SA v Aus - First Test wash up.

[Gough]

Hold my hands up and say I didn't expect this and I'm trying to work out whether we're starting to put together a really good team or South Africa were poor. Our bowling attack was superb once again and it was only Ussie and Bancroft in the first innings that were found wanting. So changes, yah or nah?

 

[Bad Horse]

Changes nah for now.

Also surprised. Our bowling attack was just more threatening than theirs. Both our batting lineups look vulnerable.

Will be intriguing to see what pitch is served up next. Anyone for Kermit the frog?

 

[frankrizzo]

I don't see any batting changes for the series not when the only backup is handscomb.

 

[archibald]

Pretty over Usman. For someone with his experience he seems rather rigid in his batting approach.

When he was first dropped they asked for him to improve his ability to rotate the strike and I've never really seen a change in that regard. Now he's either led footed or prancing every ball to the spinners, just not intelligent batting. That reverse sweep was also putrid

Big positive was M Marsh. Great innings and has immensely improved and proven me and many others wrong. Hope it can continue

 

[Woody15]

I dont see any changes for the 2nd test.

Itll be interesting to see what type of pitch is dished up though.

 

[Pykie]

Hold my hands up and say I didn't expect this and I'm trying to work out whether we're starting to put together a really good team or South Africa were poor. Our bowling attack was superb once again and it was only Ussie and Bancroft in the first innings that were found wanting. So changes, yah or nah?

We’ve got one of the best bowling attacks we’ve ever had, simple.

 

[ezard15]

Why is it we seem to play better over there than we do when they come here? (and vice versa).

Or is that not the case?

 

[Blue1980]

Why is it we seem to play better over there than we do when they come here? (and vice versa).

Or is that not the case?

I think it’s been a bit coincidental recently. It’s basically 50-50 whether it’s home or away as the conditions are so similar. Last time our side was all over the shop, and this time we have a more settled team and they have a few guys getting towards the end.

In 2009 and 2014 we had peak Johnson

 

[melanChronic]

Concerned that a few of Lyon's old demons resurfaced in that last innings. Has often struggled in that situation when as a spinner he feels the pressure to bowl the side to victory, and gets himself into a frantic zone where he loses control of his plans. South Africans played him well and he bowled a few good spells, but we can't afford him tensing up in the clinch moments and reverting to darts.

Maharaj definitely outbowled him, hopefully Lyon can respond in the 2nd test on a deck that is supposed to offer a bit to spinners as well.

 

[Fat Nyfe]

Why is it we seem to play better over there than we do when they come here? (and vice versa).

Or is that not the case?

Yes it's been the case for the last 4 or 5 series I think, where the away team has won. Bit bizzare, even despite the similar conditions between SA and Aus, considering how bad most sides are away from home

 

[frankrizzo]

It is great for test cricket that's for sure, with no pak vs india series this is really the only contest where home advantage isn't the key factor.

 

[Woody15]

I don't see any batting changes for the series not when the only backup is handscomb.

Hopefully Bancroft can build on his 50 in the second innings.

Its important he makes some runs to avoid a complete restructure of the batting order considering Handscomb is the backup.

 

[010203]

No need for Australia to contemplate changes at this point. Might change depending on the result in P.E. Bancroft's 50 in the 2nd dig has alleviated some of the pressure on him heading into Friday's 2nd test.

I don't think SA should panic. They lost this test after they bowled out so cheaply on day 2. They did well to ensure they weren't chasing 450+.

 

[Power Raid]

I'm an advocate for change whenever Ussie's name appears

Our bowling attack was fantastic and Lyon's strike rate is becoming very warne like

 

[frankrizzo]

I don't think SA should panic. They lost this test after they bowled out so cheaply on day 2. They did well to ensure they weren't chasing 450+.

Not much they can change anyway, they have the right side at the moment they just need more runs from faf and Amla.

 

[Taylor]

I think we need more than one good partnership for the whole test to think we are good.

 

[BLUEALLTHRU]

No changes for the Aussies and probably likewise for the Saffas

 

[JG22]

Excellent performance, its a very good team building, obviously would like another top batsman but still.

Don't underestimate the importance of winning the toss though.

Last series in SA too, each team who won the toss, then won the game, easily.

 

[avishka5]

No need for Australia to contemplate changes at this point. Might change depending on the result in P.E. Bancroft's 50 in the 2nd dig has alleviated some of the pressure on him heading into Friday's 2nd test.

I don't think SA should panic. They lost this test after they bowled out so cheaply on day 2. They did well to ensure they weren't chasing 450+.

TBF Australia batted dumb and the first 3 wickets were thrown away and then some nerves set in and it got worse from there. I wouldn't take too much from the second inning tbh.

 

[Hellgood]

I think we need more than one good partnership for the whole test to think we are good.

In saying that it's worth noting the pair of disciplined, gritty sort of knocks that Smith and S.Marsh played in each innings that negate the potential of the innings terminally collapsing.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22634853/australia-break-cycle-collapses

Was a test of two halves, Australia were pretty dominant for the first but then I would certainly have given South Africa the points for the second. I don't think either side needs to change any personnel, should be a great series.

 

[Woody15]

Marsh has held that middle order together several times this summer which is exactly what we needed after several collapses recently.

 

[footyfan1978]

No changes. Lets rip into the second Test. Bancroft deserves another chance. Usman needs to sink or swim.

 

[JG22]

Marsh has held that middle order together several times this summer which is exactly what we needed after several collapses recently.

Mitch or Shaun?

 

[Woody15]

Shaun, sorry. Couple of times in the Ashes we could have collapsed but held it all together

 

[SherbertLemon]

Usman averages 25.5 outside aus. Seriously, for his experience that's so s**t