England Vs South Africa.1st Test 17 december.

[flanflinger]

cool...

Current thinking - win the Toss bowl... get some cheap wickets off the young and inexperinced batting attack, then give out out-of touch batsmen a target to aim for rather than trying to set one...If there is rain around we may get soem lateral movement

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan 28615

Extraordinary coincidence. Just received an unsolicited e-mail from Cricinfo while I was writing that last message. Start is indeed at 0830 GMT.

Thank e for the info OF, just what I need to listen to some cricket, I wonder how Cricinfo new your e mail address???.

I got an e mail christmas card from Freddie, but forgot to put it on a disc before I resofted my windows .

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

]cool...

Current thinking - win the Toss bowl... get some cheap wickets off the young and inexperinced batting attack, then give out out-of touch batsmen a target to aim for rather than trying to set one...If there is rain around we may get soem lateral movement

Brave decission ff, what is the bowlers are out of touch, think I agree though, best way to win a match, if it comes off.

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

Who was it that said "when ever you win the toss - bat first. Check the conditions - then bat first"

or something like that. I'd bowl first though I think.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by RBLC

Who was it that said "when ever you win the toss - bat first. Check the conditions - then bat first"

Don't know Rich, but it has held good for yonks, some brave captains bit the dust bowling first, mind you I would tomorn.

[flanflinger]

I think Aggers is in agreement with us

Originally Posted by Agnew

But the combination of some early moisture and England's uncertain form might prompt Graeme Smith to put their batsmen in the firing line on the first morning.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cric...nd/4101969.stm

[R W S]

Originally Posted by Richie Benauds Love Child

Who was it that said "when ever you win the toss - bat first. Check the conditions - then bat first"

WG Grace once said something like

'If you win the toss bat first,
If you are unsure, think about it and then bat first,
If you are really unsure, ask a colleague, and then bat first'

[Kirsty Harris]

Wow! That came around quickly!! It only seems like yesterday I was bemoaning the amount of time until England played their next (competative) match...and here we are!!

I'm looking forward to a good, close contest between two good sides!

I'm not to concerned about the result of the warm up game - it's easy to read too much into them. I feel confident that the team are made up of individuals who will pull it out of the bag when it matters.

Can't wait for it to start!!!

[vosser]

Looking at tomorrow I would imagine the best way of SA getting a result here, which on their perspective seems a lot more likely than say 10 days ago, would be to bowl first and have a crack at what can only be described as a fragile top order. I have no doubt that by the time we reach Tests 2 and three England will be well up for it and ready formwise having spent more time in the middle.

This would take the pressure off a new opening pair, not put as much pressure on the likes of Steyn and the attack and England by all accounts should be slow out of the blocks.

I've previously said on other threads that this game will be lost and not won with the probable result a draw. South Africa stand a really good chance of getting a hold on this series if they grab a couple early and keep England on the back foot. I can't see either team winning if they bat first. I'm a firm beliver in batting first but on this occassion I would say win the toss and bowl, get the early advantage and pile on the pressure.

[cantplaycantalk]

Personnally I would have to say that if SA have a bug going through the team (no pun intended) this could give England a decided edge.
Oh so many opportunities for puns in this but I must be good, I must be good...