**Official** New Zealand in South Africa

[Flem274*]

Watling is ten times the batsman now than the one who opened for us way back when.

Granted, Watling mk I was setting a Franklin-esque bar, but I've been very impressed with his composure and his technique today.

 

[benchmark00]

South Africa Cricket News: Jacques Kallis reopens death penalty debate after cricketer murdered | ESPN Cricinfo

So when did Cricinfo turn into a tabloid?

Just another case of Cricinfo influencing legislation.

 

[Meridio]

If ever there was a time for Franklin to prove himself as a batsman, it's now. Surely this is his last chance.

 

[Zinzan]

Damn that wicket. I was really looking forward spending the lunch break speculating about NZ getting a 200 run lead and rolling them for 150.

 

[Flem274*]

Mark Richardson isn't a Kippax subscriber.

 

[Blakey]

Watling is ten times the batsman now than the one who opened for us way back when.

Granted, Watling mk I was setting a Franklin-esque bar, but I've been very impressed with his composure and his technique today.

Yeah his composure is good considering that on any other day he would have been out a bazillion times to either Peterson or Kallis.

Seriously playing back constantly to the spinner has to catch up to him at some point...

 

[Howsie]

I don't think Flynn should open. He's deceptive in that he is very conservative and has an excellent defensive technique but he never looks likely against the new ball. Most of his good innings have been down at 5 or 6.

If Ryder comes back (and I still think it's a big if) he might well have to if he wants to stay in the team. I'm with you in that he should be batting down the order at six but with Guptill being completely useless I reckon he's the best option going around at the moment to open with McCullum.

 

[Mike5181]

Yeah his composure is good considering that on any other day he would have been out a bazillion times to either Peterson or Kallis.

Seriously playing back constantly to the spinner has to catch up to him at some point...

Yeah, it's a bit of worry. Both Brownlie and Watling do it.

 

[DingDong]

dammit if only we didn't lose that wicket

 

[Stapel]

I have a question for South Africans here:

As we hear quite some words through the stump mic, I noticed a lot of the talk is in Afrikaans. I think I picked up "Laat hom nie van die voorvoet speel nie" (don't let him play of the front foot). Not really sure as I don't really speak Afrikaans. Anyway, I was a surprised a bit. Afrikaans cannot be the lingua franca within this team, right? It's hard to believe they all understand it properly!

 

[Garson007]

Afrikaans is actually pretty well known in South Africa, even when it's not the mother tongue or English. In fact, iirc, more people understand Afrikaans than English.

 

[Blakey]

Yeah, it's a bit of worry. Both Brownlie and Watling do it.

Re Brownlie I wonder if his technique to the spinner is spill over from his all round batting technique. He's better off the back foot to the quicks right?

 

[Stapel]

Afrikaans is actually pretty well known in South Africa, even when it's not the mother tongue or English. In fact, iirc, more people understand Afrikaans than English.

I've been to SA and my conclusion was that English is everyone's 2nd language. In shops, bars, restaurant, gas stations, supermarkets, museums, sports stadiums, just everywhere. According to wiki 13 % of the Saffers speak Afrikaans as a first language, and 10% English as a first language.

I'm just curious!

 

[Spiced]

The majority South Africans speak or understand at least 2 to 3 languages.

 

[Garson007]

I don't enjoy the sight of Morkel with the new ball - will inevitably waste it.

 

[Flem274*]

Watling looks so young.

 

[Spiced]

Will this be the last session of the match?

It looks more to me NZ will get a lead of about 20 to 30 before tea time.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

Is Philly injured? Or are South Africa insulting us again by trying to finish the game without risking him. Fair enough if so, snowflake hell etc.

edit: good call albert

 

[ohnoitsyou]

Watling looks so young.

thats what ive been saying and getting ridiculed for since forever

 

[Flem274*]

Franklin's technique is so bad.