South African Domestic Season 2009/10

[TT Boy]

I understand your point and the example of Prince is valid, as big game temperament and the ability to score runs in 'hard' causes puts him above far more glamorous and statistically better batsman in South African cricket. But first class cricket is a different beast and whilst Parnell has excelled in limited overs cricket, does he currently have the patience or craft to toil away for days? I listened to a lot of Kent's first class games this season and whilst Parnell impressed with his pace and control, he didn't comeback well.

Ntini is 99 tests, so unless the selectors are extremely ruthless and ready to take exceptional levels of flak, he has to start the series. He really should have been retired after the Australian series away. Great way to go out and unfortunately for Ntini, pace was one of his greatest gifts, and with that gone he doesn't have much to fall back on.

So Albie's third seamer role will probably be the only slot open come the first test.

[kingkallis]

Originally Posted by TT Boy

Lions - Craig Alexander, Werner Coetsee, Stephen Cook, Dane Vilas, Friedel de Wet, Zander de Bruyn, Andre Nel, Heinrich le Roux, Neil McKenzie, Jean Symes, Aaron Phangiso, Virus, Jonathan Vandiar, VB van Jaarsveld, Thami Tsolekile, Ugasen Govender.

The Lions biggest problem like last year will be getting four black cricketers on the pitch. Virus, Vandiar and Alexander pick themselves but a guy like Dane Vilas may have to play as a specialist batsman (he can), to accommodate Tsolekile. Worrying thing for the franchise is that they still can't produce their own players of colours - like the Titans they always have to poach from the Cape.

Exciting team though. High hopes for Alexander, probably the quickest bowler outside the national side in South Africa with Plaatijes of the Cobras. Nice action as well, shades of Charl Langeveldt and like Langeveldt, he is capable of swinging the ball both ways.

Spoke of Vandiar but Vilas is also a serious talent. Very easy on the eye and has all the shots. Interesting how VB van Jaarsveld reacts after such a disappointing tour of Australia, had multiple opportunities to impress but really did buckle under the pressure.

A very nervous talent, just like Mark Ramprakash! Too early to say that though...

[kingkallis]

Originally Posted by TT Boy

I understand your point and the example of Prince is valid, as big game temperament and the ability to score runs in 'hard' causes puts him above far more glamorous and statistically better batsman in South African cricket. But first class cricket is a different beast and whilst Parnell has excelled in limited overs cricket, does he currently have the patience or craft to toil away for days? I listened to a lot of Kent's first class games this season and whilst Parnell impressed with his pace and control, he didn't comeback well.

Ntini is 99 tests, so unless the selectors are extremely ruthless and ready to take exceptional levels of flak, he has to start the series. He really should have been retired after the Australian series away. Great way to go out and unfortunately for Ntini, pace was one of his greatest gifts, and with that gone he doesn't have much to fall back on.

So Albie's third seamer role will probably be the only slot open come the first test.

Its time to bid farewell to Ntini really...cant hold Parnell's test level debut for long!

And no - McLaren is not a test level player yet...

[popepouri]

Originally Posted by TT Boy

So Albie's third seamer role will probably be the only slot open come the first test.

I believe that should go to Lopsy then. He should be ahead of Parnell in Tests.

[TT Boy]

Originally Posted by popepouri

I believe that should go to Lopsy then. He should be ahead of Parnell in Tests.

The only problem with that is Tsotsobe can't bat. Don't think South Africa want a tail where Ntini is batting 10.

Ideal situation is Ntini gets his 100th cap and then retires into the sunset.

[popepouri]

Originally Posted by TT Boy

The only problem with that is Tsotsobe can't bat. Don't think South Africa want a tail where Ntini is batting 10.

Ideal situation is Ntini gets his 100th cap and then retires into the sunset.

The tail has been long for a while though when Morne wasn't contributing.

[TT Boy]

But Morne when not facing SLA, gave the impression he could and can bat. Harris is a battler but he should be batting in all honest at 10, not 8 which he would be doing if you went in with Ntini and Tsotsobe. Steyn is an enigma, as he can hit the ball miles and defend with the best of them but doesn't seem to care much for his batting.

[Protwenty20]

That must be interesting to watch... Champions league is effecting Schedules badly.

[popepouri]

Vandiar doing well in what I think is a preseason game.

Lions 212/5 (64.3 ov, TL Tsolekile 18*, JD Vandiar 76*, S Mlongo 0/35) | Live Scorecard | Cricinfo.com

[TT Boy]

Didn't make his century but encouraging nevertheless. Don't think he will be at six for long.

Also, encouraging to see Friend in the wickets. Bowls at a lively pace and gives the impression he could go further.

Lions play South Africa later in the week in two one day practice games. Be interesting how de Wet, Alexander, Vandiar and Vilas do against the big boys. Great opportunity to impress.

[kingkallis]

Its time SAF start rotating their seamers @ international level as well!

de Wet, CJD villiers, Alexander, Theron, Morne should be given more changes against weaker oppositions, especially at the ODI level, which can be moral boosting for those lads!

[TT Boy]

Not current policy and hasn't been for years. The likes of India routinely cap any seamer with form or promise in one of the many ODI's they play throughout the year and Australia usually chuck a Hail Mary bowler in during their summer (Dorey, Lewis, Harwood, Laughlin et cetera) but South Africa like to keep to the tried and tested.

The only see if the **** sticks type of bowlers they have tried recently are Louw and Kleinveldt but even their selections were regarded as footnotes to the future. Selectors did think Kleinveldt could offer the side something not just against Kenya and Bangladesh but against the likes of Australia and Louw was picked because he was apparently the best death bowler going and South Africa needed one.

Pretty difficult to get into the South African fold as players are not dumped on a regularly basis. Downfalls usually take years, not months and definitely not games. Pollock's demise was slow, Ntini's looks like it will be even slower.

And it was Mike Procter, a new selector who pushed the panic button after South Africa lost the test series to Australia at Durban and demanded new blood. Graeme Smith and Mickey Arthur were content with what they already had.

[Prince EWS]

Originally Posted by TT Boy

Not current policy and hasn't been for years. The likes of India routinely cap any seamer with form or promise in one of the many ODI's they play throughout the year and Australia usually chuck a Hail Mary bowler in during their summer (Dorey, Lewis, Harwood, Laughlin et cetera) but South Africa like to keep to the tried and tested.

The only see if the **** sticks type of bowlers they have tried recently are Louw and Kleinveldt but even their selections were regarded as footnotes to the future. Selectors did think Kleinveldt could offer the side something not just against Kenya and Bangladesh but against the likes of Australia and Louw was picked because he was apparently the best death bowler going and South Africa needed one.

Pretty difficult to get into the South African fold as players are not dumped on a regularly basis. Downfalls usually take years, not months and definitely not games. Pollock's demise was slow, Ntini's looks like it will be even slower.

The way it should be IMO. Selectors are way too reactionary on the whole and members of the public tend to be even moreso.

[aussie]

How much longer you saffies reckon Kallis will be able to contribute quality overs with the ball?. Odly in the IPL T20WC he seemed to be gaining more pace

[popepouri]

Originally Posted by aussie

How much longer you saffies reckon Kallis will be able to contribute quality overs with the ball?. Odly in the IPL T20WC he seemed to be gaining more pace

Up to retirement I reckon. He isn't showing signs of aging except maybe for his weight problem (which he is working on).