Australia tour of South Africa, 2008/09

[King Pietersen]

Yeh, North looks pretty solid. Can't say I agree with the South African commentators comments about him being similar to Alastair Cook. His stance is nothing like Cook's, and he claimed Cook's "elegant". Wouldn't say I agree with that, Cook's effective, but certainly not elegant. North's looking handy though, he's got a good FC record and offers handy spin. Still think Brad Hodge could be a better option tbh.

 

[Gilly Fan]

On a side note, I'm once again really enjoying the commentary of Pommie Mbangwa. He's got a very good voice for commentary, and is very knowledgable on the game. I like his commentary alot. One of the South African's has a really annoying voice though, think he did a spell with Mark Nicholas earlier in the day, very annoying.

Nice little bouncer from Dale Steyn to Marcus North there, that's the way to welcome him to Test cricket!! Seemed to get up off a fairly decent length as well, wasn't particularly short.

Kepler Wessels? Nah, he's good. Just need an Aussie in there imo. I can see myself getting sick of hearing Nicho and South Africans for 6 weeks straight. :o

 

[angryangy]

The pitch is a superb Test wicket, I can see why Ponting elected to bat. There's a bit of nip and zip, but it's a proper hard and fast pitch with plenty of boundaries possible. However, they haven't exactly picked a team that you'd expect to bat first. With just the three specialist pacemen and no spinner, one would think that the selectors expected a bowl-first pitch. These apparent divergent philosophies in the camp are a concern.

 

[Gilly Fan]

Yeh, North looks pretty solid. Can't say I agree with the South African commentators comments about him being similar to Alastair Cook. His stance is nothing like Cook's, and he claimed Cook's "elegant". Wouldn't say I agree with that, Cook's effective, but certainly not elegant. North's looking handy though, he's got a good FC record and offers handy spin. Still think Brad Hodge could be a better option tbh.

No. All Aussies know that Hodge shouldn't play for Australia.

 

[King Pietersen]

Why not? Already a Test match double hundred against South Africa, a FC average of 47, with 49 hundreds, and a handy off-spinner. Other than his age, I can't see why he couldn't play, he'd still have a good 3 years left in him.

King Pietersen added 11 Minutes and 35 Seconds later...

Steyn's done it again, he really is a class act. Clarke gone, poor shot, good catch from Boucher. Clarke gone for 68, South Africa back on top again. Now the lower order really need to hit some big runs.

 

[Themer]

This looks a good match, its well set at the minute Steyn looks to have done well again all be it quite expensive.

The aussie lower order needs to fire here to get them around 300 on this pitch.

 

[Mr.Cricket]

We are making the same mistakes again and again. Early wickets , wickets just before beaks and etc. I think North will play smart cricket , we just need Haddin to contine his good form. 1 good partneship can take us to 300+.

Ricky and pup played very well though.

 

[Themer]

Just seen the Hughes dismissal poor shot but it wsas his first innings so perhaps some nerves.

Good ball by Ntini there to get Ponting, his natural angle is back after seeing him lose it for part of the tour of England last year.

 

[Helpman]

Guys, its raining cats and dogs here in Joburg...

 

[angryangy]

Almost time for WI vs Eng anyway...

 

[Mr.Cricket]

Marcus North is a class act. Nice little partnership here. These two need 2 bat till stumps....

 

[IloveGilly]

Good chance for North to really secure his spot in the side.

 

[Mr.Cricket]

Bad light!!! Good fightback from us. North and Haddin looking very good out there. Hopefully these 2 can push on tomorrow to get 350+.

 

[aus_maestro]

Impressed with North, hope he goes on for the (half?) century. Haddin is becoming a reliable batsman too, nice to seeeee

 

[SciD]

Contrasting debuts uptill now. Would love Aussie win though as it will knock some sense in Saffers.