India v South Africa, 3rd test, Kanpur, 11-15 April

SA bowlers would've the advantage of bowling with early morning dew. Steyn and Ntini could be really handful on this track especially in the morning session.

On paper looks a good effort by India, but without vision I will go on SG's assessment that it's a bit of a tricky wicket. Let's hope we get a good Test ala the recent WI v SL game. These 250 odd scores are good in that they leave the match very much open.

These 250 odd scores are good in that they leave the match very much open.

Yep, I'd anyday take these tests over 500 run fests.

Dhoni seems to have a lot of faith in his non regular bowlers and it paid off quite well today.

A word on Dhoni's captaincy. His bowling changes were very effective. Didn't lose his cool despite the kind of start SA got.

While Kumble was so rigid in this area.

Dhoni seems to be an intelligent captain to me, atleast thus far.

Well a win here will do his permanent Test captaincy aspirations no harm at all. Does he have such aspirations?

Interesting position.

First hour tomorrow should be fun.

India has to bat last and I can see a result possibly on 4th day. Batting once WELL is the only way to ensure a win here. I can't see India winning this one if they bring upon themself to chase 200 odd batting last. I recall A'bad test against SA we won in 1996. It was a spinner's dustbowl, ball was hitting low and spiining off the rough and yet in the last innings Cronje watched in horror as an unlikely Srinath won the match taking 6 wickets in just 2 spells. A very modest and achievable under 200 also became impossible.

skully wrote:Well a win here will do his permanent Test captaincy aspirations no harm at all. Does he have such aspirations?

Yep.

A win in this test (very far fetched atm) may shut Kumble's chances of leading India again.

kumbles bowling seems to in decline which cant help his cause. but i think he will step down himself, sometime towards the end of the year. cant see him getting to 700.

seems to be shaping up to be a decent test. cant wait til the highlights.

SG, how did chawla and ishant bowl?

Poor performance by SA to crumble so spectacularly after such a good start. Smith going out started it all. He should have applied himself more instead of going for another big shot straight after a six.

Well, that's Smith for you Red - my little tranvestite forummer friend. Arrogant to the last. Let's see how we can diss SA more.

Transvestite? Who says I wear men's clothing?

Smith is arrogant though, often to his detriment. None more so than when he comes up against us. I wonder how he'll cope with Warne being a teammate in the IPL. Warne can't stand him!!!

Red wrote:Transvestite? Who says I wear men's clothing?

Smith is arrogant though, often to his detriment. None more so than when he comes up against us. I wonder how he'll cope with Warne being a teammate in the IPL. Warne can't stand him!!!

I'm sure he can't stand Warne either. What with Warne being an = prick.

Sorry, I didn't realise you weren't under the 'bloke' pretence anymore.

Did I ever pretend to be a bloke? I'm a blonde Aussie chick.

Red wrote:Did I ever pretend to be a bloke? I'm a blonde Aussie chick.

No, you didn't. I knew all along, but most on here thought otherwise and you did nothing to quash the statements. I don't mind at all, if that's what you were thinking.

A blonde Aussie chick explains a helluva lot though

Brass Monkey wrote:

Red wrote:Did I ever pretend to be a bloke? I'm a blonde Aussie chick.

No, you didn't. I knew all along, but most on here thought otherwise and you did nothing to quash the statements. I don't mind at all, if that's what you were thinking.

A blonde Aussie chick explains a helluva lot though

Now now you are being selectively racist? Why are blonde babes shagged off so much in most jokes?

It's not only blondes Vikas, it's Aussies and chicks!!!

To misquote Mark Twain - there are three certainties in life; death, taxes and India rigging a pitch when they are in danger of losing a series.

I sincerely hope S.A. stuff em'out of sight - that'll disappoint the 38 strong crowd that turned up today!

265 is a competitive total I think. Steyn is going to be a handful on this pitch particularly when the ball starts to reverse.

This time, at least, we have a first day that promises a result without indicating clearly in whose favour it will be. India probably have the edge with their spinners, though.

interesting 1st innings score. how was the pitch? i think south africa will be favourites unless india get a lead of at least 100. from all accounts the pitch should break up soon

do or die for india today. lose this day and its pretty much over

Sehwag scores 300+ in one dig and yet averages 80 for the series . . . . he'll be locky to end up with an average much over 70 if he doesn't score a few in the 2nd dig.

Yeah - no surprise to see him fail on tracks that aren't highways.

VVS looking fluent apart from that edged 4 off Morkel between slips.

SG, how did chawla and ishant bowl?

Chawla was good in patches. Best part about him was that he wasn't afraid to flight the ball.

As for Ishant, he was erratic initially, but came back well. Was bowling within himself mostly, not clocking 140Ks even once I think.