[Eddy]

Forget India-WI, the real test cricket is being played in SA. What a riveting series, its a shame that it'll only last for 2 matches

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by Eddy

Forget India-WI, the real test cricket is being played in SA. What a riveting series, its a shame that it'll only last for 2 matches

I think both teams are playing poor cricket which also could be entertaining sometimes. The quality of cricket considering these 2 are the best teams, is quite pathetic.

[Eddy]

The batting quality might be questionable, but the bowling is very good especially from SA.

Interesting to see how Ponting plays today.

[lloydofcochin]

Ponting will face his moment of truth today. It is make or break for him. If he scores a Ton and take the Aussies to victory then he might get a lifeline else it will be curtains for the most impulsive 'puller' of modern times.

I don't like his attitude but has great respect for his ruthless batting. It is not going to be easy since Steyn & Co are going to come at him with searing spells since they know very well that Ponting is probably the biggest roadblock they have in achieving a series win against the Aussies.

[Eddy]

If he survives till the India tour, I am sure he will find form against us and live on it for another year

I think thats what will happen. Shaun Marsh and Watson are both doubtful for the NZ matches, so Khwaja and Warner might get to play. I do not think they will risk another new batsman instead of Ponting and he will survive.

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by Eddy

If he survives till the India tour, I am sure he will find form against us and live on it for another year

I think thats what will happen. Shaun Marsh and Watson are both doubtful for the NZ matches, so Khwaja and Warner might get to play. I do not think they will risk another new batsman instead of Ponting and he will survive.

As it is ponting has booked his place for the next series, that is all he needed to do.

[lloydofcochin]

It seems that even the weather Gods are also conspiring against Ponting & the Aussies

Aus 142/3 (37.0 ov, MJ Clarke 1*, RT Ponting 54*, Imran Tahir 1/23) - Stumps | Live Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo

[Eddy]

Bah !!! Its raining in South Africa

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by lloydofcochin

It seems that even the weather Gods are also conspiring against Ponting & the Aussies

Aus 142/3 (37.0 ov, MJ Clarke 1*, RT Ponting 54*, Imran Tahir 1/23) - Stumps | Live Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo

No, the rain gods are conspiring against Ponting, not the aussies. This is the last chance he had and maybe he just made it like i said before, but if it rains and he does not bat, he could be out as well.

[lloydofcochin]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

No, the rain gods are conspiring against Ponting, not the aussies. This is the last chance he had and maybe he just made it like i said before, but if it rains and he does not bat, he could be out as well.

That's true

I'm fan of Steyn & Co but I admire Ponting too but I really don't want him to come firing on all guns against us in Australia.

And yes I'm waiting for that moment were Ian Chappel would ask him to 'Look in to the mirror'

[lloydofcochin]

Ponting gone and it might be curtains for him and the SA has almost sealed it.

[karty_83]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

I don't think yuvraj was dropped, he is 'injured' yet again. Rohit Sharma has a lot to prove and I hope he gets his chance ahead of Kohli.

I too feel Rohit should be given a chance ahead of Virat tomorrow. I know IPL is not cricket and its just entertainment. But when i recall some of the innings that he has played for Deccan chargers , especially under the circumstances that the team was in, it speaks volumes about his mental strength and cricketing acumen.
Taking nothing away from Virat, but Rohit is equally talented if not more. These two guys must be promoted ahead of Suresh Raina in Test Cricket.

Originally Posted by Eddy

Forget India-WI, the real test cricket is being played in SA. What a riveting series, its a shame that it'll only last for 2 matches

This was a belter of a series. Test cricket is at its best when the contest is between the Bat and the Ball. 100's should be earned, not gifted by the pitches.

[WindRide]

Originally Posted by karty_83

100's should be earned, not gifted by the pitches.

Fantastic line.
Wish someone had the guts to whisper that into SRT's left ear.

[watfor]

For now, the pitch seems to be tailor-made to rack up huge scores and for records to be made.

But then, it's probably a good idea to get the century out of the way before heading over to Australia.

On the bowling front, are the selectors worried about putting all their eggs in one basket? Umesh Yadav makes way for Varun. Would have probably made sense to play an extra bowler if this a fight for position. But then, the last batsman's spot needs to be filled as well.

Safe to say that no one at BCCI really cares about the whitewash or the result here I suppose.

[esteem_lover]

I cannot understand why people like wadekar saying that Sachin will get his 100th 100 in mumbai, it is very childish and immature comment. Looks like even the curator wants it and made a horrible horrible wicket to help him. I want sachin to get his 100th in style, maybe in australia in difficult conditions which will show his class, not in this flatbed.