View Full Version : No 5-tests series against SA until 2021
The South Africans have dug in their heels a bit over the boxing day Test. They want to play in SA on that day. Fair enough - it's a great day to go to the cricket.
http://www.cricinfo.com/southafrica/content/current/story/485443.html
Anyway, the Aussies have said they wont play anywhere except Australia on Boxing Day, the South Africans have said 'why don't you come over here for a game' etc, claim counter-claim, result - no full test series against SA for at least 10 years.
We will play 3-tests series against them (probably November over here, March over there), but it's a bit disappointing. 5-tests summers are nearly always better than 2 x 3-tests series.
I don't blame the South Africans one bit - they should be able to play on Boxing Day at home. (The Kiwis have been doing it for years now, as well). While it's a great tradition, I don't think we have any right to it (it didn't start in Australia until the 1970s).
whats_at_stake
5 Nov 2010, 08:07
As much as I love long test series, with the introduction of the Test Championship I would hope for fairness every team plays each other in 3 match Test series.
ManWithNoName
5 Nov 2010, 09:29
Why don't we go there for Boxing Day?
Because 60,000>5,000
Selective Retention
5 Nov 2010, 09:32
When was the last time we played a 5 test series against South Africa?
We always seem to play 3 here and then 3 there in quick succession.
When was the last time we played a 5 test series against South Africa?
We always seem to play 3 here and then 3 there in quick succession.
We haven't since the 60's. It's all been 3 match series since they've been let back in.
Belnakor
5 Nov 2010, 10:02
We'll just do the normal thing. 3 tests against SA, a couple of micky mouse ODI, another 3 test series against NZ, Pak or Sri Lanka and then over to SA for another 3 tests
frankrizzo
5 Nov 2010, 10:05
The South Africans have dug in their heels a bit over the boxing day Test. They want to play in SA on that day. Fair enough - it's a great day to go to the cricket.
The south african's might have a more valid point if they got more paying customers.
The only time you see decent crowds in south africa for tests is when they bus in non paying school kids or the barmy army is in town.
Cousin Jed
5 Nov 2010, 10:08
I don't blame the South Africans one bit - they should be able to play on Boxing Day at home. (The Kiwis have been doing it for years now, as well). While it's a great tradition, I don't think we have any right to it (it didn't start in Australia until the 1970s).
Australia's not denying them that right - they have just said that we won't be touring there then.
Leaves a bit of a hole in the 4 year cycle though with India and England for 2 of the 4 years, and the current state of NZ/WI/Pakistan cricket. Given the huge Sri Lankan crowd the other night and their current test ranking, I wonder if they will get them to fill in a year.
ManWithNoName
5 Nov 2010, 10:15
I can't remember the last time we played Sri Lanka in a Test at the MCG.
I can't remember the last time we played Sri Lanka in a Test at the MCG.
How could you forget that match? ;)
I agree it would be nice to play Sri Lanka in a full test series here for once, and to play over there again.
BarneyBent
5 Nov 2010, 11:27
Weird, I still think of 2021 as being in about 20 years' time.
Johnson#26
5 Nov 2010, 18:27
Same..
stmookeyj
6 Nov 2010, 01:06
I can't remember the last time we played Sri Lanka in a Test at the MCG.
Darrell Hair and Murali say hi.
Pevers-Legend
6 Nov 2010, 10:03
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/south-africa-drops-off-our-christmas-list/story-e6frf9if-1225948590677
So the Saffers have finally cracked it. 10 year boycott of the X-mas tour.
No biggie really as long as they tour here at other times.
80k at the G cannot be surpassed as an event, not ever in South Africa.
Until they start packing stadiums, good on CA for saying no.
Hellgood
6 Nov 2010, 10:07
Third thread on this mate. And they are all on the first page.
ManWithNoName
6 Nov 2010, 10:13
Darrell Hair and Murali say hi.
I was about 7 or 8 when that match was played. I meant slightly more recently than that. Surely that wasn't the last time we played a Test against them at the 'G?
Bomber Bears
6 Nov 2010, 10:31
I'd say so. The last times they've toured theyve been on the first few tests of the season, Brisbane Hobart.
ManWithNoName
6 Nov 2010, 10:43
I'd say so. The last times they've toured theyve been on the first few tests of the season, Brisbane Hobart.
They did that Top End tour thing for a couple of years.