ICC World Cup Group Game 22: Australia v South Africa @ Basseterre (Sat/Sun)

[Russian]

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/6052/cwcnh4.gif
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4149/aus8ir.gif vs http://img446.imageshack.us/img446/1605/rsaip3.gif
Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts
12:30am AEDT Sunday March 25

Finally the tournament starts for the top two teams in the world, after a couple of net sessions against Scotland and the Netherlands. Consequently there’s no recent form to consider, with Australia’s last real game their fifth loss in a row, and South Africa completing what was, apart from one game, a demolition of Pakistan, following similar treatment for fellow first round exitees India two months earlier. The result is of no relevance to the group stage but may well decide who finishes top after the super eights, and therefore gets to play the lower ranked team in the semi. Another flat pitch and the ground hasn’t got any bigger, but with both sides only managing 350ish when batting first against the minnows it doesn’t look like the 400 totals some have been predicting are under threat today, and the early life even on a 3rd day pitch should see the captain of the side who bowls first getting the first interview.

Australia have brought in Andrew Symonds returning from bicep surgery and not fully match fit, with Hodge making way despite his minnow bashing, while Shaun Tait will be put to the test against some quality batsmen. For some reason the Australians are strongish favourites for this game, with supposed reasons including the unworthy selection of black players, and a lack of form in the top order. Perhaps there are some problems in the squad due to the quota system, but only Prince’s spot is seriously questionable in the XI in this form of the game, and his Test form was good enough to earn him a chance anyway. Besides, the other option is another ‘player of colour’, in Loots Bosman. Langeveldt vs Nel is a 50-50 decision, with Langeveldt’s skin colour just helping him win the toss, while the selections of Gibbs and Ntini cannot be questioned. As for the top order, de Villiers scored 3 50s (2 unbeaten) and a 43 against Pakistan, while Smith passed 50 twice (unbeaten once) along with 15 in the loss and a first baller in the last game. Kallis at 3 was similarly strong.

Australia XI: +Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, *Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussey, Shane Watson, Brad Hogg, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath, Shaun Tait

South Africa XV: *Graeme Smith, Loots Bosman, +AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Justin Kemp, +Mark Boucher, Andrew Hall, Shaun Pollock, Robin Peterson, Andre Nel, Roger Telemachus, Makhaya Ntini, Charl Langeveldt

Umpires: Steve Bucknor (Jamaica), Mark Benson (England), Tony Hill (3rd, New Zealand)

Weather:
Showers possible, 28 degrees

Coverage:
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/6499/fs3mc5.gif – live from 12:15am AEDT
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/4852/2jl4.gif local radio – live coverage from 12:30am AEDT
and Cricinfo (http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/247478.html)’s ball by ball text commentary

Session Times:
First innings: 12:30-4:00am
Second innings: 4:45-8:15am

Betting:
Australia - $1.60
South Africa - $2.20
Australia Most Runs
Ponting - $3.75
Gilchrist - $4.25
Hayden - $5
Clarke - $6
Hussey - $6.50
Symonds - $7.50
Watson - $15
Hogg - $51
Bracken - $151
Tait - $251
McGrath - $801
South Africa Most Runs
Smith - $4
Kallis - $4
Gibbs - $5
De Villiers - $5.50
Prince - $7
Bosman - $8
Boucher - $9
Kemp - $13
Pollock - $23
Hall - $51
Langeveldt - $151
Nel - $151
Ntini - $251
Peterson - $251
Telemachus - $251
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/2811/tabln1.gif

[eddiesmith]

South Africa should rip apart the out of form Aussie top order

[Power21]

South Africa should rip apart the out of form Aussie top order

In ya dreams.

[Kahuna]

Boucher seems like good value, I am expecting a South Africa top and high mid order collapse, the usual situation where Boucher saves them for embarassment.

[Betfair Punter]

Australia at $1.70 as safe as bank money in my opinion

some novelty bets:

Ponting 1.77 v 2.16 Kallis, ponting should win the H2H

Top Australia Batsman, ponting should win at $4.30

[Richo83]

Finally, a test. Finally a match worth watching the full 100 overs for.

Symonds for Hodge is an interesting one that I don't fully agree with. And out of form Hussey or a Clark would have been an option, but Hodge, who has hit some form after limited game time is a odd selection. I hope Symonds shines because if he doesn't, Hodge will feel gibbed.

I know its been Scotland and the Netherlands, but for mine South Africa have looked sharper. All of their top order have fired, ours hasn't (Hussey 4 and 2 in the last two innings) they haven't lost two series recently. Their top bowling lineup is fit and firing. They haven't rushed an injured player back into the side. I wouldn't be surprised if South Africa beat Australia, they absolutely torched the dutch, we beat them in a fashion expected of a minnow.

Australia SHOULD bat first. It should. Basseterre, where we have played our other group matches on is a flat pitch and it would be wise for us to put up a decent total. People may shout 438 but I doubt that will happen again and I doubt Australia's ability to chase, especially as last time they chased in an ODI it went horribly wrong. Australia's batting lineup isn't settled enough IMO to be organized enough to chase down a 300 total if it happens. Symonds should be let to swing high, not have to build an innings to win.

Anyway, while this match doesn't matter much in determining if Australia makes it past the group stage, in my mind, if any nation is capable of beating Australia for the prize, its the saffas. This victory would be crucial to building Australia's momentum and confidence. SA should be favorites, but they're not. Russian, you say that no team has come close to making 400, SA would have if they had have had 50 overs against Netherlands. Nevertheless, theres a difference between Ntini and can clog, and so the goalposts should be shifted. A good opening total would be 280-310, maybe a bit higher. I doubt a total below 200 will happen, this pitch is just so flat and good.

I'm not going to make any predictions because if SA get their stuff together they could thrash Australia. Conversely if Australia does likewise Australia could have a massive win. More likely this will be a close match and should blow out some cobwebs for both sides. Good luck to Australia, I'm hoping for us to finally play some good cricket but a fit and firing SA team would be something.

[King Elvis]

I just hope to Christ we only use Watson as a part-time bowler.

Watson mustn't bowl 10 overs.

[likka]

Reasons why Aussies may not win:

Symonds injured and not in form.
Watson never in form.
Hayden as consistent as Melbourne weather.
No Brett Lee and Brad Hodge.
Saffa team more settled and consistent.
Aussies inability to defend large totals.

Reasons why Aussies may win:

Mental edge (ie Saffas choking history).
Ponting & Hussey due a big score.

I am picking Saffas as a value bet, but Aussies should be favourite. I just think we have too many dodgey selections that will leave the usual suspects to carry the team.

[m.diddy]

Gibbs to top score.
I'm expecting another run fest.

[King Elvis]

McGrath.

The Great Man will deliver, once again.

[bus24]

South Africa to win here. Then fall in a screaming heap when we meet them in the semis or the final.

[Richo83]

Reasons why Aussies may not win:

Symonds injured and not in form.
Watson never in form.
Hayden as consistent as Melbourne weather.
No Brett Lee and Brad Hodge.
Saffa team more settled and consistent.
Aussies inability to defend large totals.

Reasons why Aussies may win:

Mental edge (ie Saffas choking history).
Ponting & Hussey due a big score.

I am picking Saffas as a value bet, but Aussies should be favourite. I just think we have too many dodgey selections that will leave the usual suspects to carry the team.

Agree with everything except for Ponting is due for a big score, he's scored three centuries in this year alone and been in great form, if anything he's due for a shocker.

[matty p]

Agree with everything except for Ponting is due for a big score, he's scored three centuries in this year alone and been in great form, if anything he's due for a shocker.

The thing with Ponting is he's due a big score just about every 2nd innings he plays now.

[DIG]

Australia to set 340, Saffies to just fail to chase it down.

[Grimreepah]

I'm leaning slightly towards South Africa winning this one.

[Star]

South Africa to win here. Then fall in a screaming heap when we meet them in the semis or the final.

Agree with this but more so the Aussies peaking later in the tournament

A very long tournament!

[Romeo]

South Africa should rip apart the out of form Aussie top order

I don't think Pollock and Ntini are in top form either with the latter arriving in the Caribbean quite late due to fatherly duties. And their backup bowlers are sus, especially Langeveldt and Kallis.

[Grimwood]

Reasons why Aussies may win:

Mental edge (ie Saffas choking history).
Ponting & Hussey due a big score.



What about Hogg? He's looked to have found a bit of form.

[Richo83]

The thing with Ponting is he's due a big score just about every 2nd innings he plays now.

Yeah true.

[likka]

What about Hogg? He's looked to have found a bit of form.

Dunno why, but I think he will get a pasting tonight. Hope I'm wrong though, he is a key if we are to win.

[johnnyhoward]

Australia at $1.70 as safe as bank money in my opinion

some novelty bets:

Ponting 1.77 v 2.16 Kallis, ponting should win the H2H

Top Australia Batsman, ponting should win at $4.30
SA at 2.30 are value in my opinion, but I just can't bet against Australia unless I know for certain we're going to lose. We should win but SA are a big show.

This match has huge permutations on the tournament, can't wait.

[danzan22]

I know the general opinion is that watson is a hack but 1 in a few games he produces some goods, 15$ for top run scorer might be worth a little bet.

[Grimwood]

I know the general opinion is that watson is a hack but 1 in a few games he produces some goods, 15$ for top run scorer might be worth a little bet.

Batting at seven though? Australia would need to collapse.

[danzan22]

Batting at seven though? Australia would need to collapse.
Woops, did not see the order, thought he was batting higher.

[Romeo]

Muppet puts us in to bat.

[mulhollanddrive]

Graeme Smith had commented on the Symonds issue. "It's going to be risky, he hasn't played much for a while now. He's going into a game with a lot of unknowns about him and he's going to be carrying a lot of responsibility. We're prepared for it and we'll take it as it comes.

"I think he [Symonds] realises there is going to be a lot of pressure on everybody going into tomorrow. He's a cricketer coming back into such a big game after a lay-off, and it will be a huge challenge for him. He's produced some terrific performances for Australia in all facets and he's a guy you've got to respect, but I guess under pressure you're going to see whether he's ready or not."

Smell the fear, he has hoped Symonds wouldnt play for 2 months, they seem pre-occupied with his selection.

[Romeo]

Graeme Smith had commented on the Symonds issue. "It's going to be risky, he hasn't played much for a while now. He's going into a game with a lot of unknowns about him and he's going to be carrying a lot of responsibility. We're prepared for it and we'll take it as it comes.

"I think he [Symonds] realises there is going to be a lot of pressure on everybody going into tomorrow. He's a cricketer coming back into such a big game after a lay-off, and it will be a huge challenge for him. He's produced some terrific performances for Australia in all facets and he's a guy you've got to respect, but I guess under pressure you're going to see whether he's ready or not."

Smell the fear, he has hoped Symonds wouldnt play for 2 months, they seem pre-occupied with his selection.


They're preoccupied with us period. They model their domestic system on us. They look at us as the exempla in every sense. And yes they were counting on him not playing no matter what he says.

[eddiesmith]

Graeme Smith had commented on the Symonds issue. "It's going to be risky, he hasn't played much for a while now. He's going into a game with a lot of unknowns about him and he's going to be carrying a lot of responsibility. We're prepared for it and we'll take it as it comes.

"I think he [Symonds] realises there is going to be a lot of pressure on everybody going into tomorrow. He's a cricketer coming back into such a big game after a lay-off, and it will be a huge challenge for him. He's produced some terrific performances for Australia in all facets and he's a guy you've got to respect, but I guess under pressure you're going to see whether he's ready or not."

Smell the fear, he has hoped Symonds wouldnt play for 2 months, they seem pre-occupied with his selection.
Fear? Hahaha, classic :p

[mulhollanddrive]

Would be afraid of:

1999
Having 2 chances to knock us out of the world cup in 1999.
Having us 3/40 chasing 280, and not being able to defend it.
Dropping the world cup.
Not able to chase 215 in a semi-final.
Getting run out needing a single run to win the game.

2003
Stuffing up DL.
Boucher blocking a delivery when he needed a single run, knocked out in the group stage.

If they did something similar to not win the cup, it would be 8 years of mental capitulation in the big game tournament.

[Lidge]

Muppet puts us in to bat.

Saffers in defensive & choke mode before a ball is even bowled!

[lyall]

So let it begin

[mulhollanddrive]

Where's the Telemarketer? Not confident that he can bowl less than 18 off 1 ball?

[Kahuna]

God damn I wanted to see Tait bowl, I am not staying up to see it.

[ViperV10]

Is ABC radio covering this match at all? I noticed in the opening post there was something about local radio at 12:30....but Melbourne local radio has bloody country music on.

[mulhollanddrive]

Viper, im waiting for it as well. they covered the other group matches, so they'll probably be on at 12:30, which is now.

[ViperV10]

Thanks Mulholland...they are going there now.

[Lidge]

Bit of zip in the pitch.

In for the long haul (despite an early start on the juice). Going to be a long night, but rapt to see a real contest after the warmups.

Good start. Must play a few shots against Pollock. If we can take 50+ off his 10 overs we win. Simple as that.

[mulhollanddrive]

Hayden, forward push, 4 runs.

Extremely fast outfield, only 50 metre boundaries down the ground.

320+ is what I'm after.

[Betfair Punter]

Well now we've seen wicket and Aussies batting now I think Aus will win this match and I am very confident about that.Will score way too many runs for Saffers to chase down

[eddiesmith]

Well now we've seen wicket and Aussies batting now I think Aus will win this match and I am very confident about that.Will score way too many runs for Saffers to chase down
Interesting, the Saffers do have the world record run chase against Australia and was only the last time they played

[Lidge]

Shot!

http://www.cricket-online.com/images/players/GILCHRIST_ADAM_ODI_PULLS_CLOSEUP.jpg

[mulhollanddrive]

ABC radio saying its been a nervous start by Pollock and Ntini. No surprise really.

[Bartram_Class]

Great start so far, even Haydos looks like he is going to get on with it today. Gilly is due a big score, could this be the day?

350+ score on the cards. Hayden's push in the 1st over showed all you need to know about this ground, plenty of runs.

[Lidge]

Top Shelf!

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39436000/jpg/_39436056_hayden_dressing203.jpg

[Romeo]

As I said earlier Ntini and Pollock haven't looked that good so far this tournament. Actually Hayden and Gilly are finding them a lot tastier than the Dutch and Scottish attacks. And Ntini hasn't been here that long; it's showing.

[mulhollanddrive]

Yeah that Symonds is under a lot of pressure. 0/33 off 4 overs, a bit more concentrating on your own team Smithy!

[johnnyhoward]

Nice start.

But as always the problem is going to be with our bowling and our weakness at defending totals. I would have preferred to bowl first.

[Romeo]

Yeah that Symonds is under a lot of pressure. 0/33 off 4 overs, a bit more concentrating on your own team Smithy!

He knows his team his crap so he has to try and psyche us out but it never works. He said he wanted to bowl first so he knows what to chase. Memo - you'll be chasing a lot with this mob of pie chuckers bowling. What a poor attack they have for these type of pitches.

[danzan22]

Haydos is destroying pollock.

[Bartram_Class]

Haydos :eek:

Two in a row, bloody hell, how good is this?

[King Elvis]

I have an erection.

[Lidge]

Who ate all the pies?

Dunno. But I do know who's throwing 'em!:D :D

[sherb]

Conditions look very...err...batsman friendly here.

Hayden has just swatted Pollock for 17 off five balls (4 0 6 6 1), and the 50 is up in the fifth over.

:eek:

[danzan22]

50 is already up :D

[mulhollanddrive]

Where's Kerry Okeefe? If he were commentating thatd be the only thing better than 0/50 off 5 overs.

[Grimreepah]

Haydos 27(11):eek:

[Romeo]

Haydos 27(11):eek:

So much for those who wanted Watson to bat first.

[Fire]

Well, its getting boring now.

[Blues_Man]

This is awesome stuff ..watching Gilly and Hayden teeing off on these seffie bowlers ...Fleming who is comentating is speechless :D

[Grimreepah]

Anyone got stats on the fastest 50 for an opener?

[mulhollanddrive]

Eddie Smith has done his disappearing act... Look forward to taking on Kenya in the super eights.

[eddiesmith]

Anyone got stats on the fastest 50 for an opener?
Nowhere near it as he has already passed the balls

17 balls for Sanath Jayasuria which is also the all time record for any position against the Pakis in 96

[Jimbob]

Any internet audio on this match?

[red+black]

Anyone got stats on the fastest 50 for an opener?

Jayasuriya 17 balls

[Romeo]

On track for 500 and that will be enough!

[red+black]

Any internet audio on this match?

ABC radio

[eddiesmith]

Looking at those fastest 50's, Marto got one off 22 balls? :eek:

[Jimbob]

ABC radio

Link? The ABC online website is hopeless

[Betfair Punter]

Great decisions by smith to insert

Saffers one dimensional bowling showing why they will not win this tourny http://site.forum.betfair.com/jive3/betex/images/emoticons/wink.gif ..... its a good job for them that they playing aussies today and know that they too will be mullering the similar one dimensional aussie bowling later http://site.forum.betfair.com/jive3/betex/images/emoticons/shocked.gif

[mulhollanddrive]

This could be the perfect match for a Shaun Tait. If all the bowlers are going for 6-7 an over, then his economy rate isnt going to be that much of a disadvantage, while his wicket taking could be match turning.

[red+black]

Link? The ABC online website is hopeless

nope, looks like they are not streaming on radio.

[Jimbob]

nope, looks like they are not streaming on radio.

As I thought!

[red+black]

As I thought!

i just assumed cos i'm listening to the radio. online they're playing some country music crap :rolleyes:

[mulhollanddrive]

From the looks of things I'm upgrading my good score total from 320 to 350+. The ground is just a postage stamp and outfield is like carpet.

[Romeo]

From the looks of things I'm upgrading my good score total from 320 to 350+. The ground is just a postage stamp and outfield is like carpet.


400 shouldn't be that difficult to get at this rate.

[usalion]

South Africa should rip apart the out of form Aussie top order

Doing a marvelous job so far....
0 for 76, with Matty pounding the pelota all around the paddock

[Grimreepah]

Could this be the game where someone gets a double century?

[Betfair Punter]

Australia $5.00 to score 400+

78/0 (10.1)

[DonMania#5]

Could this be the game where someone gets a double century?
Hopefully Haydos, Got him captain in Dreamteam :thumbsu:

[Wrecking Ball]

Nice to be all on the same team eh? Good start boys but I reckon we'll need 400 by the sound of the wicket. If these two stay in for a while it could be big bickies

[usalion]

Huge six from Gilly- taking the Saffie staff downtown.....

[Lidge]

Shot of the tournament (even though it was 'only' a 4)

[Grimreepah]

Haydos brings up his fifty from 37 balls.

[RoosterLad]

Just got home and after the Socceroos beat China the Aussie Cricket Team are off to a good start.

[mulhollanddrive]

Who's their 6th bowler? I think a bowler could go for 100 on this deck.

[usalion]

Aussies showing their true class in the first match in four years that really means anything.
Hayden with his 50- what a destructive shot!

[Wolfpac]

Wasn't that a nice shot to bring up his 50.

Will this match be another 400+ game against South Africa?

[usalion]

Missed the opening- any reason for smith putting us in on what looks like a fantatstic batting pitch?

[mulhollanddrive]

Could be worse for Saffies, no extras as yet.

[mulhollanddrive]

usalion - They think they can chase against us... we'll see.

[Romeo]

Missed the opening- any reason for smith putting us in on what looks like a fantatstic batting pitch?


He said at the toss that he didn't know what score would be a good score to make first up so he wanted to chase.

Kemp is their 6th bowler, Kallis is always expensive against us and muppet sometimes bowls a few.

[eddiesmith]

Missed the opening- any reason for smith putting us in on what looks like a fantatstic batting pitch?
Could be because of the Aussies fantastic record lately of defending :D

[Kingpin]

Some big 6's so far, 100 up in under 14 overs :thumbsu:

[sherb]

Missed the opening- any reason for smith putting us in on what looks like a fantatstic batting pitch?
I missed the opening too.

Not only is the pitch very "flat", the ground is small and the carpet looks very carpet-like.

A recipe for runs by the looks of it. :eek:

[Kingpin]

Another four to Gilly.

PS: Sherb thanks for that yesterday too mate :thumbsu:

[SBI]

Mark Nicholas is the most cringeworthy commentator alive.

[eddiesmith]

What a soft dismissal

[mulhollanddrive]

Gilchrist gone... Great start though, and Ponting would be short odds for 3 figures.

[Tapee]

Anyone still thinking Watson should open in Hayden's place?

[Grimreepah]

Bugger