Australia in South Africa

[aussie1st]

Our selectors never hand out baggy greens just like that so won't be too many changes from the test side. ODI side there should be some, probably not as many I would like to see. As long as Lewis isn't there I'll be happy.

 

[genghis_khan]

Tait already has a baggy green.

Gillespie is in England playing county cricket so i doubt they'll call him over, but u never know.
The thing is, theres no point resting these guys and weakening the team when they have 5 months off after the Bangladseh tour anyway.

 

[James219]

Yep true, it's better to maintain the team structure and environment that'll be in action for the crucial fixtures coming up as opposed to tinkering with it when there's a massive rest in the very near future beckoning. He may as well finish off a productive 05/06 series. And from what the public can see, Lee is a player determined to play and be resilient, he won't be taking the easy option by resting himself.

 

[aussie1st]

We've named an unchanged side due to the pitch suiting the pacemen again. I think we will have to wait to Clark comes back to Australia for the Ashes before we can see how he will go on batting friendly wickets cause SA won't be producing any spinners.

 

[genghis_khan]

if Clark plays in the ashes.

 

[prarara]

Can someone tell me why they call RSA the Proteus?

 

[genghis_khan]

Protea is a flower native to South Africa i think.

 

[James219]

Yep that's right, and there are certain species of Proteas.
http://www.alohatropicals.com/Proteas.html
Go buy one...

 

[aussie1st]

We have won the toss and batting first. SA have brought Pollock in for Hall thus keeping Boje. Before the match there was talk Hall would start with Boje missing out but I would say this is the better way to go. Boje offers his spin variety while also being handy with the bat.

SA off to a perfect start getting out Hayden. Langer will need to produce a 100, its been long time between drinks for him.

 

[hondeyho]

Australia seem to be struggling with maintaining some form. They absolutely stormed the first test, it's only one wicket but it could set the tone for the rest of the game.

 

[genghis_khan]

damn Haydos what u doin fool!

yes Langer hasnt made a ton since the ashes, isnt that what happened in the december Perth test?
Haydos caught by de Villiers off Ntini second ball of the second over? lol freaky!

 

[aussie1st]

Langer has taken to Nel with 2 fours. Hopefully he goes on this time for a big 100. Our run rate is above 3 which isn't a bad effort considering we lost a early wicket.

 

[angryangy]

Langer has had an interrupted summer. It is understandable that the runs haven't been flowing.

While Hayden and Langer together are a formidable pair of foes, when Hayden falls early, Langer switches from his counterattacking style to the anchor role (frequently as the foil to the aggressive Ponting). On 13 occasions where Hayden has gone out on or before the 50 partnership, Langer has scored half centuries and on 3 occasions, he has racked up large hundreds.

 

[aussie1st]

That is true Angry, Langer would want to make a 100 soon though as there are a few guys pushing for his place. It's interesting how the Langer Hayden opening combo has changed lately, usually Hayden would be the aggressor but Langer has been for the past few years. He definitely drops anchor when Punter comes in.

 

[valvolux]

Looks like a new ball pitch to me (for batting). The bounce seemed to become a little inconsistent as lunch approached, having looked as flat as joburg in the first hour. Hopefully Punter and JL can get settled after lunch and bat the second session out. But the way the odd ball jagged back in to the right hander, i'd hate to see Marto out there soon.

JL won't be displaced before the ashes - the guy is class act, as tough and as gritty as anyone in the side.