Australia v South Africa (2nd Test)

[mal]

Dale punchy Steyn would have had 5 wickets
BUT
The leg spinning drama queen dropped a sitter when Lyon drove a dollly to him
Earlier in the day Tahdramaqueenhir caught a ripper of Watto, and celebrated like an AFL footballer 3 seconds after a Grand Final win
He then dismissed a batsman and ran a 100 meter sprint like Ben Johnson
Really, do International cricketers need to carry on like Primary School boys

Mr Tahdramaqueenhir dropped a sitter to deny Punchy Steyn a 5 for
I noticed none of the shananigans occur

And whilst on the subject Dale Steyn throws more right crosses than Rocky Marciano used to
IF you dunno what Im talkin about, look at the celebration he makes when he gets a wicket

[Media Park]

I'd cut Tahir some slack, simply excited to be there.

[Rik E Boy]

I'd cut Tahir some slack, simply excited to be there.

Agreed. If you want robots watch tennis.

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

Australia 296 all out
Watto- 88- best opening batsman in Australia, clearly not troubled by the injury.
Hughes- 88- Hopefully scoring runs against the worlds best bowling attack will be a boon for him against other nations
Khawaja 12- I do not expect big things from him until he is given a regular chance in the team, rather than a match here, a match there.
Ponting 0- The second Test could be his last innings, or his "perfect day" ala Steve Waugh at Sydney, one way or another, it will be telling.
Haddin 16- Reviewed a plumb lbw call, is on his last legs.
Johnson 38*- The specialist South African all-rounder had a good little hand
Steyn 4/64- The best quick in the world today had a good day.
Imran Tahir 3/55- Some reward for the journey he has taken.

Watto - Well done but the pull shot that produced his demise was unecessary. Yeah it was a great catch and Watto was stiff but he'd just hit a four so no need to reach outside off to try for another. Burnt a ton yesterday.
Hughes - I reckon England has a better attack than South Africa. But good to see Hughes make runs. Still technicaly suspect in my view but so was Amala and Chanderpaul and they turned out to be run machines. We need Hughes to do the same.
Khawaja - Must play straighter but why was he batting at three...oh that's right Ponting is shit now. To be honest I just don't think he is ready. Warner in better form and worth the punt.
Ponting - The longer he tries to cling to his test career the less respect I have for him as a cricketer. It's time to go Ricky. Personally I believe we should have tapped him on the shoulder prior to the last Ashes series. A horrible selection blunder which led to another is damaging Australian Cricket.
Haddin - Another one who should be gone. Interesting to note that Healy is into him about his glovework as well. Time for Wade.
Johnson - At least he can bat.

regards,

REB

[Rik E Boy]

What I can't believe is that Anti Clarke brigade haven't had a crack at the skipper for last night's innings. While I reckon Clarkey doesn't deserve what he cops on here I thought last night Brad Haddin was channelling him. Ball one pull shot swipe across the line to a ball that was pitched up and this was repeated on ball nine. Played a couple of nicely timed shots and I thought 'he's off and running now' and then he played at one he could have left alone. Ridiculous innings from the skipper that comes just days after the 'knuckling down' comments during the week.

You knuckle down on the field, not in the press gallery.

regards,

REB

[Jim05]

Find it hilarious how ex players like Mark Waugh are defending Ponting. Heard them say last night that he is batting well in the nets and a big one is just around the corner. Hate to tell them ive never seen a test won in the nets. I cringe when he comes out to bat now, we even have bets on how many balls he will last (i had him for 2 last night). Then i hear people say Tendulkar and Dravid are still going at their ages, well both are freaks and Tendulkar will keep going for a few years yet. Ponting is gone, get out before you are pushed out. No mater how he goes in second innings he must not be picked against NZ.

[wristwatcher]

Find it hilarious how ex players like Mark Waugh are defending Ponting. Heard them say last night that he is batting well in the nets and a big one is just around the corner. Hate to tell them ive never seen a test won in the nets. I cringe when he comes out to bat now, we even have bets on how many balls he will last (i had him for 2 last night). Then i hear people say Tendulkar and Dravid are still going at their ages, well both are freaks and Tendulkar will keep going for a few years yet. Ponting is gone, get out before you are pushed out. No mater how he goes in second innings he must not be picked against NZ.

I won many a test in the nets JIM albeit they were only sanctioned by the WCC (Wristy cricket council) In the WCC both Punter and I are considered 2 of the finest batsmen in the world ATM

[Jim05]

Find it hilarious how ex players like Mark Waugh are defending Ponting. Heard them say last night that he is batting well in the nets and a big one is just around the corner. Hate to tell them ive never seen a test won in the nets. I cringe when he comes out to bat now, we even have bets on how many balls he will last (i had him for 2 last night). Then i hear people say Tendulkar and Dravid are still going at their ages, well both are freaks and Tendulkar will keep going for a few years yet. Ponting is gone, get out before you are pushed out. No mater how he goes in second innings he must not be picked against NZ.

I won many a test in the nets JIM albeit they were only sanctioned by the WCC (Wristy cricket council) In the WCC both Punter and I are considered 2 of the finest batsmen in the world ATM

Yeah i also love it when they say he is playing well but just finding ways to get out.
Big problem if your a batsmen

[wristwatcher]

Thats the great thing about the nets in the WCC, they very rarely hold their catches

[Rik E Boy]

Find it hilarious how ex players like Mark Waugh are defending Ponting. Heard them say last night that he is batting well in the nets and a big one is just around the corner. Hate to tell them ive never seen a test won in the nets. I cringe when he comes out to bat now, we even have bets on how many balls he will last (i had him for 2 last night). Then i hear people say Tendulkar and Dravid are still going at their ages, well both are freaks and Tendulkar will keep going for a few years yet. Ponting is gone, get out before you are pushed out. No mater how he goes in second innings he must not be picked against NZ.

I won many a test in the nets JIM albeit they were only sanctioned by the WCC (Wristy cricket council) In the WCC both Punter and I are considered 2 of the finest batsmen in the world ATM

Yeah i also love it when they say he is playing well but just finding ways to get out.
Big problem if your a batsmen

I'd rather he make scratchy 50's. But if you do that you get dropped...just ask the Kat.

regards,

REB

[Squids]

Ponting reminds me of something Lawry or Greig last summer "he is in good form, he just keeps getting out". I think it's time for Ponting to go, let him play against NZ and bow out before the Indians get here. Hopefully people remember him being the best in the world, not what he has been in the last 18 months. I think the new guys are just a bit too quick for him these days.

I didn't watch it last night but what was Khawaja doing? Was he batting slowly or did he look a little rusty?

Steyn is the best bowler around by a long way... aggressive, fast, swings it...wish we could get a few bowlers like him.

[Pat Malone]

Ponting reminds me of something Lawry or Greig last summer "he is in good form, he just keeps getting out". I think it's time for Ponting to go, let him play against NZ and bow out before the Indians get here. Hopefully people remember him being the best in the world, not what he has been in the last 18 months. I think the new guys are just a bit too quick for him these days.

I didn't watch it last night but what was Khawaja doing? Was he batting slowly or did he look a little rusty?

It's perfect timing to have a couple tests coming up against the Kiwi's, a bad 2 test series away shouldnt be the end for Punter and Haddin after their great careers but if you cant make runs at home against a weak test team there its probably the end. I am ignoring the Sri Lanka tour a little in giving these allowances.

I thought Khawaja batted well, he was extremely patient and looked solid until he missed a straight one. Got to realise he lost Watto, Punter, Clarke whilst he was out there, his 25 overs at the crease was a good foundation.

[Squids]

Last Ashes Ponting did nothing....problem is there is no one in the domestic comp making a pile of runs forcing their way into the team.

Haddin I am not sure about....if that Vic keeper keeps making runs then he might force his way in. I do not rate Paine considering he is injured more often than not.

Fair call on Khawaja, like I said I didn't see but that puts it into perspective.

[Gozu]

Even though it's over I'd give Ponting the NZ series. They should tell him if you don't make runs in that series you won't get picked against India. If he's still struggling it at least gives him the chance to bow out at home and the fans can pay their respects ahead of the real start of the summer against India.

Selectors messed up not picking Warner ahead of Khawaja the guy isn't Test standard for mine.

[stampy]

1/41, cummins got rudolph cw for 24

[stan]

Ponting reminds me of something Lawry or Greig last summer "he is in good form, he just keeps getting out". I think it's time for Ponting to go, let him play against NZ and bow out before the Indians get here. Hopefully people remember him being the best in the world, not what he has been in the last 18 months. I think the new guys are just a bit too quick for him these days.

I didn't watch it last night but what was Khawaja doing? Was he batting slowly or did he look a little rusty?

It's perfect timing to have a couple tests coming up against the Kiwi's, a bad 2 test series away shouldnt be the end for Punter and Haddin after their great careers but if you cant make runs at home against a weak test team there its probably the end. I am ignoring the Sri Lanka tour a little in giving these allowances.

I thought Khawaja batted well, he was extremely patient and looked solid until he missed a straight one. Got to realise he lost Watto, Punter, Clarke whilst he was out there, his 25 overs at the crease was a good foundation.

Khawaja isnt your big stroke man, hes the guy who can build the big scores by occupying the crease. I still reckon he will be good valve. As fpor Hadding, well Wade keeps on making runs. The pressure must be mounted at the moment.

Also on Cummins, a bit loose this morning but ripped one in there to get Ruldolf out. I like this kid, goes alright, still pretty young but seems to be made of the right stuff.

[stan]

That last bouncer to Alma was a ripper.

[brod]

Nice first over by Lyon, a maiden

[Media Park]

lyon gets smith

[Brodlach]

Smith out caught Hughes bowled Lyon