The Ntini conundrum

My observations of his bowling and the consensus among the critics, especially English journos seems to be that he should make way for Steyn if the latter is fit for the Durban test. There is talk though that it is a politically sensitive area and that either Morkel or de Wet would have to make way especially with Ntini nearing four hundred wickets.

Surely the sensible route to go down would be to pick the best side to help effect a series win. And surely the more threatening and penetrating attack would be Steyn, Morkel and de Wet to be balanced by Kallis and Harris.

Do people think that Ntini will or should be dropped or that in fact de Wet or the big blond should make way?

BTW it's not unlike the selectorial conundrum facing the Aussie selectors regarding Hussey but for slightly different reasons.

From what I saw of him in the first test it should definately be him that makes way for Steyn. Might seem harsh, but Morkel and De Wet were simply far more threatening.

There is the elephant in the room to consdier.

Kallis?

taipan wrote:There is the elephant in the room to consdier.

Surely not quotas? Aren't Prince, Amla and JP on merit enough?

There is no quota system don't you know.

But there is an unwritten rule somewhere so don't be surprised if Ntini plays

Probably would be right to drop him. Even so, the sentimental part of me would like him to get to 400 Test wickets.

Shoeshine wrote:Probably would be right to drop him. Even so, the sentimental part of me would like him to get to 400 Test wickets.

Me too. 10 in the first innings at Kingsmead would do it.

Shoeshine wrote:Probably would be right to drop him. Even so, the sentimental part of me would like him to get to 400 Test wickets.

Steve Waugh used to say there's no room for sentiment. I notice some of the English papers suggesting that sooky might have let romance and sentiment cloud his judgement in handing the ball to Ntini for that last over. He seemed to get it on line but his pace was certainly not enough to worry Onions.

Red wrote:

Shoeshine wrote:Probably would be right to drop him. Even so, the sentimental part of me would like him to get to 400 Test wickets.

Steve Waugh used to say there's no room for sentiment. I notice some of the English papers suggesting that sooky might have let romance and sentiment cloud his judgement in handing the ball to Ntini for that last over. He seemed to get it on line but his pace was certainly not enough to worry Onions.

That depends on how you're looking at it. The emotion of such an occasion very often lifts people to really perform. Whether a physically ruined Flintoff getting a crucial run out, an Ian Botham returning from a ban and picking up a wicket with his first ball - you name it, it happens in all sports and walks of life. That grubber from Ntini could have easily got through Onions' defences, it was a perfectly fair call by Smith. We do have to avoid the mentality where just because something doesn't work it's automatically the wrong decision.

Red wrote:

taipan wrote:There is the elephant in the room to consdier.

Surely not quotas? Aren't Prince, Amla and JP on merit enough?

Surely Amla doesn't get included under the quota thingy that doesn't exist

Do they have a comedy beard quota?

This discussion might be academic as Steyn is still in doubt for Durban.

Dello wrote:Do they have a comedy beard quota?

drollo dello

The Ntini Conundrum . . sounds like it should run 3hrs 10min and star Matt Damon . . .

The seppoes would think it was about Penn State

lol

If it's a big political thing like Red is talking up, then Lonwabo Tsotsobe doesn't look the worst. Looked pretty decent in Aus about 10 minths ago- left armer, about 6"5, 135-140 kph.......

And Parnell

Parnell is overrated. Maybe when he's taken a 5fer in first class cricket he can be considered, but he's done next to nothing in the long form of the game.

I was talking about the quota.


Overrated by who Trev? I haven't seen anyone talking him up.

Surely Amla doesn't get included under the quota thingy that doesn't exist.

He would be a member of the "previously disadvantaged" collective, right taips?

Quite correct.

The funny part is that the Pak spinner (Tahir?) who has now qualified for SA is classified as a "white" for selection as he was not disavantaged.

The wonders of a non-racist society.

taipan wrote:Quite correct.

The funny part is that the Pak spinner (Tahir?) who has now qualified for SA is classified as a "white" for selection as he was not disavantaged.

The wonders of a non-racist society.

snorfle - cheers mate.