Australia v South Africa, 1st Test, Perth, Dec 17-21

"What choice did he have? Johnson and Lee can't bowl all day"

.They only needed to bowl two more overs each.

At first I thought he was bringing on the spinner because he was scared the poor light might against the quick bowlers might mean an early stumps call.

But then Siddle came onto bowl. WTF was that about?

Fred Nerk wrote:They only needed to bowl two more overs each.

When you've bowled your heart out, like those two did, two overs is a lot.

Paul Keating wrote:Warne was not playing that match.

I stand corrected. But still they chased more than 400 off guys like McGrath, Dizzy and who else? Kaspa? Point being it's still not impossible for the Springboks.......Self belief is the key.

MacGoo was the other bowler.

Volumes, that speaks.

Paul Keating wrote:At first I thought he was bringing on the spinner because he was scared the poor light might against the quick bowlers might mean an early stumps call.

But then Siddle came onto bowl. WTF was that about?

Errr, dodgy ... errrrm I mean, daring captaincy?

Perhaps he just wanted to try the unexpected.

He could have dropped his trousers and mooned to the four corners of the ground, if it was that.

JGK wrote: At some stage the pie chuckers will have to throw a few down.

Welcome to my world.

Ooooh, you sound just like "Gentleman" Jim Rever.

Cracka wrote:

Merlin wrote:Giving the ball to a novice for the death overs in the day against one of the world's top batsmen.
What kinda pressure is that after a long day in the field?

What choice did he have? Johnson and Lee can't bowl all day.

For just two more overs each ....?
I reckon both bowlers would've grabbed the ball off him ... at least he would have have got control
from them rather than have a demoralising 20 runs blitzed off a handful of long hops!
... a better rotation should have had the experienced bowler on just before stumps ...

Anyway, it's all academic now ... First session tomorrow is the key ...

ediit: sorry - just seen Nerky's answer ...

I think Aust need at least 2 wickets in the first session to have a chance. 5/320 would obviously still favour Saf though.

Of course, if Sidders had taken two wickets, even with long hops, Punter would be feted as a hero genius.

Invader Zim would have erected a statue in his honour on the central square of The West's great city.

Skulls would have set up an extensive multi-part quiz to laud his name.

Nath would have written a best-selling computer game called "Ricky - Our Gladiator General"

Horace woudl have written a whole book of epodes with his paeans.

And yea, even OP would have prostrated himself in shock and awe.

Also, the new ball is still 16 overs away so Siddle and Krazy are going to have to bowl early so Midge and Bung are fresh. Saf could easily knock off 75 runs in those 15 overs.

embee would have defended The Skipper against all comers gladly and without charge.

And JGK would have renamed the charming and attractive fruit of his (and Mrs K's) loins "Rikki K"



For such is the adoration of pleased and loyal cricket believers ....

Does anyone know what PCS is talking about?

Also, the new ball is still 16 overs away so Siddle and Krazy are going to have to bowl early so Midge and Bung are fresh. Saf could easily knock off 75 runs in those 15 overs.

Welcome to our world JGK ... we well know the feeling mate!

Who do you turn to ? Who's going to keep things tight AND nobble a coupla wickets for you? Who ? Who ? Who ?!!

"Ah Freddie .... can you bowl all day please mate .... from BOTH ends ?!!"

Latest odds:

ustralia 1.60
Draw 21.00
South Africa 2.48

Merlin wrote:Welcome to our world JGK ... we well know the feeling mate!

Who do you turn to ? Who's going to keep things tight AND nobble a coupla wickets for you? Who ? Who ? Who ?!!

"Ah Freddie .... can you bowl all day please mate .... from BOTH ends ?!!"

I think there are a number of bowlers in Shield cricket who might have fitted the bill. There is also Symonds and Clarke actually playing that match.

JGK wrote:Does anyone know what PCS is talking about?

I am just having fun with Punter's unpopularity, JGK.

And the way that chance events can change perceptions (though not that much - Ponting will always be a dunce to some Aussie supporters )

Ponting will always be a dunce to some Aussie supporters

............. "we'll bowl mate" Edgbaston 2005.

Bung was impressive and Midge was erratic but occasionally dangerous. Siddle and Crazy bowled one good ball per over.

Pidg and Warnie, please come back.

I'd bowl Roy and Pup for 30 minutes to zip throught the overs, then launch Bung and Midge at twice the pace with the new ball to blow the sh!t out of the Yarps.

I'd bowl Roy and Pup for 30 minutes

That's what you want to give'em mate. Centre wicket pratice at the start of the day. You from Launceston originally skull?

Let's face it - we're farked.


FWIW - Midge and Lee for 4 overs each. Give them a rest for another 45 mins until the new ball then cross your fingers.

Let's face it - we're farked.

snigger! Good luck with that.