2nd Test: South Africa v New Zealand at Port Elizabeth Jan 11-15, 2013

[AlwaysGreen]

Steyn uses the fire to bowl well and he needs it, when he started he was a nice guy on the field and it really wasn't good for him. The fire he utilises makes him the best and most dangerous bowler currently in the game. But really, he is lovely. Unlike his captain who is a jerkface both on and off the field

What about the time he spat on Suliman Benn? Fired up or a jerkface?*


*admittedly Benn is a jerkface himself.

 

[Hallatia]

fired up and Benn infected him with his jerfacedness, Benn's case was contagious that day. Benn is to blame

 

[AlwaysGreen]

Spitting is a low act and Steyn should have been suspended for 27 years.

 

[Timbo]

You have to find a way to get Ryder back.

As for the openers, Watling is one but you can't leave McCullum there. You can't put a price on getting to lunch day 1 none down. McCullum is too aggressive and gives it away too easily. That's why I'm a fan of someone like Hamish Rutherford. Guys like Watling and Rutherford can grind out a start.

If you have McCullum-Taylor-Ryder-Williamson at 3-6 then you've got the runs you need if Watling and Rutherford can blunt the new ball. You also have a counter-attacker in Ronchi coming in at 7.

As for the spinner, how did Todd Astle look in Sri Lanka? He can bat too and fills the numbe 8 spot. Other than the you're almost better off playing four quicks and using Williamson unless you're on a raging turner.

Bracewell needs to go back to the Plunkett Shield and learn how to pitch it up. He's not quick enough to bowl as short as he does. Is Mark Gillespie fit yet? You need someone with a bit of venom. I like Trent Boult but he's flat out getting it to 130kph and doesn't have the control to do that. Wagner and Southee should share the new ball in my opinion.

All of this is band aid stuff though. Serious changes at all levels need to be made otherwise we'll be back here five years from now saying the same stuff over again.

 

[Hallatia]

I agree that spitting is a low act, don't agree with the rest of that post

 

[Fast Eddie]

I like Trent Boult but he's flat out getting it to 130kph and doesn't have the control to do that. Wagner and Southee should share the new ball in my opinion

Boult can get it into the mid 130's pretty comfortably. This series he has been a bit down on pace.

And also I forgot that Fulton was actually going to be one of the openers this series before he got injured so he might be back in there for the England series.


And i haven't seen much of Steyns bowling this summer, but is he even legitimately quick anymore? He used to nudge 150, the stuff I've seen this summer has been around the low 130's.

 

[Iafeta]

If Ryder isn't available, it comes down to three options for mine. Fulton, Carl Cachopa or Colin Munro. Munro has the inside running, he's the incumbent. All three have had impressive summers.

 

[edabomb]

Wonder if Wagner will score the 10 runs required to justify his selection over Martin - since everyone is always so worried about Martin being a hopeless batsmen. Personally I'd take his 3/60 odd over Wagner's 1/130.

Wagner was cannon fodder out there - he offers little unless we're playing Bangers or Zims.

 

[edabomb]

He's failed there - due a 20 when we follow on to make up for this.

 

[Timbo]

Watling showing why he should be there. Playing beautifully.

 

[Fast Eddie]

If Guptil makes it to lunch it'll be a borderline miracle.

 

[BDR]

He made it... barely by the sounds of it.

Same old NZ getting humiliated

 

[IanG]

WTF is wrong with NZ cricket?

Not to mention that it's starting to resemble England in where the players are born.

But I agree the Ross Taylor issue was grossly mishandled.

I'm starting to wonder if it's a reflection in the changing demographics of the country

 

[Fast Eddie]

I'm gonna go ahead and :lol: at Robin Petersen. The guy is an average finger spinner but after every ball he has his hands on his head oooh and ahhhing. Pity in reality the ball was short and wide and cut for 4.

 

[attila_the_gorilla]

yeah too many coconuts.

 

[Hallatia]

hey, this opening pair has survived nearly 11 overs now

 

[BDR]

That is my absolute pet hate about the DRS... can supposedly track the ball to within mm on some calls but yet unless more than half is hitting the stumps it's not out? Guptill gets a life...

 

[Hallatia]

if they're all red and one umpire's call you should keep the review

 

[attila_the_gorilla]

All of a sudden it's game on, Black Caps right back in it all of a sudden.

 

[BDR]

aaaand it's gone.

McCullum gorn