South Africa in England

[manee]

On Sidebottom, I don't think he's done terribly poorly, if he had one more wicket for the match he'd have broken even. It looks like he isn't fit, though. Some bowlers can carry a lot of injuries, but most shouldn't. It's been a ******* of a series for both teams and they are both showing it. Probably one thing that is proving the difference is that South Africa have been good at spreading loads, while England have typically seen a couple of bowlers run into the ground each innings. In this match, England had a bowler reach 30 overs both times, while no South African made it past 21. Fresh legs could be key at The Oval, though it will be fought only for pride.

Say what you will, but The Smith Factor has again presented and remains undefeated. If he had gotten out before his hundred, England probably would have had a very good chance, but so long as he was there, they couldn't win. By carrying bat, he not only led his team to a memorable victory, but also put up what is far and away the highest score for the second digs at Edgbaston.

This is probably one of those times where this forum's demographics work badly. We have only a few South Africans and so many of the defacto South African supporters have their own reasons for watching England get beat. As a result, we don't have a lot of people praising the 2nd best team in world cricket, only a lot of lambasting and criticism for England. To be honest, it really shouldn't be surprising that South Africa have a little mettle for a tight situation.

AWTA (agree with the above).

Ever since Bell scored the double ton and screwed up falling one short of a test double hundred he has looked our best batsmen

31, 4, 50 and 20 are hardly work of the best batsman for England.

Don't get me wrong I wasn't heaping the praise on Ambrose, I was just throwing it out there that unlike certain players who will remain nameless, he doesn't give his wicket away.

Jimmeh!

Cheers for the laughs.

Agreed, calling Collingwood world class is a bit of a joke.

Well done SA. I felt SA had the better side and they proved that. They have a lot better balance with a very strong top 6 and a good set of bowlers.

I know they were missing Steyn, but South Africa's bowling was diabolical at times and when will they learn that Harris is a dead weight outside the subcontinent. 5 pacers is the way to go for the third Test, if everyone is fit. Indeed, I would not stretch as far as picking Zondeki (due to his 9 wickets at 42 this county season) if Steyn has not recovered from his injury.

Te last game is a dead rubber really, though you want to win every game, especially tests so perhaps England should make a few changes. Sidebottom may need resting. I'd like to think Vaughan could be dropped and Strauss could captain, but I doubt they'd do that.

I agree that Sidebottom should be rested if he is carrying a niggle, but in the limited time I have got to watch this match and the highlights, nothing has suggested that to me. Vaughan being replaced and Strauss to captain will not happen - Vaughan does not play ODIs and so is being dropped rather than rested and this sets a dangerous precedent that Vaughan does not have the selectors' support and is dispensable as a skipper-batsman.

The difference between the sides is that EVERY South African player has contributed so far this series. From the top 6 everyone has passed 50 and of the bowlers, everyone's been sharing the wickets around. Even Nel came into the side and bowled well right away. They're playing well as a team. England are currently relying on individuals to perform and players such as Vaughan and Ambrose aren't contributing enough. All of England's bowlers have been below par. None of them have stepped up and been going at 20 averages. Sidebottom and Flintoff are the best of them with 32ish averages.

AWTA

If Steyn is back for South Africa, i'd take out Ntini. He bowls too short for English conditions. He just doesn't look dangerous. Nel bowled a lot straighter and more accurate. Much less free four balls.

As said before, I'd go with five pace bowlers.

I reckon Harmy will play at the Oval to be honest. Good pitch for him to come back on that. I'd still rather we went with Jones though.

Harmison in for Monty may be the right move for England to make, with Monty having a poor record at the Oval and the pitch looking to be a moist one if the current weather in London persists.

 

[Arunava]

When you've been outplayed, you rarely do...

May I ask why you support South Africa when you're clearly not South African? Then again, there's no point asking this question since you'll end up dodging it as always.

dodging it. .: when did u felt i was dodging, i never did or do. anyways answer to your question is, a story, yes i am not south african, but when i started playing cricket when i was 10, it was south africa's match that i first saw on tv, '96 wc against WI. they lost that match but there attitude was very impressive and inspiring. I used to play with same attitude on the field and no doubt i had my heroes from this team only in Jonty Rhodes, his fielding always inspired me and helped me become a very good fielder for my side. The leadership of Cronje was great. Whenever i saw any other team i just couldn't relate myself to them.

In short, I am supporter of SA since day one i started following the game, i can miss any game, but never miss a SA match. my friends know that and think i am crazy not supporting my country instead, but i don't agree with them as I can't relate myself to the Indian cricket.

Was that dodgy :

 

[Will_NA]

Well, it did take you a few hours to answer it. Gloating is one thing but gloating for another country's success is something else. I might as well boast about Italy winning the Football World Cup.

 

[SciD]

At least we beat Australia at home...

Most England fans are still living on it. Unfortunately that will never happen again in 100 years.

 

[Arunava]

Well, it did take you a few hours to answer it. Gloating is one thing but gloating for another country's success is something else. I might as well boast about Italy winning the Football World Cup.

few hours, that is obvious as i just came from my college and answered your post.
and you can support any team u like , one should not complain be it, one gloating for own country or other as long as the supporter is not a casual supporter changing sides every season.

 

[Will_NA]

Funny though, you beat us in the Test Series making you a far superior Test team yet we beat you in the ODI arena and we're still at village level. Doesn't quite add up.

Oh and, Sid, you last beat Australia 7 years ago. Don't act as if you're world beaters just yet.

Will_NA added 0 Minutes and 55 Seconds later...

few hours, that is obvious as i just came from my college and answered your post.
and you can support any team u like , one should not complain be it, one gloating for own country or other as long as the supporter is not a casual supporter changing sides every season.

I was finding it hard enough to respect your opinion but you don't even support your own country.

 

[SciD]

When did I say we are world beaters. :rtfl

I just said we are better than England. If you think England is no1 side then yeah we are world beaters.

 

[Will_NA]

When did I say we are world beaters. :rtfl

I just said we are better than England. If you think England is no1 side then yeah we are world beaters.

Well, you claimed England wouldn't beat Australia for another 100 years so I wouldn't be surprised if you though India were the best in the world.

 

[SciD]

In 2 years India will struggle to beat Bangladesh. :

 

[Will_NA]

Only a year ago, India struggled to beat Bangladesh

 

[Arunava]

@Will_NA

i am not looking for your respect or anyones. that has not been my aim anyway ever, but always like your questions . i've done much work for my country than i've ever expected of myself. i am a sports lover when it comes to sports and can't wildly support my own country when i just can't relate myself to them. i think it is difficult for you to understand that. it is not like i will be a traitor if i am supporting SA in INdia v SA match sitting among indian fans. I can relate myself to South African cricket. I've always gone with one whom i can relate to, professionally as well.

 

[SciD]

Only a year ago, India struggled to beat Bangladesh

That way only few years ago even Australia struggled to beat Bangladesh. Where are you going.

 

[Will_NA]

Backwards.

 

[Arunava]

anyway back on topic, English side is way much inferior to SA and will lose the fourth one as well. English guys and fans think they are too good which they are not. You can make as many changes as you can in your side, but you guys won't win a single match for sometime.

 

[Will_NA]

I think you're in the wrong thread. You're looking for this one:

http://www.planetcricket.org/forums/showthread.php?t=44901