**Official** South Africa in England 2012

[Dan]

I think number 6 is often seen as the slot for a batsman who bowls a little, rather than a specialist. Bopara wasn't picked for his bowling but with four bowlers you need other options, ideally a bit better than Trott.

Prior would probably be a better number 6 than Bopara/Bairstow/Morgan/Patel in the short term, and it would let you bring in Woakes at 7.

Don't think there's much difference between Trott and Bopara's bowling tbh. It's the difference between a 0.6% and a 0.4% chance of a wicket.

If they want a fifth bowling option it should probably be a left-arm tweaker. I'm surprised Patel still hasn't been tried there. Also, it would be a bit left-field but Ian Blackwell's been very, very good this past few seasons.

Bopara's Test bowling average sits at 290. Surely anyone would be an improvement in that respect. Wouldn't want to go to Ian Blackwell though, IMO.

 

[grecian]

I must be really desperate, I just looked up Steven Croft and James Tredwell on cricinfo, wondering how good a season they were having.

 

[Spark]

Man I wish ABdV had got the bails off there, would have looked so awesome on the slow-mo.

 

[Jacknife]

Nearly gave another away then, sort it out.

 

[grecian]

Stop ****ing sweeping, you ****s.

 

[Spark]

Has Prior completely taken leave of his senses? What the **** was that shot?

 

[Stumpcam]

Nearly gave another away then, sort it out.

Yeah, Bell looked half asleep. It's not lunch just yet.

Another no-ball from Tahir, why doesn't he just move his mark back a few inches?

 

[GIMH]

How's Colly doing this season?

 

[Stumpcam]

How's Colly doing this season?

Saw him down the pensions office the other day.

 

[Jacknife]

It's nearly as important to keep the runs ticking over as it is not to get out but still stop the stupid shots.

Saving the test match and in the last 10 going at 3.5 rpo hmmm.

 

[Expressway76]

Has Prior completely taken leave of his senses? What the **** was that shot?

Watching Prior bat to try and save a match is like Russian roulette. It's only a matter of time before he ****s up an expansive stroke that he shouldn't even be trying in a million years.

 

[Burgey]

England fighting hard here, as you would expect from a good side. Been a fair effort this session from these two by the sounds of it. Kudos to Prior on playing this pretty well from the little I've seen so far.

 

[grecian]

Thank god for Extras, or we'd be in even deeper ****. 80 not out.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

England fighting hard here, as you would expect from a good side. Been a fair effort this session from these two by the sounds of it. Kudos to Prior on playing this pretty well from the little I've seen so far.

Given us a chance anyway. First session England have won since the middle one on day 1.

Survive this match and people might have to stop calling Bell a softcock.

 

[grecian]

It's nearly as important to keep the runs ticking over as it is not to get out but still stop the stupid shots.

Saving the test match and in the last 10 going at 3.5 rpo hmmm.

Oh agreed, but it's got to be with sane shots, sweeping on a fifth day pitch, that's got a bit of uneven bounce, is just madness.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Interesting decision for Kirsten & co for the 2nd test. Obviously de Villiers's keeping's not up to snuff, but it'd be harsh in the extreme to drop one of Duminy or Rudolph as neither got anywhere near the crease.

Peterson to go & Amla to open, maybe?

 

[Burgey]

Given us a chance anyway. First session England have won since the middle one on day 1.

Survive this match and people might have to stop calling Bell a softcock.

No. No I won't.

 

[Stumpcam]

Thank god for Extras, or we'd be in even deeper ****. 80 not out.

A huge 26 of those are no-balls!

England bowled just 2 in 189 overs.

 

[Spark]

Quality Test cricket. Persistent, probing bowling and for the most part determined, sensible batting.

 

[LegionOfBrad]

Watching Prior bat to try and save a match is like Russian roulette. It's only a matter of time before he ****s up an expansive stroke that he shouldn't even be trying in a million years.

Are you talking about the no ball he edged? He heard the call and had a waft which is fair enough.

Edit oh the sweep yep stupid in the extreme.