South Africa's tour of India - October/December 2015

[shravi]

I did not say they should slog. From what I hear, they are leaving even deliveries which they can score a single of. What explains Amla scoring 23 off 200+ balls? They don't need to slog, but this kind of a blockathon is highly abnormal even by 90's test standards.

What's the point of going for runs? They are not trying to win the game. I don't understand your argument other than that you don't think it's exciting to watch, but you aren't even watching it. You are just following the scorecard!

 

[abhi_jacko]

I am absolutely loving the blocking. Just goes to show, if they put their mind to it, even modern day batsmen with good techniques can grind it out.

 

[grkrama]

bring on ashwin

 

[grkrama]

That was a beaut to end amla's stand! The crowd noise says it all, how involved people are in this match! Amla has fought so well and gave a challenge! Now upto faf and abd!

 

[PokerAce]

I am surprised to find so many negative comments about the blocking. I have found a great deal of joy in watching the SA resistance. There is a raw beauty in watching a 23 run off 244 innings ... that has gone missing from cricket today.

I would like SA to take this to the final session and if they draw this well done to them.

 

[grkrama]

FAF takes the record for most balls without getting of mark!

 

[grkrama]

I am surprised to find so many negative comments about the blocking. I have found a great deal of joy in watching the SA resistance. There is a raw beauty in watching a 23 run off 244 innings ... that has gone missing from cricket today.

I would like SA to take this to the final session and if they draw this well done to them.

agree with that but i also think some people may not really enjoy it because this post on cricinfo sums it up better

Shyam: "Not taking away any credit from SAF for this innings, I am not convinced by the amount of praise they are getting for this innings. They have not chosen to play this way, they are forced to play this way because they couldn't play the bowlers otherwise without losing/getting out, as evident in last 6 innings. By far, this is the most playable wicket they have got this innings, and a sporting target. They could have gone for it, as they had nothing to lose! But they accepted draw even before trying"

Personally i like this battle they are putting defending and it is a pleasure to watch! It will take enormous skill to break through batsman not looking to take runs and its a challenge for jadu and ash to take on!

At the same time for a NO1 rank team to straight out take this strategy also showcases how unsure they are against spin and this conditions and their state!

 

[PokerAce]

@PokerAce - Surprised you rate Root and Kohli in the same bracket. I'd put Kohli and Smith as joint best all round batsman. Williamson in tests.

I meant purely in tests. Overall in both odds and tests I would rate kohl ahead of root. ABD top kohl second alongside Smith and Williamson

 

[PokerAce]

agree with that but i also think some people may not really enjoy it because this post on cricinfo sums it up better




Personally i like this battle they are putting defending and it is a pleasure to watch! It will take enormous skill to break through batsman not looking to take runs and its a challenge for jadu and ash to take on!

At the same time for a NO1 rank team to straight out take this strategy also showcases how unsure they are against spin and this conditions and their state!

While I agree with the been forced to play this way part ... This is by no means a sporting target. SA have been forced to play this way by both the target and the fact that this is the only they will survive.

 

[grkrama]

This is by no means a sporting target

We did manage 267 odd in 100 overs, with 5wkts in hand! The wkt wasnt all that different especially yesterday if not has eased up a bit more!


I would say well done and great effort to SA if they manage to draw which seems likely, but certainly would fall short of special! Special would have been if they had a go at the target and chased it or fell short by a smaller margin!

 

[stefan]

We did manage 267 odd in 100 overs, with 5wkts in hand! The wkt wasnt all that different especially yesterday if not has eased up a bit more!


I would say well done and great effort to SA if they manage to draw which seems likely, but certainly would fall short of special! Special would have been if they had a go at the target and chased it or fell short by a smaller margin!

Considering there is only one 4th innings total larger then this in the games history and that was scored in 1938 would certainly not call it a sporting target.

 

[stefan]

Was a good fight but India will probably go on to win from here. Really got to question duminy, all the other senior showed great fight and he only manages 12 balls...

 

[PokerAce]

I think the wickets keep the test interesting and two results still likely.

However in hindsight the wicket of Elgar was vital yesterday. He may not have gotten a lot of runs this series but he has shown a lot of pluck and has generally hung around.

If he had stuck around then we could be looking at a draw for sure as opposed to two results still being likely.

 

[Markkkkk]

It all matters on Vilas now, if he can bat for 20 overs with AB then we can draw. Anyone who says they would have de Kock in this situation is mental. Too soon to write Duminy off, after this tour no one can be considered worse then the others...

 

[stefan]

It all matters on Vilas now, if he can bat for 20 overs with AB then we can draw. Anyone who says they would have de Kock in this situation is mental. Too soon to write Duminy off, after this tour no one can be considered worse then the others...

How many chances does duminy deserve? He has played 31 tests now and is averaging 34. Also with elgar being able to bowl there is no way jp's bowling can keep him in the side.

Probably in this situation de kock wouldn't be ideally suited but this is a unique situation. Still believe he would have made more runs and concede less byes then villas did on this tour.