Cricket......

[Raab]

Hasim, assuming that Gary continues to coach. They seem to be cut from the same cloth with temperament and the calm and collected way they play the game.

 

Who is the current SA u/21 captain? I wonder if the selectors will take the same approach that was taken with Biff, hand a youngster the captaincy?

['Dale]

Yeah, Shane Watson was missed.

Wonder whether he'll be bowling fit should he return.

3 days before the next test.

[Raab]

Which he makes up for with arrogance. I think that's what we dislike about the Ausies and what I dislike about Fatty.

 

Yes, he has good stats but what good is that if you lose games you should win? Statistically, we are a much better side.

 

And if Shane Watson makes it into the side for the next test, I think we are going to lose the match.

 

Arrogance / confidence, its a fine line.

 

I agree if Watson comes in for Quiney (who had a most forgettable test), we could be in trouble

[Slave]

What is in the interest if the team, not the individual, matters more...

 

I think it will detract from his batting and can weaken rather than strengthen the side. But like that's just my opinion.

 

If we look at Bouch, he was a fine keeper. He had the passion to get all the records and I think he got most, if not all of them. Made him one of the most passionate and best keepers around. Sadly, his career was ended by a freak accident. As a batsman though, he was mediocre. He hadn't made a test 100 for quite a while when he was forced to stop playing.

 

Would you want to see AB fail as a batter if he has to keep wicket? I think that would be an injustice to the team.

['Dale]

I think it will detract from his batting and can weaken rather than strengthen the side. But like that's just my opinion.

 

If we look at Bouch, he was a fine keeper. He had the passion to get all the records and I think he got most, if not all of them. Made him one of the most passionate and best keepers around. Sadly, his career was ended by a freak accident. As a batsman though, he was mediocre. He hadn't made a test 100 for quite a while when he was forced to stop playing.

 

Would you want to see AB fail as a batter if he has to keep wicket? I think that would be an injustice to the team.

 

It is an ongoing debate, indeed.

If I was coach & selector, I'd have him play the dual role.

Today's fine morning session provided more evidence as he was solid in the crease.

[Slave]

Sorry, I just saw this when looking at the test all-rounder rankings.

 

Steyn comes in at number 10. WTF?? I know he is working on getting a good all-rounder rep going, but I still rank him as a bowler. There must be slim pickings if Steyn is number 10.

[Raab]

Sorry, I just saw this when looking at the test all-rounder rankings.

 

Steyn comes in at number 10. WTF?? I know he is working on getting a good all-rounder rep going, but I still rank him as a bowler. There must be slim pickings if Steyn is number 10.

 

LOL, I didn't even know he was considered to be an all-rounder. You mind posting those rankings? would make interesting reading

[GLuvsMtb]

Sorry, I just saw this when looking at the test all-rounder rankings.

 

Steyn comes in at number 10. WTF?? I know he is working on getting a good all-rounder rep going, but I still rank him as a bowler. There must be slim pickings if Steyn is number 10.

True all rounders are a dieing breed, but so are true tail enders. Most bowlers these days (nos 9, 10 and 11 "batsmen") work on averaging at least 15 with the bat in test cricket.

[Slave]

LOL, I didn't even know he was considered to be an all-rounder. You mind posting those rankings? would make interesting reading

 

Here is the link:

 

http://www.supersport.com/cricket/rankings/test-all-rounder

 

I agree that all-rounders are a dying breed. I think Kalis has more wickets than Steyn has runs. Admittedly, he has been playing since the dawn of time, but he is a true all-rounder. Dale is a bowler who can hold a bat.

 

And then again, is Swann (ranked 6th) a true all rounder? I think not.

[GLuvsMtb]

http://www.relianceiccrankings.com/ranking/test/all-rounder/

[Raab]

I tried posting some stats but apparently I have posted more images than I am allowed to?????

[Slave]

Interestingly enough, Fatty only ranks 24th in the ODI batsmen rankings.

 

MJ Clarke is in the top 10 as is Hashim Amla. King Kalis has dropped out of the top 10 as well.

[GLuvsMtb]

Here is the link:

 

http://www.superspor...est-all-rounder

 

I agree that all-rounders are a dying breed. I think Kalis has more wickets than Steyn has runs. Admittedly, he has been playing since the dawn of time, but he is a true all-rounder. Dale is a bowler who can hold a bat.

 

And then again, is Swann (ranked 6th) a true all rounder? I think not.

I also think that the like of Vernon Philander at 7 may raise a few eyebrows. It is also a function of less part time bowlers being used these days as bowlers are fitter than before, giving the part time bowlers less of a chance to populate the all rounder rankings.

[Raab]

See Pup is now no1 ranked test batsmen, deserved it after the drubbing he gave us

[Slave]

Hey, Big Vern has taken some scalps in his time and scored a few runs. Maybe not such an eyebrow-raiser as one would think. Personally, I think he is an up-and-coming all rounder.

 

Part time bowlers are the likes of Fatty and JP. Even Clarke. I think the modern game dictates that anyone in the side is able to bowl at least a decent enough ball to take wickets.

 

One other thought on the post mortem of the last two games, is that while Dale is a brilliant bowler and no doubt earned his top spot as a bowler in the rankings, He probably didn't mix up his pace enough. And that could probably be said of all the SA bowlers.

 

Ntini took many scalps in his career, but he never bowled a slower ball in a match, even though he was quite capable in the nets. Ntini had one stock delivery, short and wide outside off.

[Raab]

Hey, Big Vern has taken some scalps in his time and scored a few runs. Maybe not such an eyebrow-raiser as one would think. Personally, I think he is an up-and-coming all rounder.

 

Part time bowlers are the likes of Fatty and JP. Even Clarke. I think the modern game dictates that anyone in the side is able to bowl at least a decent enough ball to take wickets.

 

One other thought on the post mortem of the last two games, is that while Dale is a brilliant bowler and no doubt earned his top spot as a bowler in the rankings, He probably didn't mix up his pace enough. And that could probably be said of all the SA bowlers.

 

Ntini took many scalps in his career, but he never bowled a slower ball in a match, even though he was quite capable in the nets. Ntini had one stock delivery, short and wide outside off.

 

Dale has been down on his pace in this series, although we know he takes a while to hit his straps, even Siddle at the end of the day while not being able to stand up was bowling faster than Dale and Morne was this test. It is concerning, we also dont have any out and out quicks coming through the ranks it seems