Cricket: England in South Africa 2015/16 (Basil D'Oliveira Trophy)
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I don't really get today - the last 4 tests showed me a team on the way down, with plenty of chemistry issues.
Yesterday, and today, albeit with some luck, they showed a fighting spirit that reminded me of the Faf draws in Oz. Amla finally remembered how to bat, AB looked shaky but set up a key partnership and even Faf looked reasonably assured, the best he's looked in almost a year.
If I was Amla, I'd set out to bat the next 2 days. Go for the draw, but exhaust the English players in the Cape Townian heat and also demoralize them slightly. This test should be a draw, so why not try and get an advantage for the series.
Yesterday, and today, albeit with some luck, they showed a fighting spirit that reminded me of the Faf draws in Oz. Amla finally remembered how to bat, AB looked shaky but set up a key partnership and even Faf looked reasonably assured, the best he's looked in almost a year.
If I was Amla, I'd set out to bat the next 2 days. Go for the draw, but exhaust the English players in the Cape Townian heat and also demoralize them slightly. This test should be a draw, so why not try and get an advantage for the series.
Mate that track had zero movement in it. Anyone with some degree of talent was going to make a score. Perfect for Amla (who played beautifully I thought) Very tough for the seamers. I doubt spin will play a part. A draw fo sho. 😗
Wow - two overs, Amla and Faf gone.
What kind of stupid lunacy is that declaration? Makes no sense.....
Its sort of like asking a captain who is leading the series to set an enterprising target? Why would Cook do that? Cook will first ensure a win is out of reach for SA before declaring again.
SA would have been better served by playing on and testing the fitness of the poms. It would have worked in their favor for a better result in the next test at least.
Id want my Captains head in a plate for this kinda shit.....
SA always manage to make stupid decisions....it is why they have not won a world cup yet.
Its sort of like asking a captain who is leading the series to set an enterprising target? Why would Cook do that? Cook will first ensure a win is out of reach for SA before declaring again.
SA would have been better served by playing on and testing the fitness of the poms. It would have worked in their favor for a better result in the next test at least.
Id want my Captains head in a plate for this kinda shit.....
SA always manage to make stupid decisions....it is why they have not won a world cup yet.
Agree totally...honestly thought SA would just bat and bat given Anderson and Finn are coming off injuries.
Hopefully Cook has his head screwed on and just bats through the day tomorrow hopefully finding a score for himself in the process
I thought he delayed the declaration for Bavuma's century. SA will only win the match if they take 10 wickets and he should have declared earlier 50 or so behind and had a good hour and a half at England who must be absolutely knackered!. As it was it didn't leave enough time to build any pressure really. Despite being England through and through I can't help but be pleased for Bavuma, a century needed for more reasons than one
If they wanted to be aggressive they should have declared 10 or 12 overs after lunch....50 runs earlier does not change the scenario at all....
Regardless on a flat deck where even Ben Stokes scores runs the sensible thing to do is just accept the draw and bat the match out...
Regardless on a flat deck where even Ben Stokes scores runs the sensible thing to do is just accept the draw and bat the match out...
I don't know much about the lad - It was a very well taken knock. Is he really the first black SA cricketer to score a century? That can't be right surely..
That would allow the option of an England declaration if they batted well in their second innings
No way - Ashwell Prince & JP Duminy have hit centuries ...
If they're picking them based on 'quotas', then why treat them differently for records? Silly stuff ... Bavuma seems like an interesting player - he's 26, and this will hopefully give him a much needed confidence boost.
Lunch - England 87/4. 64 overs to go.
England in making it hard for themselves shocker! Still can't see anything other than a draw though
And Stokes is gone ...
And I've probably spoken to quickly!
Amla has stepped down as captain.
"This decision has not an easy one to make I felt I had to be true to myself. I am comfortable with my decision and I feel I need to work on my own game.
"I was deeply honoured when the position was given to me. Throughout my time as captain, I have always had the support of my team-mates and coaching staff . I remain committed to the Proteas across all formats and I will fully support whoever is shown as my successor."
"This decision has not an easy one to make I felt I had to be true to myself. I am comfortable with my decision and I feel I need to work on my own game.
"I was deeply honoured when the position was given to me. Throughout my time as captain, I have always had the support of my team-mates and coaching staff . I remain committed to the Proteas across all formats and I will fully support whoever is shown as my successor."
Proper leader that is, despite not being captain material.
Blimey that is an inexperienced attack! Hope we have a more sporting wicket at the Wanderers.
Well, the history shows that there will be wickets in the first two days:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-england-2015-16/content/story/961727.html
Also, this time of year, you can expect regular thunderstorms.
Great afternoon session for England so far. Broad's been outstanding. SA effectively 21-4!
