Day 5, 4th Test - SA Vs Eng - Johannesburg

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

but England surely can win from here.

OF, my problem is not Vaughan, but the defensive nature of the Saffers. To enable us to win, they need to take some risks and try to win. But they won't do that. They will look to defend and defend, and as soon as possible they will head off for bad light. The light is awful, there is not a full days play here. As soon as the umpires have a chat the Saffers will be walking off. Expect some gamesmanship here, batsmen blinking - looking in the air.

[Kirsty Harris]

Well done to Tresco, what a great innings this has been. Stuff footwork and technique and go with what works for you!

Even Mr Bothem admitted this morning that it was time Trescothick was allowed to 'get on with it'. I await his performance in the Ashes with interest, as he has quite a bit to set right there. I think he might just do o.k.

Reading the body language of the SA team tells it's own story - they have resigned themselves to a draw at best. There is no way they are going to be going for the win, since it goes against the defensive nature of the team as a whole.

I think this game is likely to be a draw, but there is still a (small) chance for an England win, regaurdless of how they bowled in the first innings or the fitness of the bowlers. It only takes 10 delivery's, you know!!!

[Glamorgan Wanderer]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

Is this annoy Flanflinger day!! Trescothick has just scored his 10th ton. Blasted 180 runs on a pitch when other palyers have strugelled. He averages 53 at home, 44 in all Tests!! Why doesn't he look good enough?

Whoa there! I would have thought that demonstrated clearly enough that my comments were firmly tongue in cheek but perhaps would have been more appropriate!

Like you I don't understand those who question Tresco's place in the side and thought this was an appropriate moment to point out what a decent player he is!

[Occasional Fan]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

OF, my problem is not Vaughan, but the defensive nature of the Saffers. To enable us to win, they need to take some risks and try to win. But they won't do that. They will look to defend and defend, and as soon as possible they will head off for bad light. The light is awful, there is not a full days play here. As soon as the umpires have a chat the Saffers will be walking off. Expect some gamesmanship here, batsmen blinking - looking in the air.

I don't doubt any of that, FF, but equally the only way England can win is to take a risk themselves and get the South Africans in. I'm happy to see the declaration.

[Ernest]

I think it will probably be a draw, and a very entertaining draw, I think the cricket in this South African tour, has been very entertaining, by both sides.

A special mention for Trescothick, sooooo good.
Should Hoggy have had that LBW I wonder?.

[flanflinger]

Yeah the Smiley would have helped indicate a level of Irony that I missed. Sorry, I have done that twice now - I think it's just my annoyance at previous comments I had read.

[Glamorgan Wanderer]

No worries.

I take it that Smith isn't allowed to bat yet because of the time he spent off the field? Or is it as a result of his injury? If the former, when is he due to come in? If the latter, will he be able to bat at all?

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

Originally Posted by Ernest

Should Hoggy have had that LBW I wonder?.

No ernest he should not have. this is because tresco when he was around 120-130, something like that, tresco had an almost exactly the same thing, but Dar also turned that down. hawk eye said it was going to just take the bails off, infact it was exactly like de villiers appeal. hussain on commentary said that wasa good decision by Dar, as the batsmen should usually get away with that. if you take that into account, De Villiers should get away without any hassle. no probs there. good decision by Dar.


well played tresco, what england did well was score at a very good run rate in this second innings. but with 2 sessions and poor light, will england have enough time to bowl saffers out? i doubt it because saffers are not a bad batting unit by any means and could last out the time....... but you never know, england, if they have the luck, could get saffers out.

i still think a draw will be the result... but an exciting draw at that!

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

no smith didnt want to bat yet because of the injury. there is no word as to when he will come in though

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Glamorgan Wanderer

I take it that Smith isn't allowed to bat yet because of the time he spent off the field? Or is it as a result of his injury? If the former, when is he due to come in? If the latter, will he be able to bat at all?

Apparantly he has been advised by medics that he should not bat at all.