South Africa v England: 2nd Test: 26-30 December

[Kirsty Harris]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

Apparantly Giles should be fit to bat and bowl, hurrah!!! That should make life better for England.....

Did anyone else see the fans in the crowd with a Spanish Flag and the Words "Gilo is our King" on it, SKY then cut to Gilo and he was ****ing himself with laughter...

Yes, it is good news that Giles should be fit to bowl - it looks to me as though once the new ball gets worn, spin bowling is the best chance of getting a dismissal.

I saw the flag in the crowd yesterday,flanflinger, and it made me !!

Things are going o.k today - pretty steady after a little cluster of wickets first thing. Thorpe looks back to his old self, and a good effort by Flintoff. Butcher remains a bit of a worry, however...

[flanflinger]

As I said Kirsty,

Originally Posted by flanflinger

Class, like Cream, rises to the top. Kallis showed that in the first innings and Treco has done that today. Along with the awesome Andrew Strauss. I have no doubt that by the end of this series we will see some equally great performances from Vaughan, Harmison, Flintoff, Thorpe and Butcher.

Expect something from Vaughan and Harmison soon...

[Kirsty Harris]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

As I said Kirsty,


Expect something from Vaughan and Harmison soon...

I thought Harmison bowled reasonably well in the 1st innings of this game, but I felt he was over-bowled, when you consider the heat. With Giles out of action, Vaughan's options were reduced alot. To me, this was a key factor in SA getting such a big lead (besides Kallis batting beautifully!) - the England bowlers were over-worked.

Hopfully, Harmison (and the other bowlers) will be plenty rested now that England have been batting for two days.

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

Hope everyone had a good christmas, seemed england over did the christmas pud and were promptly skittled, but, unlike the aussies, SA havent managed to crush a side and, certainly if giles can bowl, we have got a great chance to put this lot to bed.

We should bat the rest of the day out, maybe even an hour into tommorrow if we can. Now we're 300 to the good I'd rather not risk giles batting so he can tie and end down and let the quicks go for it with an attacking field.

Have a good New year folks and I'll see you next week .

[Goatman]

1) How the bloody hell did Andy Strauss and Cornish stunner Marcus Trescothick (29) pull that one off then? Whatever they had for breafast yesterday, I want some.

2) When does Michael Quorn declare?

3) How on earth will Jennings, GC Smith and thier merry lads ever be able to look themselves in the mirror again if they lose this one?

A score of 350 plus pretty much guarantees that SA will have to see off two new balls.

Harmison is getting his rhythm back.

SA must be tired, sore and very down right now. ENG however must be feeling like they could pull down mountains with thier bare hands.

Gilo is fit again, and given the number of overs Boje has got through, is likely to get some bowling - which will allow the seamers to stay fresh at least, even if he doesn't nick a few out in the process.

I can't see how SA can survive this one. If they do find a way, then bloody well played to them I say - would have to go down as the best testmatch ever?

As for Vaughan, Harmison etc. - absolutely. They'll have thier day in the sun yet, don't you fret.

ps. Seen some of the series on Sky down the Welfare now, so feeling a bit better about life!

[flanflinger]

when we were 139 all out. I thought here we go...But this side just never gives up and has turned what could have been a three day loss into a game that they could win.

Can't see the Safffers getting the runs, but if they do, big pats on the bat and all say well done.

In the meantime.. Jones or Read.... Hmm I know who I'd choose.

As for Thorpe, he is a truly world class player...


PS You won't see Vaughan wasting this chance - catchers all round the bat. Watch and learn Smithy...

[Ernest]

I would not have declared tonight ff, only 3.79 an over are needed, just giving them some runs tinight,

Thorpe did well, he and Flintoff steadied the ship, then Thorpe and Jones put us in a possible winning possition.

BTW ff, latest on the floodlight saga.

It was said on talkSport tonight, that an ICC ruling says the match has to finish at 5:30 local time, to accomadate the TV companies, I give up.

No wickets yet, four from Gibbs though.

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

In the meantime.. Jones or Read.... Hmm I know who I'd choose.

Jones drops a sitter... Hmmm... that's annoying.. he may have got the runs - but he can't drop those ones...

[Goatman]

Not with you on this one Ern old friend. 3.79 is a high run rate on any 5th day pitch, and one that has at times proven to be a viper its a very big ask. However, its not impossible. If Smith, Gibbs or Kallis do get in they will be tempted to go for it, and give us another window of opportunity to win the game as they will risk getting out by attacking the bowling. Its a good gamble.

In addition, any runs scored tonight will largely be academic, whereas 1 or 2 wickets down would be devastating. Well worth the risk.

[Goatman]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

Jones drops a sitter... Hmmm... that's annoying.. he may have got the runs - but he can't drop those ones...

Gaah! Stupid git! Just as I was changing my mind in his favour too!