2nd Test: South Africa v Australia at Port Elizabeth Feb 20-24, 2014

[hineyrulz]

BunniesMong lol, just no idea.

 

[herbert henry1908]

Here's one Parra. As I have noted earlier in this thread, it is not difficult to score second innings runs when the middle order and the bowlers have combined to give you a 200-run lead.

Ffs.

I never said you were wrong. Did you even bother to read what you quoted?


You seem to have this clear black & white picture of things and dismiss anything else.


Pathetic.

 

[herbert henry1908]

Mate, I'm amazed that ANYONE said I was wrong. As it is, using their second innings performances as evidence that they're going well is absurd.

Still have pointed out ANYONE who said you were wrong.

 

[herbert henry1908]

Going to be fascinating to see when Smith Declares.


Will have the guts to declare overnight given Mondays forecast ?

 

[TheParraboy]

Mate, I'm amazed that ANYONE said I was wrong. As it is, using their second innings performances as evidence that they're going well is absurd.

Referring to your point, no I don't believe in hitting the panic button every time there is a failure. I do, however, believe something needs to be done when it is clear that a pattern has emerged. I think after 7 consecutive top order failures in the first innings, we can agree that a worrying pattern has emerged.

I hear what your saying, I crave for some sort of consistency in the 1st innings, but it is what it is until we can generate a breed like a MHussey or another Ponting. Id rather belt sides like we have been with our first innings failing than losing or drawing tests and them firing

But reality is a bitch we don't have back up cattle to waltz into the side and perform consistently. I mean look at Sunshine, over 50 tests in the top 6, mostly in the top 3 and and paltry average of 36. Yet he will be the first one picked for the 3rd test if we lose this one

 

[typicalfan]

And this ...

Um what is the sample size of the top order without Watson?
2 tests against the best bowling attack in the world?

Doolan needs an opportunity to cement his spot.

 

[JJ]

Um what is the sample size of the top order without Watson?
2 tests against the best bowling attack in the world?

Doolan needs an opportunity to cement his spot.

Doolan needs a crack, not Marsh or Watson though...

Would Doolan not be better off starting at 6 though?

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

Jeez we are getting fisted in this test so far. The batting line up has too many first class averages in the mid 30's to ever sustain consistency.

Whatever the result Michael Clarke simply has to bat himself at 4 from the 3rd test onwards.

 

[JJ]

Jeez we are getting fisted in this test so far. The batting line up has too many first class averages in the mid 30's to ever sustain consistency.

Whatever the result Michael Clarke simply has to bat himself at 4 from the 3rd test onwards.

That's what I reckon too

Marsh or Watson at 3 - Watson probably the better option, but six of one half dozen of the other, and Doolan at 6, with the view of playing 3 in a year or so - that's how Ponting started


Is there someone else on the horizon, it would be a positive move for Aust cricket to move on from Watson, Marsh, Bailey, Hughes, and Khawaja...

 

[typicalfan]

In a perfect world you bat Doolan at 6 but I think Watson should bat at 6. There just isn't enough class batsman to have a decent established 3.

 

[JJ]

In a perfect world you bat Doolan at 6 but I think Watson should bat at 6. There just isn't enough class batsman to have a decent established 3.

At the end of the day though, Doolan has a future, surely Watson and Marsh don't - they both like 3, so why not have one of them there, Doolan at six after Clarke and Smith...

 

[El Diablo]

Clarkke can bat wherever he wants as long as it pisses of sheep shaggers

 

[The Mad Hatter]

Fail is only 24.

Got at least another ten years to argue over his inclusion in the test side :lol::lol::lol:

 

[typicalfan]

In a perfect world HAH would be more consistent and we could bat Warner at 3. He is probably the best attacking option. Would be devastating coming in at 1-150 or good on the counter attack.

 

[JJ]

Fail is only 24.

Got at least another ten years to argue over his inclusion in the test side :lol::lol::lol:

Yeah, that will be fun...

As long as you have some talent coming through he should end like Hodge, Siddons et al... but who knows, many here were arguing for him, and have changed their minds now, but a flukey 100 could help, and Chris Martin has retired :lol:

 

[Hutty1986]

Australia will be all out by tea day 4.

I don't see them having the intestinal fortitude for saving this test, either winning or holding on for the draw.

Harris to top score, with Smith just behind. Three ducks.

Most likely scenario unfortunately. Will need a big, big turnaround for the decider.

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

That's what I reckon too

Marsh or Watson at 3 - Watson probably the better option, but six of one half dozen of the other, and Doolan at 6, with the view of playing 3 in a year or so - that's how Ponting started


Is there someone else on the horizon, it would be a positive move for Aust cricket to move on from Watson, Marsh, Bailey, Hughes, and Khawaja...

Yeah I've always agreed with 6 being the apprenticeship position, for lack of a better term. I guess it was easier in the 90's to make it so than now because we've got 1 world class bat, 1 pretty good bat and 1 very promising but still raw bat and the rest are just run of the mill shield cricketers.

I still hold hope that Khawaja can eventually sort himself out because he has impeccable technique and when he's on he's almost impossible to get out but that remains to be seen. He's had a decent season and is coming off a huge unbeaten century.

Most of the promising young batsman all seem to be openers so maybe a few will have to be converted.

 

[JJ]

3 is tough, especially with an inconsistent opening partnership

 

[TheParraboy]

I wouldn't discourage Steve Smith moving to 3 eventually (not in the near future, but down the track)

 

[BunniesMan]

Jeez we are getting fisted in this test so far. The batting line up has too many first class averages in the mid 30's to ever sustain consistency.

Whatever the result Michael Clarke simply has to bat himself at 4 from the 3rd test onwards.

Two first class averages below 40 batting in the top 4 is not good enough. We got away with it in the first test but it's not sustainable long term.

so it is what you said as you would prefer a loss than a draw

So negativity is only wrong when the Saffers do it? I want us to have a chance to go for a win. Yes that means we might risk losing but I'd take that risk.