*Official* England in South Africa

[Jungle Jumbo]

What? But he wasn't born in South Africa? How can this be? I hope he gets booed on his return to play for them in Karachi...

I fear a huge exodus of Pakistani cricketers, unable to play cricket back at home due to the non-existence of international matches there, flooding to South Africa, who will then just become a laughing stock, dependent on Judas foreigners for their success. Shame on South Africa!

 

[GIMH]

Yeah jeez, at least I will be happy whoever wins the series now as I support England and Pakistan!

 

[zaremba]

Watching Graeme Smith's media performances after these last few Tests he's really impressed me. He's big enough to praise the opposition even after they've squeaked a draw. Good stuff.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

What? But he wasn't born in South Africa? How can this be? I hope he gets booed on his return to play for them in Karachi...

I fear a huge exodus of Pakistani cricketers, unable to play cricket back at home due to the non-existence of international matches there, flooding to South Africa, who will then just become a laughing stock, dependent on Judas foreigners for their success. Shame on South Africa!

Classic.

 

[Protean]

Saw half the SA team drowning their sorrows at Tiger Tiger last night - Smith looked really down.

 

[Manee]

Parnell and Tahir have been added to the squad. Harris is great and I'm happy for the guy but Tahir has much more ability and variation. I think he's worth a try.

Parnell is an odd selection - he hardly tore the house down for Kent (17 wickets & 31) and has not done fantastically well for his team in First Class cricket this year in South Africa (7 wickets at 48.28). I'm not saying he won't do well if he plays, but it seems an odd selection. Tahir has only had two games in Supersport series, himself, but obviously, he has been pretty successful for a few years now.

I do understand the problem with going strictly off domestic statistics, Louw looking nothing like international quality in his ODI games for SA and although ODI cricket is not a perfect judge, a few bowlers just do not look cut out for the higher level. Philander, similarly, will not tear apart Test nations with his bowling, he just lacks either great movement or a degree of speed and without one, I do not think you can be successful as a new pace bowler. What is the consensus like on Qunton Friend, he tops the wicket takers list and has a good career record?

 

[four_or_six]

What? But he wasn't born in South Africa? How can this be? I hope he gets booed on his return to play for them in Karachi...

I fear a huge exodus of Pakistani cricketers, unable to play cricket back at home due to the non-existence of international matches there, flooding to South Africa, who will then just become a laughing stock, dependent on Judas foreigners for their success. Shame on South Africa!

 

[popepouri]

 

[Woodster]

Parnell is an odd selection - he hardly tore the house down for Kent (17 wickets & 31) and has not done fantastically well for his team in First Class cricket this year in South Africa (7 wickets at 48.28). I'm not saying he won't do well if he plays, but it seems an odd selection. Tahir has only had two games in Supersport series, himself, but obviously, he has been pretty successful for a few years now.

I have been impressed when I have seen Parnell although that has mainly been in limited-overs cricket, Tests as we know are a different ball game. I'm presuming they are covering all bases with these two being called up. It gives cover should de Wet not recover from his niggle, it gives the option of playing two spinners, and also fielding five specialist bowlers, therefore slight chance they might both play, unlikely though.

 

[Briony]

I have been impressed when I have seen Parnell although that has mainly been in limited-overs cricket, Tests as we know are a different ball game. I'm presuming they are covering all bases with these two being called up. It gives cover should de Wet not recover from his niggle, it gives the option of playing two spinners, and also fielding five specialist bowlers, therefore slight chance they might both play, unlikely though.

If it's overcast and grassy, Parnell's ability to swing the ball and his left-arm variety might help SA's attack which can look a bit one-dimensional.

 

[popepouri]

Apparently Tahir is ineligible to play for SA. No reason has been given yet.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Apparently Tahir is ineligible to play for SA. No reason has been given yet.

oh?

Weird. Thought he was SA citizen thanks to his missus and last played for Pakistan "A" in April 2005, so he's well over the 4-years required.

Suppose it'll all come out in the wash.

 

[jwebber86]

Apparently Tahir is ineligible to play for SA. No reason has been given yet.

seems strange that they didnt check this first wouldnt of thought they would of made such a mistake.




i dont expect england to rest to many players. they keep going on about the sanctity of test matches so sending a second string eleven wouldnt be a good idea. i think a couple will be rested maybe strauss, colllingwood. they should also rotate the bowlers and just bring in one or two and have the majority of the test team staying on.

 

[TT Boy]

Apparently Tahir is ineligible to play for SA. No reason has been given yet.

Tahir qualified in accordance with the ICC regulations in April (the 1st...) last year but he doesn't have a South African passport. Beast Mtawarira plays for the Boks with a Zimbabwean passport so that isn't the issue. Most likely reason is someone from the government has told CSA that Tahir isn't "Seth African" like they did with Beast but he was already capped.

 

[TT Boy]

If it's overcast and grassy, Parnell's ability to swing the ball and his left-arm variety might help SA's attack which can look a bit one-dimensional.

He hasn't done that in Donkey's years. Parnell is there because there is no one else and they can't go back to Ntini.

Harris seems to be on the verge of getting dropped and South Africa going back to playing test cricket with no spinner. Next test series, away in India.

 

[Manee]

BTW, this is Parnell's last FC match, pretty average performance, itbt.

 

[Sir Alex]

BTW, this is Parnell's last FC match, pretty average performance, itbt.

It could be an inspired move like Sreesanth's. Sree was having a torrid domestic season when he was pitcked out of the blue for the SL test.

 

[Manee]

It could be an inspired move like Sreesanth's. Sree was having a torrid domestic season when he was pitcked out of the blue for the SL test.

I would not call it an inspired selection - he took a five wicket haul, three of which were off poor deliveries. He continued with three average innings performances.

 

[Sir Alex]

I would not call it an inspired selection - he took a five wicket haul, three of which were off poor deliveries. He continued with three average innings performances.

He also missed wickets of genuine rippers. Overall he had a splendid game and that is all that counts. Not just how he took wickets. It could be an exception but there is no denying Sree was outstanding in that match.

 

[wpdavid]

Anyway, Tahir's been withdrawn and the pitch is expected to be 'result' wicket, which makes sense. Best not to buy tickets in advance for Day 5 afaics.