Rest of the World

First topic message reminder :

Big partnership in the context of the game. If they can add another 20-odd, the lead becomes noteworthy in a low scoring slug fest. As is Jansen showing he may well become a #7, while Keshav is playing with the poise of a man who has 3 Test 50s. Very organised. He probably has done himself a disservice, especially in a South African side both devoid of batsmen and obsessed with pace, in not working a little harder on his batting to be a #7.

Wonder if Tuffers and Botham would've been good with the stones

Fascinating sport that curling... rather draws you in , does it not ?  Have watched quite a lot of games this last couple of weeks.

That last round robin set of matches that decided the women's semi final line-up was tense stuff !

Suspect this game could be a nail-biter...

I’m not really a big fan of the Winter Olympics - none of the sports really grab me like some of the random ones in the Summer games. But the curling is great. And with that 4 in the ninth end, GB should be good for another final…

JDizzle wrote:I’m not really a big fan of the Winter Olympics - none of the sports really grab me like some of the random ones in the Summer games. But the curling is great. And with that 4 in the ninth end, GB should be good for another final…

I find the Winter Olympics a bit pointless, too few countries capable of competing goes against the Olympic spirit.

Fantastic comeback and win by the delectable Ms Muirhead and her team from trailing 4-0 after the first end - 25/4 after 10 overs in my terms!

Soul Requiem wrote:

JDizzle wrote:I’m not really a big fan of the Winter Olympics - none of the sports really grab me like some of the random ones in the Summer games. But the curling is great. And with that 4 in the ninth end, GB should be good for another final…

I find the Winter Olympics a bit pointless, too few countries capable of competing goes against the Olympic spirit.

I don't mind it but I'm totally against where it's being held. A diplomatic boycott is not good enough. A full athlete boycott would have been better.
Same goes for the World Cup in Qatar. Although I love the actual event, I won't be buying into it this time. It's against the spirit of 'fair play' too.

Curling should be called 'ice bowls'. It has a gentle elegance and poetry to it. I don't find many other Winter Olympic sports, which mostly seem to be variations of sliding around in some snow whether on foot or face down, to be very interesting.

But this is a cricket thread and South Africa's humiliation is complete. Does Henry make way for Boult for the next test? Surely not!

The snazzily-named '2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier A' started today. Eight teams in it, two will qualify for this year's World T20 tournament. One of the eight teams is the Philippines - Wikipedia tells me they haven't played a game for three years and some of their squad only met for the first time in the last few days. Unsurprisingly they lost their opener to Canada.

Ireland began with a loss to the UAE, which means they have to beat Bahrain and Germany or face probable elimination. Nepal managed to defend 117 in upsetting Oman.

The 'B' version, containing the Dutch and Zimbabweans, where eight teams will also try to squeeze into two spots, isn't until July for some odd reason. I was wondering where the Scots were, as I didn't see them listed in either event, but then I remembered they beat Bangladesh in the 2021 event proper thus securing their qualification for 2022.

Duty281 wrote:Curling should be called 'ice bowls'. It has a gentle elegance and poetry to it. I don't find many other Winter Olympic sports, which mostly seem to be variations of sliding around in some snow whether on foot or face down, to be very interesting.

But this is a cricket thread and South Africa's humiliation is complete. Does Henry make way for Boult for the next test? Surely not!

The snazzily-named '2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier A' started today. Eight teams in it, two will qualify for this year's World T20 tournament. One of the eight teams is the Philippines - Wikipedia tells me they haven't played a game for three years and some of their squad only met for the first time in the last few days. Unsurprisingly they lost their opener to Canada.

Ireland began with a loss to the UAE, which means they have to beat Bahrain and Germany or face probable elimination. Nepal managed to defend 117 in upsetting Oman.

The 'B' version, containing the Dutch and Zimbabweans, where eight teams will also try to squeeze into two spots, isn't until July for some odd reason. I was wondering where the Scots were, as I didn't see them listed in either event, but then I remembered they beat Bangladesh in the 2021 event proper thus securing their qualification for 2022.

Yes, indeed and now back to the day job. Without seeing any of the Test, it's not possible for me to say whether New Zealand were outstandingly good or South Africa appallingly bad. I would guess chunks of both!

I remember Wagner being the Kiwi bowler to miss out quite recently and that could happen again. However, that would also be harsh on the guy who always gives it everything after a match return of 3/30 from 16 and a bit overs together with his 49 as night watchman.

Its not like Matt Henry is Stuart Broad, he can be rotated out.

I've never understood Matt Henry not getting more gigs in county cricket. Looks made for it as he should have fairly good availability, for a guy like him bowling with the recent Dukes balls on what are approaching uncovered wickets at times would be fishing with dynamite.

guildfordbat wrote:

Yes, indeed and now back to the day job. Without seeing any of the Test, it's not possible for me to say whether New Zealand were outstandingly good or South Africa appallingly bad. I would guess chunks of both!

Didn't watch any of it either but the fact that the NZ no 11 scored more in one innings than any SA batsman managed across two innings suggests that SA weren't very good.

king_carlos wrote:I've never understood Matt Henry not getting more gigs in county cricket. Looks made for it as he should have fairly good availability, for a guy like him bowling with the recent Dukes balls on what are approaching uncovered wickets at times would be fishing with dynamite.

He was meant to be over in 2020 before Covid - and presume that was why he didn’t come in 2021 either. He is back with Kent this year though for half a season. He’ll be lethal on those Canterbury ‘Stevens’ friendly decks!

Galted wrote:

guildfordbat wrote:

Yes, indeed and now back to the day job. Without seeing any of the Test, it's not possible for me to say whether New Zealand were outstandingly good or South Africa appallingly bad. I would guess chunks of both!

Didn't watch any of it either but the fact that the NZ no 11 scored more in one innings than any SA batsman managed across two innings suggests that SA weren't very good.

Watched it all because its on at a very convenient time here.

Put simply, NZ are a super confident team at the moment with or without Cap'n Kane. Henry just kept hitting the right line and the SA bats just kept obliging on Day 1. When it came time for NZ to have a bat later that first day, they exercised far more control leaving similar deliveries 2-3 stumps outside off; which the SA batsmen had earlier gone for and subsequently found the edge. In essence, the Kiwis valued their wickets more.

Conditions were pretty good for batting actually (near perfect) and they were able to accelerate the scoring and reach that decent total late on Day 2. Then, when SA came back in to bat again, it was almost a carbon copy of their first innings. A collapse from the start but this time with Southee doing the damage.

It was quite an easy match to watch despite being incredibly one sided. The understated dulcet tones of the commentary team combined with some very picturesque drone shots of the Hagley Park, the Port Hills and city made it very pleasant on the ear and easy on the eye.

South Africa had a disaster against New Zealand, who where playing a test without both Williamson and the recently retired Taylor for the first time in nearly 14 years, and in addition, they were also missing attack leader Trent Boult too.
The likes of Zubair Hamza seem to have not improved much in his 2nd coming. Ryan Rickelton seems to have a fine overall record and brilliant recent form. He does bat in the top order as well. As Keegan Peterson had to miss out due to illness, think they should have given him a chance in stead of Hamza.

While Sri Lanka managed to avoid a clean sweep against Australia in their 5 match T-20I series, India managed a clean sweep of the West Indies in their 3 match series. India did well to give opportunities to a few new players, and even when not at full strength, looked a more focused outfit under Rohit Sharma's captaincy. Rohit has now been appointed as India's all format skipper.

Indian selectors eventually acted, dropping Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. Veteran seamer Ishant Sharma was also axed, as was reserve wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who went bonkers in response.
Both Pujara and Rahane returned to Ranji Trophy, and had productive outings for their respective sides that were playing one another. Rahane made a first innings ton, and Pujara, after a first innings duck, made 91 of 83 in a counterattack. Think they really will have to make a really consistent and strong case for a return...

Shows how much the Indian selection policy has matured that they are willing to drop/rotate so many senior players and keep an eye on the future and moving forwards.

Ireland negotiated Bahrain and Germany without too much bother. Bahrain did upset the UAE, but on NRR the two expected teams of UAE and Ireland go through. Means it's a straight one-off game for qualification to the T20 World Cup, do-or-die, between:

Nepal v UAE
Ireland v Oman

Ireland will be favourites, but in a one-off T20 game a harsh collapse or a horrendous Chris Jordan-esque over can spell doom.

Gooseberry wrote:Shows how much the Indian selection policy has matured that they are willing to drop/rotate so many senior players and keep an eye on the future and moving forwards.

Rahane, and to a lesser extend Pujara, didn't leave the selectors with too many options. The one good thing is that they didn't call it being rested. Both are rightly dropped. Ishant too, as he's dropping out of first choice status, may have to find his way back. And its over for Saha at 37. All right calls. Rahane's is not even debatable. And in giving the opportunity to the new players in a home series, its good timing, though both Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer already introduced to the top level.

Ireland and the UAE both qualifying for the World T20.

Afghanistan currently defending 215 v Bangladesh in an ODI. Thanks to an outstanding 4/9 from a left arm seamer called Farooqi, in just his second ODI, it's going rather well.

But it hasn't ended well. 45/6 to 219/6 and victory for Bangladesh. Astonishing comeback from Mehidy and Afif against the dangerous spin duo of Mujeeb and Rashid Khan.

That was a terrific comeback from Bangladesh. That too without a contribution from Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah. Brilliant!

Much better start to the second and final test for South Africa - 80/0 at lunch, a disciplined start on a slow surface. Erwee with his first test 50.

238/3 at the close makes it a pretty handy start for SA - albeit a slow one. Maiden hundred for Erwee a good effort from an apparent late bloomer...

Ball is still new so early wickets could change things quickly tomorrow (van der Dussen looked very tentative and was a bit fortunate to survive the last part of the day) but for now Elgar can feel his decision to bat first has been justified

alfie wrote:238/3 at the close makes it a pretty handy start for SA - albeit a slow one. Maiden hundred for Erwee a good effort from an apparent late bloomer...

Ball is still new so early wickets could change things quickly tomorrow (van der Dussen looked very tentative and was a bit fortunate to survive the last part of the day) but for now Elgar can feel his decision to bat first has been justified

Clearly a much improved and decent start for SA. However, NZ haven't allowed them to run away. Impressive that over one-third of the 90 overs bowled (31) were maidens. Look and learn, England!

guildfordbat wrote:

alfie wrote:238/3 at the close makes it a pretty handy start for SA - albeit a slow one. Maiden hundred for Erwee a good effort from an apparent late bloomer...

Ball is still new so early wickets could change things quickly tomorrow (van der Dussen looked very tentative and was a bit fortunate to survive the last part of the day) but for now Elgar can feel his decision to bat first has been justified

Clearly a much improved and decent start for SA. However, NZ haven't allowed them to run away. Impressive that over one-third of the 90 overs bowled (31) were maidens. Look and learn, England!

Could apply both ways. Englands brief resurgence in batting a couple of years ago came from their top order just staying in

South Africa beginning to show why me and Duty fancied them - one test too late, albeit only a two test series is disappointing

238/3 is a fantastic position for the neutral. Couple of quick wickets in the first hour and SA could easily fold for 300. Or Bavuma gets settled and propels South Africa up to a 400+ total. They need the 400 on this slow wicket.

My juvenile self had a good giggle at the name of the person doing the Cricinfo commentary - Vishal Dikshit. Apparently not a typo.

Wagner and Henry rather reversing the good SA overnight position : now 298/7 and the tourists relying on the bowlers to get them to a decent total after lunch...

Ball a bit older now so they may be able to wag a bit ; but if it stays overcast like this I'd fancy NZ to wrap the innings up a little short of par.

Potential match-turning partnership as Maharaj and Jansen counter-attack with a flurry of boundaries, mostly against Wagner's usually reliable short stuff, to take South Africa past 350. Immense frustration for NZ.

Clearly SA do better when I am not watching

364 is more than it might have been after this morning's collapse. And they have made a mess of the NZ top order. At 157/5 , the Kiwis need some late runs to stay in this.

It was a great day of test cricket with plenty of ebb and flow. NZ 9/2 early on, recovered to 83/3, then lost two quick wickets to leave them in peril at 91/5. From there it could have been all over quickly, but CdG's counter-attacking fifty, like Maharaj or Jansen's earlier approach, hoists them to 157/5 at stumps and just about still in it.

SA up by 207, though, and still have a big advantage. It might have been a stroke of fortune for them to be bowled out relatively swiftly, as the bowling conditions were best on day two and allowed them to set about the Kiwi top order.

You can also get about evens or 10/11 on SA winning from here, which is astonishingly generous and definitely advisable.

NZ cut the lead to 71 before being bowled out. Rabada will be on a hat-trick in the second innings. Got closer than I thought they would, but SA still have a sizable advantage from here. CdG left stranded on a brilliant 120 after the tail decided to play their shots.

That SA advantage not looking so pronounced at 42/3 at tea. Lead only 113.

Need something from van der Dussen (who was just hanging on in the last couple of overs)and Bavuma , you'd think ; can't be relying on the bowlers to bail them out. Last session today might be a bit tense.

NZ were a wicket or two short of doing telling damage with the new ball. Henry bowled excellently for just one wicket (a pearler of a ball).

Now the ball's softened and the Kiwis are firmly on the defensive. Lead over 150 and two set batsmen at the crease. The short ball tactic not paying dividends.

It nearly paid dividends just as I typed that, but De Grandhomme shelled a fairly simple chance.

Oh dear...CdG spills a sitter ! Wagner really should have had the break then...

Fifty stand turning this back SA's way.

Miss didn't cost too much...Wagner's short ball doing the trick eventually.

Lead now 174 so a couple more wickets now would ramp up the pressure...

The tireless Wagner strikes again as Bavuma's patience runs out and he chips to cover...

Five down and the lead at 185. Getting into the bowlers now. Mulder is supposed to be an all rounder so SA will be hoping he can measure up to that billing today.

Verreynne and Mulder have done a sound job in taking the lead to 211 as we go into the last over of the day...nothing flamboyant , but sensible batting on a pretty benign pitch. Arguably SA with the edge ; five wickets left ?

But as I say , conditions for batting look very decent so I doubt NZ would be intimidated by a target of even 300 - not to say they'd make it but I reckon they'd have a solid chance. SA will want to kick on in the morning.

Good match , this

Given how easily wickets have fallen since day 1 I wouldnt fancy a 300 chase, but its a fair way off still given the SA tail. Every run matters now

Duty281 wrote:NZ cut the lead to 71 before being bowled out. Rabada will be on a hat-trick in the second innings. Got closer than I thought they would, but SA still have a sizable advantage from here. CdG left stranded on a brilliant 120 after the tail decided to play their shots.

I saw the end of NZ's innings just before and after lunch. Even though Wagner's tonking had a bit of success, I thought their tail was too gung ho. You can never know for sure what would have happened [KP-f aside] but my feeling was that further inroads into SA's total could have been made with more support for CdG. Elgar and co would certainly have been happy to see him left stranded.

As Duty flagged at the time, the partnership of 60 odd between Jansen and Maharaj on day 2 continues to be significant.

That was a commendable recovery from SA. 38/3 and teetering to 140/5 and back ahead. NZ weren't patient, like in the first innings, they tried to force it with aggressive bowling, lots of short stuff, and attacking fielding settings and it didn't quite come off, hence SA's healthy rate of scoring.

I'd be very surprised if NZ chased anything greater than 250, especially without Williamson and the two recently retired batsmen, so they'll need to take the final five wickets in the opening hour to have a realistic chance. If the away side can add another 60+ they'll probably have two new balls (if required) when defending the target which will add another advantage for them.

I don't think the surface is that benign and the cloudy conditions are of help to the bowlers. There's plenty of swing on offer in the first twenty overs or so then, unlike NZ, SA have a decent spinner for the middle overs. There is also some uneven bounce on display.

Not a fan of how NZ approached this day. They tried an elaborate leg-side plan to begin with, rather than a tried and true outside off line, leading the overnight batsmen to settle and score easily. The one wicket the Kiwis have captured was from a good ball outside off. Verreynne has played some beautiful shots.

Lead up to 286, only six down. They need some new ball magic to keep it below 320.

Yeah I think SA have just about batted the hosts out of this given the lead is nearly 300 now and the excellent Verreyne is still there...

Though that amazing boundary catch by Young has them seven down now! Still looks as if they're going to take this lead well over 300. New ball due but still... Pitch remains placid enough so the draw is coming into consideration - I guess NZ would be happy enough with a 1-0 win.

If the remaining bats can carry on into the afternoon session Elgar might have an interesting declaration decision ?

Lunch in one more over as the lead passes 300...

That is a sensational catch by Young!

SA well in command though - not sure the pitch is quite as placid as you Alfie, and was similarly confused by NZ’s plans early on. Still just in reach for NZ providing they clean up quickly after lunch, as Duty noted earlier today, SA have batted to the point where they should get two new balls if needed for this bowling effort, potentially crucial

Was an astonishing catch to remove Jansen.

But I daresay Rabada's brilliant striking has taken this one firmly out of NZ's reach. 46 off 29 and perhaps more to come.

Ha...been out for a while and back to see Verreynne has certainly taken this right away from NZ since lunch ! Rabada must have been having fun - eighty run stand at eight per over : just what SA wanted , eh ?

421 ahead now so surely time to call them in ?

That's a weird statistical anomaly - three Kiwi bowlers finishing with figures of 3/81! And not a single bye conceded by Blundell in 233 overs.

Anyway, a world record chase required and 130 overs left after those fireworks. Should be a straight run-in for the away side to leave the series at 1-1...with no decider!

And that's not the start NZ wanted...

1/1.

Duty281 wrote:That's a weird statistical anomaly - three Kiwi bowlers finishing with figures of 3/81! And not a single bye conceded by Blundell in 233 overs.

Anyway, a world record chase required and 130 overs left after those fireworks. Should be a straight run-in for the away side to leave the series at 1-1...with no decider!

Yes. If SA do indeed close this out it will point up the annoying thing about two game series... When they are shared you are always left rather cheated by the lack of a finish...

Still got to finish this - but with two gone already that is looking fairly probable

94/4 at close, two for Rabada and two for Maharaj - looks like only the weather can save the Kiwis tomorrow