Humble pie.
We were talked up as genuine World Cup threats (by de Villiers too in a clever piece of reverse psychology) but we're really complete muppets against quality opposition.
No answer to Amla (although Southee was marginally unlucky not to get him), top order clueless, McCullum strictly hit or miss. Badly missed Williamson and Taylor but injuries are no excuse.
It's their second game in quite a long time and first for a couple of them like Southee. SA have had alot more cricket recently and they've been playing their full-strength team.
We are contenders but we need a full-strength team, that's the difference for us as opposed bigger cricketing nations. Missing Williamson and Taylor isn't an 'excuse' but when you're forced to play guys like Brownlie instead of them, the difference is massive.
Agreed on McCullum though, he needs to pitch in more runs. Same with Anderson. Our openers are also a concern. I was warming to Guptill after his great run of form about a year ago but I'm starting to be convinced he just can't handle quality bowling or the swinging ball, hence why he sucks at tests.
