Australia in Saffa Land

[AndySA]

Almost time to bring the crims back down to earth after the Ashes series, can they face up to the fire power of the Saffa pace men?

[suthol]

I'll be here, let the games begin

It will be nice to get some decent opposition now our team is a bit more settled rather than in transition so that we can see where we are up to.

Could well be another split decision, your guys will miss Kallis badly.

[AndySA]

Looking forward to the banter!

From a South African perspective the replacement of Kallis, and how the plans work or do not work will make for good watching.

[AndySA]

Just watched some highlights of the 438 game from 2006, now motivated to watch lots of cricket over the next few weeks!

[johnfm]

Two decent pace attacks - will be interesting to see how the batsmen cope.

Not convinced Hughes is a good idea; would have preferred Bailey to be given another series to mark his mark.

[suthol]

johnfm said:

Two decent pace attacks - will be interesting to see how the batsmen cope.

Not convinced Hughes is a good idea; would have preferred Bailey to be given another series to mark his mark.

Couldn't agree more ( sadly ) he might have a great eye but he has yet to demonstrate that he has any technique to fall back on when times are tough and tough is exactly what the longest form of the game is.

This series will be more interesting than the ashes because Oz is playing SA and not some mishmash of players who couldn't get a game at home

Edited to add, Hughes isn't named in a 15 man squad

Edited by suthol on Wednesday 12th February 02:19

[AndySA]

Warner gone crims on 15 for 1

[anonymous-user]

AndySA said:

Warner gone crims on 15 for 1

Into the tail etc.

[anonymous-user]

Not exactly a sell out crowd. The ground looks empty.

[AndySA]

And 24 for 2

[AndySA]

Interesting that Clarke was shouting his mouth off about Aussie attack better than SA. Then he hides down the order at 5 after batting at 4 the entire Ashes.

Clarke in now Aus at 72 for 3

[AndySA]

83 for 3 at Lunch. with Marsh and Clarke in at the moment this should be Australias best chance of a good partnership. Will be interisting to see how SA take on this pair after lunch, I expect lots of short stuff.

[suthol]

Interesting position for sure, might watch a few overs after lunch but tomorrow is a work day so I won't last for long

[AndySA]

Well done Mr Marsh, respect due.

[bigunit00]

saffa attack very one dimensional

[johnfm]

Aussies' day I reckon - 300 in a day for 4 down against that attack having been put in is a good result.

Another 200-300 tomorrow would really put the cat among the pigeons. But the new ball is only 8 overs old, so I'd expect Steyn & co to have a really good chance of early wickets. Another 150 is probably more realistic.

[suthol]

johnfm said:

Aussies' day I reckon - 300 in a day for 4 down against that attack having been put in is a good result.

Another 200-300 tomorrow would really put the cat among the pigeons. But the new ball is only 8 overs old, so I'd expect Steyn & co to have a really good chance of early wickets. Another 150 is probably more realistic.

At one stage last night they put up the stat that the average 1st innings here is 304 so I guess you'd have to say we are doing alright, another 150 - 200 from here will certainly make it interesting.

McLaren looked useful early on.

[johnfm]

Morkel injured and not bowling. Could make things a bit easier for us.

[suthol]

He's back at the crease and sending them down at 140+ no idea who read the relevant law to the umps, maybe Stevie Wonder

We are in a more than useful position though

[johnfm]

Heading to 400+. Bounce apparently becomeing variable.

Very interesting to see what happens if we survive the next session and post 450-470 and hen have a session to bowl at them tonight.