Cricket Thread

[InsaneAsylum]

mitchell johnson >.< yes he took a few wickets but was his usual wayard self. siddle, hilf, pattinson and starc our best 4 quicks.
he always seems to bowl the ball that takes the pressure off the oposition, you can't do that at test level.

 

[TRF_heineken]

mitchell johnson >.< yes he took a few wickets but was his usual wayard self. siddle, hilf, pattinson and starc our best 4 quicks.
he always seems to bowl the ball that takes the pressure off the oposition, you can't do that at test level.

This was a strange series to be honest. South Africa baiscally played the first 2 tests with only 10 guys, with Duminy injured in the first test, and then Kallis in the 2nd, and then only batting.

I feel very sorry for Peter Siddle, he's by far the best test bowler for Oz, but he was over-used in the first 2 tests, partly because of Pattinson's injury, and the good batting by SA. If he played the last test, then the match could've been much closer.

but I think both teams have learned a lot about their own squad in this series.

Oz have learned that Quiney is not up to test standard, Shane Watson is a liability when not fully fit, Mitchell Johnson is an attacking bowler but can't keep the pressure going, and lastly, there is life after Ricky.

As for South Africa, I hope they finally realise that Imran Tahir is not a test-quality bowler and that Robin Peterson deserves his place in the tests. Faf Du Plessis is a wonderful addition and Jacques Kallis is still a fighter. Lastly, I hope the debate surrounding AB De Villiers and his dual role as Wicketkeeper/Batsmen comes to rest. He has now adapted to the role, and his century surely has to silence the critics.

 

[Darwin]

This was a strange series to be honest. South Africa baiscally played the first 2 tests with only 10 guys, with Duminy injured in the first test, and then Kallis in the 2nd, and then only batting.

I feel very sorry for Peter Siddle, he's by far the best test bowler for Oz, but he was over-used in the first 2 tests, partly because of Pattinson's injury, and the good batting by SA. If he played the last test, then the match could've been much closer.

but I think both teams have learned a lot about their own squad in this series.

Oz have learned that Quiney is not up to test standard, Shane Watson is a liability when not fully fit, Mitchell Johnson is an attacking bowler but can't keep the pressure going, and lastly, there is life after Ricky.

As for South Africa, I hope they finally realise that Imran Tahir is not a test-quality bowler and that Robin Peterson deserves his place in the tests. Faf Du Plessis is a wonderful addition and Jacques Kallis is still a fighter. Lastly, I hope the debate surrounding AB De Villiers and his dual role as Wicketkeeper/Batsmen comes to rest. He has now adapted to the role, and his century surely has to silence the critics.

A very good series win for South Africa - they thoroughly deserve the number 1 ranking in my opinion. I agree with most of your analysis there - Du Plessis certainly made the most of his chances! With regards to de Villiers: his innings will certainly go some way to silencing the critics (which I am one of), but he needs to prove he can perform both duties consistently. His keeping is of a very good standard so that is not an issue, but I remain unconvinced South Africa will get the best out of him if he played as a wk. Over the last couple of years he has been one of the premier batsmen in test cricket - I have no doubt he will remain a quality test batsmen even if he is wicket-keeping fulltime, but I still have doubts as to whether he will be able to perform as consistently as previously. I suppose time will tell!

Incidentally South Africa's next tests are against the might of New Zealand. Are you afraid? You should be for we are mighty :lol:

I'm not really sure what South Africa will get out of the 2 tests versus NZ, as we are a bit of a joke at the moment (more so than usual). Vettori is still out injured, while we decided that it was a good idea to dump our only decent test batsmen (Ross Taylor) from the ODI and T20 captaincy, causing him to withdraw from the test side. We actually have a promising trio of fast bowlers for a change, but I would be surprised if we managed to score of 300 in any innings. I think our major goal for the tests will be to get into the 5th day!

Meanwhile I have been enjoying the India vs England test series. India thumped England in the first test, but England have come back and completely dominated the last two tests to take a 2-1 series lead. Cook has been on fire at the top of the order, and the English spinners are more than matching India at their own game...

 

[TRF_heineken]

A very good series win for South Africa - they thoroughly deserve the number 1 ranking in my opinion. I agree with most of your analysis there - Du Plessis certainly made the most of his chances! With regards to de Villiers: his innings will certainly go some way to silencing the critics (which I am one of), but he needs to prove he can perform both duties consistently. His keeping is of a very good standard so that is not an issue, but I remain unconvinced South Africa will get the best out of him if he played as a wk. Over the last couple of years he has been one of the premier batsmen in test cricket - I have no doubt he will remain a quality test batsmen even if he is wicket-keeping fulltime, but I still have doubts as to whether he will be able to perform as consistently as previously. I suppose time will tell!

Incidentally South Africa's next tests are against the might of New Zealand. Are you afraid? You should be for we are mighty :lol:

I'm not really sure what South Africa will get out of the 2 tests versus NZ, as we are a bit of a joke at the moment (more so than usual). Vettori is still out injured, while we decided that it was a good idea to dump our only decent test batsmen (Ross Taylor) from the ODI and T20 captaincy, causing him to withdraw from the test side. We actually have a promising trio of fast bowlers for a change, but I would be surprised if we managed to score of 300 in any innings. I think our major goal for the tests will be to get into the 5th day!

Meanwhile I have been enjoying the India vs England test series. India thumped England in the first test, but England have come back and completely dominated the last two tests to take a 2-1 series lead. Cook has been on fire at the top of the order, and the English spinners are more than matching India at their own game...

Ha!

I'm looking forward to some exciting cricket with you NZ'ers. You are a much bigger threat in the T20's and ODI's than the tests, and I plan to go watch the T20 on the 21st of December at Durban. My guess is that there will be a switch of focus for the Proteas towards the shorter formats of the game, in preparation for the next ICC tournament. AB de Villiers scored a century yesterday in the local ODI tournament and Dale Steyn took 4 wickets, giving some of the Proteas a good warm-up to the ODI's and T20's vs NZ.

As for the tests, my guess will be more of the same, trying to execute better. Dale Steyn needs one wicket to become the 3rd fastest Bowler ever to take 300 wickets, and this will happen on his home ground.

 

[Darwin]

Ha!

I'm looking forward to some exciting cricket with you NZ'ers. You are a much bigger threat in the T20's and ODI's than the tests, and I plan to go watch the T20 on the 21st of December at Durban. My guess is that there will be a switch of focus for the Proteas towards the shorter formats of the game, in preparation for the next ICC tournament. AB de Villiers scored a century yesterday in the local ODI tournament and Dale Steyn took 4 wickets, giving some of the Proteas a good warm-up to the ODI's and T20's vs NZ.

As for the tests, my guess will be more of the same, trying to execute better. Dale Steyn needs one wicket to become the 3rd fastest Bowler ever to take 300 wickets, and this will happen on his home ground.

That always used to be the case, but I'm not sure if it is still true - we are hopeless at all three forms of cricket at the moment (we are ranked 8th in both Test and T20's, and 9th - behind Bangladesh - in ODI cricket!).

I suppose given the random nature of T20 we could sneak a win, but given the squad we have selected I think it would be unlikely. We have picked a very strange squad for the T20's, with 5 new caps. You could argue that most of the new caps are well suited for T20 - Neesham, Munro, and Anderson would hit the ball as far as anyone in the country, though whether they can do that against a quality attack is another question! McClenaghan is quick and will take a few wickets, but will go for heaps (much like Adam Milne who is also in the squad). Basically our team is full of 'all or nothing' players. If a couple of batsmen come off we could score a decent total, but equally (or perhaps more likely) we could collapse for less than 100. Likewise our bowling attack could bowl the opposition out, but more likely they will be hit all over the ground. On the bright side it should be entertaining to watch, as there should always be something happening (while the game lasts...).

In terms of South Africa, I suppose the only real question for them in the test is who their 6th specialist batsmen will be (Rudolph/Elgar/Duminy?/AN other?). Alviro Petersen could do with scoring a few runs too - he kept getting starts against Australia, but failed to get a big score.

 

[InsaneAsylum]

What are NZ thinking re Taylor/Ryder

 

[TRF_heineken]

In terms of South Africa, I suppose the only real question for them in the test is who their 6th specialist batsmen will be (Rudolph/Elgar/Duminy?/AN other?). Alviro Petersen could do with scoring a few runs too - he kept getting starts against Australia, but failed to get a big score.

I'm leaning towards Elgar, as he can spin the ball too which an make our bowling even more versatile than what it is now. Although, that spot belongs to Duminy, we don't exactly know how long will he be out of action, and if he will be on form when he returns. Other guys that could get a chance are possible Wicketkeepers like Thami Tsolekile, Dane Vilas or Heino Kuhn, with Kuhn and Vilas that are also opening batsmen.

As far as the Ross Taylor debacle goes, it doesn't get much attention from our Newspapers, with only News24 reporting on the story that I know of... fact is, he's a very powerful batsmen, and we're just happy he's not coming.

 

[Darwin]

I'm leaning towards Elgar, as he can spin the ball too which an make our bowling even more versatile than what it is now. Although, that spot belongs to Duminy, we don't exactly know how long will he be out of action, and if he will be on form when he returns. Other guys that could get a chance are possible Wicketkeepers like Thami Tsolekile, Dane Vilas or Heino Kuhn, with Kuhn and Vilas that are also opening batsmen.

As far as the Ross Taylor debacle goes, it doesn't get much attention from our Newspapers, with only News24 reporting on the story that I know of... fact is, he's a very powerful batsmen, and we're just happy he's not coming.

What are NZ thinking re Taylor/Ryder

The problem is that the New Zealand coaches/selectors don't think. They just act, and pay the consequences.

Ryder and Taylor are our two most talented batsmen, but they are quite different cases.

Ryder's issues are entirely self-inflicted (read: alcohol and being fat), but it is interesting to contrast the approaches of NZ cricket to the Ryder situation to that of the NZRFU to the Guildford situation. By all accounts Guildford's actions were far worse than Ryder's, but he has been offered nothing but support to overcome his issues. In contrast Ryder has been cast aside and basically told to 'sort himself out'. I'm not saying either approach is right or wrong, I just find the contrast in ways the two organisations work quite interesting. Frustratingly (for a NZ cricket supporter) Ryder is in phenomenal form at the moment, destroying bowling attacks all over the country....

The Taylor issue was a major cock-up by NZ cricket, and in my opinion reflects very badly on coach Mike Hessan. It is pretty clear that Hessan wants an Otago player in charge (as he is a former Otago coach an hence knows the players), but he certainly din't got the right way about it. I'm sure Taylor will be back playing for NZ soon, it is just disappointing that he is sitting out when he has finally developed into a very consistent test batsmen.

 

[Larksea]

riders issue is not being fat.

sure he looks like a fat git but the guy is an athlete and an impressive fielder. His problem is all his discipline, attitude and big mouth. It sucks because he is genuinely NZ's most talented and basically NZ's only true world class batsman right now.

The whole issue with taylor is the last thing NZ cricket needed and it's been turned into a massive **** storm by the NZ media. Seems clear Hessan wants a more aggressive captian. Taylor should just accept the decision and focus on doing his job.

I hope NZ cricket starts to play to it's ability. Our bowling lineup is so young and tallented, Southee is coming into his own and is world class, Boult and Bracewell are not far behind. And we have other great young bowlers on the rise, Wagner will get a go at some point. Adam Milne is an exciting prospect and there are others.

Batting is an issue, still some good prospects around and some exciting young talent like Tom Latham and Williamson really need to start seeing some of these players convert potential into runs.

 

[Darwin]

riders issue is not being fat.

sure he looks like a fat git but the guy is an athlete and an impressive fielder. His problem is all his discipline, attitude and big mouth. It sucks because he is genuinely NZ's most talented and basically NZ's only true world class batsman right now.

The whole issue with taylor is the last thing NZ cricket needed and it's been turned into a massive **** storm by the NZ media. Seems clear Hessan wants a more aggressive captian. Taylor should just accept the decision and focus on doing his job.

I hope NZ cricket starts to play to it's ability. Our bowling lineup is so young and tallented, Southee is coming into his own and is world class, Boult and Bracewell are not far behind. And we have other great young bowlers on the rise, Wagner will get a go at some point. Adam Milne is an exciting prospect and there are others.

Batting is an issue, still some good prospects around and some exciting young talent like Tom Latham and Williamson really need to start seeing some of these players convert potential into runs.

I disagree, being overweight as a professional sportsman is a major issue. While he is a very good fielder 'for his size' there is no doubt he would be a better fielder if he lost some weight. Likewise he would be a better batsmen if he lost some weight, as he wouldn't get fatigued near as quickly (and fatigue leads to poor decision making). As you rightly point out his underlying problem is his (lack of) discipline, and being fat is really just a symptom of his lack of discipline. Not quite sure about him being our 'only world class batsman' - at the moment I think that ***le belongs to Ross Taylor (Ryder could be a world class batsman if he sorts himself out though).

While I agree that the NZ media haven't helped in the Taylor situation, the blame for this debacle lies firmly at the feet of NZ cricket. There is a right way to change your captains, and there is NZ crickets way of doing it. The basically stabbed Ross Taylor in the back - there was no consultation, no discussion - they basically just approached him and told him he was dumped as captain. If NZ cricket had gone about it the right way I'm sure Taylor would have accepted the decision (even if he didn't like it). I'm sure Taylor will be back in the NZ side in time for the next series, but I can't blame him at all for taking some time off given his person circumstances at the moment (most completely un-related to the captaincy issue).

 

[TRF_Cymro]

So what do people make of this incident?

 

[Kiwiwomble]

i honestly am not sure on the rules but at school that would have been fair game

 

[InsaneAsylum]

Trott is entitled to smash the bejesus out of it

 

[Amobokoboko]

Now enjoying the India - Pakistan game, very entertaining. Earlier this week I was following NZ -SA.

 

[SelimNiai]

So what do people make of this incident?

No issues with it whatsoever. The ball was still live and so Trott was allowed to do what he wants to it. There is a precedence; <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tYs0Mxom4cI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Amobokoboko]

That's hockey

 

[Darwin]

South Africa vs NZ test starting later today.... not sure whether I really want to put myself through the pain of watching it. We are crap enough with our full strength side, but with our best batsman and bowler out (Taylor and Southee) this isn't going to be pretty for us.....

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

South Africa vs NZ test starting later today.... not sure whether I really want to put myself through the pain of watching it. We are crap enough with our full strength side, but with our best batsman and bowler out (Taylor and Southee) this isn't going to be pretty for us.....

That was painful alright but at least it didn't drag on; NZ all out for 45. SA at home and in a bit of form against an under strength Kiwi side but still a little humiliating. Still doesn't make up for the world cup LOL. We are still angry at you guys!

 

[SelimNiai]

45 all out. Thats got to hurt

 

[Darwin]

When does the oval ball season start again?