Australia v South Africa, 3rd Test, Sydney, Jan 3-7

Admittedly many expected before the series that this would be a dead rubber test - but not quite the way it turned out. South Africa's dilemma is whom to leave out...

Will this be the first time ever pink stumps are used?

Perhaps.

In previos Boxing Day test Gilly had used pink gloves and each catch taken by him would donate a certain amount to McGrath's Institute.

Wonder what the plan is this year!

But it'll be quite a new look team for Australia. At least two debutants are certain to play.

I didn't know this . . . On 26th January 2008 - Australia Day - Glenn and Jane McGrath were both made Members of the Order of Australia.
Nice.

Chandan wrote:Perhaps.

In previos Boxing Day test Gilly had used pink gloves and each catch taken by him would donate a certain amount to McGrath's Institute.

Wonder what the plan is this year!

But it'll be quite a new look team for Australia. At least two debutants are certain to play.

I remember Gilly dropped a lot of catches at Sydeny last year.

If they hit the stumps, then 1000 dollars or something will go to the Charity.


Not sure but it sounds like a decent idea.

Doesn't the Sydney test normally start on the 2nd?

yes but the poor pampered dears wanted more time between tests this year.


Aust still favoured over Saf for this match. Madness.

doremi wrote:Doesn't the Sydney test normally start on the 2nd?

Yes, but they've moved it back a day this year to give the players a three-day break.

I say can't we move the Boxing Day test back to a Christmas Eve start (with a rest day on the 25th) like we did a couple of times in the 80's and 90's.

mynah wrote:Admittedly many expected before the series that this would be a dead rubber test - but not quite the way it turned out.

Well, it's a dead-rubber as far as the home series is concerned but it's not as dead as some.

Many people like to keep a tally of the combined home and away series score over six tests.

More importantly, South Africa needs a win to officially become number one in the world. A draw will be good enough for Australia to stop the Barbarians ransacking Rome for a little while longer.

JGK wrote:yes but the poor pampered dears wanted more time between tests this year.


Aust still favoured over Saf for this match. Madness.

Surely you've had a bet down on the Saffies winning?

doremi wrote:

JGK wrote:yes but the poor pampered dears wanted more time between tests this year.


Aust still favoured over Saf for this match. Madness.

Surely you've had a bet down on the Saffies winning?

Having won a grand on the Saffies so far this series I thought I could risk a bit more on them at 3.10. Will keep on an eye on fluctuations mind as that is where the value is given that Aust basically can't take second innings wickets.

I also had $5 on Midge being top scorer in the Aust first innings.

AUS should win this match.

Being a sucker for punishment (and the only day off from work I have during the test), will be heading out there tomorrow and taking in the view from the Victor Trumper stand.

Blackadder goes over the top.

Hass wrote:

doremi wrote:Doesn't the Sydney test normally start on the 2nd?

Yes, but they've moved it back a day this year to give the players a three-day break.

I say can't we move the Boxing Day test back to a Christmas Eve start (with a rest day on the 25th) like we did a couple of times in the 80's and 90's.

That happened in 88 and 94, both times, from memory, the attendances on Christmas Eve (and also the TV ratings) were abysmal, with the number of people doing the last minute shopping thing instead of worrying about cricket.

There was one Test in the mid 80s against the WIndies that had (I think) three days play before a Christmas rest day. I think it was better attended for day 1, but there's something exciting about a Test starting on Boxing Day.

As long as the idea tried once, where the BD Test was replaced by a BD ODI, never happens again. That was just dumb.

The new Trumper stand is officially opened tomorrow.

Apparently you can see play as you are having a slash in some of the Men's. I pity any poor sucker standing beside the inevitable drunk just as a wicket falls.

There have, historically, been plenty of cases of matches in Australia starting on 1 Jan.

Hilfy officially 12th man.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24864834-23212,00.html

bad luck for milf

Good luck to Bollinger and Mac. Make the most.

I'm happy Bollinger's getting a run, although I'm sorry for Hilfenhaus.
Strange to read that it came down to the bowler who was familiar with his home-ground, when in the past the selectors have happily/stubbornly overlooked players with a home-ground advantage.
Good luck to Andrew McDonald too.

agreed....given they get so few tests, the Tozzies are entitled to feel discriminated against

Maybe it was an anti anti-discrimination issue, because he's a relie of Ponting.

"I pity any poor sucker standing beside the inevitable drunk just as a wicket falls."

Sounds like a description of Ponting after being caught by Pratt.

skully wrote:The new Trumper stand is officially opened tomorrow.

Apparently you can see play as you are having a slash in some of the Men's. I pity any poor sucker standing beside the inevitable drunk just as a wicket falls.