3rd Test South Africa vs England

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Chuck Palumbo

This really is laughable- we have let average bowlers like Ntini and Langveldt take 8 wickets between them for next to nothing on what is still a flat pitch- On a positive note it can only get better in the 2nd innings.

I was thinking the same thing myself

Hopefully South Africa will waste too much time having a bat. I don't think anyone thought England could bat like that in the second innings last match, so to see them do it in the next match I guess, is near impossible.

[Seamer]

Pity Atherton has retired - he was good at dropping anchor for a day or two.But seriously, not all is lost yet - Sth Africa are notorious for batting ages to make sure they don,t lose. England just have to keep it tight, the runs down, and stay disciplined. If they do that, Sth Africa might do something stupid and get knocked over for 140 as well. if they do, game on again. Have faith, England have got out of some pretty sticky situations recently and may do it again.

[Milo]

England may well get out of this game with a draw, in fact 3-1 offered by Bet365 is quite a tempting offer. However, I have seen enough once again to convince me that the Ashes are a long way away from our grasp (whatever Akram likes to say).

[Seamer]

England has one thing now that they have lacked in the past - self belief. (Hoggard just got an LBW by the way). England batsmen will be the first to admit they batted poorly in the first innings and will hopefully go out in the second to make amends and go for the win

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Milo

However, I have seen enough once again to convince me that the Ashes are a long way away from our grasp.

I'm afraid you might well be right there Milo. When the Aussies' top order collapses someone further down the line digs in and sorts out the mess. Thorpe, Freddie and Jones failed comprehensively to do that.

Thus far in this Test Series we've seen that Harmison may well not be as good as we thought (his bowling in the three Tests has mainly been short trash). We are desperately in need of a decent number three batsman. Our captain seems unable to get to twenty, what to do there?

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Seamer

England has one thing now that they have lacked in the past - self belief. (Hoggard just got an LBW by the way). England batsmen will be the first to admit they batted poorly in the first innings and will hopefully go out in the second to make amends and go for the win

Smith has really done us a favour here. Our bowlers could restore some confidence with a decent performance. I wonder what the odds would be if we were set 510 for victory ??

[Seamer]

510 would be a world record so i would say pretty slim - the wicket looks like it is starting to keep a bit low, but there is still alot they can get from this game. A win is probably out of the question but the Eng bats can go out with an attitude of "we,ll show these guys" and play their shots, they might put the pressure back on Smith, force him to spread the field, and at least knock up a decent total. Just look what Giles did - did you see Smith arguing with Ntini when Giles was going off? The power of positive thinking applies a lot in cricket

[Zainub]

I have this strange suspician that SA will get bowled out cheaply here, and England might still have a chance for victory chasing a big target batting last.

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Zainub Razvi

I have this strange suspician that SA will get bowled out cheaply here, and England might still have a chance for victory chasing a big target batting last.

I do hope you're right Zainub. Doesn't sound like GBH is bowling with any rhythm again.

[Chuck Palumbo]

Harmison is supposedly suffering from a virus and is currently spraying it all over the place Lillac Hill style.