Sri Lanka in South Africa (2011-2012)

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.

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.

ha..ha... very interesting stat that BP!!! 

Oh my god, SA first series win since 2008, too bad that they did not win a series at home for so long. Amazing!

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.

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.  


Edited by Sledger - 09 January 2012 at 6:01am

Originally posted by Sledger SA have too much firepower and should win the series comfortably - even with Malinga back in the Lankan ranks.

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.

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.

Tahir's celebration are so over-dramatic! Even when he bowls a barely decent ball, but still gets the wicket at the batsmans fault.

Originally posted by spin wizard 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.

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.


Edited by mystery - 10 January 2012 at 2:26pm

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.

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.......

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. 

43 all out!!! 

Sri Lanka are thee new Pakistan - they have it in them to go down like the West Indies it appears.