Pakistan v South Africa, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi, 14-18 October, 2013

Oo-er. Yarps in early trouble at 3-43.

Ton for Hash coming up.

The man is a machine.

And he gets it.

Amla the only batsman to stand up save a contribution from JP. with almost fifty per cent of the runs. Six down now.  Surely the best bearded batsman since WG. Interesting also how our press likes to push Clarke up as the world's best batsman. Amla has been the most consistent for some time and he comes in at first drop.

Nellie get his 3rd.

JGK wrote:Ton for Hash coming up.

The man is a machine.

Aye. Well played him.

Amla is without a doubt the best batsman in the World at the moment. Stylish runs in all conditions against all teams when they need him most. Class.

Remember that out of his depth quota player from 2004-05? Shows first impressions aren't everything in Test cricket. Interesting question as to whether they would have persisted with him or even tried him in the first place without the racial politics though...

Aye, he looked pretty ordinary against England in 2004-05.

Is it my imagination or has Graeme Smith hardly scored a run for over a year now?

Henry wrote:Aye, he looked pretty ordinary against England in 2004-05.

Is it my imagination or has Graeme Smith hardly scored a run for over a year now?

I think you're right.

He might be the first player to finish his career with 9000 <10000 test runs.

Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave 100 50 Opposition Start Date
1 1 0 15 15 15 0 0 v Pakistan 14-Oct-13
2 2 0 20 15 10 0 0 v Pakistan 22-Feb-13
3 4 0 68 29 17 0 0 v Pakistan 14-Feb-13
4 6 0 144 52 24 0 1 v Pakistan 01-Feb-13
5 7 0 198 54 28.28 0 2 v New Zealand 11-Jan-13
6 8 0 199 54 24.87 0 2 v New Zealand 02-Jan-13
7 10 0 299 84 29.9 0 3 v Australia 30-Nov-12
8 12 0 421 122 35.08 1 3 v Australia 22-Nov-12
9 14 0 454 122 32.42 1 3 v Australia 09-Nov-12
10 16 0 491 122 30.68 1 3 v England 16-Aug-12
11 18 0 595 122 33.05 1 5 v England 02-Aug-12
12 19 0 726 131 38.21 2 5 v England 19-Jul-12
13 21 0 772 131 36.76 2 5 v New Zealand 23-Mar-12
14 23 1 840 131 38.18 2 6 v New Zealand 15-Mar-12
15 25 1 1008 131 42 3 7 v New Zealand 07-Mar-12

Hash out second ball of the day.

Saffies ao for 249.

first time in the subcon for philander. will be interesting to see how he goes

the wackies in probably their best start this year. 50 without loss

Henry wrote:Aye, he looked pretty ordinary against England in 2004-05.

Is it my imagination or has Graeme Smith hardly scored a run for over a year now?

No, been out with an ankle injury most of the year. Hasn't been prolific of late.

Pakistan off to a flying start.  Despite losing to Zim. at least they've been playing. Proteas undercooked after an eight month layoff.

Red wrote:

Henry wrote:Aye, he looked pretty ordinary against England in 2004-05.

Is it my imagination or has Graeme Smith hardly scored a run for over a year now?

No, been out with an ankle injury most of the year. Hasn't been prolific of late.

Pakistan off to a flying start.  Despite losing to Zim. at least they've been playing. Proteas undercooked after an eight month layoff.

Didn't take long.

0/64 just before lunch - Pakistan right on top.

Red wrote:0/64 just before lunch - Pakistan right on top.

Was it a good one?

Partnership over a ton now. Pitch flat. There was life early on yesterday and Irfan exploited it. SA pacemen not penetrating in contrast.

Hoooooooooo. Gangf*ck.

Wackies in a good position. I guess it depends on what the bookies are offereing to see what happens from here.

the stannies are surely the great enigma of cricket...Miserable may be the best test skipper going around at the mo

yes. he bravely fought off the mighty zimbots after conceding 1st innings leads in both tests

Manzoor gone for 146 to Philanderer.

JGK wrote:Khurram Manzoor gone for 146 to Philanderer.

Lardy just PMed to correct me.

Curry Muncher gone for 146.

Mithbah ith 78 not out - he'th the wickedetht captain evs.