Cricket in South Africa February-March 2014

[QF WP]

Well Smiths last innings wasn't memorable and neither were their blocking tactics, finishing the day 4/71. Shades of Adelaide 2012, or can Australia roll them on the last day. This is where we need somebody to act like Siddle, just keep running in and exhaust themselves trying.

Getting AB de Villiers will be the key

 

[NM]

Getting AB de Villiers will be the key

As will be ensuring they make them play at the ball. Don't give them a chance to just leave it go through to the keeper.

 

[QF WP]

Exactly NM - give them a chance to nick it through to keeper (or miss it for a simple lbw). Stump to stump bowling required with some under the chin balls by Johnson.

 

[drron]

Or the Freddie Truman strategy.Hit them where it will bring tears to the eyes so they wont see the next ball!

 

[turtlemichael]

Who says Test cricket is dead? This match has had everything - batting, bowling and fielding. Great defence by South Africa but the wicket is doing enough for the Australians to overcome that so my money is on them - not confidently but on the balance of probabilities! Pity we've moved on last night to the Drakensberg and won't see the end. Next time

As to the earlier comments that Warner is not a Test cricketer, if true, we could do with more players who are not Test cricketers.

 

[drron]

Enjoy the Drakensbergs.A wonderful place.

 

[markis10]

Pattinson gets the early breakthrough on his first over, knocking off Abbott.

 

[Warks]

Pattinson gets the early breakthrough on his first over, knocking off Abbott.

Not exactly early - he lasted an hour and a half today. Doesn't augur well to get the rest although Faf just popped one up from MJ which didn't go to hand. With so much defence it will come down to lbw or bowled - there won't be any run outs or catches in the outfield from these two guys.

Pitch is very flat and it's harder to get out if you aren't chasing runs. It's still in Australia's favour but don't be too surprised if it's Adelaide 2012 all over again.

 

[casanovawa]

Man that was left very late, I had just about given up that we were going to get those final two wickets... Good work Harris!!!!

 

[JohnK]

Right down to the wire. Who said test cricket was dead?

Won't be long before we are number 1 again.

 

[Sprucegoose]

What a thrilling end!!

is this a turning point for SA?

 

[turtlemichael]

Enjoy the Drakensbergs.A wonderful place.

It is but unfortunately it has been pelting down all day. We saw the Drakenberg Boys School Choir today and it will live long in the memory. Amazing. if you come back, go!

 

[Tooner]

Enjoy the Drakensbergs.A wonderful place.

+1 from me. If you're anywhere near Drakensberg Sun, do the Canopy tour. It is amazing!

 

[docjames]

Great win.

 

[QF WP]

I went to bed at 12:30am (tea) with SAf 7/200 and I thought it was going to be a close match. Wow, a couple of overs to spare - nail biting stuff.

Well done team!

 

[JohnK]

is this a turning point for SA?

You would think so. Boucher, Kallis and Smith are not going to be easy to replace.

Australia on a roll. Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in a test series next?

 

[casanovawa]

I can't imagine them falling into the wretched hole we did for several years (5-6??) after our greats all retired within the space of a couple of years... But you never know...

I will still want to see a few more solid series wins before I have confidence we are back after what the team has put us through...

 

[drron]

I think the difference now is that we have a team.I think Darren Lehmann deserves a lot of credit for that.

 

[Pushka]

I think the difference now is that we have a team.I think Darren Lehmann deserves a lot of credit for that.

Absolutely. There was no doubt. He's South Australian. What did you expect? We grow great cricketers here.

 

[drron]

Of course he learnt his coaching skills in Queensland though!