South Africa vs England

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Smith gone. Awesome stuff from England here!

 

Swann got the one last batsman, we could wrap this up this evening if we ask for the extra half hour light permitting.

[Spy Bee]

You're faster than the BBC updates, Spibby.

 

That would actually be my dream job.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Still 26 overs left today.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Made quick work of wrapping the second test match up. Well done to the lads, one in the eyes for those who thought the Saffa's would crush us.

[A_S]

Is it just me or has this series taken a very similar path thus far to the most recent Ashes series? Been watching it on telly (in primetime in Oz, especially when it's hot as fuck at the moment here and all you can be arsed doing midweek is watching telly) and it's been good so far. Hard to pick, but if England can roll South Africa on their home turf, that'll give them a hell of a lot of confidence to retain the Urn come next summer. Australia, meanwhile, has been solid without being spectacular so far this home summer, one of those things that will come with a team still trying to sort itself out after a few retiring legends and a few series losses these last 12 months.

 

I can't wait for the Ashes in Oz already!! For now though, I reckon England can bring back that good old South African frailty of bottling it at the big moments. And they still play spin like blind old women.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Doing well in the third test. After winning the toss and deciding to field we currently have the Saffa's at 132/5. Looking good.

[Guest PurpleNose]

Doing well in the third test. After winning the toss and deciding to field we currently have the Saffa's at 132/5. Looking good.

 

Let the game drift a bit since.

 

Slightly negative captaincy in my opinion.

[Thomo123]

One of the best bowling displays ive seen from and england team in a long time. Strauss is definately growing into the captains role and we seem to have a good blend of youth and experience, you can see the confidence flowing through the lads.

[Spy Bee]

Game seems to be in the balance. I think England would like to have been more in the ascedancy considering the conditions when they won the toss and stuck the saffers in. First couple of sessions tomorrow are very important.

[Ian Sea]

It does my head in how often Strauss bats second when he wins the toss. You get a massive advantage batting first, he should have more confidence in his openers (especially as he's one himself!) and get us in as soon as possible.

 

That's pretty much my only criticism of him as skipper though, I've been really impressed with him over the last 12 months in general.

 

Following Aussie_Scouser's earlier post, I think we'll have a brilliant chance of winning the Ashes in Australia next winter. This team will hopefully still be together, bar one or two changes and the Aussie team is nothing special at all these days. The Windies gave them problems recently and we're a much better side than them so I think it'll be our best chance of success down under in more than 20 years.

[Spy Bee]

Batting first was never an option today apparently. Green wicket and overcast conditions.

[Ian Sea]

Batting first was never an option today apparently. Green wicket and overcast conditions.

 

South Aftrica haven't done too badly though have they? The overcast conditions were always going to clear by lunch so I'd like to see us go in, in those conditions and see out the first hour or so before attempting to put on a big score. Captains these days have no faith in their openers, it's their job to bat through difficult conditions before the middle order get it.

[Spy Bee]

Well, it's hard to say at this point how well South Africa have done, but they could have done a lot worse if we had held our catches.

 

The pressure is on the saffs and I think with all things considered we were right to put them in. Having said that, I haven't actually seen a ball of today's play and I caught very little on the radio.

 

I did see the only white Red Kite in the world though.

[Spy Bee]

Strange and for a long time worrying morning. Batting looked impossible early on, but now (touch wood) we look fairly comfortable.

[Spy Bee]

Hmmm

 

KP is such a frustrating player!

[Fowlers God]

What a morning.

 

Blimey

[Guest PurpleNose]

Hmmm

 

KP is such a frustrating player!

 

He's a massive fucking cunt. He needs to be fucked off.

[Rex Banner]

He's a massive fucking cunt. He needs to be fucked off.

 

Just leave him there I'm sure he'll feel at home

[Guest PurpleNose]

Just leave him there I'm sure he'll feel at home

 

Doubt it. They fucking hate him.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Cook departed after Tea. 151/5 now.

[RobbieOR]

He's a massive fucking cunt. He needs to be fucked off.

 

And what? Play Ravi Bopara ahead of him? Dont be silly. He's Englands best player.

[Spy Bee]

Chance for Bell to final get a century for England and be the only one in the innings to do it. He needs to do it to silence his critics.

[Guest Pistonbroke]

Bell out for 48. Not looking too good now. 179/6. need the tail-enders to wag again and get as close to their score as possible now. Eat up time and try to make the draw the most likeliest outcome. 3 days left though and a result looks more likely.

[Guest PurpleNose]

And what? Play Ravi Bopara ahead of him? Dont be silly. He's Englands best player.

 

Is Bopara the only other batsman in England?

 

Is he fuck England's best player.

 

Strauss and Collingwood are far more important batsman.

[mattyq]

When Petersen's in form he's by far our best batsman. I don't really see how you can deny that.

He's a cocky, annoying, arrogant twat - i agree with that