight.

That should mean I'll wake up tomorrow to see we scored 600/6 declared and have SA on the ropes at 55/5...:D

[bob10]

The S. Africans are starting to get the same look in their eyes as the English team. If only our upper order batsmen could be counted on. Early days, Bob



6 for 140.

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[Homestar]

Geez, I wasn't far off.:D

Yes, early days but a good start. If the top order can fire then we could be looking good.

Fingers crossed - I might even try and watch a few hours tonight.

[rb30gtr]

argh, bugger you all and your foxtel! It's news.com updates for me every morning :(

[weeds]

argh, bugger you all and your foxtel! It's news.com updates for me every morning :(

cricket Australia app updates every 30 seconds or so, my oldest boy gives me updates throughout the evening

[bob10]

argh, bugger you all and your foxtel! It's news.com updates for me every morning :(


ABC radio digital is transmitting the game. Bob

[Homestar]

The Cricbuzz app gives you ball by ball commentary. I use this when I can't be in front of the telly.

[bob10]

The Cricbuzz app gives you ball by ball commentary. I use this when I can't be in front of the telly.


Cricbuzz app? just when I think I am catching up to the modern World, I find I am as far behind as ever. Well done Baci. you are up with it. I had to ask my daughter what an 'app; is, Bob
:blush:

[sheerluck]

I use the Live cricket scores, commentary, match coverage | Cricket news, statistics | ESPN Cricinfo (http://www.espncricinfo.com) site. I like the commentary on there, and I find it's only a minute or two behind the live action.

[Homestar]

Cricbuzz app? just when I think I am catching up to the modern World, I find I am as far behind as ever. Well done Baci. you are up with it. I had to ask my daughter what an 'app; is, Bob
:blush:

Now you're up to date, have a look at it - it's like listening to the radio while it's on mute - with the subtitles on - if that description makes any sense....:D It's only about 15 seconds behind the live action.

I can have it running on my ipad and SWMBO doesn't get the ****s about having to listen to it.

[Homestar]

Rogers failed again....:(

[sheerluck]

Rogers failed again....:(

Hmmm. :(

Johnson didn't though. :D

[Homestar]

Looking good this morning.:). Can't see how SA can rescue this one now.

[sheerluck]

Looking good this morning.:). Can't see how SA can rescue this one now.

Yep. 479 ahead with 7 wickets remaining. Difficult to see anything but an absolute thrashing on the horizon really.

[bob10]

Wonder how we would go with a Mitchell/ Pattison fast bowling attack? Or Starc? There are about 3 or 4 on the horizon. Pat Cummins, Alister McDermott, Ben Cutting, Nathan Couter-Nile, Get our top order batting in order, with a consistent spin bowler, looking good. Bob

[Ancient Mariner]

At ZAR 9.95 to the Ozzie Dollar, it just depends on how much you offer our boys, mate...........

:o
dropped catches must have the top rate:D

[sheerluck]

Wonder how we would go with a Mitchell/ Pattison fast bowling attack? Or Starc? There are about 3 or 4 on the horizon. Pat Cummins, Alister McDermott, Ben Cutting, Nathan Couter-Nile, Get our top order batting in order, with a consistent spin bowler, looking good. Bob

From what has happened over the last 4 days, plus the names you've got there, lots of good reasons to keep Watson out.

[bob10]

From what has happened over the last 4 days, plus the names you've got there, lots of good reasons to keep Watson out.


Not for one moment do I think S. Africa will not regroup & come back, much the same as we did after the ashes series in England. Our catalyst was the new coach, and his appointment of assistants. You can see Boofs hand in selections, and the fact that after being declared too injured to play for Aus. in this test, Watson has been selected for a shorter form of the game, almost immediately, Boof is slowly creating a new dynasty, the rest of the World has to wake up, & catch up. Bob

[Pedro_The_Swift]

watson must be married to a selectors daughter,,
why do they persevere with such a croc?

[bob10]

2nd test about to start. Anyone who remembers the S.African Captain, Smith, coming out to bat with a broken arm knows they will not fold. In 2009, Smith needed help to get dressed, had no plaster cast and refused painkillers. 34 minutes to go on the last day,, Johnson had 8.4 overs to go, before stumps.S. Africa lost. But what courage. BTW, S. Africa are batting, & won the toss. Now that is courage. Bob

[bob10]

South Africa, 2 wickets for 11 runs. Johnson. Never in my wildest dreams did I see that. I wonder where the haters from England & NZ are now. Still watching Andy? Bob

[sheerluck]

South Africa, 2 wickets for 11 runs. Johnson. Never in my wildest dreams did I see that. I wonder where the haters from England & NZ are now. Still watching Andy? Bob

I must admit I was amongst those who thought Johnson had lost it, never to be regained. But I'm very happy to be wrong.

For him to get Amla LBW for a duck is damned impressive. Amla is normally a bloody limpet.

[bob10]

I must admit I was amongst those who thought Johnson had lost it, never to be regained. But I'm very happy to be wrong.

For him to get Amla LBW for a duck is damned impressive. Amla is normally a bloody limpet.


I have to admit, it's a surprise to me too. We may just be watching a once in a lifetime bowler. Those batsmen are not mugs. Bob watching the cricket Andy?

[bob10]

I was out of the room preparing dinner when Harris got the first wicket, & when I heard Johnson get his wicket , assumed he got both. An injustice to Harris, who many believe was Australias' best bowler in England. He is definitely the quiet achiever, Harris, & deserves more accolades than he gets. The wicket appears to have been prepared to be slow, to nullify Johnsons speed. I think the Africans were going to attack Lyon, regarding him as the weak link, that plan went out the window with the early dismissal of Smith & Amla. Still any ones game, Bob

[bob10]

Another collapse has set up the third test to be a beauty. just a little of what Fox sports said Bob ;



MICHAEL Clarke’s purple patch has turned blue. The Australian captain failed again as an inspired spell of reverse swing bowling from Dale Steyn won South Africa the second Test.



Not even a defiant century from Chris Rogers could force the match into a fifth day as Australia collapsed again in embarrassing fashion to be all out for 216. South Africa won by 231 runs.
Rogers was second last man out for 107 and had an opening partnership of 126 with David Warner (66) before Australia lost 10-90. No other batsman managed more than six as Steyn finished with 4-55.

[Redback]

Good bowling is what won them the test, with poor batting by the top order again, they can't keep relying on Warner and Smith, the other need to fire more on a regular basis, I say well done Sth Africa:BigThumb:

Baz.

[Homestar]

Back to earth with a thud... :D

Will make for an interesting third test... :)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

very interesting!
a lead of 234 going into day 4:cool:
SA bowled out in less than a day:cool:

How much of a lead do you think Clark will want?:eek:
Previously he has usually set "record" chases for the opposition,,

[bob10]

Perhaps they will bat till lunch, 4th day, plenty of time to get S.A. out .Couple of things stand out in this match. First & foremost, the courage of Clarke . They'll have to change his nick name from pup to ....? Then, Harris. One wicket away from being the oldest Australian cricketer to reach 100 wickets. Pattison, Johnson, the future looks good . We seem to have almost worked out our top order batting line up. The interesting thing about this Australian side is they are still a job in progress. Boof still has work to do, they can only get better.


Du Plessis was lucky. Andrew Hilditch was given out, handled ball, against Pakistan, 1979. It's against the laws of the game. The match isn't over yet, strange things happen in cricket. Good wrap on Clarke in fox sports, Bob


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[Homestar]

Ahhhhh..... WTF??? Cruising along and Rogers gets himself run out of the easiest single of the match....

C'mon guys. Get a lead of 400 plus by lunch and your set. Don't get the wobbles now!!!

[bob10]

Those reverse sweeps Rogers did don't belong in Test cricket, at least not for a young man trying to crack it for a permanent place in the side. Probably indicates his state of mind. Lazy. Bob

[bob10]

South Africa, 4 for 71, Pattison getting reverse swing, a whole days play, no rain forecast. I guess the answer has to be yes. Unless there is a miracle. What's the next challenge? Definitely India , in India. Bring it on! Bob

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Those reverse sweeps Rogers did don't belong in Test cricket, at least not for a young man trying to crack it for a permanent place in the side. Probably indicates his state of mind. Lazy. Bob

He's already has a permanent place--

and young?!?

maybe compared to you Bob;):angel::p

[bob10]

He's already has a permanent place--

and young?!?

maybe compared to you Bob;):angel::p


You could be right, I think Harris is young , Bob
:)

[Homestar]

Wow, never seen so few runs scored in a session.

5 down now, we need to stay focused and we might get this over the line...:)

[Debacle]

AB is gone, the end is nigh. Nice ball from Harris.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

and a final effort from Harris WINS the test and Series for the Aussies.:banana::banana::banana:

[Homestar]

Great result! Pity I was tucked up in bed when it all happened...