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Though tbf i felt England never had a chance in UAE conditions before the series even begun and i'm not surprised at the result, there's still a bunch of room for improvement before the next overseas tour.

For me Moeen should no longer be an automatic pick for selection and i would give up on trying to make him a frontline spinner. England should stick to their strengths by playing 3 seamers and plump for a specialist spinner in Rashid instead. Moeen should be considered a 'batsman who can bowl a bit', too many bits and pieces players otherwise is not the way forward in test matches. Picking him as an opener just to slot him in somewhere as well was a ludicrous decision which rightly backfired. I would like to see Compton come back into the squad to partner up with Cook.

So much inconsistency in the middle order as well. Is Bell's time finally up? But who comes in?

Don't think moeen was ever going to open in South Africa unless he scored a bundle in the UAE.
I like rashid but he won't play in SA, not many pitches warrant 2 spinners and he isn't consistent enough. Moeen will keep his place at 7/8 and play as our spinner and probably rightly so, his record is not terrible and does have a knack of taking wickets. No doubt we will play jimmy, broad, wood and stokes (if fit). That attack looks fine, and looking at the SA batting this morning, it seems their openers won't score many v us and the series comes down to how Amla and AB go at 4/5.
Bell will defo play; and rightly so. Still one of the better players, and with no one else near pushing his place runs wise you have to go with the runs and experience.
Biggest concern is the keeping/ batting slot. Bairstow doesn't cut It for me, as a batter or a keeper. Buttler is out of sorts, so JB will have the role, but this is where we are really lacking. Taylor should keep his spot.
Maybe call carberry up? Or chuck hales in there? I like hales and think he would score runs, if he sorts the bouncer issue out, but if he is good enough then he will. Maybe open with bell? Don't think there's much point, would keep it simple and go something like...

Cook
Hales
Bell
Root
Taylor
Stokes
Bairstow
Ali
Wood
Broad
Anderson

Balance of that side looks good IMO, and one the coaching staff will fancy to go well, plus the best side we have ATM


Regards

VD

I'd like to see this:

Ballance
Cook
Taylor
Root
Bell
Buttler (wk)
Stokes
Rashid/Ali/Patel/Croft/Tuffnell/Stephen Hawkings football boots
Broad
Wood
Anderson

Thought Gary Ballance was a little hard done to as he was probably our 2nd best batsmen in 2014. Give him a go opening.

We don't have anything in better than Ian Bell, and he could still have another 3 years in him yet. Move him down the order and slightly out of the firing line to take a bit of pressure off him. I don't know the numbers but i'm 99% sure his stats are better at 5/6 than 3/4.

I don't think Stokes is good enough to bat at 6 consistently. And i'd like to move Buttler up to 6, give him that confidence boost that he is clearly lacking.

My guesses are as good as anyones.

Cook (c)
Compton
Bell
Root
Taylor
Stokes
Bairstow
Ali
Wood
Broad
Anderson

Is what I would pick for Durban, picking Bell on the basis that I don't see a better alternative. Happy to give Rashid a go on pitches that will geniunely turn, unlikely to get one in South Africa. Plunkett to come when Wood misses a test.

Like longys side

Personally I would have carberry opening with cook (one full series second top scorer away to the auspices who were rampant then dumped) but that isn't going to happen.

Ali keeps taking wickets a lot of people don't like to believe it but his bowling record over a fair sample now tells us he is not just OK but a very effective spin bowler .

Lots of positives from the uae series. Considering lost all 3 tosses with a bit more luck/ better application could have been 1-1 2-1 or even 1-2.

8 of the side pick themselves if fit

cook
x
x
Root
Taylor
Stokes
Bairstow
x
Wood
Broad
Anderson

you can't pick Rashid, will get torn to pieces by that batting line up. Has to be Ali, batting at 8

that leaves an opener and number 3

suppose they stick with Bell and hope he fires, as much for his experience and a lack of an alternative as anything

that leaves opener. Heck knows. I'd pick compton, expect they will give Hales a go

generally cook and root apart the batting isn't strong enough to win a series away in south africa. the seam bowling might be.

ballance, buttler, plunkett, finn and ansari if fit in reserve


by the way for England in the UAE tests

fast bowling 31 wickets at 24, run rate 2.29

spin 20 wickets at 59.85 (!) run rate 4.07

if they are going at over 4 in the uae, and being comprehensively outbowled by the quicks, it doesn't reflect very well

Great, will have something to watch on telly over xmas and new year  :)

Compton has been basically dumped, harshly yes as his record is alright. Picking hales for UAE suggests he will get the gig.

Plus not sure how amazing their batting is? Look at their test side today, their runs is all 3,4&5 as far as I'm concerned. Their bowling is different! Any side that doesn't need to pick morne Morkel is certainly spoilt for choice

our runs is all 1 and 4

player for player they are a stronger team than us, but our quicks and good pitches give us a squeak 

South Africa are currently getting dismantled by India, nothing to fear here!!

Our pace attack will cause issues for any side in any conditions

IF cook and Root continue in form (fairly likely) and even if just one other of the talented middle order has a great series we have a chance

in mohali

a pitch that the BCCI said was too seam friendly (way up in the north, a lot of dew) so the curator was asked to dry it out so it could favour the spinners more

durban, cape town or joburg it is not

Jonny Bairstow picks himself? I'm not saying there is anybody better but neither him nor Buttler have exactly nailed down the keeper/batsmen slot. Just shows how poor our team is at the moment. I'd personally still give Buttler the nod.

Not sure what wickets are like in SA these days but I think it's a toss up between Finn and Wood on who would go better over there. I think taking wickets is more important than economy so would quite like to see Finn in the side. I guess that probably puts a bit more workload on Anderson & Broad and may be why Wood will tend to get preferred.

Lack of solidity at the top is a big concern. Not sure whether Balance is ready for a recall, rarely seen a player look so out of sorts and SA bowlers likely to give him the same test as the Aussie bowlers. Compton I think

Bairstow got to stay in for Buttler I think - not a whole lot better but Buttler's transition from slogger to test player is far from seamless.

Can't believe  there's any question about Ali - outstanding talent

Don't get why everyone raves over Finn. One good spell v an ordinary Aussie side this summer and it's almost like he's a second coming. Bowls too many bad balls and no balls. Wood has done nothing but impress and does take wickets

Bowl bowling attacks will go well, comes down to which side bats best

They have to rotate

Wood cant play to much anyway due to needing a op.

Never diss the Finn

Well yes, but do we not think that conditions in south Africa will be far more agreeable for our bowlers than the recent series.

For what it's worth, my team would look something like

Cook
Hales
Bell (no one else to come in really)
Root
Taylor (he will be a regular for years to come now)
Bairstow
Stokes
Moeen
Broad
Finn
Anderson

With the extra pace of the ball, the bit of boom boom from Hales at the top of the order may well come off.

If there was any other option, I would drop bell. Think he is done for now. I suppose you could bring Rashid in at 8, put Taylor at 3 and Moeen at 5.

undoubtedly anderson and broad are a realistic threat to match steyn and co on SA Pitches

relying on our top six as a whole to withstand steyn and co feels like a longer shot, particularly hales as opener. which is why he has never been picked. however, few options now but to blood him

and yes bairstow is an automatic choice for now imo. buttler doesn't seem to have the mental fortitude for test batting

I know its one of the least of our problems now but Ben Stokes is not a test match number 6. Certainly not behind our top 5.

Il take the gloves and bat at 6.

Agree Stokes is not a number 6. Yes he can twat it miles, but he doesn't come off often.

Bairstow at the minute is a fair bit ahead of buttler, he has the ability to get runs, just needs a good go at it


Our top order will look more secure with Taylor coming in at 5. Such an under rated talent. Think he could be worth a bet for England's top run scorer for the series.

Stokes isn't good enough to be a 3rd seamer or a number 6 I agree. I'm of the opinion it should either he him or Moeen who play, never both at the same time.

Moeen is insanely talented but cmon; he's hardly ever going to take a 5 for. And that's what you need from your bowlers to win test matches - to be able to bowl a side out. He'll chip in sure, but use him as a 2nd spinner in the middle order not as an all rounder. This is one area where I think England are missing a trick.

Exact reason why I put Rashid ahead of Ali. There's just no space in the team for both apart from Sub Continent.

Stokes batting number 7 and 4th seamer seems right. Rashid spinner and batting number 8 with Broad at 9 is a long enough batting line up IF the upper order contribute what it should.

Rashid reminds me of club cricket 'leg spinners'. Half trackers, turns it but oh so slowly and a nice sprinkling of full bungers. At test level must be like being bowled a football.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTM8uYgWUAExtnX.jpg)

You know the cupboard is bare when Bell is on everyone's team sheet.  A completely out of form veteran.  Surely better to give Lyth or Ballance another chance than play Bell.  You might get one swan song tune out of him but so what?  His form doesn't warrant that faith.

Like Ali and Stokes together, dont think thats a big problem. Stokes isnt a great 3rd seamer but more than good enough 4th seamer behind Jimmy, Broad and Wood. ALi is as good as we have spinner wise, and is a v good number 8. plus his record, isnt actually that bad, and he does take wickets. no need for 2 spinners in south africa.
Wood > Finn and it isnt even close, think Finn could get whacked in SA. Wood has more pace, control and reverses it too

Plus, assuming Bairstow continues to disappoint with the bat, which i think he will. Who is next in line? Billings is being picked as a batsmen for the one dayers, despite being an unbelievable keeper (good mate of mine brag!!) people seem to overlook this, if JB and buttler are overlooked, is he the next, as he is already in the set up?

Ben Cox is the best young wicketkeeper in the country but yes Billings is the next on the succession rank

he, like hales, roy, willey etc are pigeonholed as one day specialists. willey should be in the test team imo!

there are a lot of good batsmen too. tom abell at somersert would be my pick

in general, and compared to other countries, we don't pick youngsters early enough. on the odd occasion that we do we don't stay patient either. taylor was picked in 2012, took him 3 years to get back in despite a mountain of county runs

Think we struggle in SA, they are number 1 side in the world and all sides around the world are finding it difficult to win away. We rightly talk up Anderson and Broad but Steyn, M. Morkel and Philander will be just as potent in conditions that they are used to and suit them down to the ground. With the bat Cook averages 41 in South Africa (only 4 tests so limited sample size) and Root should score runs anywhere and everywhere, but then we're up against Amla, Du Plessis and De Villiers. Both sides are a bit lacking in depth elsewhere, but they seem to have the edge in personnel and home advantage.

I'd assume the 1st test line-up will be:

Cook
Hales
Bell
Root
Taylor
Stokes
Bairstow
Ali
Wood
Broad
Anderson

I'd prefer a more solid opener like Compton, but Hales in next cab of the rank. Bell has to go due to lack of experience of the rest of the middle order. Taylor needs a run of games. Stokes is over-rated but in time should become extremely valuable. Bairstow short-term measure till Buttler works out what tempo to bat in tests. Ali will be far more useful in South Africa than Rashid, who I was very disappointed with in the UAE. Wood to rotate with Finn as he can't play every game.

Ben Brown has a cracking record for a young keeper batsman too. Was the sole bright spot for Sussex this year.

For me test cricket sides should consist of 6 capable batsmen, a wicketkeeper, then 4 bowlers all of whom on their day are there to rip through a side.

So is there no one better to bat at 6 than Stokes who averages 33 with the bat and 30 with the ball at first class level?

Moeen also has an average record but you can admittedly justify it with the dearth of spin options available to England. But to add Stokes in the same team is overkill. England need a proper batting number 6. I am not convinced with the utility of all rounders in test cricket and especially not two. It takes a very special Kallis type player to pull it off.

England management/captain/senior players love Stokes.  Zero chance of being him dropped.  I agree with you though.

Anyone fancy giving Morgan another go batting at 5 or 6? Think he's more than proved his worth over the last 8 or 9 months to the ODI team. Looks like he has worked on his technique.

I'd prefer Morgan to us trying to drag out Bell's career.

Meh if it wasn't for his England connections I think Middlesex would have dropped Morgan from the championship side this year. In fact when he asked for a rest before the Aussies ODI, they were more than happy to oblige.

Get Willey in te test team! Can swing it, and bat! Defo defo Willey ahead of Finn. Close call between him and wood, probs still wood for now

England's fast bowling seems in great shape tbf.

Where is Stokes in the ODI's btw?

Injured in the tests

Was due to be rested anyway, as all the players who play all 3 forms get under the current regime.

Think hales hundred today will give the management something to point at when selecting him to open in South Africa, don't think he is the solution in tests but at the moment there doesn't seem like a good solution.

Well from the 1st ODI you thought you might have been 4-0 to Pakistan. What a turnaround. England seem a different class.

not especially

pakistan are being peak pakistan. 3 terrible run outs, 4 caught on the boundary

england are a young improving ODI team for sure, but being made to look good by ineptitude against them

Ian Bell dropped

Finn and Wood injured

Compton and ballance recalled

Footitt has the chance to be the third seamer on the quick pitches

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUKnu3lUwAAzzeA.jpg)


cook

compton or hales

ballance

root

taylor

bairstow

stokes

ali

broad

footitt-woakes-jordan

anderson

Delighted to see Compton back.

Bell gone for good ?

would have to think so. 33 years old and with no form for 18 months.

been a great player. unusually ruthless for the England selectors this

I would be amazed if it was not his own decision to not be selected considering he is Cooks best mate.

Good squad

all the journalists are indicating he has been dropped, selectors decision

Rashid will be playing the big bash in Australia

doubt we'll see him again in a test shirt, sadly

Ansari is the coming man, when fit

That may well be the party line be surprised if it was

Few worries in the squad.

Has Ballance really had the time to go away and improve sufficiently to come back in? (as a Yorkshire fan, I havent really seen much outstanding)

Compton coming back in at the top of the order. I dont know why, but I just do NOT like him. Would much rather see Hales given his chance.

Is Footitt the fast left armer? The last thing we need is to have another dibbly-dobbly 80mph bowler in the team. Get some bloody pace in there!!

Would have preferred to see Willey ahead of both Jordan and Woakes personally. I think he is very talented, under-rated and has a fantastically aggressive attitude.

Footitt is quick. 90mph+

top division two wicket taker for 2-3 seasons albeit on some terrible derby pitches

gets his move to surrey and is picked before he plays a game for them

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe82OupHqGI

Ian Bell ‏@Ian_Bell now2 minutes ago

I'm absolutely gutted not to be selected for the tour to SA. I certainly feel I could have contributed out there & have been working...

..and come back determined to win my place back. Wishing all the guys selected the best of luck.

Good move to drop Bell.

If Buttler can get some form in the ODIs then I'd have him back over Bairstow in a shot.

Horrible feeling Wakes will get the call to be the 3rd seamer, if so our attack will be far too 1 dimensional.

We need to have some genuine pace in their, and a left armer also offers something different.

Cook
Hales
Ballance
Root
Taylor
Stokes
Bairstow
Ali
Broad
Footitt
Anderson

That would be my pick from that squad

Couldn't have worded any bit better myself. Don't rate worked but he's bowling 88/89mph but just doesn't look that quick
Give footit a spin

Without Bell that top order looks decidedly devoid of experience. Maybe I'd stick 32 year old Compton to partner Cook for that reason.

Stokes is just far too high at number 6 but I guess it'll take the selectors a while before they realise he isn't going to be the new Andrew Flintoff. So much depends on the 3 pacers to generate results in South Africa.

I disagree with a couple of omissions the selectors have made. Obviously Bell is the big one which will get the headlines. He isn't in the best of nick and hasn't been all calender year. I thought he might have jacked it in after the Ashes, especially when he admitted in a interview with Aggers that he would be considering retiring. Once he get over that and said he had the motivation to continue I'm pretty astounded that they've dropped him already. Against Pakistan he wasn't great, averaged 31, but apart from Cook and Root he was the next best, and it's not like there is someone in county cricket who's scored thousands of runs and is demanding a spot off him. Experience-wise I felt he had to go, and then if he didn't average 40+ then you could blood a new guy in the summer in an easier situation. No matter what combination we use in the batting order now, Cook is the only guy to have played Test cricket in S.A and that lack of experience will most likely be found out.

The omission that annoyed me the most was Plunkett. Unless it's been an attitude thing and he hasn't been a positive influence around the group, how can he go from perennial 12th man is all formats to not being in the squad for a tour in conditions that will likely suit his style of bowling? He's barely played since the summer, so I can't see how he's regressed to a level that now Footitt, Woakes and Jordan are all deemed better than him? I like the Footitt selection for the left-arm variety, he's taken good numbers of wickets (albeit at 2nd division level) so that's fair enough. But Woakes? 7 wickets in 4 tests? recently went 6 ODI's without taking a wicket? Have we really picked him because he's taken some cheap wickets in the last 2 ODI's? baffling. I don't mind Chris Jordan at ODI level, he'll contribute in all 3 disciplines, but tests we've tried and he didn't go well, 21 wickets in 8 games, Plunkett's not a world-beater by any stretch of the imagination, but he's done nothing wrong since his recall. He played 4 tests in the summer of 2014, taking 2 wickets, 9 wickets, 3 wickets and 4 wickets. If it's runs with the bat they want at 9 he got a 39 and a 55* in those games. He's a bit quicker than the rest of them, and can blow a game open with genuine pace, so would give Cook another option compared to Woakes and Jordan, who are just medium fast.

Can't see logic in Patel's selection either, wasn't great in the 3rd test, so would be out of his depth in South African conditions. If Ali went down with an injury I'd just play all-seam attack. Unless we have huge series from Cook, Root, Broad and Anderson I think we'll struggle badly. Away from home against the number 1 side in the world isn't the time to try new stuff out and gamble imo.

just the 46 ball hundred for Buttler on a flat one in dubai

nixce to see him back in form, now to translate it into the tests

Jos Buttler

enough said

What a knock!!!!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUQzt6TW4AQZxHb.png)

Ho-Lee-Shit

"In last 18 months, England have scored six ODI tons in 73 balls or less (Buttler x 3, Moeen, Root, Morgan) - before that, once in 33 years"

the game has changed huh?

now that is a good stat

For the worse, in my opinion. With the ever changing rules and regulations records are basically meaningless when every few years you play under a different set of conditions which always tend to favour the batsmen. I'd be happy to see ODI cricket changed to 40 overs too.

So you complain about too many little changes so you suggest a complete overhaul of the whole game?

Yeah wrote that and realised that's exactly what i did :D what i meant was i would just switch things to 40 overs and expect that to sort out the obvious decline in interest recently rather than tinker with the rules every so often.

South Africa not looking to hot in India

An ageing squad as well very much so and this series will be a lot closer than many expect.

England continuing to progress in all formats looks a very solid behind the scenes set up at the moment which helps.

the pitches in india have been ragging square. ishant sharma bowled a slower ball this morning that turned 4 feet

i do think it will be a close series on quick pitches in SA. hopefully steyn is fit


meanwhile, from yesterday, a really fun picture

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CUwhnH6WUAAAm4V.jpg)

they had to go to the third umpire to tell which batsman was out

In a move away from tradition, there will be no mandatory toss in either division of the County Championship in 2016 http://es.pn/1XtKuHF

nice picture from the first pink ball test in Adelaide that started overnight

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CU0CkwWWwAEs-XK.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CU0AIglWoAIYkGU.png)

I think Joe Root is big factor in the good spirit they seem to have. Clearly an excellent batsman, which inspires confidence and a good bloke but it's the obvious joy he takes in the success of his team mates that really seems to have fostered the togetherness and sets him apart as a top guy. Saluting the Stokes ton vs NZ was great and the extended celebration for Buttler's ton the other day was fantastic too.

Joe Root 22 runs away from becoming Eng's highest int run-scorer in a calendar year

 http://bit.ly/1YBnPeR .

Max three more inns to get 'em

6 hundreds and 14 fifties in the year... What a player!

England played a lot of cricket in 2007, collingwood just the 52 matches!

I think this was the official reason for moving the ashes away from World Cup years, obviously nothing to do with having ashes 2 years apart in this country making craploads of money!

He has done this today in the final T20

groundhog day  :)

excellent article

Joe Root’s omission from Spoty carries a health warning for English cricket

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/dec/01/joe-root-bbc-sports-personality-england-cricket?CMP=share_btn_tw

Yes, very good article. Still leaving Root out of the top 10 is ridiculous.

Someone obviously got the boot out of the list on Sunday morning after the boxing - maybe the BBC took the view to try and concentrate on giving visibility to lower-profile sports rather than cricket.

Team sport is also a factor - Kevin Sinfield is the only one on the list that plays a proper team sport. Though cricket tends to do the best out of the team sports as individual performance can be so easily measured.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/946735.html

Cook, Root and Broad named in the ICC test team of the year

Lol Joe Root was at one point the number 1 ranked player in the world, and has been top 2 or 3 pretty much all of the year. And plays the game in a fantastic manner. A true roll model with a good personality (look at the Bob Willis impersonation).

And he plays one of the countries most followed sports. But naaaaaaaaaah he doesn't qualify for this joke of a competition.

Nearly as big of a joke as Rory not winning next year.

Just arrived in Durban, very overcast and the weather has been all over the place recently. Forecast poor for tomorrow would be tempted to bowl tomorrow if there is play.

Very much looking forward to the series, going to Cape Town for New Years test as well. Subtle I know......

Enjoy it.

When I was there Boxing Day a few years back it was the worst day of cricket I ever went to. The hottest I have ever sat and watched cricket in, 40+ degrees and humid as fk and we didn't have shade, the biggest queue was to stand under a hose pipe of cold water for a few secs. And to top that off Nasser bored the shit out of us in the process of England scoring about 160 runs in an entire day I think. My missus dragged me away before tea time, she'd had enough....

Everywhere we go...

Got a horribly bad feeling about this test.

If we bat first I think we are in large amounts of trouble

Weather-wise does anyone know if its worth getting my hungover fat arse out of bed at 8 bells?

(Thin brag incoming)

Raining here at the moment (just up the road) but forecast to clear up in time for the start going by Accuweather.

Currently very overcast and muggy, no rain though it did rain overnight. Still predicted to be wet this morning, getting drier as day goes on.

put in on a sweaty green one. nice

those of you out there try, if the weather improves, to spend a couple of hours on the beach at uhmlanga rocks, about a 15 minute drive down the coast from durban

the waves are fantastic, as is the setting.

England look fked already!!!

it was a big toss to win

long way to go in the series though. we have to hope the weather stays like this for this one!

technically,that was a poor shot from Hales, far too loose.

Steyn is just beast, the emotion and aggression he plays with is brilliant to see.

Something you don't tend to get from our lads.

Yeah big toss to lose, two poor dismissals from an England point of view. Both should have been left.

Steyn is an absolute monster and the best bowler by a mile on either team

This should be what Compton is there for, lose a few early ones and he just has to stay compact, tire the bowlers out, grind them down and set a platform. Get through the new ball and things will be easier later on.

Although now I look at it, when did Steyn stop bowling at 90mph? He is at about 83-86 at the minute.

Bowling within himself to suit the swinging seaming conditions?

He's 32 and just back from injury. doesn't need to bowl 90 in these conditions

Root gone. Trouble brewing here

Piedt as well, jeeeeeeeez. Just got to stay in the game for the next hour or so, don't let it get away from us.

its turning a lot on day 1

got to get some sort of score, be in the game bowling last later on with any sort of score here

What is Cook's record with the toss and over the past 10 matches?

won 0 lost 3 against pakistan in uae

won 3 lost 2 in the summer 2015 ashes

won 2 lost 1 in west indies may 2015

last eleven before today 5-6

including today 5-7

Compton playing a 'proper' test match innings here. Good to see, always thought he was harshly treated.

Probably has something to do with schools and junior club cricket. Even when I was growing up any aggression and emotion led to a bollocking from the senior pros for being disrespectful.

At club level I don't mind a bit of aggression, but if they are bowling all of 60mph it doesn't have the same effect.

I'm VC of our second team, and we have an opening bowler who gets up to about 75mph and he has a bit of a nasty streak about him, loves a stare and a mutter.

I personally giggle when bowlers do it to me, they don't realise I will get out without all the histrionics if they put a 12 year old spinner on.

True, it is annoying though. In my league - which granted is a bit shit - its frowned upon to bowl bouncers by the elder statesmen of the team because most batsmen dont bother wearing a helmet, and if bowlers do bowl short pitched deliveries, some captains take them off!

There is a point to this - we need more aggression in junior cricket imo.

Good solid recovery this

Shame the excellent Nasser is left behind in the studio, cost cutting with the expense of the new football deal no doubt

Is there a point in bowling 60mph bouncers tho? IMO the game needs to be played in the right spirit at club level, I don't turn up ons Saturday to have some chav talking huge amounts of crap when they are rubbish.

We have banned sledging in our side, unless it is directed at your own team, then it is mandatory!!


Taylor and Compton looking solid here, never thought I would be impressed with Compton, but he is just grinding away.

Taylor is my favorite player in the team. Love him.Q

such a shame that for Taylor, tremendous partnership

Was just a good ball. The last couple had come into him and this one just held the line/moved very slightly away. Nothing he could do about that, great innings.

Looking at the pitch though I really wish we had Jimmy fit.

After losing that toss, on this deck. Think England won't be too unhappy with that day? Shame about Taylor. Looks the goods too

Unfortunately we have no car here and I wouldn't be surprised to see the test go 5 days. If we do get a spare day will definitely take the tip, thanks.

Thought Taylor and Compton were very good yesterday, a case of substance over style. Think both should have been in the side earlier/ stayed in the side, they give the batting order some solidity we have enough to accelerate the pace later on.

Oh and the beer is about a pound pint in the ground and tickets are about 4 quid for a full day's play different world to back home.

Haha, Love hove yu still manage to find the value :)
Hope the weather is better for you today

Longy - if you do make it to Umhlanga then the Oyster Box should be your restaurant of choice. Uber available so don't sweat not having a car.

After grafting so hard we're back under the pump here.

Pound a pint and a bit of sun today, that's the dream

Can anyone at all remind me at what point Moeen Ali was deemed good enough to be an international batsman?

Bit dissapointing after all the solid work. Need broad to be at the top of his game to stay in this I think

43/4 in the last ten overs ... depth of batting in the tail on paper not worked out this time. New ball obviously key to England's chances, you'd fancy having a go at Elgar and Van Zyl

Who is going to open with Broad? Woakes would be my guess. Hardly inspiring.

God Im a right miserable bastard today.

Yeh, they don't like Finn with the new ball do they. I don't think Woakes is test class ... hoping to jinx him into taking a 5-for :-)

Pretty surprised to see Woakes in test cricket. Anyway.. to cheer us all up I think at the end of the game this is going to look like a decent score. This last wkt partnership has made me feel more positive

Yep, love it when Broad looks like this. Great fun to watch.

Think it is all going to rest on how cheaply we can get Amla and AB out.

Wonder how AB's stats look when he's been keeping

fairly sure I read pre-game that he still averages 50 whilst keeping

Averages 60 while keeping, it was shown on sky yesterday

Oh well..guys too good ffs

to be fair he got a great ball first up

he's not an opening batsman we know, but balances the team nicely as a containing spinner and number 8

until or unless we have a spinner to succeed Swann, he's the best we've got to fulfill the dual role he does

going to have to bowl well now to stay in it

pitch has got much easier.

think there is talk of batting AB at 5-6 below Faf du Plessis. that has to be a mistake.

http://www.abdevilliersfan.com/wordpress/

not sure of the validity of this site, but still! Says here he averages 58.26, and has performed better with the bat whilst keeping in both tests and odi's.

Faf in horrendous form recently, you'd love to get a go at him with a new-ish ball. Amla had a bad run in the entire tour of India, so is another you'd want to get at early. couple of quick wickets with the new ball and it's game on, their confidence with the bat will be shaky.

Amla dropped on 3.

he just nicked the one earlier too. spike on hotspot wouldn't have been overturned if the umpire had given it

would have been a pig of a decsion for the TMO if england had referred it

world class from broad and great from woakes to

This south african batting is very very shaky going to be a close series this

His record
HTH

Yeah, there sounded liken edge, but snicko barely moved, would not have liked to be 3rd umps for that one!!

Broad ready has grown into a world class bowler.

AB is the huge wicket now

That looked like a good catch to me as well.

De Villiers gets a life, that could prove costly!

They never get given like, once it goes upstairs you're always in bother.

Agreed, saying that, Stokes wasn't sure either.
 

Finn is bowling bloody well!!

Started well with the ball, would have maybe liked them to make Elgar play a bit more but on the whole we looked good. abdv going through the gears now though

finely poised

think we are marginal favourites as we arent batting last....

Not so finely poised now. Great chance to win this one. Have to seriously bollocks it up now!

89 ahead on first innings

advantage us

If he bowls like that more often I will let him off!

His first 6 overs were pretty dross but excellent after that

thought this was a great picture

Bavuma b Broad 10

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CXTk6q0W8AAJRnf.jpg)

Steyn gone down with a shoulder injury, we could be in business here!

Massive chance this should win from here obviously

Go on lads knew this mob were very beatable

Hopefully finish it off tomorrow

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CXZ1A3gWEAEjzco.png)

Finn's going all over the shop so far.  5 out of 14 wickets but too expensive, get him aht

Finn takes wickets and key ones at that

kind of essential that

really good again today should be fine tomorrow

Was just pulling Mr verns leg. Been watching finn since he was 13. Genuine test bowler and love seeing him do so well

Magic moen

The Indian series was not just the pitch

Skittled out for 170 on a flattening pitch is embarrassing a captain who does not want to be a captain.

Already announced a 13 man squad for both the tests

Well done lads great performance especially first morning at 50/3

South African selectors gone above amla and added two players to the squad

Great game. Probably 0% chance of dropping Stokes for the next test i imagine, but i really feel strongly about him being a passenger in this side.

I completely agree. I think Woakes is a better bowler and there's probably not much difference between their batting at the moment.

but Stokes can change a game when he comes off with the bat its dramatic, quick runs scoring heavily

he is also great with the old ball at reverse swing. saw that in the west indies and the Ashes. takes wickets in clusters too

Absolutely should not be dropped, he lengthens the batting line up a lot and provides the fifth bowler

Anderson will be back in for Woakes as long as Finn can play back to back test matches at the moment

Stokes is 24

His record for an all rounder of that age is good/very good

Mad to drop him

Really impressed with woakes looks 5mph quicker this tour would not mind unchanged myself

If you could choose it's much more preferable to have someone who could potentially bat out a whole day over someone who could score quick runs in a test match. Stokes will rarely score a hundred or take a 5 for. That's what changes a game much more often than 40 off 50 balls. His average of 27.72 over a good 36 innings is not number 6 standard.  

With regards to his bowling his stats speak for themselves: 46 wickets at 40.67 at test level. Even at FC level he's only averaging 30.56. Not good enough.

I mean i'm not saying he's totally worthless - but the problem is that you have Moeen with very similar limitations who is also in the side. There shouldn't be any room for both in one team. I would rather have a batting number 6 all day over Stokes and only pick him on the odd occasion a pitch warrants 4 seamers. He may become a decent ODI player, but never any more than a jack of all trades at test level.

Only England

Just hammered the number one test side and side still not good enough

Moen just the 7 wickets again just lucky again I guess

That's another thing. We're fifth in the rankings. South Africa first but without a 100 partnership all year. Lost two greats to boot. If they lose the series, they could finish up fourth. Silly system.

Tend to agree there's not a lot between Stokes and Woakes at the moment but Woakes hasn't shown himself capable of being better by a distance so good to stick with Stokes for the medium term. Occasionally games may play out such that you could swap Stokes and Bairstow in the order but it's not very broken at the moment.

Moeen - can't believe anyone still questions his ability. Front line spinner and batting where he does is just great for this team at the moment.

Obviously a bit early in his test career but when this team/squad was picked the only person I felt had a lot to prove was Hales - the other newer (re) inclusions like Taylor/Bairstow/Compton just obviously have it whatever happens to them temporarily

Woakes is the very definition of bog standard.

Stokes has taken vital wickets at times when the team has needed a break through, can change the impetus of an innings with the bat and is probably the best fielder in the team!

Woakes has to be the one to be dropped for Anderson IMO, his bowling is not good enough for test level, he wont take wickets often enough as he doent possess great pace, and doesnt seem to swing it much unless the conditions are perfect for him.

Stokes can and has been already a match winning player for England, he can take 5 for in a burst or score 80 or 90 in a session. Woakes I just can not see doing this at international level. He is a neat and tidy bowler and solid with the bat but doesn't have that extra to change a game in my opinion.

South Africa have called up a man called Hardus Viljoen to their squad for the next test as Abbott is carrying a niggle.

What a fantastically South African name.

ha nirvana, niggle all you like! finn keeps taking wickets, and i guess at some point ill have to eat my words, but still doesnt quite convince me at test level. yeah he took 4, but 3 were complete burglaries!

like stokes in the side, balances it well. ideally if bairstow improves then he would bat 6 and stokes at 7. think that looks best?

man of the match for moeen too, surprised by that, then again, not many obvious candidates, more plenty of good performances. compton and taylor first innings set it up though

I suppose its a good sign that we stuffed them and there were no stand out MOM performances. Lots of good performances with nothing really stand out.

SA looked average. Saying that, I bet we get stuffed at newlands.

Boycott: South Africa vs England: The Proteas are a mess at the moment and ripe for a walloping again

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/england/12074556/South-Africa-vs-England-The-Proteas-are-a-mess-at-the-moment-and-ripe-for-a-walloping-again.html

newlands...a bat first pitch...cracked already

important toss

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CXoX7SiWsAEG0D-.jpg)

Dale Steyn ruled out of Cape Town Test with shoulder injury

England need to win this, very different prospect facing both Steyn and Philander in the 3rd test

big toss to win this. great pitch, steyn and philander missing.

Good to see Hales making a solid start - haven't been sure about him but hope he proves me wrong.

Would be happy for Ben stokes to prove us doubters wrong right now!!

Not bad this stokes lad

I've never doubted him. Ever.

I'm a Stokes doubter (everyone at my club goes over-board on all our Durham players so I like to play devil's advocate and choose the opposite course haha), but today showed his worth, taking the game away from the opponent late in the day when they tire. I still want his stats to improve, with both ball and bat, but today is a step in the right direction for that and stats don't show the benefit of momentum-changing innings like today. Hope he goes big tomorrow. On the other side of the coin, what was Amla doing with Morkel? No Steyn or Philander, surely Morkel is your go-to man, yet doesn't get the 2nd new ball, doesn't bowl for an hour after lunch? They are ripe for the taking here.

Amla is beyond poor as a skipper

Be amazed if he is for the third test regardless of the result here

There is South African politics at play here, ab de villiers is the obvious replacement but he is already moaning about his workload never mind the captaincy.

Alreet Stokesy you've made your point.

Benjamin Andrew Stokes, everyone

I will delete a few posts, on receipt of the appropriate fee.

lol, been remarkable hasn't he :-)

He really reminds me of Botham in his early days, who did so many things badly but well.

Some talent. Could be a superstar.

Small word for Bairstow at the other end, going past 50 again, and doing a good job for the team getting the biffer on strike.

Ben Stokes 150 off 135 balls is the fastest 150 by any England batsman in Tests.

Prev: 146 balls ME Trescothick vs Bangladesh, 2005

Not bad this fella

Been a superb session really enjoyable

Morkel hates being the main bowler awful body language first up this morning

Compulsive viewing this morning. Been meant to be doing various bits around the house but even the Mrs has settled down to watch. Cracking stuff.

202 from 163 deliveries.

OMMMGGGGGG

Stokes has added 128 this morning, a record for any pre-lunch session in a Test. Record for any session is 173

2nd fastest double century in tests ever, fastest ever by an Englishman, beating Botham

Way he was laughing at the barmys amla song on 198 shows how relaxed he is

 England's highest Test partnership for the 6th wicket

The first 3 - 4 overs were amazing..Must have just been demoralising for the saffa bowlers

Just incredible justice. I slate the guy he proceeds to perform out of his skin.

Few more innings and I might change my mind :D

Fastest triple century partnership in Test cricket history

(a morning for stat nerds)

Just got up and flicked the cricket on.

What on Earth has happened here???

Amazing stuff!

Bet you did a double take, & wondered if it was a replay or somesuch.

This'll teach me to sleep in on a Sunday morning.

Looked at the score, thought I'd slept through to Monday.

Now the highest 6th wicket partnership in test history. And run a ball too.

great chance to get a few cheap tonight when we declare

going to be knackered and demoralised

That drop by Morne there... Right infront of the England lads. Oh dear.

He has been a disgrace this match, he should be leading the attack, not hiding at long on and dropping catches off his mates.

Ha, what a bizarre dismissal.

Did not realise he had bowled the same amount of overs as everyone else. Felt like he bowled a lot less than that!

Ben Stokes scored the quickest 250 in Test history. 258 from 198 balls. 30 x 4. 11 x 6

Wonder if Ben will get saluted again next time thy meet?

Quick PS to that, just noticed Samuels has been banned from bowling for a year due to his action.

Feel for the people who sold stokes and Barstow runs last night.... :(

Thank the Lord for stop losses!

A bowler (Ben Stokes) has taken one wicket in the last 130 overs of this Test.

Glad im back at work today.

As the test presumably meanders to a draw, I have a question:

Do you think history will recall Anderson & Broad as two of England's great fast bowlers?

For England, probably. Greatest in the world, nowhere near imo

Was a real grind watching that

Obviously with better catching could have been different. Bowled well overall especially first session.

Credit Cook again he never left the field alone for to long and bringing Root on when he did should have resulted in a breakthrough.

Would have got a big price Hales bowling at the start of the day! Loved watching him smile as he wasnt sure what was coming out but it was pretty accurate.

I have never seen hales bowl and watch a lot of Notts matches, so that was erm interesting....

How hard do South Africa go at England tomorrow? Show good intent for the 1st hour then the game just meanders on? Just Alex Hales is 7/1 with Beteveryday to score a ton. He looked in decent touch in the 1st dig, bowlers won't exactly be busting a gut if they don't make the early breakthroughs, pitch is pretty docile. On the negative side he has to prove he can bat long and make it count, but he'll never have a better opportunity to score a ton without very much pressure.

England trying their best to make this look a decent bowling pitch

This is going to be interesting

England not had much luck with the conditions was a touch harder to bat on day 1 (more bounce) and today Morris is making it talk which must be down the cloud cover.

Nicked from Cricinfo


LOWEST TEST SR SINCE 1980 (MIN 20 INNGS, 35 AVE)
Player   Inns   Runs   Ave   SR   100
JF Reid NZ   29   1277   49.11   35.31   6
NRD Compton Eng   21   673   37.38   35.51   2
JG Wright NZ   133   4933   39.15   35.85   12
G Boycott Eng   46   1699   41.43   36.30   4
RJ Shastri India   93   3029   35.22   36.42*   10
AP Gurusinha SL   69   2435   39.27   36.65*   7
JC Adams WI   82   2670   39.85   37.47   6
MA Atherton Eng   211   7694   37.71   37.50   16
MH Richardson NZ   64   2770   44.67   37.81   4
View full Statsguru table


Going slower than Boycs is some going no issue in this side though should work well

hopefully bokking this

Highest score by a team losing a five-day Test: 586 Pakistan v Australia in Oz 1972-73

Amazing scenes, one of the great days in Test Cricket going off here.

Incred, after that avalanche of runs in the first innings.

Hope Bairstow gets an unbeaten 50 here. 200 unbeaten runs in a test should give the doubters something to think about

always a good sign if you want the game off if you cant see the mountain next door, i find

Amla resigns as captain. ABdV takes over apparently.

What an odd time to quit!

why? he hated every minute testament to him he played so well

http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-england-2015-16/content/story/958855.html

Philander ruled out of the whole series

Jeeeeez, ABDV complains about having to lessen his workload to prolong his career, a week later they make him skip

Obv AB had already been lined up as skipper (who else is there in that team that could do it?) and told them he wouldn't keep as well as be captain.

Good for England that Philander will be missing, they might capitulate facing him, Steyn and Morkel

Test Match Special ‏@bbctms

Here's the Wanderers pitch which the groundsman says will provide a result, but is not a "green mamba"

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYcAA9BWsAArnY1.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYcAA8bWsAAugEM.jpg)

and Steyn confirmed out again

I had hoped they'd play a half-fit Steyn, and go with 4 seamers leaving out Piedt (who's probably been their best bowler)

They still might, Abbott is back fit, and they could chose to go with a full pace attack on a ground that historically helps pace bowlers.

Personally like Anderson for top bowler this match, he should have some fun.

Draw been popular last few hours

Showers predicted most days If not all explains that

If they go with 4 seamers, do they need to pick Duminy as a back-up spinner? if so, the chat was he'd bat 7, De Kock would open and they'd drop Van Zyl. All of those options would be positive for England imo.

Jimmy looked under-cooked last test, with better prep for this game he should be more on the money. Still like Finn's knack of taking wickets for that kind of market, his test strike-rate is sick.

See of blue on oddschecker for the draw, still outsider of the 3 though

Is the draw still always way too short like it was for years in Test matches wherever it was played just because of the asian market dominating the price or does that not exist anymore?  I barely follow the cricket markets at all nowadays so i might be talking total rubbish.

don't know about that but the draw is usually too short these days because the game is changing

faster scoring rates, one day techniques into batting, more play because of better drainage, better covers, regulations allow you to make up time, play under floodlights etc etc

eg 1 of the last 10 tests at joburg (pace, bounce) has been a draw

two years ago india set sa 470 and sa were 10 short of chasing it down at joburg. every other game has seen a result

mixed weather this time (assuming most of the voers are bowled, time is made up) will help make sportier conditions=more wickets

draw way too short here

What are these odds all about for over under runs?

Why are all the lines so low? What am I missing here?

https://m.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/#!event_details?id=221476406

There is a thread on the betty forum where they go through all the P/L if you'd backed/layed each eventuality for the past x number of years of test cricket. laying the draw would have made you significant money in the past few years apparently.

top team score at the venue this year in first class cricket 316

over 90% of the wickets fallen to pace

good cricketing wicket, not 600 plays 600

Cheers was about to unload the clip, was waiting for spin indexes to come up but seemed to good to be true hence why I asked

Their whole lineup is all over at the minute, but I like the idea of Jimmy getting at De Kock with the new ball swinging about early doors, Van Zyl has not really looked the part yet.

If I were them, on this wicket, I would go Morkel, Abbott, Morris, and Rabada with Duminy to give them a bit of a break.

This is mainly historically because of the huge amount of mug cash in the illegal markets for the draw in asia (bf price is always right though!).  I hadn't considered the changing aspects of the game which probably make laying the draw nowadays even more value than it ever was.

Dane Piedt left out by SA for 3rd T so Hardus Viljoen (296 1st-c wickets @ 25) could make debut. Duminy for Van Zyl with de Kock opening?

Abbott fit? if so it would probably be Morris, Abbott, Morkel + Rabada. Would love to see Jimmy and Broady get at QDK with the new ball.

the draw is too short

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYnR5EwWYAAr_J-.jpg)

This is just about the only way to go, because of the quota system and the fact that de Villiers won't take the gloves again.

weird day so far, we have actually bowled quite well from what ive seen. is swinging so patience and it seems like a wicket where you could get 2/3 quickly and get on a roll
plus, that lbw shout off amla has to be out, im generally a massive supporter of the DRS but the umpires call thing needs to be looked at. that ball was hitting top of middle pretty hard!!

plus, SA dont want to see this pitch turning!!!!!

Bit of turn and bounce for Moeen there! Looks like this pitch could have fooled everyone!

Steven Finn is capable of bowling some unplayable deliveries. That was one of them.

Another wicket before tea and we are right on top.

Some of these deliveries from Finn are completely unplayable, very good spell deserves more than 1.

3 of anderson's balls in his first 12 overs were on the stumps

thought he was disappointing. broad is ill

other three have done well

Time to replace Anderson, looks ineffective and reflected in poor figures. Broad, though ill, has bowled poorly.
South Africa look a lot more effective bowling and haven't even got their best two playing.

Might be tempted to replace him with Footitt if we win this test, just to see what he has got, but you can't mean he is done as a test match bowler surely?

replace Anderson? 2nd or 3rd leading wicket taker in test cricket last year. 430 wickets, has one bad innings and people call for him to go? assume its a troll!!

I've never rated Anderson.

Finished.

Offers nothing.

I've been moaning in pretty well recently :-)

To be clear, I by means think he is finished, but if we win this game and have the series won,  I would give him the game off and see what Footitt can do.

Anderson is clearly still one of the Premier swing bowlers in world cricket

Yeah fair I re read and guess I jumped the gun quick. Has looked a little short of fitness but still the leader of our attack. If we win this test might give footitt a run out, maybe give broad a rest?

Anderson needs perfect conditions to have an impact. Been poor this series not forgetting he always gets the ball, best of conditions etc. If he's not fit and didn't look close in the 2nd test, play fit guys who you have in the party.
Love him as a bowler but past his best to be playing in any conditions. Not forgetting that despite 400 wickets, even his best isn't the best in world. Has a high 20s average, when best have low 20s average.

Even when he isn't taking wickets, he is still by far our most economical bowler and could have had 2 wickets this morning anyway if Bairstow hadn't dropped that chance.

Still more than justifies his place in the team.

Was one of the better bowlers in the UAE, bowled tight and took wickets in completely foreign conditions. Looked slightly below par on a super flat one in Cape Town but had 2 drops and then same again here.

The start of his career was average hence a very high average, reckon in the last 5 years his average would be more towards 25. Never going to get dropped and shouldn't be IMO

SAF batting card is odd.  Every single player got "in".  No player made 50.

in statistical terms it was the least variable test batting card ever in terms of scores

proper test cricket this

hostile fast bowling, brave batting, counter-attacking, pitch with something in it

game in the balance

Really good cricket, excellent test match pitch this proper balance between bat and ball.

Inevitable he gets 5 in the second innings now anyway. :)

Sincerely hope he does

Awww set my alarm to watch rooty bat all day. Last time i did this Stokesy went into beast mode.

Haway the beard to be feared!!

great test wicket this

no idea what happens....

Perfect test match wicket.

Can't help but feel England have been just a foot short and are guilty of the ball almost doing too much.

Have a feeling Finn may be very very dangerous.

And wouldn't mind Ali having an over or 2 earlyish. See if the bounce causes any trouble.

Here we go. This partnership may go along way to deciding the test match. Knick ABritish or Amla early and we are bang on top!

ok, game on

mr broad again

Broad in the middle of one of his spells where he decimates teams.

Another match defining spell from broad? He has had made a career of this

Ooommmfggggggg

We seem to have got over our shonky fielding.

I've just yelped like a little girl. What a catch!!

What a take from titch!!!

We need to get this wrapped up for less than 150, wouldn't fancy chasing any more than that on this pitch lol

5 for broad 35/5

Oooooh maaaammmmaaaaa

Take a bow James Taylor. What a catch!

46/7 Stokes with the wicket. He is moving it all over the place.

Great to watch.

Think Viljoen has been to the Shane Watson school of reviews.

goodbye mate, tea later?

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/480/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2016/1/16/tweet-688355964941152256-2.jpg)

Great stuff, lucky it happened today so we could watch it  ;danafish;

think this is a great pic

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CY2iRBYWUAESMBK.jpg)

Amazing really, what an impact he can have.
7th time he's taken 5 wickets in a single spell in test cricket! Remarkable.

Plus, broad is the leading wicket taker in test cricket in the last 5 years with 231.
Anyone know who's is 2nd and 3rd?

amazing performance and series win

Well done lads

And very very well done Captain Cook

Jimmy and Dale Steyn?

Jimmy is third, steyn a fair bit back on 168 wickets, guess he's had a few injuries. Second is someone you'd probably not think of, but might groan when I say!

Broad at number 1 in the rankings too, first England bowler since Harmison in 2004!

Graeme Swann?

Ashwin?

Nathan Lyon

He must be close. SA play a lot less cricket than us which probs why Steyn so low

Mitchell Johnson??

Herath????

We have a winner! Swann would have had to take loads of poles to still be there if he retired 2 years ago! Lyon was on the list, 6/7th maybe. Johnson wasnt

Whyyyyyyyyyyy play Chris Woakes???? WHYYYYYY????

finn is injured. woakes did well in durban

results aside, who else would you expect the selectors to pick? he was clearly the next in line

As I said halfway through the last test. Footitt.

 Perfect chance to see what he can do. Left handed, rapid, gives us something different to a very poor version of Jimmy Anderson who has never really done it in international cricket, a few performances apart.

but thats incorrect. after durban, when Finn went down woakes was going to be selected 100% of the time.

if Footitt was showing it in the nets he'd have been in earlier in the tour. As it is you don't just hand out test caps to "see what he can do"

last time england did that, kerrigan at the oval, it was appalling.

its like people suddenly calling for bairstow not to keep wicket

he's always had a technical flaw, doesn't twist his hips for the low ones

now he drops two and suddenly people want Buttler back in, because of course Buttler's keeping has improved sitting in the Holiday Inn for a month.....

results orientated short term nonsense

you take the rough with the smooth with batsmen-wicketkeepers. neither are alan knott or bob taylor.

I havent called for Bairstow to be dropped, yes, he should be taking some of these chances, but he will improve, and offers the team more with the bat than Butler does.

Woakes has played both white ball and red ball cricket now for England, and has hardly excelled, you know exactly what he is going to give you, he is a worse bowler than Stokes for me, yet he is meant to be our 3rd seamer.

From the noises coming out of the England camp, Footitt is far from pleasant to face in the nets, but England have always been conservative in their selections, hence why it took so long to get Taylor into the team. Out bowling attack needs variety, which it doesnt have with this current look.

When Anderson retires, I have no doubt that Woakes will be the one the plonk in to replace him, that fills me with dread.

The Kerrigan example is a bit extreme if you ask me! Yes, he was pants, but it shouldnt stop you from throwing someone in there if they look like they could have that X factor that international attacks need. Woakes is definitely NOT that man. Footitt could be, but I fear that we will never find out.

Worth laying the draw here? Yes, the pitch looks flat atm but did a bit for the new ball and they've scored so quick they haven't taken much time out of the game. 6/4 short on day 1 for the draw

Completely without any stats to back me up here as well, but dont we usually get a tonking when we already have the series won? They look a bit flat to me here, and that will translate to the batting too IMO.

Could be a very good bet.

england are terrible in dead rubbers

last five LLDDL

They went off underdogs for the first three tests, won two of them

went off favourite here and have peformed with much less intensity

think its a big ask to expect england to bat and bat to save a game when 2-0 up

would be against a draw.

Took the 10/11 about the saffers, normally wait a bit longer into a test but we look very much like the job is done and subconsciously eased off

Wow, quite the collpase going on here! Including one for that useless git Woakes :p

Good fightback after tea, then just let it slip again with the 2nd new ball. Saffers have a long enough tail like, few quick wickets in the morning when bowlers are fresh with ball only 10 overs old and the game could be back in the balance.

Backed Amla as top SA batam. Feeling a bit hard done by!

We really struggle to bat to save a test match.

England took too many bowlers imo. Waste of a month for some of them. Could see Footitt getting experience as first time touring etc but total waste of time Jordan going at all. He was never going to be picked so why bother.
With England always appalling in dead rubbers would defo have given Footitt a chance.
Seeing how bad the catching has been Jordan could of been more use in the slips :)

England have won the series

Rabada blowing it open here, looks a prospect. Similar to Finn, he'll go for some runs but takes regular wickets.

i can beat that

stephen cook at 6-1

went past amla

numbers 6 and down at the crease, 115 to beat

value loser!

disagree with tighty slighty, sure Woakes is the like replacement for Jimmy and maybe Broad, but Finn is a much different bowler. footitt is a like for like replacement and keeps the attack more balanced. shame think everyone apart from bayliss would have picked footitt!

so a good tour then, probably a loss in this one, but a series win is huge.

Positives and negatives?

Still questions over Hales, Compton, Taylor and probably Bairstow? in my opinion

Stokes looks like a test cricketer now. Bowling is fine, pleased to win a series without Jimmy having a stormer!

Root is class.

Be good to see Cook get to 10,000 in the second innings too

Bairstow has hit well over 300 runs, dont think there is any doubt over him, Hales HAS to be given time to find his feet, we cant keep jsut throwing people on the scrap heap or we will never find anyone. Compton the jury is still out, i think it looks worse than it perhaps is with the way he bats, its bloody turgid to watch. Taylor has shown enough during his career so far IMO to jsut let him keep going, he is class and will come good.

England have to give an opener a run of at least 10 matches. Otherwise every opener who comes in is under so much pressure as they know they are only getting 4 matches/a series to make a knock.

I think Maybe the reason why footitt didnt get the nod is because Mark Wood us probably Finns like for like replacement and footitt is probably 3rd in line for that spot. Whereas woakes os probably 2nd inline for the "swing" bowler in the attack.

a fit mark wood would make a lot of difference. miles above woakes.

we can plug in rashid in the world T20 after his bbl performance and hope he comes on to enable us to have an attacking spinner for sub continent conditions (india tests next winter)

that apart i am a bit sceptical of hales's technique in red ball cricket, but give him time

compton can hold the fort until the likes of tom abell are ready

Taylor batted like a cat on a hot tin roof this morning, but i would give him all next summer too. hope he cements the spot

we are a fast developing side, most importantly with the right attacking attitude.

Turns out Jimmy is still a world class performer

Agree have to give hales time, still early questions there though.
Questions more about Jonnys keeping. Ideal situation possibly Bairstow to really hit his strides as a batter, him move to 5, Buttler keeps at 7 and Compton opens?
Jimmy is class!

Was suggesting the same thing in the pub this weekend, bairstow's batting has been good enough to play him as a batsman at the moment.

Interesting couple of ball (oo-we matron) back-to-back in this final ODI. First Amla puts Root down in the slips with an effort which may have raised eyebrows in the Cronje era. Then Hales gets one of the all time bad decisions - thank God for DRS - when he missed the ball by about two bat widths.

Decent enough start, need to press on from here.