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Graeme Smith: a woeful tosser
By Rich Abbott 2 months ago, No Comments; be the first!
Not trying to start a war with this one, merely noting the two captains’ drastically differing fortunes at the toss. Whilst Andrew Strauss has won nine of his last 12 coin tosses, Graeme Smith has won only one of his last 11 – a record compounded by that one, coming in Durban, being a good toss to lose.
I always used to find the adage that “luck has a peculiar habit of favouring those who don’t depend on it,” particularly relevant with regard to the Australian team of the Steve Waugh and pre-2005 Ricky Ponting eras. They were by far the best team around, and through my three lions-tinted spectacles seemed to have all the decisions their way too. They married a bit of self-made luck with devastating collective and individual skills.
England may be some way off such dominance, but they seem to have the luck bit sewn up.
No Comments »Icon. Iconic. What? Makhaya Ntini’s legacy
By Will 2 months ago, 3 Comments »
The more I see someone famous being labelled an icon, or “iconic”, the less it means. For “iconic” sportsmen, the implication is they’ve reached some sort of quasi-religious status – quite often just because they’ve played a long career. The substance of their achievements is almost bypassed in the pursuit of raising these figures of celebration up to a god-like status. What does that say about us? That we need to glamourise these people?
I can understand the sentiment behind Makhaya Ntini’s status as an apparent “iconic” cricketer. He was the first black cricketer to be picked on a regular basis by South Africa on their re-entry to world cricket. But surely it is his selection that is iconic, not the man himself – wonderful, tireless bowler though he has been. If we continue to use these superlatives to describe a black cricketer in South Africa, what does that show of the country’s progress in equality? The implication is that Ntini is a one-off, and though we’ll all miss him when he’s gone, if there aren’t a crop of young black replacements waiting in the wings – inspired by Makhaya’s success in the last decade – his achievements will be quickly forgotten.
3 Comments »South Africa pen pics
By Rich Abbott last year, at the start of November, 1 Comment »
They’re playing their Test cards close to their chest, but what do we know about South Africa’s recently announced ODI squad? Other than the penchant for choking…(behave yourself, Abbott. Ed.)
Graeme Smith
Has captained South Africa since the age of 12. Will be good for at least a couple of heroic centuries. Cancelled his membership of the KP fanclub some time ago.
Hashim Amla
Budding captain. As consistent as his beard is long.
Johan Botha
Bent-arm-bandit, perennially on the run, could be seized by ICC testers at any point during the series. Assuming he’s not, expect polished all-round performances.
Mark Boucher
Someone should probably warn Heino Kuhn, his long-term successor, named in the T20 squad, that Boucher, still somehow only 32, has kept wicket for SA since he could walk, and is likely to continue until he can’t. Kuhn could either give up or become English like the others.
AB de Villiers
Steadily becoming the best batsman in the world. Could have played pretty much any sport for his country, but settled on cricket despite being better at golf than Tiger Woods.
JP Duminy
Guarantees middle order success and sharp fielding, not due to his sound technique and athleticism, but through the assurance of quality that is being known by one’s forename initials.
Jacques Kallis
Expected to open with Smith – something he’s only done four times before and not since 1998. Will score runs, take wickets and get out. His sister will only dance manically during the latter.
Charl Langeveldt
Former prison warden, brought in to revive memories of his Test best 5-46 against England in 2005. May not work on KP and Strauss, but could make Geraint Jones and Michael Vaughan squirm uncomfortably on their sofas.
Ryan McLaren
Former Kolpak, capped by SA at Under-19 level, about to make the unusual step of going on to represent the same national team at the highest level.
Albie Morkel
Owns the trademark to the preface, “big hitting”. Will bat at six and bowl less, apparently. Which is a shame.
Wayne Parnell
Has gone down a route well-trodden by Nigerian footballers in claiming to be much younger than he is. Says he’s 20, is actually approaching 28 and his peak.
Alviro Petersen
Barely a household name in his own house, and has yet to play international opposition other than Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Pencilled in for five, despite being an opener. Probable man-of-the-series.
Dale Steyn
Elaborate plan of pretending to be rubbish in England in 2005 took everyone by surprise as he elbowed his way to ICC Test Player of the Year award last year. Much rests on him as the leader of the attack.
Lonwabo Tsotsobe
Andre Nel’s new alter ego? Not quite. A promising swing bowler and impressive performer on the domestic scene. Presents as much of a challenge to David Lloyd’s pronunciation as he does to England’s batsmen.
Roelof van der Merwe
Samit Patel’s idol. Watches neither what he eats, nor the ball when he’s batting. Copes pretty well considering.
1 Comment »South Africa and Australia yet to be separated
By Mark Tilley last year, at the end of March, 72 Comments »
If Australia’s series win in South Africa has taught us anything, its that they are not, repeat not, to be underestimated, especially by the English, ahead of this summers Ashes clash. Their mini resurgence has seen new players step manfully into the breach and come out victorious. Phillip Hughes, Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Marcus North, etc; men who have been drafted in when the team was in a period of crisis and who have partially lifted their side out of the doldrums.
South Africa’s innings victory over the Aussies in Cape Town has levelled their six match rivalry spread across two tours at 3-3. If we were looking for any indication as to who is the best Test nation in the world, then it looks like we’re going to be kept guessing, at least for a little while longer. The manner of South Africa’s victory today suggests that the momentum is with the Proteas and it was the first defeat by an innings suffered by Australia since India crushed them in way back in 1998.
One could also argue that Australia’s defeat in India last year is further proof that they are in no shape to brand themselves the number one side. They are a team in more in transition than Martin Johnson‘s perennially developing England rugby side. Siddle and Hilfenhaus have done the jobs asked of them by Ricky Ponting and they have done them well but the imposing figures and reputations of Brett Lee and Stuart Clark must be looming large over them and predicting Australia’s line-up for the first Ashes Test in Cardiff in July is nigh on impossible.
South Africa, for their part, are also not 100% certain on a definitive starting team. Opener Neil McKenzie was dropped for the last Test, making way for debutant Imraan Khan. Khan didn’t have too memorable a debut but makeshift opener Ashwell Prince certainly did, ruthlessly blasting the small matter of 150 runs. Paceman Morne Morkel was also not called upon; brother Albie Morkel was drafted in instead, taking one wicket and scoring a helpful fifty in support of AB de Villiers. South Africa are not in crisis, not by a long stretch, but the series loss was unexpected in the wake of their heroics down under and they certainly have some improving to do before they can once more lay claim to being the top of the pile.
Three Test match victories each is a perfectly fair reflection of the two sides’ efforts against each other in both series. Australia looked dead and buried after defeats in Perth and Melbourne but have fought back in the manner of a wounded champion. The pretenders of South Africa were shocked by the resurrection from the Australians in the first two tests but their victory today has at least reminded doubting observers of their quality and potential.
By the by, how well is Mitchell Johnson playing at the moment? More wickets than he can possibly count and now a maiden Test hundred. The boy gets better and better with every passing game and he looks set to play an impossibly crucial role in the Ashes.
72 Comments »Just a few more moments
By Mark Tilley last year, mid-March, 2 Comments »
One moment towards the end of the second day of the South Africa vs Australia that raised a chuckle. Jacques Kallis, on 99 not out, tried to work a ball into the on side for a single to take him to a deserved hundred. He inside edged the ball onto his pads, watched it run away safely and then scampered through for the run and raised his bat to the adoring crowd.
The fans applauded and batting partner AB de Villiers warmly congratulated the elder statesmen. However, the general feel-good atmosphere was suddenly ruined when umpire Asad Rauf abruptly signalled the run as a leg-bye! It shocked pretty much everyone watching and even Sky Sports had to stop their flashy, ‘Kallis-hundred’ graphic. It all seemed like a bit of a joke but it got even funnier seconds later.
Rauf then checked with the third umpire, who informed him that it should have, in fact been given as a Kallis run. Rauf then reversed the decision yet again and Kallis, having had to sheepishly put his helmet back on, was finally through to his first Test hundred in almost a year.
Ricky Ponting was moved to question the decision briefly with the umpire, wondering why the third umpire was consulted on a matter as trivial as the difference between a run and a leg bye. Still, it must have brought a wry smile to some of the Australians in a day that saw their bowlers get marmalised all over the park by a rampant South African batting line-up.
I wonder if even Bryce McGain was moved to have a little giggle, having spent the day seeing his first 11 overs in Test cricket disappear for 106 runs?
2 Comments »JP Duminy – a class act
By Mark Tilley last year, mid-January, 2 Comments »
Yes, Australia may have handed it to South Africa in both Twenty20 games. But at least JP Duminy is still dominating the frail Aussies. His innings today of 69 not out off 41 balls underlined his class in the shorter form of the game and continues his extremely impressive run of scores Down Under.
For Duminy, this tour has certainly been a breakthrough for him. Making only a single on Test debut in Perth, he followed it with an impressive unbeaten fifty in the successful run chase, giving solid support to centurion AB de Villers and guiding the Proteas to an historic win. And as if that wasn’t enough, he blitzed the Australian attack all over the MCG in the next Test, making a fantastic 166, batting with the tail. That innings dragged South Africa back into the game, having been pretty much out of it when he came to the crease.
Duminy had a quiet final Test but by then he had already impressed all the right people. His classy stroke-play is what draws most to him and the way in which he has accumulated his runs proves he has a fantastic temperament, well suited to Test match cricket. However, he can still perform in the limited overs arena with a bold 78 in the first T20 match followed by today’sinnings. He has five more one day games to continue being a thorn in Australia’s side.
Duminy looks to have a great future before him. He appears to have already ousted Ashwell Prince from the South African middle order and if he can replicate his Australian success when the Aussies come back for the return series, then he’ll surely be well placed to be one of the world’s best batsman for years to come. Well played, indeed.
2 Comments »Warne again
By Will last year, at the start of January, 8 Comments »
Today isn’t the day to lament Shane Warne’s absence, but tomorrow might be. South Africa lost an early wicket before Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis – the yawning dream team – steadied South Africa once again. Australia’s dearth of spin, and of pulling rabbits out of impossibly tiny hats like Warne did for fun, will begin to hurt them.
Will Warne return? It seems implausible, not least because it would signal defeat for Australia; that their future lies with the past. That notion isn’t far from the truth given their historic defeat in this series, but all teams must move on, a notion that Australia hasn’t had to ponder for years. Unfortunately, like Maradona, David Campese, Martin Johnson and other towers of sport, the specter of a truly great sportsmen like Warne can linger for years.
Warne himself has scoffed at a possible return, but he is no ordinary character. Of all Australia’s retired and not-forgotten, he has the charisma and chutzpah to break with tradition and make a memorable (if fleeting) reappearance for the Ashes – his and Australia’s most cherished battle.
So I’m going to put myself on the line here: if Australia lose the return series in South Africa, Warne will be back at Ponting’s insistence.
There’s a poll at the site, on the right, where you can vote – and have your say below.
8 Comments »And the walls came tumbling down
By Will 2 years ago, at the end of December, 9 Comments »
Amid all the anticipation that Australia are about to lose their first home series in 16 years, there are some intriguing stats to come out following Dale Steyn’s individual excellence:
- Steyn is also the 22nd allrounder – and the second South African, after Fanie de Villiers – to score a half-century and take ten wickets in the same match. He is only the second to do this since 2000.
- Dale Steyn’s match figures of 10 for 154 took his career tally to 150 from 29 Tests at an average of 22.66 and a strike rate of 37.6 balls per wicket. Among bowlers who’ve bowled 2000 balls in Tests, Steyn’s strike rate is second to George Lohmann’s.
(Cricinfo)
Steyn has shone, but it’s been South Africa’s allround dominance which has most stood out. That, and Australia’s many cracks. A batting lineup with one or two ageing hasbeens; the over-reliance on Ponting; some seriously un-Australian loose strokes (Katich, of all people, chasing wide ones) and a bowling attack lacking penetration. That too is over-reliant on Brett Lee, who is injured, and although Mitchell Johnson is progressing nicely, I still don’t see him as a pack-leader.
So, if South Africa knock off these runs, they’ll condemn Australia to their first home-series defeat since West Indies in 1992-93. That’s a monstrously long time ago. I was 10 and my cricketing education had only just begun. Ever since, Australia have ruled the roost.
I’m sure nearly every Englishmen staying up late tonight will automatically (and patriotically?) pledge allegiance to South Africa. But even Australians, I like to think, might be quite excited at the change in world order. Don’t underestimate how significant this is; how Australia responds over the coming years is deliciously exciting.
Fellow losers staying up late (or early) to watch the match, leave a comment or three.
9 Comments »Duminy! Steyn! South Africa!
By Will 2 years ago, at the end of December, 23 Comments »
Whisper it, but I might be turning into a bok fan. This is deeply embarrassing for a multitude of reasons and excuses, most obviously the fact that I abhor most of their sporting sides for being either really good, or thinking their better than they actually are.
But the situation in Melbourne gives me little choice. I’m just going to have to sing South Africa’s praises. JP Duminy cracked 166, in only his second Test, and Dale Steyn made 76 batting at No.10. They began the day 196 runs behind but Duminy and Steyn put on 180 – the third-highest ninth-wicket stand in history. This is truly monstrous.
This all but condemns Australia to second-place in this series, and possibly in the world rankings too. What a day. Can’t wait for the highlights.
23 Comments »Time for Australia to wake up
By Will 2 years ago, mid-December, 13 Comments »
If the defeat to India was cause enough for Australia to sit up, then their loss today to South Africa must surely splash water on their faces. It’s time they woke up to a life without legends. In failing to defend 414, they’ve shown just how vulnerable their attack is.
Will offer thoughts tonight when less busy. Until then … offer your own below.
13 Comments »It’s all in the mind
By Will 2 years ago, at the start of August, 2 Comments »
If there was any doubt about how dominant the mind-to-talent ratio is, you only need look at Graeme Smith. He is a diligent, grafting, muscular batsman but his real talent lies upstairs. After one of the very best fourth-innings centuries at Edgbaston, a vast 154, you’d think he’d be seeing the ball alright today. But no. God no. He resembled a rabbit, and a desperately out of form one at that. Somehow, he scraped 46 tortuous runs before his pain was eventually ended by Steve Harmison.
He has nothing to fight for. Neither do South Africa. The series is in the bag and their eyes are on their WAGs and the golf.
It really is all in the mind you know.
2 Comments »England v South Africa, 4th Test, The Oval, 1st day
By Will 2 years ago, at the start of August, 2 Comments »
Steve Harmison is back; Stuart Broad returns. And Kevin Pietersen leads England out for the first time. Here’s the scorecard…leave your thoughts below.
2 Comments »England v South Africa, 2nd Test, Leeds, 1st day – live chat!
By Will 2 years ago, mid-July, 3 Comments »
We’ve barely had time to catch our breath from Lord’s, but here we are with another Test upon us. England are already feeling the strain: Sidebottom’s crock, so is Anderson (well, duh) and Broad has apparently snapped his ankle. Or something less severe, probably. A roof-tiler has been called up (Darren Pattinson. What do you mean you’ve never heard of the Grimsby-born, Australian-raised, Nottinghamshire quick with a slightly chest-on action who probably bowls a “heavy ball”? It’s only the bestest rags-to-riches story this week). But who frankly gives a toss about any of these chancing chancers when Andrew Flintoff is back in the side?
Until he breaks down with a rare stress fracture of his left buttock at about midday on Saturday, let’s enjoy his 5 for 21 from 94 overs and blistering 18 from seven balls. Here is the scorecard. You know what to do. No, not that – that.
3 Comments »England v South Africa, 1st Test, Lord’s, 4th day
By Will 2 years ago, mid-July, 6 Comments »
England are owning this Test, but they’re by no means going to walk this victory. Sri Lanka were bowled out cheaply here in 2006 and responded in their follow-on with a monstrous effort, the figures of which I’ve utterly forgotten and can’t be bothered to check. That said, Monty is bowling like a dream on a pitch offering increased turn. Scorecard. Commentrs. You know the deal. Be prolific.
6 Comments »England dominate; South Africa fold; Prince reigns
By Will 2 years ago, mid-July, 1 Comment »
It’s late and I’m beery. Briefly, England were disconcertingly excellent today. And even more briefly:
- James Anderson’s catch at mid-on to dismiss AB de Villiers was a bit special, proving (were any proof needed) that fast bowlers these days are as vital assets in the field as any other member of the side. They have to be.
- Hashim Amla’s beard continues to amaze and enthrall. Fortunate not to be bowled when his helmet fell off, evading a bouncer.
- Neil McKenzie has buckets of class and similar quantities of oddities. His obsessive compulsive habits were fascinating to watch, and metronomically repetitive. A scrape of the crease with his bat is followed by a scrub with his foot (right). He glances behind to fine leg, then to square leg, and then composes himself in his stance. Right before the bowler reaches his delivery stride, he mouths “watch the ball”. And when he does finally connect, it’s often pleasingly elegant. A nice sideshow to the series, watching McKenzie.
- Stuart Broad is enjoying his best Test match by a distance. Runs in the first innings, and today bowled his heart out, rarely straying from an immaculate line. Knows when to dig it in short or fire in a yorker. He will be a world force in 12 months.
- Monty Panesar is so hard to play in England. Favourite moment of the day came when he did Morkel like a kipper, eventually bowling him through the gate (with the final ball of the over, I think). Looks like he’s beginning to really know his game now.
- Billy Bowden’s mum died a couple of weeks ago, poor sod.
- Ashwell Prince showed the benefits of patience. Good, old-fashioned Test innings by a very underrated player rediscovering his touch. His celebration bordered on angry; a kiss of the badge was followed by him pointing at it to the dressing room, evidence that for all South Africa’s aggressive wordplay, they continue to be haunted by political turbulance.
- Andrew Strauss’s fine catch at first slip to dismiss Jacques Kallis (off the top of my head) confirmed how important slippers are to England. Alastair Cook has done well, but we could do with another safe pair of hands. Flintoff would do.
- The moment of the day? Kevin Pietersen taking the new ball to bowl at Graeme Smith owing to the poor light. The pair of them murmuring to eachother, staring one another down, was a fitting end to a near-perfect day’s Test cricket by England.
