|
Post by ovechkin8 on Jul 9, 2008 22:48:21 GMT -1
Starts tomorrow. Most of these series have been tightly fought with some memorable last ditch stands from Atherton in South Africa & with the redoubtable Angus Fraser at Trent Bridge I think.
England name an unchanged XI again for the opener at Lords.
SA are a far tougher outfit than NZ & may well have the edge with their pace attack spear headed by giant Morne Morkel & the fiery Dale Steyn with veteran Mkhaya Ntini.
The depth in batting is there with sporting all rouner AB de Villiers in at six.
England need to up their game & hopefully Straussies mind wont be on the impending arrival of child number two(well done matey) but the task in hand.
Vaughans fitness remains a cause for doubt. Exoect some fiery verbals between KP & his former countrymen.
|
|
|
Post by ITFC Dudette6 on Jul 9, 2008 23:13:09 GMT -1
I'm not sure if the bowling attack of England can really dislodge that stubborn middle order. Kallis and Amla have scored centuries for fun in the warm up games. Dale Steyn has been in cracking form in the past year, but perhaps (and I'm only hoping, as I feel if he's bang on the money, he'll probably cause a collapse of astronomical propotions.) that memory of playing in England will linger at the back of his mind... Andre "Gunther" Nel is far too crazy for words, but I'll be interested in Morkel, he looked quite good at the Twenty20 World Cup. Let's hope the series spurs Pietersen on, and he doesn't become too focused on Graeme Smith. I'm looking forward to the series, and hope England perform. Although, I can see us losing the series, because at the moment, I'm not sure the pace attack will be up to it. Having said that, a certain Mr Panesar may prove crucial in the spin department. Paul Harris for South Africa, I've not seen enough of him to pass judgement. My "favourite" person Anderson will probably go and prove me wrong by getting a 5-fer after I've had a dig at the him and the attack now. Or am I being the pessimistic arse I am, and have considered the worst as what is likely to happen? I love cricket.
|
|
|
Post by T C on Jul 10, 2008 9:20:53 GMT -1
latest.... 4 overs and 2 runs ! cagey or what? Prepare to get dicked England
|
|
|
Post by ITFC Dudette6 on Jul 10, 2008 10:02:14 GMT -1
Yes, it may've taken England a while to get off the mark, but at least they didn't lose an early wicket! It was a good cagey though, they were watching and playing the good balls, leaving the bad ones. Pretty simple really, lol!
Pitch doesn't seem as pacey as anticipated. It'll dry out throughout the day though.
|
|
|
Post by T C on Jul 10, 2008 10:05:05 GMT -1
33 for zilch... steady progress. Hi Han
|
|
|
Post by ITFC Dudette6 on Jul 10, 2008 10:07:53 GMT -1
Hey TC. South Africans seem to be bowling quite wide, either their radar's off, or it's all part of an elaborate plan...
|
|
|
Post by T C on Jul 10, 2008 10:09:44 GMT -1
If we can keep em at bay til lunch will be happy
|
|
|
Post by Neko Bazu on Jul 10, 2008 10:14:38 GMT -1
If we can get to 60 before lunch, I'll be happy!
|
|
|
Post by T C on Jul 10, 2008 10:16:21 GMT -1
If we can get to 60 before lunch, I'll be happy! lo mate.... yeah to that ;D
|
|
|
Post by ITFC Dudette6 on Jul 10, 2008 10:16:52 GMT -1
If we can get to 60 before lunch, I'll be happy! Wouldn't we all!
|
|
|
Post by Neko Bazu on Jul 10, 2008 10:42:39 GMT -1
We might do it!
|
|
|
Post by ITFC Dudette6 on Jul 10, 2008 10:54:02 GMT -1
We've got to 71 with 6 minutes to go!
|
|
|
Post by miz on Jul 10, 2008 10:54:08 GMT -1
i'm going on the 4th day. let's hope england haven't lost by then
|
|
|
Post by Neko Bazu on Jul 10, 2008 10:57:00 GMT -1
Looks like that swing the Saffers were hoping for isn't around at the moment, though apparently it's getting a bit cloudier overhead. They appear to be a little short on ideas now, and have set a much more defensive field - would be stupid to say we've rattled them, but having seen off the new ball, we're looking reasonably good so far, and the run-rate's picking up now.
Are they noticing Nel's absence about now, d'ya think?
|
|
|
Post by ITFC Dudette6 on Jul 10, 2008 11:01:03 GMT -1
Considering they've already gone to Harris, I'd say they are. Steyn hasn't been bowling on the stumps, they've all pretty much been wide outside off. Same with Ntini.
Lunch, England 71-0. Now that was better than I expected, because that pitch looked fairly good for swing...!
|
|
|
Post by T C on Jul 10, 2008 11:15:22 GMT -1
a great mornings work.... keep it up England ;D
|
|
|
Post by Neko Bazu on Jul 10, 2008 12:05:33 GMT -1
50 for Cook!
|
|
|
Post by ITFC Dudette6 on Jul 10, 2008 12:13:18 GMT -1
I think I'm seeing things...
|
|
|
Post by ovechkin8 on Jul 10, 2008 12:16:25 GMT -1
Lay off the mushrooms. The bowling attack seems tepid & Nanti wayward. Pretty slow pitch probably because of the rain or the crafty groundsman. They need to pitch it shorter .Cookie & Strauss are in a comfort zone. Looking good so long as the weather doesn't interfere.
|
|
|
Post by ITFC Dudette6 on Jul 10, 2008 12:21:24 GMT -1
Now you've said that about Cook and Strauss, cue a hilarious, soul-crushing collapse. 100 up! (Now I've said that, cue the hilarious, etc...)
|
|