England vs South Africa.1st test. 18th-21th Dec.

[Occasional Fan]

And there goes Trescothick for 47. Butcher presumably now on his way in.

[Ernest]

Yes OF, day of reckoning for Buther I think, he should make runs on this pitch, with a bit of patience.

[Occasional Fan]

I wouldn't have picked him, as you know, but he's there now and I'd like to see him do well, partly to justify his place but more so because I want to see England win this one - and from here I really think they should. We're in a strong postion and he doesn't need to do anything rash: just watch what's happening for a half hour or so, then worry about scoring some. Strauss is looking well set to keep the clock ticking over for a while at the moment.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

I wouldn't have picked him, as you know, but he's there now and I'd like to see him do well, partly to justify his place but more so because I want to see England win this one

I think OF that this pitch could have been hand picked for Butcher, he had patience, and should get a score.

to be honest I would have selected Rob Key, because not all pitches are as friendly as this.

[Occasional Fan]

Excellent day for England. South Africans must be very frustrated. The no-balls have slowed down substantially, but 23 is just way to many in 66 overs. Mind you, that is not the worst of South Africa's problems at the moment: they just don't seem to have anything to worry the batsmen unduly.

Ought to doff the hat to Strauss as well - centuries in debut home and debut away tests. Don't know how many have done that, but it's not a bad club to be in.

[R W S]

Strauss is also the only player to have scored a century against three different oponents on debut (WI, NZ & SA) - dont you just love cricket stats!

[Kirsty Harris]

Good work by England today - they have built themselves a great platform to build on tomorrow. I would imagine they would be hoping to not have to bat again, with only one wicket down.

Lovely knock by Strauss. He really is a fine player.

Disappointing bowling by SA, however - could they have made it any easier for Strauss? Their bowling to him was really awful! Even Pollack, who didn't go for many runs, didn't look all that threatening...it could be a tough old series for SA's bowlers if this effort is anything to go by!!

I had thought it would be a close game, but it's starting to look like a walk-over for England!

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by R W S

Strauss is also the only player to have scored a century against three different oponents on debut (WI, NZ & SA) - dont you just love cricket stats!

Well if they are there to be had, you will find them RW good day.

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris 29036

Disappointing bowling by SA, however - could they have made it any easier for Strauss? Their bowling to him was really awful! Even Pollack, who didn't go for many runs, didn't look all that threatening...it could be a tough old series for SA's bowlers if this effort is anything to go by!!

Well done England, like I have been saying the best way to deal with bowlers like Pollock, who are still accurate, is to just play correct, and see them off.
Goog England performence with Flintoff and Hoggard bagging 3 wickets each yesterday, and Gilo holing one end tight, and Strauss today, just shows the new England spirit.

[flanflinger]

Well a great day for England, and really puts into context how well England bowled on day one. To pick up ten wickets in three and a half sessions and then only lose one in two and half-sessions.

Just ovet 100 runs for a lead and nine wickets in hand....Need to carry on, past their score for a lead of 200-250 maybe even 300 and then bowl them using the only spinner of any class on show.

Pollock as per usual was a class apart and there is the saffers problem. They only have one bowler of any really calibre. Nitini is a good bowler, and then they have nobody of any quality and more importantly no specialist spinner. Where-as England have four seamers as good or better than Nitini and a quality spinner. The good thing is with England is if one bowler has an off-day we are not reliant upon him, and others step up to the plate. The saffers don't have that problem, see of Pollock and cash in.

[Occasional Fan]

Well, if anyone is still looking to make an investment in this game, the overnight odds at Ladbrokes are 6/4 ON England, 14/1 AGAINST South Africa and 6/5 AGAINST the draw. At the start of the game, Ladbrokes had the teams level, both on 15/8 AGAINST.