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

[Ernest]

Hi
Please will you place your posts on this thread for the South Africa, 5th days play, and any comments on todays play.

Can England save this Test?,can G O Jones get into the record books with G Thorpe, good luck England!!!!

[Zainub]

England can save this test, I've still not given up hope.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Zainub Razvi 32029

England can save this test, I've still not given up hope.

I sure hope you are right Zainub, at least we England have a fighting spirit these days

[Zainub]

Thorpe will have to play of those monumental innings that is the stuff of legends...he has got the guts to do it, and he's been in reasonably good form coming into this match, he can do it with a little bit of help from the other hand, lady luck also seemed some what kind on him (he survived a definate out shout against Smith - of all people in the world why the hell is he becoming his bunny?) so he must make the most it it. Jones will have to play reponsibly, keep rotating the strike ...stick to all the basics of the game in short...

His Royal Highness, the King of Spain (England's great new "all rounder" ) might also be needed towars the end. Ideally that is about all England would be hoping to need if they wanna draw this comfortably, if anything beyond Hoggard gets exposed...then England will really have their backs completely against the wall.

My gut feeling is that Nicky Boje will be the key bowler tomorrow.

[Irish Left Armer]

I think they can do it but more than likely won't. SA don't have a particularly great bowling attack but it is a 5th day pitch and Boje is getting the ball to turn now.

Thorpe and Jones will need to bat until lunch at least and then someone like Hoggy or Giles is going to need to play a fine innings. If Thorpe is out it's probably all over.

[Trescothick]

I normally like to be positive about these things... But i'm really not sure this time. Thorpe may stay in bt as soon as he goes out (if he does) we will collapse. Jones is an ok batsmen but i'm not sure how long he will stay in. Giles never seems to stay in for long but will get a number of runs say 20-30. Hoggard blocks but won't do for long, Jones isn't brilliant and Harmison will struggle for anything over a duck.

[Zainub]

Odds are against England saving this Trescothick, but you have to still go out there believing you can do the job. England team managment I'm sure haven't given up all hopes just as yet. They will come out fighting hard tomorrow. But so will SA. Will be a good contest. Hopefully England will come good.

[Ernest]

It has been done before Zainub, Flintoff injury won't affect this, as he would take no more part anyway, Thorpe and Jones are good enough, they will need the rub of the green as well.

[Mike_Hock]

England have no chance I'm affraid. Just damage limitation. Pitch will not be great tomorrow with only Giles and the tail to come. Absolutley no chance. 1-1 and all to play for - momentum with RSA

[Pete]

Apparently Hoggard can't bowl at the moment with a bruised heel, and Freddie is off for an X-Ray to see if he's out for the rest of the series.

Gets better and better