SA v WI 4th test

[Doink]

Hey man when did I say he isnt good! Ofcourse he's got to have something in him to have made so many runs! But I dont agree on the point that he's the next greatest batsman, he still has a lot to prove. For now I'd say that Graeme Smith is a stronger contender for that title...what say?!

[John]

Just saw the last 5 minutes play. Gayle got his 50 off 34 balls I guess we can conclude what type of innings it has been. Pity I missed it.

[Zainub]

Time and again I look at this guy's scores, read about his rapid fire centuries, and then think "why don't we talk about this man more often when we are discussing leading batsmen of present times", but then I look at his test record (in 49 matches he's averaging a little more then 36) and I get my answer.

Anyway, 6 centuries in this test already (De villers 114, Smith 126, Kallis 147, Prince 131, Gayle 184* and Sarwan 103*) unless a turn around of sorts, it's difficult to see a result coming out of this one. Surely this pitch at The Antigua Recreation Ground at St John's, Antigua is the flatest surface in the world right now.

Quite scarry it must be for South African supporters that Lara is still to bat, given West Indies decide to bat on for the next two days, who knows, the world record might be in danger of being remade again - after all, Lara does love this place. And the West Indies have shown in the past that they really don't care too much about getting a result if there's any chance of Lara coming near to breaking world records.

[Paoli]

Hang on Zainub, Lara has only done it when he was captain!!! The 375 though I'm not sure.

Gayle is a downright enigma. I for one was calling for him to find some form for Jamaica, but why do that when your finding form the West Indies! He is an extremely talented player and on his day, matches Sehwag for excitement. The only problem is that day hardly ever comes. So lets cherish to'day', because Christopher Gayle has many like this. And what about Sarwan? I reckon theres another 25 of these 'days' to come. I certainly hope so.

[Trescothick]

Does anyone remember when England played West Indies and we were way ahead and then Gayle opened again and it was either the first or second over he scored a boundary from each ball of Hoggards over, i remember tears coming down Hoggies cheeks. Very exciting stuff that,.. He seems to rise the occasion when West Indies look all but out! Lets hope its not all for nothing this time

[John]

Fortunately SA have won the series and large part to do with Gayle's and Sarwan's poor form. Frustrating for the Windies.
Sarwan's just out 127 well it's only Lara walking to the crease.
One of commentators said of the pitch yesterday there is no chance of WI getting 20 wickets on this pitch. Same with SA I think.
This is where stats don't tell all the story a hundred on this pitch is not the same as under different circumstances.

[Doink]

This dude has his and the whole of Windies eyes on a triple ton...!!! Can he do it?! Any guesses? Common guys I'm waiting for your replies!

[Occasional Fan]

Well, Lara has "failed" according to Cricinfo, but perhaps that is a bit harsh given his contributions in the last couple of matches. (He made 4 before being caught by Boucher off Zondeki). Gayle, on the other hand, has gone to lunch on 245 not out.

[Occasional Fan]

I know there's still a way to go, but there's also a bit of time and negligible chance of a result in this match, so - are we going to see Gayle challenge Lara's 400*? Presently 284 not out, with WI on 457-3.

[Maranello]

I have been following the match live every now and then OF and that really has been the only matter of interest left in it for quite a while! He crossed 300 a short while ago...

In fact, the way Gayle has batted since he crossed 150 yesterday shows that a big score has been in his mind all this time; he has curbed his natural aggression, often only hitting the bad balls and not going after the balling by unnecessaryslogging.