Sri Lanka in South Africa (2011-2012)
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Topic: Sri Lanka in South Africa (2011-2012)
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Subject: Sri Lanka in South Africa (2011-2012)
Date Posted: 12 December 2011 at 6:49pm
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A completely out of form Sri Lankan team tour Soth Africa, a formidable out fit, This will be as tough as it could get for the Lankans esp after their series of defeats lately, very hard to see them turn around their fortunes in this series. A complete domination by South Africa is what I expect, SLN may at most be able to win an ODI and draw a test, I do not see them doing anything more.
------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
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Replies:
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 12 December 2011 at 6:59pm
| No T20s on this tour so SL's chances of managing a win must be pretty low. A lot of their main seamers injured, batsmen out of form, Sanga doubtful starter for 1st Test; all this makes SL huge underdogs. By contrast, SA shaping up to be an extremely impressive Test side. Pace attack is awesome with the addition of Philander now, Tahir is bound to hit his stride and the batting is deep and stacked with ability and grit. This will be a complete annihilation in my estimation, SA to win the Tests 3-0 and the ODIs 5-0. SL may win an ODI if Malinga has a special day or someone like Dilshan plays a blinder but can't see it. This is a great opportunity for the Proteas to make a statement of intent, thrashing the Sri Lankans and sending them back without a win will really send a message to England and move SA up the rankings. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 12 December 2011 at 7:17pm
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Someone I know made an interesting observation. Since Sri Lanka's pay issues, they haven't performed?? Anything fishy? Basically its only Sangakkara been doing the business with the bat.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 13 December 2011 at 5:31am
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I can only see the weather preventing a test whitewash here - the home side should rack up formidable totals and Steyn , Morkel and Philander will enjoy the summer surfaces. Tickets sales have been very slow , with the general consensus here that the Lankans just won't give the South Africans a real test. I hope that's wrong , but I just can't see any way in which the Lankans can trouble the locals.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 13 December 2011 at 8:57am
| It's very disheartening to see if I am being honest. The gulf between these two sides would have been almost unimaginable not so long ago. SL just look a complete disaster since Vaas left, Murali retired and Malinga retired. Their bowling is very shoddy, plenty of ordinary seamers and Herath is average at best. Up against SA's varied and skillful attack, they look like they will get completely outplayed. Dilshan is extremely unreliable at the top, Sanga is awesome but one man can't carry a team, Jayawardene is going through a bad patch, Mathews is very talented but still needs to hone his skills. Their batting overall is pretty weak on paper, especially up against a red hot SA middle order in de Villiers/Amla/Kallis. I wonder if Prince can make a case for himself this series because I would really like to see Duminy given more opportunities. I really hope I am proven wrong but I will be very very surprised if SL can draw or win something. If they do, it will be because one man had an amazing day. It won't be because they all contributed equally and played as a team because they are anything but at the moment. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 14 December 2011 at 5:54am
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Prince has an ally in Gary Kirsten , mainly from playing together at Western Province. JP needs to be more consistent and has issues with short pitched bowling. That won't matter in this series , but I don't see him getting a game even if Prince doesn't shine. It could well be that Prince will be almost a spectator in the tests as the scoreboard could well be in orbit before he gets to the crease. JP's still in the frame though and is young enough , mature enough to know he'll get another go. His more than decent offspin is another string to his bow and he could well be a regular feature in the line up before they go to England next summer.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 14 December 2011 at 11:41am
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I think Sri lanka, barring weather, will get steam rolled during the tests!
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 14 December 2011 at 12:29pm
| I agree Sledge, his offspin is so underrated. He can definitely bowl and tie up an end effectively/get through some overs if they want an extra spinner to perform that role. I also think he is a fantastic batsman, just needs to be given more opportunities. I know he has a problem with the short stuff but he is talented enough to overcome it. I should like to think SA will look towards him to replace Prince after this series, unless Prince delivers big time. As you said, Prince is likely to come in with the batsman preceding him having piled on the runs and it's never easy to score in those circumstances so I wouldn't be at all surprised if Prince has a difficult series at 6. They might even go in 4 seamers I hear, would certainly be an interesting tactic but I would prefer to see Tahir play so they have an ace up their sleeve if wicket offers turn later on or tailenders stick around. If SL aren't going to be competitive, I hope SA can run away with it and close the gap on England which will make the series between the two sides next year even tastier. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 14 December 2011 at 1:02pm
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England by the time they face South Africa next year, may find themselves in the middle of the rankings - as they have to cope some tough cricket away form home. That will be more tastier than and England South Africa series - it will really test England's toughness methinks. ------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 14 December 2011 at 1:45pm
| I fancy ENG to turn over PAK in the Test series (I think PAK will take ODIs) and SL won't be that daunting considering no Murali and SL are not in great form. They then play WI at home, which should be relatively easy. So I think they will still be 1st in the rankings when SA come over. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 15 December 2011 at 7:10am
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I think Tahir will start - in the old days after readmission SA often played without a spinner and battled to bowl even average sides out. They were lambasted in the local press and have been searching for a decent spinner since that time. Harris did a holding job and little else - I always believed that Smith had little confidence in Harris and set defensive fields even when there was some turn. Tahir isn't a world beater but can deliver a wicket taking ball - he is another string to their bow in attack. I still expect the seamers to do the damage in this series - Steyn will shine methinks.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 15 December 2011 at 3:56pm
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South Africa demolish the Sri Lankan batting on day 1 and then post a solid opening partnership, Dilhara has just got rid of Smith, Day 1 of this series has been as decisively in favor of RSA as this series is expected to be. Terrific performance. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 15 December 2011 at 4:27pm
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Philander continues to live a dream life and Steyn continues raking them in for fun! Nothing new, and a good start being 90/1 at the end of play, with Smith going for a well played 50. The Sri Lankan bowlers wasted the new ball. Walegedara gets the new ball to shape well but wasted it by pitching too wide outside off stump. The other seamer was a waste, some of his deliveries hardly carrying on this surface, which means he hardly gets anything behind the ball. Dilhara, solid fella but delivers nothing really to back it up. He wasn't bad today but on pitches like these, he should have batsmen ducking for cover. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 15 December 2011 at 9:40pm
| Just imagine if Steyn wasn't conserved as much as he was and if Morkel didn't have such an off day. It could have been far more embarrassing for SL. SL's bowling looks totally flat and insipid, aside from Fernando who is a steady operator, none of them seem to be Test standard. Expecting 100s from Rudolph and Amla tomorrow. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 16 December 2011 at 1:43am
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I hope Amla is batting after lunch tomorrow, as waking up at 4 AM is beyond me at this moment.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 16 December 2011 at 4:19pm
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Sri Lanka have an improved day but RSA still firmly in control of the match, 99 for ABD and Boucher finally getting some valuable runs. SLN might be able to save an innings defeat but that is all they can do unless a day or so gets washed out. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 16 December 2011 at 6:54pm
| Should end tomorrow, barring a really impressive performance from one of the Sri Lankan batsmen. AB was unlucky to miss out on a deserved 100 but it was nice to see him walk and trust the fielder, just one short of a milestone. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 17 December 2011 at 1:03am
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He he, isn't it always interesting that a bowler can bowl good balls and not get wickets but then his bad ball gets one? De Villers should be shot for hitting that into points hand!
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 17 December 2011 at 5:03pm
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Philander becomes the first bowler in over 110 years to take 4 5-wicket hauls in his first 3 Tests. Unbelievable considering that no one was even rating this guy before his first Test. I hope he keeps it going and maintains the consistency, SA desperately need a talented 3rd seamer if they are to pose a long-term threat to England. Still think England have a better seam attack if you take their reserves into consideration, e.g. Finn, Tremlett, Onions. SA don't have that same depth but the main 3 can rival England come next year's series. Only need Morkel to find his form now. They hardly even bowled Tahir, it may be worth giving de Lange a try in his place if the Durban wicket looks very helpful to seam on the morning of the first day. He appears to be tall and can perform Morkel's role if Morkel is still rusty. If de Lange can shine on the international stage and Morkel finds form then pretty much all of SA's worries are covered. 4 quality quicks plus Kallis, a promising spinner, good opening combination (once Rudolph hits his straps) and class middle order. Boucher got some valuable runs too so SA looking very settled. SL - The less said the better. Doubt Kulasekara and Prasad are going to add much. Dilshan is so overrated. He is a poor man's Sehwag. The same recklessness and carefree aggression but without the skill to match. The very occasional impressive innings but aside from that, he invariably gets SL off to a poor start. He lacks tactical nous, his captaincy has been very shoddy. Kallis gets rattled by Fernando and he starts by bowling Herath and himself. Atrocious decision making, both as a captain and in terms of shot selection. I hope Sanga and Mahela can fire because otherwise, this could get far, far worse than it already is. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 17 December 2011 at 6:46pm
Vernon Philander, wow what a start to a test career, absolutely amazing.  Morne is a very special talent BP and I back him to come good, RSA have all their bases covered, this is as good a team as you'd get, not a single weak link. Mark my words by mid of next year this team will be the No.1 team in the world. Absolutely no doubting that! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 18 December 2011 at 12:13am
| SA are a fantastic talented side and I greatly enjoy watching them play. Having said that, England are still a better side overall and I still reckon England will be No. 1 mid 2012. I know England have got a couple of tough away series but as I explained earlier, it's still very possible to come out with victories. UAE pitches aren't minefields and SL will be far easier without Murali. ENG should also beat SA. Their bench strength is better. Their openers are slightly better (mainly because of Cook). Their spinner is better. Their keeper is FAR better. Middle order and seam attack is roughly equal. ENG definitely have the edge and if they can come through the subcontinent series' unscathed, they should really beat SA at home. SA will still be a far tougher challenge than India earlier in the year though. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 18 December 2011 at 3:17am
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SA vs Eng should be interesting but I think England will come out on top due to a more inform batting line up. Both sides have wonderful bowling attacks, Steyn is like 2 bowlers rolled into 1. So, I think whichever side has the better batting will come out on top.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 18 December 2011 at 7:44am
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Interesting that you say Prior is FAR better than Boucher BP! I don't think so, Boucher has taken more catches than any other keeper in history, he is as good a keeper as you'd get and batting wise too I think he is pretty much up there with Prior. RSA v ENG will be a thriller of a series, Openers yes ENG are slightly better, Middle order I'd edge in favor of RSA it's Hashim, Kallis, AB, Prince vs Trott, KP, Bell and Morgan... I think RSA are slightly better. Seam attack, RSA again very slightly better mainly because of Steyn. Spinner we can say Swann is better than Tahir, but tahir not to be underestimated at all... should be a thriller of a series, but I'd stay with RSA winning. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 18 December 2011 at 2:18pm
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They're both pretty good behind the stumps. I meant Prior if a far better batsman. Boucher did get some runs but Prior is still much better. They both play a similar role for their respective sides (aggressive late order keeper-batsmen) and Prior has performed this task much better than Boucher. Their record suggests this and Prior has been extremely key to England's success. Can't really say the same about Boucher with regards to SA winning matches. He has been carried along by a dominant middle order (Hash, Kallis, AB). Middle order is fairly equal I would say but maybe you're right, SA slightly edge it. All in all, ENG is still a better side. I expect it to be tight, possibly 1-0 to ENG. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 18 December 2011 at 2:42pm
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Right about that, Boucher's current form is not as good as that of Prior's but a 5-6 years younger Boucher was pretty much as good! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 18 December 2011 at 3:33pm
| Is Philander really that good to justify 4 5-fors in 3 tests? He kind of reminds me of Darren Sammy, so innocuous, yet so effective. Philander is among one of the best first class bowlers in the world, statistically... |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 18 December 2011 at 4:21pm
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Mikey, the Philander now is bowling more threatening than the Philander we saw 2 years back. He's been nipping it about both ways. Whether that is due to such helpful tracks, time will tell, but for now he's making the ball and deserves the wickets.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 18 December 2011 at 7:29pm
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He's far better than Sammy. Sammy just lands it on a length and tends to get wickets from players going hard at him. His length is nagging and his pace is very mild, which induces strokeplay and thereby, always gives himself a chance of taking wickets. Philander, by contrast, has been prising out wickets. His seam movement has been brilliant and his length spot on. Sammy gets wickets by players going hard at him, Philander is getting them out even when they are trying to defend. I don't think his current returns are a true reflection of his skill (he isn't THAT good) but he is still better than Sammy and completes SA's attack really nicely. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 19 December 2011 at 6:08am
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No real surprise that the match didn't even go to tea on day 3 - the Lankans were simply outclassed. Philander continues to raise eyebrows , his length is immaculate and he nips it both ways. His success should give hope to all 1st class bowlers slogging it out in their domestic competition. He's been around for quite some time and I've watched him evolve from an average seamer whose strength was accuracy without venom into a much fitter individual with some nip. He's hitting the splice now too , he's a yard quicker - the hard work has paid off. Tsotsobe will be a worried man if Morkel refinds his mojo. Morne had a poor match here and his no ball problem needs addressing - he sends down far too many. Tahir had little to do and will be hoping for more involvement at Kingsmead. He might be disappointed though as the Lankan batting looks frail and the South African attack just looks too strong. BP is right , Dilshan is a very poor man's Sehwag , not only lacking technique , but courage as well - he just doesn't look happy against the pace of Steyn and company. It'll be 2-0 before our test here at Newlands , so I'll be watching a dead rubber - sad that. I'll not be buying a 5 day ticket either and that's a first since arriving in this part of the world! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 19 December 2011 at 11:41am
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He still doesn't have the skill set to justify his success, and I still think he'll be 'found out' soon enough. Let's hope the Saffers don't pin too much hope on him, Steyn is still the man for the opposition batsmen to fear. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 19 December 2011 at 4:30pm
| They have to pin hopes on him, they don't have another reliable 3rd seamer, which is why I would like to see de Lange given a try in the next game. Let's see how he fares on the international stage, albeit against rather mediocre opposition. Hell, drop Prince and slot in de Lange, SA will still win comfortably. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 19 December 2011 at 6:32pm
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I agree with spinny, when I first saw Philander he wasn't impressive at all but he looks a much better bowler now and moves it both ways. The tracks in RSA are definitely more helpful but I think Philander can do well even on less helpful tracks. He really has come a long way at least by the look of it. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 20 December 2011 at 5:31am
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Philander's improvement is testament to hard graft and he deserves the credit for that. I think Allan Donald had some input that toughened up the man - he is noticeably fitter now and had no problem bowling into a typically stiff southeaster at Newlands for sustained periods. Obviously taking wickets helps , but I'm willing to give him a pat on the back. Mikey, Philander is a bright lad and knows there are sterner tests ahead , the wickets will dry up at some stage but I expect him to just do a job then and keep batsmen as quiet as he can. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 20 December 2011 at 9:50am
Philander is obviously bowling to a plan, and he know his limitations. He doesn't try to bowl to quick and uses natural variation as well as anyone. But for the sake of SAF cricket, he needs to always be considered the 3rd pace bowler and that means Steyn and Morkel have to continue being consistent, as Philander will not be as effective on dryer surfaces. At the moment it is working out perfectly and I think his unfulfilled potential with the bat will come into effect soon, as he faces stiffer tasks with the ball. This will be an invaluable for SAF, who went from having recognised batsmen and all rounders up until no.10 in the 90s to having a very long tail as they do now. It would also be wise for SAF to keep looking at other options though, like de Lange or Tsotsobe. We've seen what has happened with Australia, with fast bowlers getting injured all the time. The depth of fast bowlers hasn't yet been fully tested in South Africa, but the first choices are among the best in the world. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 20 December 2011 at 10:25am
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I've not mentioned Philander's batting , but it is more than useful down the order. de Lange is inexperienced and I can't see him featuring anytime soon. If there is a change (maybe for Newlands after another easy win) Tsotsobe could be recalled after a slight strain - he did okay in the January test at the same venue. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 20 December 2011 at 10:56am
| I mention de Lange because I do not really rate Parnell with the ball and I am not sure who else is considered to be a top rate fast bowler in SAF. He impressed me though when he played against Australia recently. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 20 December 2011 at 11:22am
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de Lange is now streets ahead of Parnel in the pecking order. Parnel's bowling such dross in the domestic competitions and won't be considered unless all 4 of the front liners break down!
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 20 December 2011 at 11:45am
| His batting is coming along well, but he looks distracted and I think it will take a great deal of work for him to be test standard. I dare say Australia has much better depth in fast bowling, but South Africa's first choices are superior. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 22 December 2011 at 4:17pm
| Do you guys think Morkel is better than Finn? They're fairly similar bowlers, I'm quite interested to see how you guys rank the two. Obviously Morkel has more experience but I actually think Finn is a more consistent and faster bowler. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 22 December 2011 at 5:11pm
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I'd say Morkel is miles ahead of Finn at the moment, I rate Morkel almost at par with Steyn, the only problem with Morne is that when he is in rhythm he bowls as good as anybody as we saw against India last year, but when he is off color he struggles a bit, Steyn is more consistent, esp in the longer format. Having said that I think Finn is a talented bowler and has the potential to go a long way, I thought he was the pick of the English bowlers in the recently concluded ODI series in India and I thought he bowled brilliantly. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 23 December 2011 at 7:15am
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I think Morkel has the edge mainly because bastmen don't like facing him . He's erratic though and that must be frustrating for Smith and company. When a partnership is blossoming it's useful having bowlers who'll try and contain and that's something that Morkel finds difficult - there always seems to be a four ball around the corner. Finn can do that job and no doubt that batsmen have to play at more deliveries , but when he gets it right Morkel is more potent. On Monday Morne has a chance to rectify a slow start to this series. The pitch will offer a bit on day 1 but will flatten out into a batsman's paradise thereafter. The ball might swing a bit but seam movement will be minimal. Bowlers will have to graft and I'll be watching Philander closely in this one. The weather forecast isn't great - the summer has been very wet in Natal and that's going to plague this match on almost every day. Still , there should be enough time to win the game - there can only be two possible results and the worst one for the home side would be the draw. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 26 December 2011 at 5:42pm
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Slightly better performance by Sri Lanka this time round, Merchant De Lange could be in for a 5 for - another one for a debutante, how many debutantes have had 5 for's this season! I'm losing count! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 27 December 2011 at 5:27pm
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What an astonishing performance by Sri Lanka!!!!!! never expected this from them, my predictions for the day in the ICC game took a REAL beating today!!! A word on Merchant de Lange... 7 wickets on debut, now that is impressive, Philander, De Lange, Morne, Steyn... boy do RSA have fast bowling talent or what!!! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 28 December 2011 at 4:11am
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Amazing stuff from Sri Lanka, Marsh will be really stoked to finally see his lads make some progress. South Africa have taken a leaf out of the Australian selector's books and have gone with a young, raw pace bowler and he has come off well. Yet another kid to take 5-for on debut, already seen Lyon, Cummins, Pattinson, Philander take 5 on debut this year! I tipped de Lange to play soon, and was nice to see the Saffers go for youth. |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 28 December 2011 at 5:58am
 ------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 28 December 2011 at 6:23am
| sam - this is why ENG are a better side. When they get on top, they don't relinquish the initiative. IND thought they could fight back after losing at Lord's but ENG just kept getting better. SA are very patchy, they can be brilliant one second and ordinary the next. SA should really be beating SL 3-0 on paper but they get lazy at times and don't destroy teams when they have the quality to do so. I think SL's fighting spirit coupled with SA's laziness will win SL this Test. I might die of shock if SA can win this match, they pulled off a win from a 188 deficit in the 47 all out Test, surely not again. |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 28 December 2011 at 4:13pm
Wrong lads!!!!!! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 28 December 2011 at 5:36pm
I'd agree BP, spot on. In fact I'm surprised because RSA on paper are such a formidable team, not one weak link, they are such a terrific side but they somehow manage to lose to teams they shouldn't (imagine losing to the black caps in the WC when no one gave NZL a chance). you are right about ENG, they kept coming hard at India while RSA tend to either choke or get complacent. It's interesting because you look at ENG and how they lost 5-0 to India in the ODI's they looked clueless, I bet RSA won't surrender like that, they will perhaps even beat India in India, in fact are the only team not to have lost a test series in India in last 6 years, that way RSA look tougher, but as BP pointed out, they are patchy and can't dominate like how England can! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 29 December 2011 at 5:50pm
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Sri Lanka win their first ever test in South Africa, what a memorable day for a team that was really struggling. I'm very disappointed though, RSA are among my favts teams and I didn't expected this from them, they need to come back hard, really hard at the Lankans at Cape Town and I won't rule out an Innings win for the proteas come the new years test. Just a word on Hashim, two half centuries in two innings when everyone else was struggling, this man has the capability to be the best batsmen in the world for a long time, he has a game for all situations and has performed even on the most difficult of wickets. Hashim ... love you! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 29 December 2011 at 6:15pm
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Very well done to Sri Lanka, I thought they would have been whitewashed in this series bar bad weather. For the pass 2 years, I think Test Cricket has been very good. The fact that no one team is miles ahead of the other means its more competitive. And Sam, Amla just makes batting look too easy. A few difficult conditions and he scored some ODI tons while others struggled to time the ball. He's in sublime touch. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 30 December 2011 at 9:55am
| South Africa have all the ability in the world and are very well balanced. To see them lost to Australia at home in a test and now this is quite perplexing! Consistency is what makes a team great... |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 02 January 2012 at 1:29pm
| SA should win this Test now that Philander is back and fit and Morkel is finding form. I am interested to see how Rudolph fares at no. 6. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 02 January 2012 at 5:37pm
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I can bet on it that this will be an Innings win for South Africa. Nothing less should be acceptable. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 02 January 2012 at 6:33pm
| I was extremely impressed by Chandimal. I have always thought this guy should be in the Test side but his two innings in a debut Test in foreign conditions were extremely vital and his glovework was excellent. Whilst SL are still a poor Test side, they can be pleased that they have two very bright youngsters in Mathews and Chandimal who they can build a Test side around going forward (once Dilshan/Sanga/Mahela/Samaraweera retire). Now they only need to find 9 other quality players. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 03 January 2012 at 5:36pm
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Perfect day for South Africa, 347/3 and Alviro Petersen grabbing his opportunity with both hand by scoring a century. Kallis still there and there is AB with him, we could be in for a 600+ score here by the southafricans. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 7:57am
| The pitch does look a belter though. Unless it suddenly deteriorates, the SL batmsen may fare well on it. They have some confidence from Durban. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 1:24pm
| Declaration was too soon imo. The way de Villiers was batting, they should have let him continue and SA could have reached 700 in no time and then you don't need to worry about runs at all. With 580, you're still a little worried about the runs. Or maybe it was the right decision and my judgement is clouded because I wanted to see de Villiers carry on. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 1:24pm
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Big runs from SA, century from Peterson, Double for Kallis and and one and a half century for De Villers. All done at a blistering rate of over 4 an over. Sri Lanka not doing to badly at team either. I wouldn't mind seeing a Dilshan blitz after tea to be honest. I want see some shots!
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 1:39pm
| I can't think of another batsman who is as equally competent in all three formats of the game as AB. He is an outstanding must-have T20 player, his ODI batting average and ODI strike-rate is higher than Tendulkar and he is not far off averaging 50 in Test matches. He has been averaging something like 80 or so in the last couple of years in Tests so it goes to show he is probably the best no.5 Test batsman in the world. I rate him higher than Clarke, Bell, Laxman and Samaraweera. He has that extra gear that only special players have, he can pace an innings wonderfully, he has the complete range of shots and a fantastic temperament. His 60 off 25 balls today was just magnificent and destructive, doubt many others in world cricket can look that good tearing an attack apart. Plus, he is a more than handy keeper and is probably the best fielder in world cricket. What an asset to SA cricket. |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 2:20pm
AB de Villiers is no doubt one of the finest sportsmen to come from South Africa. I work with a very large contingent of South Africans (living in Perth is kind of like a mini Jo'Bug  ) and they are always raving about how many sports he played for South Africa at junior level. Whether it's with the gloves, in the field or batting in any format, he always seems to have the right temperament and ability to succeed. He's a very spiritual guy, and seems very balanced and at ease with himself and he knows his limitations. A fine product of South Africa and I think when he becomes test captain everyone in South Africa will sigh a relief that Smith has finally been ousted.
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Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 5:47pm
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AB is really good, got that extra gear as BP said. He's been SA's talisman for the last few years, and in all conditions as far as memory goes. Will be a good test when he goes to England. When he first started, he was suspect to inswingers, these days, he seem so much better in picking up length, reading swing and everything.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 04 January 2012 at 6:34pm
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I agree with BP, the declaration was way too soon, esp considering the pace at which RSA scored their runs AND also very importantly the fact that the more you bat, the worse the pitch is going to get for the opposition. 700 was easily on, may be in just 25 more overs, or at least 670-680 in another 20 overs (I'm assuming a rate of 5 although in reality they were going at a rate of 8 rpo). and yes, they wouldn't have had to worry about runs at all. Pathetic decision by smith. as for AB, well guyz, I've said this before, AB and Hashim are legends in the making. AB is as good a cricketer as you'd possibly get. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 05 January 2012 at 5:30pm
I knew this was coming, SLN lose 12 wickets in a day and now even this test should end tomorrow, what a disaster for a office going guy like me, you see boxing day tests fall on all 5 week days, then in the second test you think either Ind-Aus or SLN-RSA will last the distance and you'll enjoy a thrilling last day, only to see both end on Friday!  Anyways, delighted with this strong performance by South Africa, a much needed series win is not too far, all set for the ODI's!
------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 05 January 2012 at 5:57pm
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That was a stunning bowling display from SA. On a flat track against good batsmen who enjoy these kind of conditions, they bowled pretty much perfectly. Philander showed he can do it on flat tracks, Steyn showing why he is head and shoulders above the rest, Morkel slowly finding form and Tahir also proved he is capable of offering control. Should wrap it up tomorrow because this tail doesn't look it can wag much against this standard of bowling. Only downside is Boucher who dropped 2 regulation chances. Time to get Heino Kuhn in, can't believe Boucher has lasted this long. ODIs should be closer but SA still favourites. SL are going to be so reliant on Malinga and if he has an off series, SA can easily achieve scores close to and above 300 consistently. I wonder if Mendis will play. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 06 January 2012 at 5:15pm
| How many times in Test cricket have a side chased down a target off 0 balls? lol |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 06 January 2012 at 5:35pm
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ha..ha... very interesting stat that BP!!! Dominating stuff from South Africa in this test match, right from the word GO, they were all over Sri Lanka, Dale Steyn once again had a terrific series, Philander again impressive and Morne showed signs of returning to full form in the last test, he has well enough I'd say to keep Merchant De Lange out of the side for now. Super performance from South Africa and their next test assignment will be the Kiwis in an away tour, should be a good test for the proteas that although You'd expect them to come up on top. The ODI's will be a little bit more copetative I'd say, SLN will be boosted by the return of Malinga and Mendis, RSA still favts and I'd expect them to win 4-1. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 07 January 2012 at 9:34am
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It's nice to see a fresh face in Dean Elgar but why hasn't Richard Levi been given an opportunity? His List A record lately has been excellent and he is a very hard-hitting aggressive batsman. It would have been nice to see him feature. I reckon Amla and Smith are the settled openers so it may have been hard to give Levi a chance seeing as he opens. Still, I think he should have been included. Amla Smith Kallis de Villiers (wk, c) Elgar Duminy du Plessis Botha Steyn Morkel Tsotsobe That seems a likely eleven and it seems really strong. On paper, much too strong for SL again although SL do have x-factor bowlers and batsmen who can single-handedly win matches. I agree with sam, 4-1 to SA seems likely. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 07 January 2012 at 2:01pm
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Oh my god, SA first series win since 2008, too bad that they did not win a series at home for so long. Amazing! ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 08 January 2012 at 10:39am
| Looks like Elgar is injured and Albie Morkel has replaced him. SA look even stronger now tbh. Big Albie Morkel fan, one of the cleanest strikers in world cricket. Play him at 6 or 7 so you have the firepower at the end plus you have another pace bowling option. Tsotsobe, Steyn, Morne Morkel, Kallis, Albie Morkel, Botha, a bit of du Plessis and a bit of Duminy. Plenty of bowling options and talented batting all the way down to Botha at no. 8. Even Steyn at no. 9 is a very good number 9 batsman for ODI cricket. Botha batted no. 3 for Rajasthan Royals and batting down at 8 for SA, just highlighting their strength. Have all bases covered really. Good seamers, good spinners (they have Tahir too who didn't even make the squad) and good attacking batsmen. |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 08 January 2012 at 1:41pm
| I disagree. Picking a guy to just hit is really unfair on him, let Albie actually get his eye in before he's expected to strike the ball. I'd bat him at 5 and bowl him first change. The whole reason he hasn't been playing recently is because he has been misused and had no real role in the side. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 08 January 2012 at 5:12pm
| Depends on game situation obviously but I wouldn't bat Morkel higher than Duminy. If they are around 3 down after 25 overs, I'd much rather have Duminy coming in. Only after 36 or so overs would I have Morkel come in. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 09 January 2012 at 5:50am
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SA's declaration surprised me when looking at their history - such conservative cricketers. Maybe Gary Kirsten had some input , but whoever made the decision was proved right. After the Kingsmead debacle it was expected that the home side would come out hard. That Dilshan blundered in deciding to bowl first helped Smith's cause. Batting first at Newlands in January is a given and all I can think is that Dilshan and company didn't fancy Steyn and company on the first morning. Conditions were perfect and the score at the end of day one surprised no one in the ground. The Lankans were effectively out of the contest by then and it was only a matter of which day would see SA win. Kallis's performance was fantastic , after a pretty shaky start. His record at Newlands is terrific and once he was in a hundred looked odds on. That he converted it into a double was brilliant - the only thing that surprised was him getting out 2 balls before lunch !! The reception on completing the double was the finest I've experienced in this country - they love him here , he's a fine cricketer and a fine man and I was more than happy for the lad - the finest allrounder this country's produced since Mike Proctor. The one day series gets underway in Paarl on Wednesday. Beautiful little ground in the heart of the wine region. Slow pitch and short boundaries should suit the Lankans and it'll be hot as well! Temperatures have really climbed in the last few days and 30+ is a given for that region. SA have too much firepower and should win the series comfortably - even with Malinga back in the Lankan ranks. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 09 January 2012 at 12:30pm
| I must say I am a bit surprised that Tahir didn't get in the squad. I would have included him over Robin Peterson. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 09 January 2012 at 2:31pm
For sometime, that always seem the case before a series when SA is invollved but the only sides they've been thrashing seems to be West Indies only. Going on past records, I wouldn't be surprised if Sri lanka manage to win 2 games. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 09 January 2012 at 5:28pm
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I think since Botha and Robin Peterson are good batsmen tahir is being kept out at the moment, also they want to use Tahir in tests so may be they don't want to put much burden on him. Tahir is certainly better than both Botha and Peterson as a bowler. Talking of Jacques Kallis, yes he is a legend, and for all fans like me, he has given the good news that he intends to play on till 2015 and win the WC for RSA. Well I'd love to see Jacques for another 3 years! but the WC ... no, that needs to go to another team that wears green! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 09 January 2012 at 6:42pm
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I would prefer Botha in the ODI format tbh. Tahir has had an excellent start but his loose balls could become a problem long-term in ODIs. Botha is economical and can take wickets too so I'd put Botha ahead of Tahir for the time being. I don't rate Peterson as a bowler at all, would much rather have Tahir as second spinner. Kallis is surely the second greatest all-rounder of all time after Sobers. There have been many great all-rounders over the years but Kallis and Sobers are the ones who stand out for me. Maybe even on par with Sobers. I don't think any cricket fan would begrudge RSA a WC win in 2015. They really deserve it. It's sad to see them keep choking. Given their talent, they should have had at least one win by now. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 09 January 2012 at 7:05pm
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Me also think Kallis is next after Sobers for all rounders. Bats nearly twice as good as most other competitors. Quite a few maybe better bowlers but his batting smokes them. His bowling is more than good enough to dismiss great players and is a wonderful catcher.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: abubakar52
Date Posted: 10 January 2012 at 3:00am
| Tahir's celebration are so over-dramatic! Even when he bowls a barely decent ball, but still gets the wicket at the batsmans fault. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 10 January 2012 at 6:41am
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Kallis's declaration that he wants to make the 2015 WC stunned quite a few in these parts , including me. He'll have to be managed well and probably miss some test series against lesser opposition , especially away from home. He's pretty fit and only bowls a few overs in one dayers nowadays , so maybe it's not an impossible goal. He's not short of cash and if he's that desparate to make that tournament he might think seriously about chucking his IPL commitments. Easily said , but he's not commented on any such action. The match tomorrow sees Kallis as the only survivor of the last ODI played in Paarl in 2002. Funnily enough , Gary Kirsten made a century in that match ! Albie Morkel is on record as saying that both Paarl and East London (another venue returning from an age in the wilderness) will suit the Lankans - slow , low pitches and short boundaries. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 10 January 2012 at 2:23pm
Kallis is soo sooooooooooooooooooo under-rated he is one of my fav players never saw Sobers so i rate Kallis as the best all-rounder. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 10 January 2012 at 3:48pm
| It's only because Kallis sometimes isn't the most pleasing or attractive player that he isn't considered very highly. Sometimes his role for RSA in the past has been to occupy the crease, bowl tight spells etc. so it hasn't really given him room to look flashy and stylish like a Flintoff or a Tendulkar. In terms of value to a side and in terms of sheer effectiveness, Kallis is the greatest cricketer of the modern era. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 10 January 2012 at 5:37pm
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never knew they haven't played at paarl since such a long time! I do remember the venue name though and I remember India played there before. I too don't rate Robin Peterson at all BP but to be honest he bowled fairly well in the WC, and looked a slightly better bowler than what he was earlier. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 10 January 2012 at 7:27pm
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Remember were the WC was played Sam, any tweaker would have gotten some assistance in that game against England.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 11 January 2012 at 5:48am
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It's going to be hot in Paarl this afternoon and hard work for the bowlers who bowl in the first innings. Peterson is a useful one day player who can nip good batmen out , clear the rope and is very agile in the field . Remember the "nonexistent" quota system as well.......
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 11 January 2012 at 12:00pm
My department at work is about 80% (white) South African ex-pats, including the general managers, they all left SAF for the same reason. In fact, Perth is flooded with them
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Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 11 January 2012 at 5:02pm
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Another century for Hashim, as South Africa post 301, good contribution from Kallis and AB as well, SLN in reply have lost 2 wickets in 2 overs!!! Morne and Tsotsobe doing the early damage. Talking of Peterson I'm surprised that he is in the line up ahead of Botha today! Tough ask for SLN, something which is expected right throughout this series. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 11 January 2012 at 5:19pm
SLN 9/5!!!!!  ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 11 January 2012 at 7:11pm
43 all out!!!  ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 12 January 2012 at 6:18am
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Bring back Bangladesh ! The only consolation for the spectators who shelled out their hard earned money to watch this farce was that at least the South Africans batted first ! At one stage I thought they wouldn't get 20 - I can see why the Lankan board isn't paying them ! Two points to take from the debacle - Smith's still getting out to innocuous deliveries and secondly , because the home side won in a canter they'll be full of themselves and will get belted in the 2nd match ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: zuhair_abbasi
Date Posted: 12 January 2012 at 10:06am
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Sri Lanka are thee new Pakistan - they have it in them to go down like the West Indies it appears. ------------- http://thecricketinsight.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 12 January 2012 at 10:58am
| That's twice in the last 3 months that SA have dismissed a side for under 50. When on the absolute top of their game, their attack is superb. Morkel was outstanding. SL had no answer and I can't see how they will come up with some answers. Their bowling was pedestrian, Nuwan looked decent and Malinga was excellent but everything else was poor. Mendis serves no purpose anymore. Batting was just calamitous, Dilshan is proving to be little more than a walking wicket. Losing early wickets doesn't bode well for a very inexperienced lower middle order. Unless SA take their foot of the gas, SL could keep getting blown away. What a start for AB, one of the most decisive victories in ODI history. |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 12 January 2012 at 11:20am
| We're speaking greatly here of SL's inconsistency, but let's be frank, they are playing very consistently under Dilshan... consistently bad. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 12 January 2012 at 6:03pm
| I suppose that game was a bit of an anomaly but as Mikey says, they have been consistently poor in both formats. Vaas and Murali leaving has left a giant hole in the side that doesn't look like it will be filled anytime soon. Massive changes are not plausible until they improve their squad of players but they need to start making sensible changes immediately. For one, Dilshan is an abysmal captain possessing no ingenuity or tactical nous. It's really time to replace him with someone else, maybe Mathews. It would be a bit of a burden on Mathews expecting him to be an all-rounder and captain the side but I can't see who else would take it. They can't keep letting Dilshan lead though, it's just not gonna work out. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 12 January 2012 at 6:43pm
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Graeme Smith has been in pretty poor form of late and needs to turn things around must say, he hasn't really been the player that we know since some time now. SLN will take time to rebuild, I think they need to identify their future players and stick with them, in the CB series later in AUS they will be up against IND too and that might just be the time even they'll get back to form! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 15 January 2012 at 5:53am
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RSA go 2-0 up, I saw the game and I must say SLN, although it looks like they have improved a bit and shown some fight, it isn't like that. They have shown no character, at the start of the innings they were going at just over 1 run per over, desperately trying not to lose wickets, then even at the end Mathews and Chandimal were playing desperately trying not to get out and just take singles, they were so scared and didn't want a 43 all out embarrassment again! The bowlers showed some spirit though but SLN need to show some character even in defeat, which they are not quite doing. on RSA they'll be happy that Duminy got among the runs and the run machine Hashim Amla scoring another Half Century, Smith got a start but again couldn't carry on, he'll like to have a 100 in this series just to get his confidence back.
------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 16 January 2012 at 12:17pm
| SL in with a chance now that Amla and Kallis have been rested. Peterson replacing Amla at the top and Ingram to likely bat at 3 replacing Kallis. Looks weaker but a major opportunity for the two guys coming in. I feel a bit for Colin, he is a very good attacking batsman who hasn't had the kind of opportunities he should have had. His record is very good and yet he can barely get into the line-up. Hopefully, he can seize this chance and make some runs. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 17 January 2012 at 6:58am
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The pitch at East London was so slow , making attractive shot making practically impossible. SA were always in control of the run chase and JP Duminy will feel pretty good after making a match winning half century. Resting Kallis and losing Amla gives Peterson another chance and who knows , if he does the business we might just see Smith missing out soon ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 17 January 2012 at 4:43pm
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You are right Sledge, given the kind of form Smith is in, a couple of good knocks by Peterson and Smith could well be shown the door. I have a feeling Smith will score big in this series though. A good show by SLN today, 266 in their 50 overs is a decent score, an with Amla on leave and Kallis rested, this could be an unlikely win for SLN today! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 18 January 2012 at 6:06am
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Smith failed yet again yesterday , yorked for just 2 by Malinga. Duckworth/Lewis won in the end though after a torrential downpour typical of the highveld in summer. SA won by just 4 runs but on a flat deck I'd have expected them to get home against this attack. The one contentious issue was the run out of JP Duminy - he seemed well over the line when the wicket was broken , but Billy Doctove didn't agree and the SA dressingroom showed their disgust with the call. I'm no fan of Doctrove as a standing umpire - far too many mistakes , but I understand his incompetence now - he simply can't see properly!
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 18 January 2012 at 7:34am
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I dont agree Sledger with 5 overs of Malinga left i was expecting SL to win and a mistake like that by 3rd umpire should not be ignored. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |