2nd Test: Australia v South Africa, Port Elizabeth, February 20-24th

[Patron]

I would bat Smith at 3

Middle order batsmen by nature. Him and clarke both are. We could bat them at 4 and 5 but they shouldn't be any higher than that.

 

[BarneyBent]

Seeing a lot of

in here.

More like

 

[Showbags]

Has anyone heard any talk of a change in bowler (besides bringing in Watson)? I personally would like to see Harris rested, old fellas body looks a bit sore, and we have 2 very capable bowlers waiting in the wings. Pattinson would be great.

Yeah I think Harris needs a bit of time away. Not had a good series so far (Siddle only slightly better). Not sure if Pattinson is the answer though to replace him given his lack of cricket.

 

[Milenko]

IN: Patto, Bird (fresh)
OUT: Harris, Siddle (cooked)

 

[HBF]

Failing in one innings =/= having been a huge problem recently.

I'm quite bewildered at how you cannot see we don't have an issue with our top order.

 

[Belnakor]

IN: Patto, Bird (fresh)
OUT: Harris, Siddle (cooked)

siddle looked alright and would do a better job than bird for my dollars

 

[Patron]

Patto was our best bowler before he went down. Hasn't filled me with confidence he is back to his best though.

 

[BarneyBent]

I'm quite bewildered at how you cannot see we don't have an issue with our top order.

That was in response to the middle order, not the top order.

 

[Mateyman]

I'm quite bewildered at how you cannot see we don't have an issue with our top order.

Ahhhh, so now it's it's top order is it? I was talking MIDDLE ORDER.

 

[Torz]

When does the top order become the middle order? That's a whole new debate in itself.

Top 1-3, middle 4-7?

 

[HBF]

That was in response to the middle order, not the top order.

Ahhhh, so now it's it's top order is it? I was talking MIDDLE ORDER.

Sorry, meant middle order.

 

[Mateyman]

When does the top order become the middle order? That's a whole new debate in itself.

Top 1-3, middle 4-7?

I would say so. 4 is really the only position up for debate IMO.

 

[Mateyman]

Sorry, meant middle order.

Well I find it bewildering that you think Clarke, Smith and Haddin are one of the main problems for our team. One of the better middle orders in the world IMO.

 

[HBF]

Well I find it bewildering that you think Clarke, Smith and Haddin are one of the main problems for our team. One of the better middle orders in the world IMO.

Clarke hasn't made runs for a while now.
And No.4 is a real problem. Yes I get that Marsh made a 100 at Centurion but he's not exactly reliable.
Haddin hasn't fired a shot in South Africa at all.

 

[BarneyBent]

Clarke hasn't made runs for a while now.
And No.4 is a real problem. Yes I get that Marsh made a 100 at Centurion but he's not exactly reliable.
Haddin hasn't fired a shot in South Africa at all.

Haddin hasn't fired a shot in South Africa? Across a whole two Tests? MY GOD!

As for Clarke, yeah, 5 Tests without a substantial score is a bit of a dry patch, but it's hardly panic stations.

 

[SuperCats9]

Pato isn't ready to come back yet.

Can't wait for the day he and cummins are bowling in partnerships and tearing sides apart.


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[Sea fog]

Not sure if Patto and Bird coming in is a good idea as it is two guys without much red ball cricket behind them. Harris does look cooked though. Think SA might pull de Kock out for Petersen and replace Parnell with Abbott.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

Not sure if Patto and Bird coming in is a good idea as it is two guys without much red ball cricket behind them. Harris does look cooked though. Think SA might pull de Kock out for Petersen and replace Parnell with Abbott.

I reckon they should stick with de Kock instead of rushing back Petersen. He's going to take a few tests to find his feet, but the pay off could be immense.

 

[Noobz0r]

I reckon they should stick with de Kock instead of rushing back Petersen. He's going to take a few tests to find his feet, but the pay off could be immense.

You just want him to bat himself into form for the Daredevils.

 

[Carbine Chaos]

You just want him to bat himself into form for the Daredevils.

Won't be in the First XI, but always good to have your bench players in good form.

 

[eth-dog]

de Kock should take the gloves if he's playing. AB at 2nd slip, is an absolute gun there

 

[Torz]

Would be short sighted to drop De Kock after one test.

 

[Hellgood]

Would be short sighted to drop De Kock after one test.

Particularly for Petersen, who is a fairly average batsman in bad form.

 

[catman 71]

Gee, David Warner has a big mouth.

He is accusing the South Africans of scuffing the ball.

This guy has a lot to say for someone who hasn't achieved much yet. Maybe he should shut up until late in his career, when he has achieved a few things, and has some credibility. Until then, he just looks like a fool, commenting about the opposition before every game. Michael Clarke should pull the goose into line.

I sometimes want to see Warner go out for a duck, just to teach him some humility, but it would have to happen a hell of a lot to deflate his big head.

 

[MinerBoy]

Gee, Michael Warner has a big mouth.

He is accusing the South Africans of scuffing the ball.

This guy has a lot to say for someone who hasn't achieved much yet. Maybe he should shut up until late in his career, when he has achieved a few things, and has some credibility. Until then, he just looks like a fool, commenting about the opposition before every game. Michael Clarke should pull the goose into line.

I sometimes want to see Warner go out for a duck, just to teach him some humility, but it would have to happen a hell of a lot to deflate his big head.

Achieved much? He hasn't achieved anything. I can't even recall him playing.