South Africe v England

[Ernest]

Anybody out there fancy South africa's chances of beating England, after the form england have shown themselves to be in, should be a great series, with Flintoff and kallis, facing each other, come on what do you think?

[NZBeth]

I think that is going to be an exciting match. Although England are in great form at present anything can happen from now until December if they get complacent now. South Africa have the talent but they are not as hungry for a win from the way I've seen them play lately. I knew Sri Lanka was a threat but in the ODIs I would have thought the Proteas would dominate. If they sharpen up their act between now and then it will definitely be a game worth being at. Speaking of which, is anyone heading to Sth Africa for it?

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by NZBeth

I think that is going to be an exciting match. Although England are in great form at present anything can happen from now until December

Is it so long of December, I am looking forward to this series, I think it should be really good, with the likes of Kallis, and Flintoff.

The key may well be in the way that Flintoff plays Pollock, that will show the true worth of the big man.

Anyone going to South Africa, I wish

[NZBeth]

I usually support South Africa but have been very disappointed with their latest Test matches and first ODI games against Sri lanka. Instead, England have been great to watch and they look completely in control of their game, but like I said, SA have a wealth of talent thet they are just not exploiting. Give them a coupl eof months to fine tune and I think they'll give England a fair game.

[Ernest]

I agree South Africa do seem to have faded a bit, and more.

NZ Beth, I hope they improve before England your, as playing a strong South Africa, will be a better guide as to how England will fait against the Aussies in 2005.

[Occasional Fan]

Ern, in the sense that it's always better to see a game between two teams that are on the up rather than between teams on the down (or worse, a total mis-match), I agree with you. But I am sure that the South Africans, whatever condition they may be in come December, will give England a huge fight. They just hate losing, and they won't even contemplate the possibility that it might happen on their turf. We're in for a great series there. But to give England a better chance, maybe we don't need them to recover too much!

[Ernest]

Hi OF,

Well I hope we have no games over in 3 days like we did in the last Test against the West Indies, i like a full 5 days.

But IMO we need a stern test to see just what our chances are in the Ashes

[Occasional Fan]

I agree with that as well, especially as you generally don't get your money back for shortened matches in S Africa. I'm still toying with the idea of a trip out there for a match or two, and it would be good to get a few days in if I can scrape the dosh together.

[Ernest]

Be nice I reckon, but like you say a lot of dough required,trip of a lifetime though, a lot to see there besides the cricket.

[Occasional Fan]

Yeah, yeah! Well, Ern, time for me to call it a day. I do most of my best dreaming during the night.