South Africa v Australia, First Test, Centurion

by msp83 Tue Feb 11, 2014 6:42 pm

First topic message reminder :

So the much anticipated series is getting underway tomorrow. South Africa, the number 1 side in the world, will be taking on a confident Australia. South Africa have enjoyed a solid stay at the top of the test rankings, for a year and a half, and the Australians are coming into this series after Thumping, Pulverizing, Thrashing, Humiliating and destroying England 5-0 in the recently concluded Ashes series.
Both sides have quality bowling units, and 4 of the top 5 ranked bowlers will be battling it out, and cricinfo points out, that doesn't even include Mitchell Johnson!. And Morne Morkel as well.
Australia are likely to go in with Shaun Marsh and Alex Doolan for the injured Shane Watson and the dropped George Bailey, the rest of their Ashes winning side should stay the same.
South Africa are likely to bring in one of Ryan McLaren and Wayne Parnell, and move Faf du Plessis to 4, as they contemplate life after Kallis. JP Duminy has some injury concerns going into the match, but he is likely to play.

by skyeman Fri Feb 14, 2014 5:25 pm

Linebreaker wrote:Yes, we don't need any potential complications. I'm just so fed up with all the breaking down. It's gone on for too long. Change in that respect is needed. It may be difficult for Boof to break the news... but obviously he would have to do it delicately... for fear of upsetting Watson's hyper-sensitive ego.

"Look mate... how's it going? Unfortunately we've had to..... you know...... anyway..... we feel it would be best if you might.... ummm......... aahhh.... sit out the next one.

We can intensify the massage program on your groin and calf areas instead. Port Elizabeth has some amazing Day Spas as you may know.
We might try the local hot-rock treatment on those delicate trouble spots of yours and then see how you feel.... OK mate?... are you alright with that?"

Lehmann i am sure will do what he thinks is best for team Australia. Worked so far.

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Fri Feb 14, 2014 7:14 pm

Statement just released by Cricket Australia regarding Shane Watsons future:

It has been a matter of great frustration that until now the Australian Cricket Board has been unable to respond to the unwarranted and unpleasant criticism of George Bailey and CA itself, which has provided an unwelcome backdrop to the recent negotiations to not pick Shane Watson.

Those negotiations have been successfully concluded and whilst both parties remain bound by confidentiality provisions CA would like to make the following comments.

CA recognises the significant contribution Shane has made to Australian teams over the last decade. He has played some of the most average ever produced by an Australian batsman.

However, the Australian team needs to rebuild after the whitewash of England. To do that we must invest in our captain Shaun Marsh and we must support him in creating a culture in which we can be confident he will have the full support of all players, with everyone pulling in the same direction and able to trust each other. It is for those reasons that we have decided to move on without Shane Watson.

Following the announcement of that decision, allegations have been made, some from people outside cricket, which as well as attacking the rationale of CA’s decision-making, have questioned, without justification, the integrity of the Australian Team Director and some of Australia’s players.

Clearly what happens in the dressing room or team meetings should remain in that environment and not be distributed to people not connected with the team. This is a core principle of any sports team, and any such action would constitute a breach of trust and team ethics.

Whilst respecting that principle, it is important to stress that Xavier Doherty, Phil Hughes and ~~Usman~~ ~~Kwaja~~ ~~Kwjawa~~ ~~Khjawa~~ Ashton Agar, who have all been singled out for uninformed and unwarranted criticism, retain the total confidence and respect of all the other members of the Ashes party.

These are men who care deeply about the fortunes of the Australian team and its image, and it is ironic that they were the people who led the reintegration of Shane Watson into the Australian squad in 2013

by Guest Fri Feb 14, 2014 7:18 pm

#yawn

by skyeman Fri Feb 14, 2014 7:57 pm

I love satire when done in the right way Very Happy

by skyeman Fri Feb 14, 2014 8:01 pm

But obviously there must be calls from some in Australia to omit Watson if there are comedy pieces such as that. Even if a dig at England and indeed the reference of KP to Watson..

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:46 am

Don't change a winning side...

by guildfordbat Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:53 am

Olly wrote:Don't change a winning side...

Bit surprised a Norwich supporter knows that saying! Sorry Wink

.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 8:52 am

Smart from Clarke with the declaration after just a couple of overs of seeing the deck playing up. The SA openers would not have expected that.

SA 482 to win.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 9:07 am

Johnson again strikes in his first over bagging Petersen.

SA 6/1.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 9:09 am

Jeez. What a first up delivery for Amla to get.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 9:19 am

Unlucky for Smith getting out like that!

But a good catch by Doolan and good tactics from Clarke.

SA 12/2

by guildfordbat Sat Feb 15, 2014 9:23 am

skyeman wrote:Smart from Clarke with the declaration after just a couple of overs of seeing the deck playing up. The SA openers would not have expected that ...

Absolutely. And then Johnson takes full advantage of that masterstroke by bagging both openers.

I thought Johnson would struggle post Ashes and predicted just 8 wickets for him in this 3 match series. He already has 9. Rolling Eyes

I'll get my coat ....

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 9:30 am

Barry Richards in the crowd. SA could do with him Very Happy

by guildfordbat Sat Feb 15, 2014 10:22 am

Siddle gets du Plessis lbw with one that keeps low. Similar to a ball at the start of the day from Morkel that no doubt influenced and hastened Clarke's declaration. Good captaincy and good cricket from Australia. South Africa with a mountain to climb ....

by msp83 Sat Feb 15, 2014 11:25 am

2 of the best in the business out in the middle for SA. But the target of 482, Mitchell Johnson, and this track that is doing things might be far too much even for AB and Amla.

by msp83 Sat Feb 15, 2014 11:28 am

Without Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy coming in at 6 really weakens the South African batting. Duminy's form doesn't warrant selection as I mentioned above, no way is he good enough to bat 6 for this side at the moment.
Who are the possible batting options other than Dean Elgar who I don't think is test class, and young Quinton de Kock who many South Africans feel should not be put at the deep end at this point of his career?
I would go for de Kock, but who else could come into the frame?

by guildfordbat Sat Feb 15, 2014 11:49 am

Msp - you raise an understandable concern about Duminy and who might come in but I'll have to leave that to others with more knowledge of the current South African scene.

Meanwhile, I wonder how significant it was that Warner bowled a couple of overs before lunch. Just possibly Clarke also had an eye on the next Test and was wondering who might fill in for Watson if he (Watson) misses out on selection and more seam bowling is required ....

by guildfordbat Sat Feb 15, 2014 11:51 am

Amla goes to the ever probing Harris and so, I think, totally do South Africa's chances!

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 11:52 am

Much like the English media during the Ashes going wild saying drop him, do that, go for this. The SA media doing the same thing when losing, which is only natural i suppose. Even Australia had it and used bucket loads of players during the lean years.

Sometimes there are just no answers.

The SA media are saying McClaren, Peterson and Duminy should go but who can be any better?

Harmer looked good in the warm up and de Kock has had many compliments so could be possibles.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:00 pm

guildfordbat wrote:Msp - you raise an understandable concern about Duminy and who might come in but I'll have to leave that to others with more knowledge of the current South African scene.

Meanwhile, I wonder how significant it was that Warner bowled a couple of overs before lunch. Just possibly Clarke also had an eye on the next Test and was wondering who might fill in for Watson if he (Watson) misses out on selection and more seam bowling is required ....

Good insight but i just think that was Clarke being his out of the box self who quite a lot does the unexpected.

If Watson does not play i will get a hat ready Very Happy

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:12 pm

I would leave Duminy in for his spin option and drop Peterson, bring in Parnell for McClaren thus giving SA an extra specialist batsman, maybe de Kock.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:32 pm

Just saw a girl in the crowd wearing lederhosen, eating sauerkraut and with a large stein of beer, could that be Kingraf's girlfriend Very Happy

Stereotyping, me bad.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:54 pm

MJ gets his third of the innings having Duminy caught by a sensational catch at short leg. 10 for the match clap

SA 128/5.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Feb 15, 2014 12:55 pm

Doolan's pretty good at short leg eh

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:01 pm

Olly wrote:Doolan's pretty good at short leg eh

Two top reflex catches, outstanding.

Lyon with no wkts yet but building pressure and as tight as a ducks ass Very Happy

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:05 pm

Ouch that hurt. McClaren bloodied by a short one from MJ.

by **Biltong** Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:14 pm

This is now where Morkel must get angry, and he must carry that anger and aggression to the next two tests.

The tailenders must use this match as a learning curve of how to play Johnson and carry that knowledge through to the next test.

Our bowling was poor this test, so the bowlers will have to buck up for St George's and it is a must win match for us.

Morkel has the pace to hurry and bounce the Aussies, not that St George's is a really the pitch to do it.

But we need more aggression.

Selection wise Pietersen, Peterson and Duminy must go.

Bring in Beuran Hendricks, Quinton de Kock and either Stiaan v Zyl or Rillee Rossouw.

by guildfordbat Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:20 pm

skyeman wrote:[

Lyon with no wkts yet but building pressure and as tight as a ducks ass

I tend to think that Arlott would have expressed it a little more eloquently but I agree with the meaning. Smile

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:34 pm

guildfordbat wrote:
skyeman wrote:[

Lyon with no wkts yet but building pressure and as tight as a ducks ass

I tend to think that Arlott would have expressed it a little more eloquently but I agree with the meaning.

As economical as a ducks derriere Very Happy

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:40 pm

This constant aggression reminds me of the eighties West Indies bowling but then it was from several. Scary.

by msp83 Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:52 pm

Johnson has done de Villiers in with one that was held back just a little bit, AB went for it, connected well but didn't keep it down, and is well held by Steven Smith. AB goes for 48 and the end is very near.
5for Johnson.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:54 pm

WOW. AB going for it again and getting out in a similar fashion to his first innings.

Even Johnsons bad balls are getting him wkts. What a purple patch. 12 for the game.

SA 156/7.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:02 pm

Seeing the way this pitch is now playing, its making Smith's decision to bowl first all the more baffling

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:03 pm

A unfortunate grubber bowls Petersen. All over today now.

by guildfordbat Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:23 pm

Olly wrote:Seeing the way this pitch is now playing, its making Smith's decision to bowl first all the more baffling

''If you win the toss, you have two choices. Either bat or think about it and then bat.'' - advice given by Cyril Washbrook, Lancs' first professional captain, to David 'Bumble' Lloyd when he took on the captaincy in the early 1970s. Very Happy

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:25 pm

I thought there would be a bit more fight for the second dig but MJ has blown them away again. Same as England i feel, the damage has now been done for the next Test which is only a few days away.

England were not that bad then? Johnson just a freak of nature at the moment.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:28 pm

All done and a run out finishes it much like the Ashes final wkt.

Out of their misery.

by guildfordbat Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:31 pm

skyeman wrote:I thought there would be a bit more fight for the second dig but MJ has blown them away again. Same as England i feel, the damage has now been done for the next Test which is only a few days away.

England were not that bad then? Johnson just a freak of nature at the moment.

... and all without Haddin scoring a single run!

by **Pal Joey** Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:34 pm

You can put England and SA in the same boat... blown off course by MJ and the rest of the Aussie crew. Very Happy

Great win. I knew they could do it. Australia seem to play pretty well in SA as our record there shows.

The psychological shock of such a defeat for Smith & Co. must be huge. There were glimpses of some potential in certain moments and AB led the way with the bat for SA. It's never easy to come back being down 1-0 against such a formidable opponent as Australia in the form they are in.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:34 pm

guildfordbat wrote:
skyeman wrote:I thought there would be a bit more fight for the second dig but MJ has blown them away again. Same as England i feel, the damage has now been done for the next Test which is only a few days away.

England were not that bad then? Johnson just a freak of nature at the moment.

... and all without Haddin scoring a single run!

Great point.

Haddin did indeed have a massive impact.

by **Biltong** Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:44 pm

Congrats LB, your team convincingly outplayed the Proteas.

Smith's decision was a big mistake.

Hopefully we will now see Quinton de Kock and Beuran Hendricks.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:45 pm

SA should kidnap him and shave the tache off Very Happy

by **Pal Joey** Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:56 pm

skyeman wrote:
guildfordbat wrote:
skyeman wrote:I thought there would be a bit more fight for the second dig but MJ has blown them away again. Same as England i feel, the damage has now been done for the next Test which is only a few days away.

England were not that bad then? Johnson just a freak of nature at the moment.

... and all without Haddin scoring a single run!

Great point.

Haddin did indeed have a massive impact.

The good thing for us is that when Haddin has a quiet one as he did here (his keeping and presence on the field was still important) there were other players who stood up and churned out the runs.

The Australians simply looked more at ease on that wicket and batted very sensibly in the main. I particularly liked the way they weathered the early storm of the new ball and seemed to have plenty of time to play their shots when the shine came off a bit. A couple of failures here and there but it's good to see them having proper judgement leaving the wide ones and knowing where their stumps are.

This is exactly how England looked throughout the 2010-11 Ashes... I remember Cook, Trott and Bell doing the same... just calmly and patiently waiting to make hay once the initial attack had begun to wane. It was perfect execution. Australia, in that Series, were like SA here at Centurion... desperately trying but nothing coming off.

This is why I don't want Watson back so quickly. He was still flailing at wide balls during the recent Ashes and had a few typically soft dismissals.
I found those really annoying at the time. Why couldn't he reel his head in? Hughes had the same problem (reversed for a LH) a few years back too. However, he is more willing to learn to avoid that mistake and try and improve his technique whereas I don't believe Watson is on top of his game in a mental sense.

Besides - Marsh and Doolan deserve to bat in PE after their performances here. I can't explain how good it feels to have these 2, young (seemingly responsible and uncomplicated!) players, who have a that sort of good "old-fashioned" sound batting technique and mindset... with the ability to play with a bit of power when needed alongside Warner.

by **Good Golly I'm Olly** Sat Feb 15, 2014 3:02 pm

I agree LB.

Watson shouldn't come back in, especially not after the performances Doolan and Marsh have put in.

Plus Watson isn't that good that he should be an automatic pick.

by msp83 Sat Feb 15, 2014 3:04 pm

Biltong wrote:Congrats LB, your team convincingly outplayed the Proteas.

Smith's decision was a big mistake.

Hopefully we will now see Quinton de Kock and Beuran Hendricks.

Hendricks or no Hendricks, de Kock or no de Kock, I hope we don't see JP Duminy and Ryan McLaren for the next game. I would like them to give young Simon Harmer a go in place of Robin Peterson. A better bat, and can't do worse with the ball.

by msp83 Sat Feb 15, 2014 3:07 pm

LB, Doolan looks like an all-rounder in the making. India had one some time back who could take wickets at shortleg, Eknath Solkar. Doolan's not in that league yet, but the 2 reflex takes were absolutely outstanding.

by skyeman Sat Feb 15, 2014 3:10 pm

Sky TV. Bob willis and Harmie saying it will be hard for the selectors on the decision for Watson but it will be fifty fifty.

I will get my hat ready.

by Duty281 Sat Feb 15, 2014 3:11 pm

Well done Australia. clap

by **Pal Joey** Sat Feb 15, 2014 3:24 pm

Biltong wrote:Congrats LB, your team convincingly outplayed the Proteas.

Smith's decision was a big mistake.

Hopefully we will now see Quinton de Kock and Beuran Hendricks.

Thanks mate. Hug

Genuine heartfelt commiserations to you, Raf, Gerry, Fern and any Saffa fans. (you'll probably give us another hiding in rugby no doubt!)

QdK looks like he has some true grit from what I've seen. I don't know much about Hendricks or some of the other options you have available.

When you look at it properly - yeah, the toss was a big gamble, the early SA bowling attack looked promising but then lost its way.

Steyn wasn't feeling 100% but still managed to put in a gutsy performance taking a batch of wickets. Philander was tidy and economical but he seems to be struggling with the pressure to get bags of wickets every Test match. I've always liked Morne Morkel; it was a pity he got injured. He'll need to get more angry as you say but I get the impression he seems like too nice a guy to make the change in the space of the next few days.

SA (just) need to take stock - quickly identify the main weakness (how to deal with MJ) - then try and wipe the memory and instead concentrate on how to develop a more energised approach which will lead to better performances. They need to drop the Pride bit... (it's irrelevant) and just deal with the now and aim to play better all round in PE. There are plenty of areas to work on.

by **Biltong** Sat Feb 15, 2014 3:31 pm

Hendricks is the left arm version of Steyn, almost as fast.

Our concerns over the past year was Petersen, Pieterson and Duminy.

Those are the areas of concern that must be addressed.

Hendricks in for McLaren, de Kcok in for Duminy

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