Sri Lanka vs South Africa pre-series build up

[Wanderer]

After some very long negotiations, the itinerary was finalised. 2 Tests and 5 ODI's will be played (Tri-series, with India the 3rd team) Only one practice game for the Safricans.

South Africa announced their team for the tests today: Graeme Smith (capt), Ashwell Prince (vice-capt), Hashim Amla, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, Boeta Dippennaar, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Thandi Tshabalala.

Tshabalala is the only new cap, while Gibbs gets a recall and Jacques Rudolph misses out. The squad for the ODI's will be announced during the first test.

South Africa will need the experience of Gibbs in the middle order, in the absence of Kallis (injured). That is, IF he plays at 4.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/sout...ry/250303.html

[Wanderer]

Just got some (sort of) confirmation by Haroon Lorgat, covenor of selectors about Gibbs and Thandi's roles'.

Gibbs is a straight swop for Kallis at 4. And here's what he has to say about Tshabalala's inclusion in the team, at the expense of Rudolph: "The principle reason for Thandi's selection is for him to gain exposure and experience and it is very unlikely that he will play in the first test....We will play it by 'eye', if you like, but we would be bold enough to use him."

That means the line-up for the first test could look like this:

Smith
Dippenaar
Amla
Gibbs
Prince
Boucher
Pollock/Hall
Boje
Ntini
Steyn
Nel

[Vrock]

The loss of Kallis to the middle order will be a strain on the side when the need for cautious batting is called for. Hopefully Gibbs can make some runs and Amla continue his fine good run and fill the void left by Kallis.

With regards to your side choice Wanderer, I would have the extra batsman in their and take out the bowling all rounder. Maybe AB De Villiers be brought in to strengthen the order. Then Smith can twirl his arm for a few overs, on spin friendly wickets he could be useful.

[Wanderer]

I agree Vrock, but the only way the selectors will include AB in the team, will be if they only play 2 pacers. Ntini and Steyn. Trust me, they won't drop Pollock!

Boje is still SA's first choice spinner, and no chance of going into a game in Sri Lanka with only Smith...So, his place is secure.

I honestly believe SA know they don't have the spinning fire-power to match the Sri Lankans, so they will probably go in there and hope their 3 quicks can do the same damage as Alan Donald and Brett Schultz did a couple of years ago...Blast the Sri Lankans away with pace.

That's why I don't think there's place for another batsman...On the other hand, they may surprise me...

[Vrock]

That's a good point Wanderer, but would going with Pollock just be playing to tie up one end? His effectiveness will pretty limited giving the lack of help from the pitches, and without pace he lacks fire power. Not forgetting he can't bowl the same lenghty spells that a spinner could do. So why not play either a second spinner or just use Smith to a greater extent and sacrific that for the extra batsman?

I perfectly understand having the three quicks, but you simply can't just play Pollock on a wicket which is unlikely to give him any assistance.

[John]

Pollocks bowling is on the slide as I have stated before. If was going to play him it would be as batting/ bowler. He would be the extra bowler rather than a fundamental part of the bowling attack. Pick four bowlers plus Pollock.
I agree with Wanders side.

[gibbs_fan]

Hey guys, Have you guys forgotten or am I mistaken but Shaun Pollock will not play the first game because his wife is giving birth. This means that Andrew Hall will almost certainly play. I agree with Vrock in that SA should play AB de Villiers. Its a pity that Nick Boje will play, I would have preffered Thandi but the selectors still see Nicky as #1 spinner. I would like to see six Batsmen plus boucher and then the four bowlers. Hopefully the selectors will play Hall over Nel as Hall has been on good form for his county while Nel's form has been poor.

probable team( Although I do not agree )

1. Smith
2. Dippenaar
3. Amla
4. Gibbs
5. Prince
6. de Villiers
7. Boucher
8. Boje
9. Steyn
10. Nel
11 Ntini

[salu]

the main strength of sa has always been their allround strength and utility players ... in srilnaka they will be tested a lot cuz theyre not used to the subcontinent at all... probably the worst among the top 7 in subcontinent... anyways i expect lanka to take the tests and sa the odis

[Wanderer]

2 years ago, SA got completely white-washed over there.

I'm sorry to say, but I can't see them doing much better. SA seems to be "targetting" Murali, Jayasuryia and Sangakkara (according to coach Arthur : Supercricket.co.za), but I think they'd better look at some other players too.

Sri Lanka has had some very good performers against England recently, and players like Bandara, Jayawardene, Atapattu (if back) Malinga along with Vaas and the above-mentioned 3, will all provide SA with some not-so-peaceful sleeping...

[Karthik]

Sri Lanka should be able to finish on top at the end.South Africa haven't played a match for a long time while Sri Lanka has just completed a 5-0 white wash against England.