South Africa Vs England,3rd Test, Final Days Play.

[Zainub]

Lord! Everything happening at the wrong time here...one has to say though tha with the gruelling schedule injuries were bound to creep in sooner or later...but so many at the same time...England must have watched us in Australia...

Quite desperate this situation for England now, 6 days in between 3rd and next test...the only thing we can do is hope that much time will be enough for Freddie and Hoggard to get well again.

[Occasional Fan]

Well, Hoggie has a week to get over it, so I wouldn't worry too much about his bruise yet. What happened to Flintoff?

[Richard Jenkins]

I would imagine Flintoff is missing his baby daughter and family as well as being injured prior to the tour and now seemingly having a side injury. His mental state must be pretty fragile, and after yesterday's performance I would think he just wants to lie down in a dark room and think about what his future really is. Ashley Giles summed it all up when talking about Jacques Kallis, saying 'he's probably the best cricketer right now in the world but I doubt his girlfriend sees much of him' (from Cricinfo)
With greatness comes sacrifice, private life, and health and time and money all going towards the drive to be the greatest.

The last day will be either a monumental effort by england to try to save the match , or a collapse, or something in between . Whatever the result I hope the last day is exciting and England hang around a bit.
With 350 odd runs to look at for winning, they can just forget that and hold on to perhaps Jones and Thorpe batting till at least tea and preferably after.

Will the spin of the ball perplex the batsmen? Well with the new ball due in 3 or so overs, Smith will open with his faster bowlers for the first Ten or so overs of the day. The new ball either goes off the bat fast, or produces wickets. Obvioiusly as an England supporter I hope the former, and South africa's bowling atack has been at times somewhat insipid. However, imagine their tails are up, and it' s odds on SA to finish this match.
If England do grind out a draw, Smith will be under enormous pressure. However, look at the last test. SA lost the plot and really should have won that game.

We won't see any spin till after lunch . If Thorpe and Jones are still ther, they'll have their eye in and be better able to deal with it. Boyje is no Warne. However South Africa did exactly the right thing in not forcing the follow on. Batting last on this pitchn wich is now taking spin looks a daunting prospect.

Just seen Thorpe has gone to the new ball. Well Ashley giles did say he'd like to score a test ton. now's his chance!
Being a top level sportperson is a heavy burden but the rewards can be extremly satisfying.

[Richard Jenkins]

England just need to break this effort up. Ten overs/then sessions.
just bat for ten overs. then do that again. do it Eight times.

[Occasional Fan]

Originally Posted by Richard Jenkins

The last day will be either a monumental effort by England to try to save the match, or a collapse, or something in between.

LOL! Are you sure about that, Jenko?

[Richard Jenkins]

Just hedgeing my bets!

[Mike_Hock]

Looks like Jones is getting some runs under pressure. He is also showing that he has a solid defensive technique.

As I speak Giles has fallen to Boje.... Bugger

[Richard Jenkins]

well, it's all over now lads and lasses. Hoggard jones and harminson won't be troubling the scores too much I wouldn't think. Jones has to protect his wicket and take as much strike as possible.

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Mike_Hock

Looks like Jones is getting some runs under pressure. He is also showing that he has a solid defensive technique.

Looks like I was wrong in what I said about him not lasting the first session.

Still, I'd prefer it if he could catch! :-(

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Notts Exile

Looks like I was wrong in what I said about him not lasting the first session.

(

oh ...................... :-(