Mntboy

Hopefully they give him a go in the Vuelta? NTT has a decent team for this year and I certainly hope that the Saffa's will be given a chance but ja I did say if he was the designated sprinter/rider. I was thinking more in the line of EBH though.

Not that hard. Gibbons is a good rider it'll just depend on whether or not he is the designated sprinter/rider.

Yeah I thought we bowled fairly well and the partnership between QdK and Bavuma was pivotal to our win. Bavuma's knock was fantastic and actually reminded me of his 95* against the Aussies at the Wanderers two seasons back. Also a bit disappointed that he didn't get a hundred but he can be proud of his performance. Let's hope he backs it up in the remaining two ODI's. As for the morale: I think it's definitely lifted a little bit.

Gotta say I really liked the way that Temba has batted today. He has been timing it sweetly. I genuinely hope he goes and gets a second ODI hundred. The pick up six that he hit of hip off of Woakes bowling was a fantastic shot. Must've missed one of the sixes as I only saw two.

A couple of sixes has been hit as well. Sad to see QdK lose his wicket as I wanted him and Bavuma to see it through.

So we need 259 runs to bag the first win. Let's hope we bat better than what the English did!

Shamsi is on [emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91][emoji91]

And another one bites the dust. Shamsi is bowling well today. Pressure on the English now to get to a defendable score.

We are in a good position here. Let's hope we can take proper advantage of it.

Eng 52/2 Morgan joining Root. Bairstow gone for 19. Phehlukhwayo picking up the wicket!

Jason Roy gone for 32 and the first ODI wicket for Jon Jon Smuts! Eng 51/1 Root joining Bairstow now.

Indeed as this series win means that they have qualified for the Women's World Cup next year.

At least the ladies won their ODI series against the Kiwis. It's not all doom and gloom.

I am not saying that rugby has the magic bullet required to solve the issues around transformation but they certainly could help giving clarity on how they got such good position (players that is appropriately skilled and up to the standard required ie quality players) regardless of the time period. For me personally it does seem though that the time period was short. That said, as I stated in my previous post there is a lot that needs fixing and I am relatively certain that I was merely scratching the surface of the issues facing CSA and it's leadership. Certainly player development from age groups up is definitely one of them as well. As is playing structures, as is transformation, as is generating the money to fund the game in South Africa. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes and having to find answers/solutions to these issues.

Agreed. Like I said the recent appointments by CSA is a step in the right direction but as you so sagely point out there is a lot wrong that needs fixing. The quota system definitely needs an overhaul and it needs to be more like the equal opportunity that is being used in rugby. It's really sad that rugby has outstripped cricket as it has. As a guy who also loves his rugby I find it incredible that the 'quota' players were, imho, merit selections including the back up options. All this in a relatively short period of time as well. Also KP's suggestion of the Kolpak players being allowed to play for the national team is great but it will only work if these players also then play for a local franchise as well. This however is a short term answer. As you said we need the clubs to be strong too so some planning needs to put in order that'll allow franchise players to be available for club duty too. Like I said there's a lot that needs changing.

Our worst losing streak since 04/05 and the first time since 1950 that we lose two consecutive home series.

Nah, it's because he you cursed him with your previous comment. [emoji14][emoji14][emoji14] Yes I am joking if it's not quite clear. As for the match state: I hope we can maintain the positive attitude that the batsmen have shown and that we can take the match deep into the final day.

Would be a world record chase if we do manage it. And since I happen to be a realist let me say that is a mighty big IF. Your optimism in this regard reminds of a certain Bonnie Tyler hit that got used in Shrek 2.

Just wishing we had the same class available for Hamza to be able to make an easier transition to test cricket than what he is currently experiencing. As for AB, it is such a pity that he done things in the manner that he has and quite rightly a good many of us don't particularly appreciate his cynical (and perhaps selfish) choices.

Agreed but Hash had the safety net of also having guys like Smith, Kallis, Prince and AB around to help ease in when he made his return into the team. We need to find another long term banker to help ease the pressure that Hamza will feel ito scoring big runs.

As likely to fall on his own sword as he is to be pushed. Don't think there's any surviving this horror showing. The only thing I can say that has been good for us is that Nortje is definitely a test class bowler and that he fits in well with KG and Kesh. Now the docs and physio's need to get Ngidi fit enough to be able to play tests we'd have a capable bowling unit. Sadly though they still would be covering over our batting woes!

Another innings loss looking like it could be a possibility.

High praise from Dale Steyn for Anrich Nortje's bowling!

Agreed 100%. All we want to see in a match is that the players play with passion, heart and smarts. We don't need guys throwing cowardly insults from the sidelines potentially spoiling the contest because the players are worried about getting demerit points.

From where we were at tea to having them 4 down is a decent recovery although Root and Pope is digging in. Edit: Ok so play has been stopped due to bad light. I would say an even day for both teams.