South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Cape Town, 9-13 November, 2011

There's just something in their psyche that stops them from getting to the next level.

They've 'potentially' been the best team in the World since oh.....1997? Bullies of poorer teams, but collapse like tipsy schoolgirls when up against players 'their own size' so to speak.

They've pulled off some really good performances in India and Aus over the past couple of years, plus they were the only team to be incontrovertibly better than England at home since 2001.

So it's hardly like they're the same as they were 10 years ago where they were clearly the 2nd best team in the world, but fell over against the ultimate powerhouse of Australia.

Hence they never really potentially the best team in the world since '97.

I reckon you're doing them a little disservice, but as I say they've heavily underperformed recently and it's entirely their own fault, the scheduling (first Test in over 300 days) is a joke and they look like they're paying for it now.

Best innings bowling by an opening bat in Tests - 7-34 by Trevor Bailey at Sabina Park in March 1954. The Australian record is held by Watson with 6-33 against the Paksters at Headingley last year.

Why didn't Twatto review that?

As i have feared for the past 3 months, the lack of cricket has come home to roost.

Can write this one off, well done Aus.

Until we get a decent cricket board comprised of ex-cricketers. not politicians who are only there to line their pockets, this will not improve.

taipan wrote:As i have feared for the past 3 months, the lack of cricket has come home to roost.

Can write this one off, well done Aus.

Until we get a decent cricket board comprised of ex-cricketers. not politicians who are only there to line their pockets, this will not improve.

When will that ever happen? Has South African cricket EVER been competently run?

Let's be honest- having very good ex cricketers running the show would require an administration that is likely to be 99% white.

Wont happen. Probably ever.

Cricket and Rugby in South Africa will forever be swimming against the tide.

Henry wrote:

taipan wrote:As i have feared for the past 3 months, the lack of cricket has come home to roost.

Can write this one off, well done Aus.

Until we get a decent cricket board comprised of ex-cricketers. not politicians who are only there to line their pockets, this will not improve.

When will that ever happen? Has South African cricket EVER been competently run?

Let's be honest- having very good ex cricketers running the show would require an administration that is likely to be 99% white.

Wont happen. Probably ever.

Back in the Ali Bacher days it was, but agree it's unlikely now. This present mob can't even get sponsorships because they stink so much.

Its frustrating as a fan as it would take very little to fix.

Its amazing what we hac=ve achieved given the leadership.

I think Smith needs to resign from the test captaincy after this series. He's taken the team as far as he can and it's better for everyone if he just concentrates on his batting.

This needs to become AB de Villiers' team now. He's clearly the next captain in waiting.

Crazy stuff. 14 wickets in the day already and we haven't even reached tea.

Clarke's innings is looking sensational. Even more so considering it was Clarke that played it.

Has the World gone completely mad?

I think it must have... Clarke getting tough runs... Watto picking up sticks like he was in a forest... whatever next? I wonder if Megan Fox will now accept my witty advances over mail.... I reckon I'll give it a go.

Match could be over in 3 days. Shows the stupdity of starting on Wednesday.

Why didnt Marsh bat at 3?

Is he injured?

Fark it - advantage back to Saffies.


I was already to do my JGK special - Aust were going to set Saf 350 to win and I was going to make a fortune backing the Safs. Now we'll be lucky to set them 250.

JGK wrote:Fark it - advantage back to Saffies.


I was already to do my JGK special - Aust were going to set Saf 350 to win and I was going to make a fortune backing the Safs. Now we'll be lucky to set them 250.

Don't even try. Aus are still well in front here.

And seriously - Ian Gould. Worst. Test. Ever.

And in the context of the match, Clarke's innings is beginning to look like one of the all time great Test knocks.

JGK wrote:And seriously - Ian Gould. Worst. Test. Ever.

A shame for him as he's been one of the best umps around for a couple of years now.

Blimey.

Why does Watson continue to look useful against anyone but us? Turns into a jibbering wreck in the Ashes. Even does will against us in the ODI's!

Henry wrote:

JGK wrote:And seriously - Ian Gould. Worst. Test. Ever.

A shame for him as he's been one of the best umps around for a couple of years now.

Really? I think he's one of the weaker English umps tbh.

JGK wrote:Fark it - advantage back to Saffies.


I was already to do my JGK special - Aust were going to set Saf 350 to win and I was going to make a fortune backing the Safs. Now we'll be lucky to set them 250.

Worst woof.

EVER

My team is 3/13. Hardly woofing.

Trev, here's the stats since 01/01/2000:

Team	P	W	%
Australia	132	86	65.15
South Africa	121	58	47.93
England	151	70	46.35
Sri Lanka	111	45	40.54
India	126	50	39.68
Pakistan	101	36	35.64
New Zealand	89	25	28.08
West Indies	122	20	16.39
Zimbabwe	47	6	12.76
Bangladesh	71	3	4.2

Make of them what you will. Probably supports your point more than mine, depending on how you look at them.

Brass Monkey wrote:Trev, here's the stats since 01/01/2000:

Team	P	W	%
Australia	132	86	65.15
South Africa	121	58	47.93
England	151	70	46.35
Sri Lanka	111	45	40.54
India	126	50	39.68
Pakistan	101	36	35.64
New Zealand	89	25	28.08
West Indies	122	20	16.39
Zimbabwe	47	6	12.76
Bangladesh	71	3	4.2

Make of them what you will. Probably supports your point more than mine, depending on how you look at them.

Well, from 2000-2008 South Africa were clearly the second best team in the World after Australia.

They've fluffed their lines badly though since having the chance to be number 1 after Aus lost Warne and Mcgrath.

Make that 4/13 as Hussey goes first ball.


Aust will be lucky to get to 26 here.

Marsh is having back spasms. For a specialist batsman, his injury record is more like that of a fast bowler's.