England Vs South Africa.1st Test 17 december.

[Occasional Fan]

I think that's right, NE. It doesn't sound like a pitch with another thousand runs in it, so it would be daft to go looking too hard for them. With four days still to go, a careful approach with all the batsmen taking their time to settle in before looking for their runs will pay dividends, certainly for the series and quite possibly with a win for England in this match.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Notts Exile

Tomorrow should be an interesting days play. I'm not expecting the scoring rate to be sky high tho'. Hopefully the out of form guys will give themselves plenty of time to get some form.

Well NE if you are right, and I reckon you are, looks like a draw, because if it takes an hour or so tomorrow to get them out, that is a day and some, so * 4 = 5 days, but the pitch will like as not get slower, if it is hot, so a draw if favourite.

Unless we get some inspired play from somone.

[Notts Exile]

A draw would favour England in my opinion. Being as undercooked and unprepared as we were, through no fault of our own, we were at risk. A drawn Test here will send us to Durban in very good spirits.

[Alison]

Originally Posted by Beny

As for the Gods Goaty, We're protected by our own (check signiture)

Blasphemy!

[Mike_Hock]

Ah its good to have cricket back! Good performance by Eng today? I think so. Hoggard bowled well as did Freddie. I also thought Jones showed signs of what he is capable of and it was nice to see Vaughan use him has 1st change and give him a decent amount of overs. Interesting point Nasser made - He claims that Jones is the best rerverse swing bowler in the world today. I really hope he knocks over the tail early tomorrow.

Plan for day 2 - Knock SA over for under 300 (that wicket keeper doesn't look any good), its important that Tresco and Strauss play well. Can anyone remember back about four or five years when we used to open with Butch and it used to be like starting one down? He was like a walking wicket! Look much more solid lately.

Moment of the day - Smith getting a second ball duck

[Beny]

Well my cable is working again.

I was impressed by Rudolph and Dippener. They looked to be very technicly correct and good players.