South Africa vs England

[Vincent Vega]

The first of the four test matches start on Wednesday, can't wait, I reckon we've got their number and have already got under the skins of Smith and Mickey Arthur (Strauss denying Smith a runner in the ICC one day tournament has been turned into something far bigger than it needed to be, and was completely the correct decision imo). Conditions will suit us, as it usually swings out there and I remember Hoggy having great success which augurs well for Anderson, Broad, Sidebottom and Plunkett provided they are all fit. They seem to fear Anderson so it's particularly important he is fit and firing on all cylinders.

 

We need to do what the Aussies did after being beaten at home by them and go out there and put loads of pressure on them. My prediction, South Africa 1 England 2.

 

Some thoughts and a thread for all comments on the forthcoming series.

[RobbieOR]

You won't beat them.

[odris]

You're gay.

 

 

Are we just throwing random facts around here?

[Vincent Vega]

You won't beat them.

 

How much do you wanna bet?

[RobbieOR]

How much do you wanna bet?

 

I'm not a betting man. But you can take my word for it England won't win. South Africa are a much better team. I remember all this hype after 2005 and you went to Pakistan and got beat 2-0. Plus you have no Flintoff. When you need a wicket you turn to him but he's not their anymore.

[odris]

Have the guy a bet if you're so confident Rob.

[Guest PurpleNose]

4-0 SA.

[RobbieOR]

Have the guy a bet if you're so confident Rob.

 

No. Not 18 yet.

[Vincent Vega]

I'm not a betting man. But you can take my word for it England won't win. South Africa are a much better team. I remember all this hype after 2005 and you went to Pakistan and got beat 2-0. Plus you have no Flintoff. When you need a wicket you turn to him but he's not their anymore.

 

Bottler. We'll see, I reckon they'll let the expectation and pressure get to them. England's batsmen are in fine form and I think South Africa's attack is overrated with only Steyn and maybe Ntini able to live up to the hype.

[paddyberger15]

I think this is going to be a really compelling series. I just take Siwth Ifrika to win it, but it should be good Test Creeket.

[mattyq]

Really looking forward to it.

Cricket is the only reason i would ever get Sky

[Ian Sea]

We'll snot 'em.

[Rico1304]

How much do you wanna bet?

 

How about a tenner a Test and I get a fiver a draw because they are the home side?

[castle_red]

I'm not a betting man. But you can take my word for it England won't win. South Africa are a much better team. I remember all this hype after 2005 and you went to Pakistan and got beat 2-0. Plus you have no Flintoff. When you need a wicket you turn to him but he's not their anymore.

 

The strongest argument for us losing this one. First series without him, and South Africa away is a tough series anyway. Smith will probably be salivating at the prospect of Broad/Plunkett/Sidebottom/Onions/Mahmood on the sun baked roads he has played on all his career. But I think like the Ashes just gone, its two good batting teams against two mediocre bowling teams - I predict 1-1.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Well England won the toss and put the South Africans into bat. After a decent start by our bowlers the Saffa's are starting to get the upper hand thanks to Jaques Kallis.

 

Currently. 195 for 4 after 68 overs. Kallis 68 not out Duminy 18 not out. Broad and Onions with a wicket apiece and Swann with 2.

[TheBitch]

Kallis is looking in decent touch here.

 

Was interesting to see he has a better Test average than 'The little master'.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Kallis is looking in decent touch here.

 

Was interesting to see he has a better Test average than 'The little master'.

 

A good all rounder and he's 34 now.

 

Have you seen his missus ? well worth a good knock.

[TheBitch]

A good all rounder and he's 34 now.

 

Have you seen his missus ? well worth a good knock.

 

 

She's gettin it.

 

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Yep, love to spend some time at her crease whilst Jaques was busy playing with mates and their balls.

[Ian Sea]

Ton for Kallis, class player. We could do with a wicket or 2 before the close with this new ball.

[TheBitch]

A shame we couldn't have had Onions fit all all day.

 

Never thought I'd say that.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

England battling back well. Made 356 in the end which is a good effort by the tail end considering the position we were in. Swann with a great 85 and backed up by Anderson sticking about. Now we have south Africa at 47/4 in their second innings. That's a lead of 113 for them, this could be a tight call.

[Ian Sea]

Swann was immense yesterday. Hopefully we can bowl them out for under 200 - I'd fancy us to win if we did that. It was looking bleak at one point yesterday, the way we have come back has been brilliant though.

[sir roger]

Strauss gone & all tomorrow to bat out , 400+ behind.

[RobbieOR]

Strauss gone & all tomorrow to bat out , 400+ behind.

 

I thought you had a target of 364.

 

Personally i think Englands best hope is that a thunder strom comes along.