OK, Now We Rock at cricket- What was I thinking :-)

[lino6]

Clarke must get some runs soon or he will be dropped,,,,,,,

Nah if Watson gets 40 odd innings between hundreds, surely Clarke will get 40 odd tests 

[D4D]

South Africa 2/11 (5.3) ground hog day...

[Moggy]

Looks like Amla could be SA answer to J.Trott, either that or he's a bunny caught in the headlights 

[Bunyip]

5/214 isn't too bad if their lower order can pile on a few, however with the Aussie bowlers having a good nights rest I doubt it.

[D4D]

Australia 4/112 (25.0) chasing 423, game on!

[Black Diamond]

Australia 4/112 (25.0) chasing 423, game on!

More like game over I reckon

[D4D]

O ye of little faith

[lino6]

Australia 4/112 (25.0) chasing 423, game on!

This is more like what I expected over there. It will be a good indication of how good they really are.

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[Paul (SA)]

I reckon Warner, Smith and Haddin will bat really well on this dead track and then this game will peter out to a dull draw.

[nbd73]

I reckon Warner, Smith and Haddin will bat really well on this dead track and then this game will peter out to a dull draw.

To quote another quote "oh ye of little faith"... the difference that the current team has over previous sides of the last 5 yrs is the inner belief that they can win from virtually any situation.  History, logic, and extensive cricket experience/knowledge tells us that yes, the game is leaning towards SA, but Smith, Haddin & Johnson have not batted yet, and in the recent Ashes series the lower order, held together by Haddin, was the second biggest advantage Aus had over the Poms (after Mr Moustache). So, no don't give up yet.  Warner needs a HUGE ton and then declare with a shortfall, knock em over quick and let Warner get 30 of 3 balls and set up a memorable win!!!!

[Paul (SA)]

Considering the Ashes series and this one, I actually don't think we have been in a batter position on the scoreboard than we are now.

To quote another quote "oh ye of little faith"... the difference that the current team has over previous sides of the last 5 yrs is the inner belief that they can win from virtually any situation.  History, logic, and extensive cricket experience/knowledge tells us that yes, the game is leaning towards SA, but Smith, Haddin & Johnson have not batted yet, and in the recent Ashes series the lower order, held together by Haddin, was the second biggest advantage Aus had over the Poms (after Mr Moustache). So, no don't give up yet.  Warner needs a HUGE ton and then declare with a shortfall, knock em over quick and let Warner get 30 of 3 balls and set up a memorable win!!!!

[nbd73]

So it didnt happen this time, but all is not lost, at least not yet. Early 2nd innings wickets will be required.

[Pog]

I've been camping since Friday and just got home.

I deliberately didn't listen to the cricket too much, as I wanted to enjoy myself.

I just checked the score, it doesn't look good, but hopefully the Aussies can salvage a draw from this position...

Bring on game 3.

[lino6]

Need to start doing a SA rain dance!

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[lino6]

Rogers made a ton, Warner 60 odd, and not 1 other made double figures. Worst than losing is the prospect of Watson returning to the team

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[D4D]

Yep pretty poor performance other than Rogers and Warner. At least it has made the last test interesting.

[lino6]

Yep pretty poor performance other than Rogers and Warner. At least it has made the last test interesting.

I wonder if there will be some team changes? They don't really have much backup over there, not that there is much at home either!

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[D4D]

Just prey for a 'green' pitch for Mitch

[lino6]

Just prey for a 'green' pitch for Mitch

A green top for Mitch means a green top for Steyn too.... So maybe a green top for Mitch and gastro for Steyn??

[Banjo16]

Strange that during the SA first innings the commentators described the pitch as dead & used that as an excuse for our bowlers.
Low and behold the SA bowlers must have been using a different pitch/ ball. Time we had some commentators that are not so biased.

[D4D]

19:04 The news at the Toss is that Australia have won it and will bat first. 2 changes for Australia with Marsh and Siddle making way for Watson and Pattinson

[nbd73]

19:04 The news at the Toss is that Australia have won it and will bat first. 2 changes for Australia with Marsh and Siddle making way for Watson and Pattinson

2 tests ago Marsh 140 & 40 > last test 3 balls faced for zero runs in 2 innings > gone.  I am fairly confident that a statistical nut could find that record somewhere in Watson's career.  Don't get it, if the nature of cricket is that you cant succeed every innings then why do new selections have so much pressure on them to perform?  Players should be given extended opportunities in a variety of conditions IF they are deemed worthy enuff to be picked in the first place. Or was MArsh sim ply covering for Watson? This guy seems to be leading a charmed life, and unlike the happy hooking under achiever from the mid 80's he did not marry the chief selector's daughter.

[D4D]

Dropping both Marsh and Siddle seemed odd to me too

[nbd73]

Some players are loved whilst others are despised.  Brad Hodge is a classic case, Krejza another (can't spell his name so guessed, and too lazy to ggogle).  These guys should have had extensive test careers.  Whilst protected species such as Watson keep getting picked on "potential".  Well I'm sorry, but if "potential" were a governing factor the late D Hookes would have been Aussie captain forever with 1 test century against sri lanka when they were garbage, and an average of 32. 

[Pog]

Watsons bowling might be the difference? He's not bad in the field, he can bowl and relieve the other quicks for a spell. Hopefully he makes some runs, otherwise he may be dropped for good.