England tour of South Africa 09/10

[stefan]

Strauss is better than other people think you know

Never said he wasn't good. But its know he likes the pull and cut so feeding him on his favorite shots isn't exactaly the smartest thing to do. He is more likely to get out driving or pushing at a pitched up delivery than getting caught on the hook.

 

[JD10]

No affence to any of your bowlers. They're all pretty tall. Ntini is the smallest. But someone like Morkel is gonna pitch it short and Strauss can smash it away. If it in the corridor of uncertainty, that's when he struggles

 

[stefan]

No affence to any of your bowlers. They're all pretty tall. Ntini is the smallest. But someone like Morkel is gonna pitch it short and Strauss can smash it away. If it in the corridor of uncertainty, that's when he struggles

Morkel was the one who pitched it up. If you look at his pitch map all his deliveries except 2 or 3 are in the good to full lenght zone , he really bowled well today. Strauss never pulled him. Had few drives through the covers but no short balls. Morkel's lenght to strauss was spot on which is why he had him lbw and eventually got him bowled.

Ntini was way too short.

BTW. I think Steyn is smaller than ntini.

 

[Valaskjalf]

Ive said it before the start of the test and I will say it again....Its time for Ntini to go. This stupid sentimental/political reasons for holding onto a player who is way past his best is making our team struggle.

I feel if de Wet was in the side we could have actually exerted some pressure on the England openers but Ntini swiftly helped them get the momentum with them, after all the good work Steyn did while batting. I ask you...how the hell is it possible for a veteran like Ntini to bowl the wrong length over and over even while Strauss clobbers him all over square leg?

Morkel is looking good, not as scattered as previously and putting a lot of pressure on the batters. Steyn is looking ok....a little down on pace so not sure if his rhythm is quite there. Harris is doing what he always does....not really spinning it and his straight one does more than the one that grips so yeah....he can just keep doing what hes doing.

But seriously...I hope they drop Ntini after this, we have Amla, Prince and Duminy in the side representing "colour" and if they feel thats not enough then where does merit come in? Ntini has done well for a long time, but come on...get someone new in, I wouldnt mind if they gave Tsotobe a chance, if they're so hung up about putting more non-whites in the side then its great - but they have to be up to scratch and Ntini isnt anymore.

 

[JD10]

Ive said it before the start of the test and I will say it again....Its time for Ntini to go. This stupid sentimental/political reasons for holding onto a player who is way past his best is making our team struggle.

The commentary said it's because he's black etc. You know it. Also because Ntini is an iconic figure in South Africa

 

[Valaskjalf]

The commentary said it's because he's black etc. You know it. Also because Ntini is an iconic figure in South Africa

Ummm...yes that goes without saying of course its because he's black and thats my point. Lonwabo Tsotobe is also black but they havent given him a run at all after his 4/50 against Australia in the ODIs last year. They could have easily included in him the squad and prepared him for the test scene.....hes a really good up and coming black bowler, left handed quick which is even better.

And again, fair enough with Ntini being so iconic and all....but having an iconic player in our side isnt going to win us this series. Ironic how the management keep enforcing this inclusion of black players regardless of their form and regardless of their quality not being up to scratch anymore, yet if the team doesnt perform its Smith and Arthur's heads on the block.

 

[stefan]

The commentary said it's because he's black etc. You know it. Also because Ntini is an iconic figure in South Africa

Iconic has nothing to do with it. Shaun Pollock was iconic and was dropped when he lost his zip and pace. This is down to politics and nothing else.

If they really must have another player of colour pick tsotsobe or parnel or even friend. All 3 are currently better than ntini.

 

[pcfan123]

This is just embarrassing for Ntini, why does he not retire himself?

 

[Valaskjalf]

Iconic has nothing to do with it. Shaun Pollock was iconic and was dropped when he lost his zip and pace. This is down to politics and nothing else.

If they really must have another player of colour pick tsotsobe or parnel or even friend. All 3 are currently better than ntini.

yes...what i said

Valaskjalf added 5 Minutes and 41 Seconds later...

This is just embarrassing for Ntini, why does he not retire himself?

Because he still thinks hes awesome.....he hasnt been that for the past few series.

 

[Sureshot]

I'm not so sure, he's always struck me as being an honest player.

 

[Ollie_H]

Have to agree with Sureshot on that one.

 

[nikhil_99]

Eng going steady, 103/1 (in 26 overs), still a long way to go...24- runs behind, i am hoping KP to get some runs...

 

[Ollie_H]

Eng going steady, 103/1 (in 26 overs), still a long way to go...24- runs behind, i am hoping KP to get some runs...

please try to refrain from posting.

 

[pcfan123]

please try to refrain from posting.

LOL I think him and Raj Aryan (or whatever) are not aware that the rest of the world has access to cricinfo as well.

 

[Valaskjalf]

I'm not so sure, he's always struck me as being an honest player.

Well im pretty sure on-field and in the media thats how he would like to be portrayed....apparently he thinks himself a bit of a Casanova and is pretty full of himself. Friend of mine said she met him at an SA training camp where the national netbal team was as well and he really likes to do the whole "im makhaya ntini" routine lol Regardless of that, or whether he is honest or not, he doesnt deserve his spot anymore...thats the real point.