England v South Africa

[Ian Sea]

So what do people think of Pietersen's comments regarding how he will captain? Fairly predictable, I suppose, saying he'll go on instinct, gut feeling etc. It's the same thing that both brings out his best and worst batting. Anyone know how many Tests England are scheduled to play before the Ashes next year? Also, will captaining the One-Day team fast-track his captaincy skills even where Tests are concerned, despite the varied differences in both forms of the game?

 

Well, at least it won't be boring.

 

9 Tests until the Ashes; 1 left against South Africa, 2 against India before Christmas, 4 in the Windies in February/March and 2 at home against Sri Lanka next May.

[Ian Sea]

BBC SPORT | Cricket | England | England recall Harmison and Broad

 

Harmison and Broad recalled, Bopara and Sidebottom left out. Flintoff will bat at 6. I like the balance of this side as we will bat down to number 8 (or we should do anyway) and we'll have 5 bowlers.

[wiiksie]

BBC SPORT | Cricket | England | England recall Harmison and Broad

 

Harmison and Broad recalled, Bopara and Sidebottom left out. Flintoff will bat at 6. I like the balance of this side as we will bat down to number 8 (or we should do anyway) and we'll have 5 bowlers.

Yeah I'm happy with that I suppose, and like you said Ian, theoretically we bat all the way down to no 8.

 

Bopara and Shah should be given a chance before the ashes though.

[longballs]

We need a wicket or two here!

 

Working today so not able to watch this one but the commentary team are pointing the finger at Ambrose for having his slips too deep and thus all these edges aren't carrying.

[wiiksie]

Harmy 2 from 2 balls, Smith and Amla. Hatrick is on!

[wiiksie]

oooh, Prince survives his first ball, but there were 6 slips ready for the catch.

 

The ball from Harmy that got Amla was 93mph, that's what England have been missing in the last few tests...

[wiiksie]

Looks like Anderson is getting some swing too. Game on.

 

EDIT: Anderson gets Kallis, 105-4.

[longballs]

nice, we just need a wicket or two now ;)

 

SA collapse?

[wiiksie]

Adios Senor Prince, caught bell, bowled Anderson. 118-5.

[Bourbon]

Fucking hate that cunt Prince and now Boucher, the smarmy little turd.

 

Great stuff from Harmy; however long it lasts, we will need him next summer.

 

If we roll them for around 180, we'll do these.

[sh#t waffle]

Aargh, im stuck at stupid work when i want to be watching this. So happy for Harmison, we need someone like him in our attack.

[hamstrung]

Aargh, im stuck at stupid work when i want to be watching this. .

 

I feel your pain

[Ian Sea]

I'm finishing work now so I can get the cricket on TMS until tea and I'll be home for the last session.

 

Watch it rain.

[wiiksie]

Bye bye Boucher you big twat. Caught Ambrose, bowled Anderson. 132-6.

[wiiksie]

Anderson is getting some evil swing, this innings won't last long.

[wiiksie]

Prior has another half-century today too, his average is nearly 60 for the season. He should be in the team instead of Ambrose:

 

Cricinfo - Records - County Championship Division One, 2008 - Highest averages

[wiiksie]

Monteh gets De Villiers with his 3rd ball, lbw. 158-7.

[wiiksie]

Morkel edges one up in the air, Bell makes a good diving catch off Broad's bowling.

 

168-8.

[wiiksie]

Broad gets Nel, edge to Ambrose, 172-9.

[wiiksie]

6 slips trying to get Harris out, love it. Reminiscent of the Windies in the 80's.

[wiiksie]

So we get them all out for 194, then Strauss goes early doors and we are 7 for 1.

 

Never easy this game is it.

[Manny]

oooh, Prince survives his first ball, but there were 6 slips ready for the catch.

 

The ball from Harmy that got Amla was 93mph, that's what England have been missing in the last few tests...

 

Is right. England's problems this season have been (in my opinion) twofold. When we're put in to bat, too many of the top order have been guilty of poor shot selection. There's been a lot of tame and unnecessary dismissals. Secondly, when put in to field, if the conditions don't suit our bowlers then players like Smith will simply rack up big scores as we don't (didn't) have a genuine pace bowler who can really get under the batsman's skin. If the ball isn't swinging, you need someone to come in and bowl a 93mph yorker: when Harmy's radar is switched on, he's one of the best at it. But well done KP today, some real enthusiasm in the field.

[Ian Sea]

Good stuff today, I'm impressed with the way we bowled. Brilliant to see Harmison back to his best.

 

Shame we lost Strauss but Cook and Bell did well to see us through to the close only one down.

[Spy Bee]

Very positive start from and for KP.

 

Adil Rashid got 7/107 today too.

[wiiksie]

Very positive start from and for KP.

 

Adil Rashid got 7/107 today too.

Wow. I know Hampshire are one of the weakest teams in CC1, but even so. Very impressive.

 

This lad has to be knocking on the door soon? Him and Monty for the tour of India would be mandatory surely...