South Africa are just not the same cricket team without Graeme Smith at the helm.
Christo Buchner writes for Beeld that, that was the opinion on Thursday of Ricky Ponting when he was asked whether he noticed a difference in the South Africans without Smith leading the side.
“Oh yes, definitely,” said the Australian captain. “It’s only natural that they won’t be as intense with their captain absent. He commands respect and is a strong leader.
“The difference in the field is visible with a new captain. It was particularly evident in Brisbane the other night when there were about four or five captains by the end and everybody had something to say.
“However, it’s their problem and we just observe it from afar. It’s not my job to give them advice,” he added with a smile.
Australia last played one-day cricket in September and Ponting was not even part of the squad then. He said it would be a new experience with the rule changes that have come in since last season.
“We spoke about it this morning and it’s quite a strange situation with the senior players in the Australian team having to get advice on tactics from the younger guys that have come out of the provincial set-up,” said Ponting.
“We’ll discuss the tactics because everything is a little new to us. There are some exciting changes (such as the power play for batsmen).”
He added the energy and enthusiasm from the new players has been important and is making a difference to the Aussies.
When he was asked whether he thought one-day cricket and Twenty20 both have a right to existence, he said one of the two would have to be scaled down over time.
“I think both versions can survive because there is a market. The cricket authorities will have to remain switched on to keep stimulating interest in both,” he said.
Tweet
I agree.
And just as they finish showing the missed chances at dismissing Ponting, HE IS OUT.
103/2 after 20 over
28.4 M Morkel to Marsh, 1 run, dropped! Marsh leans forward to flick the slower ball but ends up mis-hitting it in the air towards midwicket, McKenzie dives to his left but ends up diving over the ball, he only just got fingertips to it, South Africa have not matched their usual high standards in the field
🙄
Aus 146/2 after 30.6 overs
Clarke 19*
Marsh 70*
Clarke OUT
Caught by Amla in the deep off Albie Morkel’s bowling…
147/3
Johan Botha has taken 31 ODI wickets in 37 matches at an average of 40.
How the hell could they make such an average player captain??? 😯
@wpw (Comment 3) : Is jonty still in charge of the fielding?
@Reds (Comment 7) :
I’m not sure Reds. I think he might still be.
34.6 Steyn to DJ Hussey, 2 runs, dropped! And it’s a sitter! Steyn dug the ball in short again outside off stump, Hussey went back and cut the ball high in the air over cover point, van Jaarsveld ran in from the boundary, slid on to his knees as he reached the ball but spilled it, that’s his second drop of the day, what a poor debut he’s having in the field 🙄
Marsh OUT
Caught Boucher bowled Morkel (Morne)
Good morning…
210/4 (43.4 ov)
6 wickets in hand…about 60 runs to come…so 280 ?
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 10) :
Hey Blackshark.
In my opinion there’s quite a few ‘passengers’ in our ODI side:
Botha, Gibbs, Van Jaarsveld (he dropped 2 catches today) and McKenzie.
A few wickets falling I see… nice!!!
Botha to White, OUT, bowled him! That was a fast ball in the blockhole, 106 kmh! White tried to swat the ball towards midwicket but missed, Botha hit off stump
@wpw (Comment 12) : Great..
A Morkel to DJ Hussey, OUT!
44.6 Botha to White, OUT, bowled him! That was a fast ball in the blockhole, 106 kmh! White tried to swat the ball towards midwicket but missed, Botha hit off stump
CL White b Botha 21 (24b 2×4 0x6) SR: 87.50
😎
45.6 JA Morkel to DJ Hussey, OUT, knocked him over! Albie bowls a good length ball on off and middle stump with a hint of swing into the right-hander, Hussey tries to hit across the line towards midwicket but misses, the ball crashes into off and middle stump
DJ Hussey b JA Morkel 52 (50b 5×4 0x6) SR: 104.00
231/6 after 46 overs
@wpw (Comment 11) :
BOTHA is useless as a player and worse as a captain…
2/50…please! I bet he won’t do much with the bat as well…
GIBBS is there because we are desperate – if he doesn’t perform Down Under- then I would drop him for the local series.
VAN JAARSVELD has a good record in but he’s just given himself a bad start by dropping those sitters. He better score runs and score them fast. The T20 performance doesn’t count really- so I’m willing to give him a chance cos technically it’s his debut.
MCKENZIE – you know what I think about him.
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 17) :
Do have have no better players in SA??
What about Bodi???
Henry Davids??
Morne Van Wyk???
47.6 M Morkel to Hopes, OUT, van Jaarsveld finally catches one! He has relief written all over his face and he turns to the MCG crowd and gives them a stare. Hopes made room to hit over the off side but didn’t get enough muscle behind the shot, he lofted the ball towards long off, van Jaarsveld ran in from the boundary and judged it well
JR Hopes c van Jaarsveld b M Morkel 2 (4b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50.00
I actually think Prince would have been a better option that McKenzie.
48.6 Steyn to Haddin, OUT
BJ Haddin run out 19 (12b 2×4 0x6) SR: 158.33
😆 😎
Aus 259/8 with 1 more over to be bowled. 😉
@wpw (Comment 19) : van Jaarsveld finally catches one!
OK, so we need to score 272 to win. I wonder if it is doable with McKenzie in the team… 🙄
No watch him score some runs to prove me wrong!!! 👿
@wpw (Comment 18) : Henry Davids?Thats pushing it Wes, that opener from the Titans is one to keep an eye on.
@wpw (Comment 18) : Those guys are not exactly up-an-coming … me-thinks they’ve missed the train…or they were at the station but the train doors didn’t open for them…
@PJLD (Comment 24) :
As far as I know Davids has been scoring loads of runs since last season. What is the opener’s name???
Roelaf vd Merwe or something like that.McKenzie also scores loads of runs at home.
Australia were 10-15 runs short…we’re going to win this in the 48th over by 3 wickets… 😎
I thought there was a place for Loots Bosman in the T20 team…the dude can strike the ball ala Warner…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 25) :
Bodi is what 29 now?? I think he still has a lot to offer.
@wpw (Comment 30) : Just turned 30 – but as you know- it’s a huge step from Domestic to International. You have to feel for the guy cos he’s been performing consistently…he should’ve been given a “long-term” chance years ago.
Bodi played 2 ODI’s for SA. 83 runs, 1 fifty @ average 41.5
Van Wyk played 6 ODI’s for SA. 195 runs, 2 fifties @ average 32.5
@wpw (Comment 32) : Minnows here and there but they did well and were dropped like they never existed…
morning, Cricketworld 🙂
Howzit!?
You mean Smithsworld?
(***whistling that Kenny Rogers number***) 😆
OK I’ve finally arrived at work, got the cricket on in media player and best of all 271 = not enough. 😎
Come on Hersch! Show us what you’re made of! 🙂
@robdylan (Comment 34) : Proteasworld. 🙄
Amla. 🙄 What the freaking hell? 👿
@klempie (Comment 36) :
You’re streaming again? 👿
I bet you’re happy now- show off!!!
@klempie (Comment 38) : Eish…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 39) : 🙂
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 40) : Doesn’t matter. Remember Boeta in the 438 game. 😉
Gibbsy slaps one over mid on off Tait off the FRONT foot…
Gees…what’s with all the Bracken maidens ?
Nice little glance down leg side from Kallis for 4. Saffers in the crowd go mozzy. 😎
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1118283/Miracle-New-York-155-escape-pilot-ditches-stricken-Airbus-freezing-Hudson-River.html
This is unbelievable!!! 😯
@klempie (Comment 41) : All I have is Radio 2000 – have to say my knowledge of fielding positions has improved since I started listening to the game on Radio.
@klempie (Comment 42) : Yeah…and we need just over half of that total today 😉
Ok…I don’t wanna jinx anyone…let me do a bit of work…will be back later…
@wpw (Comment 46) : Saw that last night. Incredible that there were no fatalities. Good job by the pilots. 😎
ANOTHER DRAG ON!!! AAAAARRRRGGGHHH. Gibbs typical with no feet. 🙄
Well at least Duminy is at the wicket. 🙄
Aargh…Gibbs… 👿
Come on Kallis…
@klempie (Comment 49) : If Gibbs does not perform during this series then he should go!!! 👿
@klempie (Comment 48) : now THAT was a true miracle.
@wpw (Comment 53) : go where? To the bar? 😉
Kallis thinks he is playing in a test match… 👿
8 off 20 balls.
@robdylan (Comment 55) : Below the belt again. 😐
SL have recovered to 35/5 against Bang….if you can call that a recovery. 😛 They were 18/5. 😯
‘Someone in the crowd has just thrown a shoe onto the ground at fine leg. Must have thought it was George W Bush fielding down there, says Brydon from the MCG.’
And now Kallis is out to prove me wrong. 2 fours in one over which moves him to 21 off 29 balls. 😯
RR is 4.5…hmmmm
@wpw (Comment 60) : hehe. There goes a nick down to fine third man for another.
Australia have never beaten South Africa in an ODI at the MCG. The teams have met at the venue five times.
OK. The worms have just come up and after some erratic wiggling at the start the Saffer worm is about to meet the Aussie one. 😎
The MCG has been far from a happy hunting ground for Australia recently – they have lost three of their past four one-day internationals there.
It is nearly two years since the teams last met in an ODI, when Australia eliminated South Africa in a World Cup semi-final in the blistering heat of St Lucia.
South Africa’s most recent victory over Australia was in the unforgettable 400-plus match in Johannesburg in 2005-06.
If we can get a decent partnership going and one player scored a ton we’ll be home and hosed. 😎
@wpw (Comment 60) : Make that 32 off 36. 😎
@McLovin (Comment 67) : I was at that game. 😎
@klempie (Comment 69) :
I just noticed that Kallis is nearing 10 000 ODI runs. WOW!!! 😎
@klempie (Comment 70) : Only saw some of the Aus innings live on tv. Didn’t see any of our run chase (live). Still haunts me to this day. 😥
@wpw (Comment 71) : He are good. 😎
50 partnership up!!
Well done so far boys!!! 😕
@McLovin (Comment 72) :
Why don’t you buy the DVD?? You do know there’s a DVD out don’t you???
🙄
@wpw (Comment 75) : Fortunately it has since been shown a millions times. Seen it more than once. 😀
KALLIS 👿
We were going along nicely…at a decent rate… ag…
@wpw (Comment 71) : If he gets there today he will be the 4th fastest to 10000 ODI runs of all time.
NOOIT
@wpw (Comment 75) : I always pick it up and then put it back on the rack… 😐
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 77) : That’s the only thing that will stop us from winning today. Losing wickets. 👿
@McLovin (Comment 72) : I almost took my ex home to watch some DVD’s after the first innings but thankfully work commitments kept me there.
It was also the first game she had ever gone to. I told her after that I’d never take her to another one as it would never be able to top that. 😆
@wpw (Comment 75) : Whenever I have a really bad day and need a cheer up, I put it on and fast forward to the last 5 overs. Works a treat!
@McLovin (Comment 78) : Not today, he won’t…just went out …bowled by Clarke 😡
@klempie (Comment 83) : Although, everytime Hall lobs one to mid on my heart still drops. 😐
@Me2 (Comment 84) : Why did I not keep quiet… 🙄
Will the Duminy come to the rescue again? Hope so.
@McLovin (Comment 78) : YOU JINXED HIM!!! 👿
@klempie (Comment 82) :
DVD’s with an ex ?
I bet you’d still be seeing a shrink had you gone that route… 🙂
@McLovin (Comment 87) : Don’t jinx HIM!!! 👿
Why does McKenzie bat in the middle order in the one day side? I’m sure the coach has a logical reason, but would like to hear him explain it to the public.
Right I have to go. Some moron has scheduled an office birthday party in the middle of the cricket. 🙄
@McLovin (Comment 91) : Because they don’t know what to do with him…
The required rate is climbing now…I blame McKenzie…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 94) : And he hits two FOURS in a row… 🙄
@McLovin (Comment 91) : I think Mac is there to keep one side up while Duminy does the damage…he will hit the bad balls & try & give Duminy as much of the strike as possible…some one must stay there for the rest of the innings.
@klempie (Comment 92) : Clearly they don’t their priorities in order!!!
Required run rate: 6.63
Come on guys!!!!
If only we had a player like Zulu who could take ANY attack apart!!!
He wouldve been handy in this a situation!!!
Hmmmm….ok. We haven’t lost a wicket since I left. Should I leave? 😕
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 89) : She wasn’t my ex at the time! 🙄
A few more boundaries for McKenzie…seems like he’s grown a pair… 🙄
@klempie (Comment 100) : Still… 😆
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 94) :
He’s looking good isn’t he?
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 102) : Oh sorry. I didn’t read your whole post. Yes, I would’ve needed a shrink if I’d missed the victory DVDs. In fact, the relationship would probs only have lasted half the two months it did with the strain it would’ve gone through. hehe
“Duminy hasn’t hit a boundary thus far for his 41 runs, but has still maintained a decent strike-rate. Sensible batting,” says Dave.
😯 😯
JP on 49 now…
I hope he opens up a bit after reaching 50. 😎
South Africa need 108 off 96 balls, the ball has been changed.
50 up for JP….
Duminy gets 50. 😎 Without a BOUNDARY! 😯
@wpw (Comment 107) :
New ball…great!
Whiter and easier for the Aussies to find when it goes for FOUR or SIX… 🙂
What I don’t get is how people can rate T20 over this stuff. They just can’t produce the tension ODIs can.
53% of Channel 9 viewers think SA are in front at this point. 😎
We need a few big hits don’t we???
I take it Boucher is next and then Albie. Heaven forbid we end up with Botha or Morne Morkel at the crease…
We CAN’T lose more wickets!!! 👿
@klempie (Comment 111) : I dont rate that nonsense
‘Bracken will take over from Clarke, he’s bowled only four overs so far, for seven runs.’
Now we are in deep kark!!!
@wpw (Comment 113) : Nee wat, we’re solid. Still under 7 an over. easy. as long as we don’t lose wickets…
Last 5 ovs 34/0 RR 6.80
Required RR 6.68
@wpw (Comment 113) : Botha can tonk it boet.
@wpw (Comment 113) : Correct-these guys have to kep it together…
Credit to McKenzie – he’s picking up the pace a bit… 🙄
@McLovin (Comment 116) :
I hope you right!!!
I must say I am HUGELY impressed by Duminy of late. What a freakin player!!! 😎
‘Adam Parore’s 96 against India in Baroda in 1994 is the highest ODI score without a boundary. Eighty-four is the next-best.’
JP on 58 not out WITHOUT hitting a boundary… 😯
Adam Parore’s 96 against India in Baroda in 1994 is the highest ODI score without a boundary. Eighty-four is the next-best.
@wpw (Comment 122) :
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 123) :
YNWA!!!
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 124) : Identical time 😯
@wpw (Comment 115) : 6 singles from Bracken…not too bad for the rate…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 120) : Maybe I got it wrong…Duminy to stay & Mac to strike 🙄
Only 3 runs off the last over from Tait. 🙄
Run rate required has crept up to 7.
Have we got any Powerplays left?
@klempie (Comment 129) : Answered. One more Powerplay.
100 partnership up. Fantastic stuff okes. Keep going!
We need a couple boundaries now to ease the pressure
@klempie (Comment 132) : Mac obliges by scoring two fours in the V. Thanks boet.
@klempie (Comment 133) : That brings up his 50 btw. I’m chuffed for him after the Test series. 😎
69 needed off 60.
@wpw (Comment 121) : As are I. Seems we have a great in the making. 😎
Haddin does a Bouch and tries a backhand flick from the throwin for the runout. To no avail though. 😳
Duminy gone. 😡
Well done JP…well played boy…
40.2 Bracken to Duminy, 3 runs, Duminy jumps across stumps and pulls the ball into the gap at deep backward square leg, they run two but want the third, Haddin collects the throw and flicks the ball back on to the stumps, McKenzie is safe though, a huge boo goes round the MCG
Duminy 71 c White b Bracken. Well played boetie.
Oh no!!!
Well played JP Duminy!!! You are officially my new hero/lovechild.
Who is Eddie Andrews??? 🙄
Remember. We still have a PP in our back pocket.
I suppose the powerplay will be the last 5…
Boucher, Morkel, Vaughn…should be able to handle a RR of 6.00
@wpw (Comment 141) : He’s going to be SA’s Lara.
Boucher …duck!!! 👿
Boucher. 🙁
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 145) : royal too.
Game’s even now.
Boucher = Duck
Come on Vaughn!
Eish Boucher…
He’s played well for us, saved and won a lot of games with but maybe it’s time to hand the gloves over to AB…
@klempie (Comment 150) : He better…he owes us!!!
Hot stopping moment as Vaughn mishits one over mid off! 😳
@klempie (Comment 153) : heart
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 151) : I still reckon Bouch is alot safer than AB behind the stumps.
What’s going on!!!!! I look away for a few minutes and……. ❓ ❓
I’ll say it again. This kicks T20 arse.
Ag, McKenzie had to go and run the poor kid out… 😡
Stupid run although there was interference from Bracken. Vaughn goes. Aussie in front now.
@PJLD (Comment 155) :
Yeah…let’s say he saves a total of 30 byes/wides…
I’d rather have AB and another batsman…
😡
I would take the Powerplay now.
McKenzie is gone….and perhaps the game too…
Game over.
@klempie (Comment 162) : I was just about to say the same thing…at this rate we’ll be bowled out before we take it…
Chaos without Smith!!!
Oh hang on. I forgot about Botha.
Give it an over and take the PP.
Albie needs to deliver now. 5 boundaries in the next 2 overs. Come on boy!
50 from 33…ag nee man…
OK this is Tait’s last over which is good news. He’s the danger man.
I step away for a while and it all goes tits up. 👿
Only 1 run from the over??? With the Powerplay on?
At least 10 per over boys!!! 😡
Albie gets a four off the first ball of the over.
Come on Albie!
Who is the Man Of The Match here?
He SMASHES another through the covers and just like that we have our 10 for the over. Martyn reckons that is the biggest hotspot he has ever seen on Morkel’s bat.
Botha gets a single off the first ball of the over to Albie on strike. Albie gets two to long mid on.
SIX!!!
Albie!
This is exciting stuff
@PJLD (Comment 179) : Very!!!
SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIXXXXXXX!!!! Albie launches Hilfenaus STRAIGHT back over his head!
25 needed off 18! COME ON BOOOOOOOOOOOOOYSSSS!!!
Botha 4
BOTHAAAAA….first ball goes for four. Follows up with a risky run that would have been gone if he hit.
20 needed off 16!!
misfield- FOUR!!!
YEEEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!! Come on!!!
Another 4!!!
16 needed of 15!!! We’re gonna do this!!! We’re AHEAD now!!
Two FOURS in a row by Albie!!!
GO ALBIE!!!
My ole heart is taking strain 🙄
Who are the chokers now?
We just need to play it cool. Don’t wanna lose another wicket.
Braken to bowl last over?
@Me2 (Comment 188) : My young heart is taking strain
Ok…let me chill now…it’s not over yet… 😳
We need 10 off 13 balls. We can do it!!! 😎
This is good stuff man!
Albie “guides” another 4 past Haddin’s gloves!
18 off that over!!!
whoo whoo!!!
7 off 12 bru!
Ricky taking his time setting the field…as per usual??
6 needed off 11. Remember the last over will NOT be a PP.
Only 6 runs needed off 11 balls!!!
If we lose this one dan weet ek darem nie!!! 🙄
😎 😀 😎
Wasting the PP over… 🙄 Chicken Botha!
@Me2 (Comment 191) : 😳 got that wrong 😆
ok no more dot balls please
two dot balls off Bracken. 6 off 9 😯
4 dot balls 👿
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 203) : Not really…wait for the BAD ball, no good getting out now!!
@PJLD (Comment 205) : Another dot from a near runout.
Calm down Johan!
2 from the last over…come on…
keep 😎 manne
3 off the last ball of the over. Which means just 2 needed off the last over.
2 runs off the last over. easy.
Hilfenhaus to bowl last over 😀
That’s 6 in a row for us at the MCG. 😎
We can’t lose now
Scores level with 5 balls left. Least we can’t lose.
And we win!!! Lovely stuff Proteas!!!
Well done Albie…and well done sloppy Aussie fielders…
Keep your cool johan
A misfield and SA WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!
WHAT A CRACKER!!!!!!! ALBIE YOU BEAUTY!!!!
Fantastic! 😀 😀 😎 😎
49.3 Hilfenhaus to Botha, 1 run, South Africa have won! Botha pushes a low full toss towards mid-off and runs frantically, David Hussey runs in to try and score a run out, but he fumbles, he doesn’t pick up, the batsmen complete the single, what scenes of celebration! Botha pumps his fists
Phew…that was good…I’m afraid they still managed to do it with out Biff…..chaos??? maybe alittle panic towards the end BUT WE DID IT!!
Well done chaps!
10.07 pm: Phew, what entertainment! South Africa were cruising when Duminy and McKenzie were batting. Then their middle order collapsed and Australia were on top with four overs remaining. However, Albie Morkel played a fiery cameo and made superb use of the final Powerplay. He finished with 40 off 18 balls and gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
@Me2 (Comment 224) : It is ALWAYS panic at the end when we play Aus in ODIs. I’m sounding like a stuck record but T20 can kiss my @SS!!
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 28) : Well we pushed it to the last over but we still won by 3 wickets… 😎
@wpw (Comment 225) : @wpw (Comment 225) : I guess we know the Man Of The Match!
Any idea who is MOTM?
Albie took 2/50, a run out and 40 off 18 balls.
😯
40 from 18 and 2 wickets…Well Done Albie!
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 228) : McKenzie for his knock as well as leadership qualities??? NOT!!! 👿
@wpw (Comment 229) : Albie!
@klempie (Comment 226) : Agreed..I think it is a waste of time!
@wpw (Comment 229) : Albie got it. Duhhhh. 😛
@wpw (Comment 231) :
Still not adding him as a friend on facebook…but McKenzie’s 63 from 80 was very useful…
@Me2 (Comment 233) : and when they ban the “composite” bat, it will be an even bigger farse!
@klempie (Comment 36) : Read it ‘n weep. 😉
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 235) : That is an understatement!
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 235) : Hard to please eh? 😉
@klempie (Comment 226) :
Different strokes for different folks I guess…as far as I’m concerned nothing beats Test cricket…although I enjoy everything really…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 240) : Agreed…just wish I had time to watch a full test….enjoy listening on radio….
@Me2 (Comment 236) : I hope that will just fall away…it’s a disgusting idea…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 240) : Tests AND ODIs for me. They’re both formats which require skills in different areas. T20 on the other hand is just a lottery. It’s hit-and-hope stuff.
@Me2 (Comment 241) : Honestly, I’ve only just started listening to the game on Radio – I thought it was a waste of time but it’s pretty entertaining in it’s own way. Picturing all the shots and catches…great!
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 242) : Sorry…do you mean the banning of the bat or the bat itself?
@Me2 (Comment 245) : Either will do.
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 240) : and here I thought you were Mac’s biggest fan!!! 😈
“However, it’s their problem and we just observe it from afar. It’s not my job to give them advice,” he added with a smile.
I wonder if he is smiling now????
@Me2 (Comment 248) : Ponting…is “he”
@klempie (Comment 243) : I think you’ll find that in a few years we’ll be able to identify players who are suited to the T20 game…both bowlers and batsmen.
All the different formats help each other in a way…we’re seeing more interesting boundary shots that have been invented through T20…
And like it been said a lot…T20 is excellent for hooking up new victims…it’s easier to get newbies to sit for a T20 game than a full ODI…but before they know it…they’ll be upgrading to ODI and then Test.
Before the match, Aus were on 131 points and SA 119. That has been reduced to 129 and 121 respectively. 😎
@klempie (Comment 246) :
@Me2 (Comment 245) : I mean the 2-sided bat idea… it’s terrible…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 250) : Some critics see it the other way round…T20 will kill test & ODI 😮
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 253) : Ohhh…that IS nonsence!!
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 250) : That is the only purpose I see of T20. Getting newbies in. Other than that it’s junk. Aus (#1 ODI side) losing to Zim (worst ODI team in the test playing nations) in the T20 World Champs bears perfect testament to the fact.
@Me2 (Comment 254) :
Nah…pessimists! How exciting was the recent Test series?
The thing that will kill the game is the other Test nations dropping their standards.
JP batted to slow for 71 in my opinion…but he at least ensured that the runs kept ticking over…
Neil surprised me…out batting JP from ball one…slowed down when we lost 3 quick wickets…
@klempie (Comment 256) :
Like you said…worst ODI team…
The Zims played well that day hey…they deserved the victory…
One thing that will kill test cricket is too many draws.
People want to see a results.
Great win and a perfect birthday precent for a 50* er!
Go ‘Teas!
The fact that Kallis and Mackenzie were batting in the mid 80% strike rate and the fact that JP got a lot of singles means one did not realise his slow batting pace…
He at least picked it up to the end…
But too much was left for Albie…he batted at a 223% strike rate and it was just 3 balls good enough….
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 257) :
“The thing that will kill the game is the other Test nations dropping their standards.”
Yes Australia better pull up their socks….
@Hmmm (Comment 258) :
Dude…JP managed to keep a strike rate of 76…is that what you call too slow ?
Kallis, MaC & the Duminy did a great job. Only thing that went wrong was the sudden loss of a few wickets.
Otherwise we would have cruised home.
@Dive Pass (Comment 264) : He he…
Hard to believe that Neil Mac played his first game today after an absence of 5 years. To all you that are calling for his head; I say that he still has enough class and skill to offer SA for a few more years.
@McLovin (Comment 260) :
Some draws are pretty exciting mate… 🙂
Had we managed to draw the last test- it would’ve been more exciting than most games with results. People just want to be entertained…runs and wickets…near-misses…tail-enders surviving at the crease…as long as there’s something happening…instead of easy games that finish on Day 3 or in the morning of Day 4.
Think Pointing made a huge mistake not taking the power play when Duminy & Maccie was batting. That would have force them outta rythm. But well done and a great record of wins still in tact!
I was concerned that we left too much for A Morkel to do…in actual fact I did not think we were going to make it…especially when Botha came out to face 6 straight dot balls….and A Morkel not having played enough cricket of late after his shoulder injury late last year…
But WoW…he is the most capable of all the players of the team to take us to a win from there…and he showed that he can…
@Ragged (Comment 268) :
( Hello Rob)…
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while…
@PaarlBok (Comment 270) : Aus took their Powerplay early…we just delayed our batting Powerplay…
@robdylan (Comment 262) : I think Rob is a convert.
@PaarlBok (Comment 270) :
Have you seen the “A bloggers perspective” article – there are lots of birthday wishes there for you.
Just got back from Reffing a match in Bahrain.
Did we win the cricket?
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 265) :
He ended on a 71% strike rate…and only reached that in his last ten runs…
And for the game it was…we needed 5.44 per over and he batted at 4.26…and for a guy scoring over 50 that is slow…
And it is not as if we were a lot of wickets down…both Kallis and Mackenzie out batted him…both scoring in the mid 80%…Mackenzie slowed down when we lost 3 wickets for 5 runs…but at the time he was going well…
And that left too much at the end…if it was not for a monstrous performance from Morkel we would have lost…
FFS – we beat the Convicts – Result is all that counts. 😀
But he did do very well to keep the runs ticking over…
However….next time we might not be so lucky…
@klempie (Comment 221) :
Okay i see we won. 😆
😎 😎 😎 😎 😎 😎
@PaarlBok (Comment 270) : Paarlbok. The new rule is that the batting side takes the PP not the fielding side.
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 278) :
LoL…run out of weed there!??!
Yeh we are all happy about it…and great to see Morkel back…
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 278) :
Amen to that. I’m gonna rub it in the Secretary at kette’s school just as hard, whether we won by 1 run or by 10 wickets.
i’m gonna walk in there like a Cheshire cat tomorrow morning and she is going to need no telling while i am smiling. 😀
Highest scores without a boundary:
96 Adam Parore (NZ)
84 Zaheer Abbas (PAK)
84 KJ Barnett (ENG)
76 DL Haynes (WI)
74 A Bagai (CAN)
71 JP Dumini (SA)
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 272) : Brilliant!!! 😆 😆
@KSA Shark © (Comment 276) : OH MAN DID YOU MISS OUT BOY!! 😮
@klempie (Comment 281) : The first PP is compulsory in the first 10 overs…the bowling side choses when to take their 5 over PP and the batting side also has another 5 over PP… 20 overs in total…
@KSA Shark © (Comment 283) : Awesome.
@Hmmm (Comment 277) : He got 71 from 93 at a SR of 76.34 and for a man who had to build the innings he did extremely well…I can’t fault him for anything…boundaries are overrated!!! 🙂
@Hmmm (Comment 284) : Who is JP Dlamini? 😆
@klempie (Comment 286) :
Yip it seems like it. 👿
I was reading the comments from the last few overs. 😎 😎 😎
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 289) :
I don’t know….where did you get Dlamini from?
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 287) : Oh. You learn something new everyday. My apologies to PaarlBok.
@Hmmm (Comment 279) : Dude, JP has been THE player of the tour so far!!! Maybe with the exception of Smith.
He has however scored runs in each of his last 3 innings and basically carried the side on his own. Give the guy a break!!! 👿
@KSA Shark © (Comment 283) : lol an Aussie in your office after a win is as good as it gets 😆
Reg mense. Ek moet waai. Going to the barber. Got a wedding tomorrow. Not mine fortunately. 😉
@klempie (Comment 292) : Ponting took the 2nd PP straight after the compulsory one – from 10.1 to 15.
@klempie (Comment 295) :
You mean fortunately? 😉
Cheers Klempie…kick an Aussie in the shins if you happen to meet one in Tshwane…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 289) :
Yeh but he still scored at 4.58 when we needed 5.44…and doing so when we had 7 wickets in hand…
And by the way I was not knocking him…HE STILL SCORED 71…was just stating that he needs to look at that…and be more aware of what the situation is…
I’m bored… 🙄
@Worcestershire Sauce (Comment 294) : 😎
@wpw (Comment 299) :
Ohoh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please not on here? 😉
@wpw (Comment 293) :
Yes…why does it seems like you are trying to convince me? He has really stepped up and it would be near impossible leaving him out of any of the sides no matter who is fit…but that does not take away from what is fact…
Merely stating he needs to be aware of that…remember Kepler in the mid 90’s scoring a half century every second ODI but we still ended up losing cozz he scored it too slow…
Yes Amla could have scored more…Kallis should have scored a 50 + at the rate he was going…was merely making an observation about JP…not anything he cannot work on…it is only his 5th year in ODI and his 39th game….
@Hmmm (Comment 298) : I think Gibbs, Boucher and the other guys need to look at the situation…he actually played perfectly for the situation…
36/2 = trouble
213/3 = cruising
The trouble only started after he was dismissed.
I don’t know how to explain this any further…JP did well to keep his wicket during the crucial rebuilding phase. I would’ve been happy with him scoring at rate of around 70 for all I care. If Morkel hadn’t played so well…I was gonna pick him as my MOM.
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 302) :
If Morkel did not play as well…we would not have won then…so an Ausie (Marsh) would have been MOM…
71 is a good score…in spite of him not scoring a single boundary…but it did leave a lot for Morkel to do at the end (and Vaughn/Botha added to that problem too)…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 302) :
Bru, trust me when I say this: Arguing with Hmmm is like disagreeing with a Bulls supporter. They just don’t get it. 😆
@wpw (Comment 304) :
Get what? That Duminy is a great player…that was never a matter of the conversation…maybe if you were more attentive you would know what the discussion is about…
This is how cricinfo start their bulletin:
JP Duminy and Neil McKenzie set up South Africa’s sixth win from six ODIs against Australia at the MCG…..
@Hmmm (Comment 305) : I agree with
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 302) :
You need one batsman to keep the score board rolling & his wicket intact while the other hits out….. as I see it, this time Mac was the one who hit out and JP played the supporting role, I actually thought the opposite might happen …..
@McLovin (Comment 306) :
QED!!!!
This from cricket Australia’s site:
‘a 123-run stand off 135 balls between the irrepressible Jean-Paul Duminy and the hitherto out-of-form Neil McKenzie returned the ascendancy to the Proteas…’
@Hmmm (Comment 303) : Morkel had to play that well because Boucher decided to get a Royal duck…and Vaughn also fell quickly. There was a situation where Botha had to find his feet and balls were waisted.
Going into the last 10 overs , 3 wickets down, Powerplay in hand, required rate around 7 …the match was safe on our side all because of JP and yes Neil as well!!! The end.
@McLovin (Comment 309) : Only the Australians can start a match report like that…after a loss… 😆
irrepressible Jean-Paul Duminy and the hitherto out-of-form Neil McKenzie
OK back from the barber. I saw something disturbing. On the counter in front of me, I saw a bottle labeled “PLACENTA”. 😯
@Me2 (Comment 307) : Me2
– I thought JP was gonna free his arms after the 50 but it was Neil who batted with more intent.
JP got his 50 from 73 so his last 21 runs came from 20 balls 🙂
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 311) : yeh lol.
@klempie (Comment 312) : It’s good for you. Good source of protein. Not sure what a barber uses it for.
@McLovin (Comment 306) : Beautiful. 😎
@klempie (Comment 312) : Seems it good for your hair too…
@McLovin (Comment 315) : Can’t they call it something else though? 😳
@klempie (Comment 318) : How would people then know what it is?
@McLovin (Comment 319) : Exactly! I don’t want to know what it is!
@klempie (Comment 320) : Agree. Not a nice thought. Haven’t tried it myself yet. Might be quite pleasant.
@McLovin (Comment 315) :
Hair growth…it is for people going bold….
@Hmmm (Comment 322) :
You spray it onto your scalp 2 times a day…
Oooooooo. Summer of ’69 on Highveld. 😎
@Hmmm (Comment 322) : @Hmmm (Comment 322) : @Hmmm (Comment 323) : Sounds like snake oil to me.
@klempie (Comment 324) :
One of the best live shows Ive seen and long as well.
@McLovin (Comment 325) :
LoL
Well played Bodi!
Anybody up for the cricket?
Warner out for 5 – bowled Steyn caught Boucher!
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 329) : Watching, but not sure for how long. Need my beauty sleep.
Steyn to Marsh, no run, 145.5km/h, pitches short of a length and Marsh decides he’d like to pull that one, but the ball stays a touch low and angles across to hit him on the box, ouch.
40/1 – 9ov
He he…i had an all-nighter last night but i hope i can do it again today…
332- too many replays of that…
Mckenzie drops ponting…aargh!
Another wicket would be nice…
100 up for aus… 20.3 overs.
50 for Marsh off 70 balls…
Ponting almost run out…and ntini drops him now…wtf?
Its raining runs right now…aus going for 300 imo…
Ponting gone for 64 bowled Kallis caught by AB!
Marsh out for 78 – bowled JP and good catch by Gibbs…
2 new batsmen- the Hussey brothers…hope that will slow their run rate down…
BOB MARLEY – Is this love…playing at the oval…didnt know some aussies have a good taste in music 😆
Ok…aus are now 197 for 5 after 40 overs
Run Rate has gone down to 4.82…there was a shot of a couple gettin married at the stadium 😯
Aus are now 232 for 6 after 47 overs…credit to sa for keeping them quiet…
AUS finish on 249 for 9…game on!!!
DUDE!!!!!!! Did you wake up that early????????????
81/2
We require 169 off 29 overs.
That’s 5,8 an over. We can do this.
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 334) :
Seems not. 😉
Last 4 Overs. 😎
This is what you call keeping the scoreboard ticking over
1 1 1 4 1 1 | . 1 . . 1 1 | 1 . 1 1 . . | . 1 1 1 1 1
100 up in the 26th Over.
C’mon Proteas.
And just to put us in the mood for celebration.
Giniel De Villiers has won the Dakar Rally
Kallis goes to 50 off 74 Balls
back from my nap…lets go proteas…
Scoreboard still ticking over nicely but the RR us creeping up slowly.
6,8 required per over now.
136/2 after 33,3 Overs
Wickets in hand will be our saving grace. 😎
Well done de villiers… I hope Ab will get a century…well kallis too…
Kallis is 16 runs away from 10,000 Runs
@KSA Shark © (Comment 360) :
Kallis will have to wait for his next innings to score those 16 runs. 🙁
Out on 72.
145/3 after 34,5 overs
We need 103 off 15 overs with 7 wickets in hand.
Come on JP!!!
Dynamite Duminy the new Batsman and he scores 2 runs off the first ball.
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 357) :
Feeling all refreshed now. 😉
NOoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
36.1 Hilfenhaus to de Villiers, 1 run, OUT, AB trips and he’s gone! Hilfenhaus pitches on the stumps, AB shuffles and taps the ball just wide of midwicket and harries off down the track, he gets the first in good time but stumbles as he turns back for the second, still he continues sprinting and dives full stretch but a good flat throw from Harris comes back to Haddin in time, that was a terrific throw and well taken too
AB de Villiers run out 44 (78m 62b 2×4 0x6) SR: 70.96
364…and sober…
365- that was soooo unnecessary…
@blckshrk – PROTEAS (Comment 367) :
It sounds like it. (I am in the office so no TV 🙁 )
AND that wicket has killed our momentum. 😥
84 runs from 66 balls…
82 off 10 overs and suddenly the RR is above 8.
C’mon Guys!!!!!!!!!!!!
168/4
4 runs of that over. 😕
Swing the bat boys. C’mon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
78 Runs off 9 Overs needed.
McKenzie Out as Harris takes his 1st International wicket.
172/5 41,1 Overs
@KSA Shark © (Comment 372) :
Not only was that Harris 1st international wicket, it was his first international ball that he bowled. 😯
71 runs needed off 42 balls (7 overs)
RR 10,14
Duminy FOUR 😎
Morning all. (Bleary-eyed) 😳
2 things.
1. Can someone explain to why JP called AB for that second run when the ball was a couple of metres from the fielder.
2. KSA, any chance you can start a new thread? I’m on 3G dialup and it’s taking forever to refresh the page. Ta.
11 off the over
60 runs needed off 6 overs.
Duminy batting, Boucher playing the fool 😉
@klempie (Comment 376) :
Okay Will do.
Gimme a sec
@klempie (Comment 376) :
Done
@KSA Shark © (Comment 373) : No it wasn’t.