blockerdave
ICC Chairman
Just after Tea on Day 3 of 4 in a Rebel “Test” Match.
Grassy Hard pitch with custom sliders and ratings reduced but not as methodically as @WealeyH has done.
South Africa (AI) 391 in 132.2 overs (run rate just under 3) with 23 maidens (14 to one bowler, Chris Old (RFM) out of 35 overs!)
Had them 208/7 but the tailend boost kicked in: their 8/9/10 scores were 80, 64, 40*. (None are rabbits but still this is extreme and annoying.)
Blown away first inns for 163 in under 50 overs and AI enforced follow on. One of those where every mistake you’re out.
Batting much better 2nd inns. Everyone’s got a start and Gooch made a ton and Amiss 50. Currently just under 100 ahead, 5 down. New ball due, 25 overs left in the day and 96 on day 4.
Nice set up and good match.
Positives
AI batted reasonably for a test, mentalities on show, decent maidens and no regular boundary or last ball smash. Decent variety of dismissals. Visual pitch change and probably affected play too - less grass = easier batting? AI doesnt seem to bowl too leg side.
Negatives
Tailend “balancer”. Bounce is way too low for a hard pitch even taking into account that grass reduces bounce. Batting is hyper restricted - 90% of my runs being extra cover drives and behind square on leg. The few shots I hit in other areas (straight drive and mid-wicket) felt lovely but very hard to repeat regularly. I have not played a single successful cut shot (that was how Gooch got out for 122!). Spin took 4 wickets on day 1 grassy pitch.
Grassy Hard pitch with custom sliders and ratings reduced but not as methodically as @WealeyH has done.
South Africa (AI) 391 in 132.2 overs (run rate just under 3) with 23 maidens (14 to one bowler, Chris Old (RFM) out of 35 overs!)
Had them 208/7 but the tailend boost kicked in: their 8/9/10 scores were 80, 64, 40*. (None are rabbits but still this is extreme and annoying.)
Blown away first inns for 163 in under 50 overs and AI enforced follow on. One of those where every mistake you’re out.
Batting much better 2nd inns. Everyone’s got a start and Gooch made a ton and Amiss 50. Currently just under 100 ahead, 5 down. New ball due, 25 overs left in the day and 96 on day 4.
Nice set up and good match.
Positives
AI batted reasonably for a test, mentalities on show, decent maidens and no regular boundary or last ball smash. Decent variety of dismissals. Visual pitch change and probably affected play too - less grass = easier batting? AI doesnt seem to bowl too leg side.
Negatives
Tailend “balancer”. Bounce is way too low for a hard pitch even taking into account that grass reduces bounce. Batting is hyper restricted - 90% of my runs being extra cover drives and behind square on leg. The few shots I hit in other areas (straight drive and mid-wicket) felt lovely but very hard to repeat regularly. I have not played a single successful cut shot (that was how Gooch got out for 122!). Spin took 4 wickets on day 1 grassy pitch.
