*Official* Match 21 - England v South Africa

[SeamUp]

Question to the SA fans. How do you rate this team compared to the one featured in the 99WC?. Personally think, That side was a better batting unit but this side definitely has the advantage of having a good spinner and probably better in bowling on the whole.

Thats a difficult question, mate.

Before the squad left, our media was saying its the worst South Africa team ever sent to the WC.

I firmly believe that was due to the lack of all-rounders compared to the past but in the sub-continent specialist batsman and specialist bowlers work in ODI cricket unlike other parts of the world.

Thats my view anyway.

The 1999 side were strong for a period of time though...not just at that WC. Our 1992 side and 1996 side were also very good teams.

 

[SeamUp]

England's handling of Rashid has been very odd for a while now. If he's going to feature in any WC, surely the one in the SC should be the one.

He surely has to be the future of England spinning with Swann in both forms of the game. Both turn the ball in opposite directions with their stock balls as well.

 

[Prad100w]

Thats a difficult question, mate.

Before the squad left, our media was saying its the worst South Africa team ever sent to the WC.

I firmly believe that was due to the lack of all-rounders compared to the past but in the sub-continent specialist batsman and specialist bowlers work in ODI cricket unlike other parts of the world.

Thats my view anyway.

The 1999 side were strong for a period of time though...not just at that WC. Our 1992 side and 1996 side were also very good teams.

Yep lower middle order in the batting department was pretty good back them compared to now. I still would like to see them tested in this tournament. If that works out, this is the team to beat.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Surprised England also didn't bring Adil Rashid. Surely a better option than Yardy and Tredwell and he is a very good batsman.

Yeah well the selectors have got their selection correct here like they did with the keeper.

 

[shivfan]

Good knock by Bopara, who should never have been dropped, IMHO....

I still can't understand why England insist on weakening their batting lineup by playing Yardy so high.

A bowler needs to be dropped, and a batsman included, on these pitches....

 

[BoyBrumby]

In more positive talk, it's becoming increasingly hard to spot a flaw in this South Africa side.

Amla's beard is a bit ****, tbh.

That aside, it's all gravy.

 

[NUFAN]

Why on earth is Yardy bowling? It's Yardy ffs, I don't think he can actually take genuine wickets when batsman are under no pressure.

Swann has to come on pronto.

 

[wpdavid]

Yardy obviously in a hurry to get home.

Another great decision by our boys. Given that we need wickets-a-plenty, might not Swann have been a better bet than Yardy before Smith & Amla settle in?

 

[flibbertyjibber]

In more positive talk, it's becoming increasingly hard to spot a flaw in this South Africa side.

They will bottle it as usual when it comes to the crunch.

 

[Howe_zat]

England's handling of Rashid has been very odd for a while now. If he's going to feature in any WC, surely the one in the SC should be the one.

I can see why he'd be left out of the World Cup side, as his list A record is actually quite poor. Excluding him from the international set up entirely is just bizarre.

 

[SeamUp]

I can see why he'd be left out of the World Cup side, as his list A record is actually quite poor. Excluding him from the international set up entirely is just bizarre.

But could England do with him like Australia are doing with Steve Smith. Bat at 7 and bowl a few overs or am I rating his batting too much.

 

[Jono]

Yardy is so rubbish.

 

[Athlai]

Yardy isn't a wicket taker, this is ********. Do England think they're defending 280?

 

[flibbertyjibber]

But could England do with him like Australia are doing with Steve Smith. Bat at 7 and bowl a few overs or am I rating his batting too much.

No you aren't, he is a better bowler than Smith and just as good a bat, he'd be in my team but hey Yardy is a wonderful cricketer and superior in all areas of the game.

 

[Howsie]

No you aren't, he is a better bowler than Smith and just as good a bat, he'd be in my team but hey Yardy is a wonderful cricketer and superior in all areas of the game.

I haven't seen a lot of Rashid with the bat but I find that hard to agree with.

 

[Prad100w]

What an over from Swann!!!

 

[TT Boy]

Don't think Smith has timed a ball all WC. Looks hopelessly out of touch.

 

[Jamee999]

I've just woken up...why are spinners opening the bowling? Is it some ridiculous dusty pitch?

 

[flibbertyjibber]

I've just woken up...why are spinners opening the bowling? Is it some ridiculous dusty pitch?

Go back to bed, nothing to see here.

It is turning but they chose 2 spinners and opened the bowling with the spud. Good plans England.

 

[social]

Don't think Smith has timed a ball all WC. Looks hopelessly out of touch.

Tbf, seems to have been out of touch for months