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

[Ernest]

Well thunder is forcast for tomorrow in Durban, they need to be 200+ in front to stand a chance really.

[Pete]

They all need to do one of them African rain dances. Either that or someone kidnap the umpires.

[freddie flintoff 142]

how about kidnap pollock, release on notification on his and mcgrath's retirment

[Shivnarine Chaundypaul]

A breezy 200 opening partnership, a few solid middle-order 50 partnerships and a few wild sixes from Jones and Harmison should give us a lead of about 250 leaving the bowlers good and fresh to skittle the Saffers for about 140. What's that you say? Christmas has come and gone? Santa can't work miracles?

In all seriousness, I think a script somewhere along those lines (with perhaps not quite so many runs being scored by us) could give us something to bowl at. This is the biggest test we've had all year and it shall be interesting to see how the team rallies together. A proper test for them at last, and by no means a lost cause. If we can set South Africa 150 to win it will be a good contest. Fingers crossed for tomorrow!

[Maranello]

Originally Posted by Paoli69

Could i please get a bit of background on this Amla guy. Apparently he is supposed to be SA's first black captain(seeing he is Indian that is hard) but to be honest i haven't heard a thing. Or is this the Zimbabwe approach...if a black player shows a little promise, he's in the national team??

Amla made his debut in the second Test against India, and did well, the reports commented on his mature approach and style. Appeared to be a cool customer given that it was his debut. He has been the captain of Natal since he was 21, and has impressed with his approach.

He is also the first player of Indian descent ever to play for SA. I remember first hearing of him at the youth World Cup where he was the SA captain, and was marked as one to watch.

His wisden profile says:

Originally Posted by cricinfo

An elegant, stroke-filled player blessed with the temperament to make the most of his talent, Hashim Amla is the first South African of Indian descent to reach the national squad. His elevation was a poorly kept secret after he reeled off four centuries in his first eight innings of the 2004-05 season, after being appointed captain of the Dolphins (formerly Natal) at the tender age of 21. His older brother by four years, Ahmed, made his first-class debut two seasons before Hashim, but there is little doubt that the younger Amla is the better player. He is also a devout Muslim whose requests to have logos promoting alcohol removed from his playing gear have been successful so far. Amla toured New Zealand with the South African Under-19 team in 2000-01, he captained South Africa at the 2002 Under-19 World Cup, and he also starred for South Africa A. As sure as he possesses the most impressive beard in all the game, Amla is a candidate to become South Africa's first black Test captain. Telford Vice (October 2004)

[R W S]

Originally Posted by R W S

It depends on where you get your weather forecast from . . . .I'll still be up to hear our guys give it a go, I dont hear Bobbie Key singing so there's still a chance!!

http://www.qwikcast.com/cgi-bin/fore...?zip=Durban,ZA
http://iafrica.com/weather/durban/
http://weather.cnn.com/weather/forec...p?locCode=FADN
http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/68588.html

Fantastic first session for England - the arrears are now only 56 with all men standing. We are not even half way through this test match in terms of time and the way Lord Brocket and Banger went about their task this morning puts the super innings from Kalllis into context. If they can avoid a Port Elizabeth style collapse we could yet post a competitive target. With rain forecast for later in the day (take your pick of the weather reports!) we could still end the year the only undefeated team.

Keep the faith.
Current odds

South Africa 11/5
England 7/4
Draw 11/8

[R W S]

58.4 Smith to Trescothick, FOUR, drives in the on the off side and
England takes the lead

[Pete]

Much better batting performance so far today. Hopefully they won't lose a wicket today and maybe Vaughan will finally put in a good performance with the bat.

[flanflinger]

Hello, hope you all had a great chrimbo... Personaly think things have gone very well today.

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.

My mate last night said he thought England were going to put on a huge second innings total and bowl the saffers out for another win.. I was sceptical, but hey I am hoping he is right (he is almost 50% right!!)

[Ernest]

Hi ff,

Strauss tired but still going strong, Butcher seems a bit shaky, but lets see if gets some breaks!.

3 Slips for Strauss?.