2nd Test Aust vs S.Africa

[Sportz]

Okay, Australia struggling in the first innings again. SURELY this has to be Symonds' last test match. He's already played 6 too many. As I said last time, he is a one-day player, not a test player!!! :rolleyes:

[xptdriver]

Couple of those QLD selectors keep that bloke in... he surely is finished now.

How about that bloke Nel... he looks like he can bowl a bit, but seems to be severely disturbed....

[downbylaw]

Okay, Australia struggling in the first innings again. SURELY this has to be Symonds' last test match. He's already played 6 too many. As I said last time, he is a one-day player, not a test player!!! :rolleyes:
Agree 100% percent with you there sportz. After saying that though he will come out in the next dig and smack a ton. Wonder what thats paying???

[Sportz]

Hussey's not a bad player, huh? ;) I wonder how the people that backed Ponting for top scorer are feeling!!! :D

Not being wise after the event here. Before the Ashes series even started, I said that Hussey definitely should have been in our test team.

[Mr J]

Forget hussey and ponting, how bout mcgrath??

Can't just blame symonds though, the only people who put up resistance besides hayden, ponting and hussey was mcgrath.

[Sportz]

Yeah, top effort by McGrath. This pitch has flattened right out now. There's a bit of spin there, but nothing else. Probably going to be tough to get the South Africans out.

[jonron]

I'm tipping(and backing)Stuie to get a bagful.Shane seems a bit tired to me,and why wouldn't he be!!Macca is the fresh boy on the scene and as evidenced late today the wicket is helping spinners.Can't wait till tommorrow!!

[Sportz]

After saying that though he will come out in the next dig and smack a ton.

Or take 3 handy wickets with the ball!!!

[Jack Daniels]

Australia to win if they can get a 330-350 run lead by lunch time ish.

If Symonds doesn't perform with the bat he should go.

Second chance for clarke perhaps.

[Sportz]

After saying that though he will come out in the next dig and smack a ton. Wonder what thats paying???

Well, not far off.

The way Symonds played today is the way he should ALWAYS play. If he does, he could actually be a handy player. The situation of the game today totally suited him though. Wouldn't fancy him going out to bat if Australia was trying to play for a draw or something. Trying to bat in a defensive fashion as he had been doing until today, just doesn't suit him.

[xptdriver]

Well, not far off.

The way Symonds played today is the way he should ALWAYS play. If he does, he could actually be a handy player. The situation of the game today totally suited him though. Wouldn't fancy him going out to bat if Australia was trying to play for a draw or something. Trying to bat in a defensive fashion as he had been doing until today, just doesn't suit him.

Gday Sportz,
looks like we jumped the gun in sacking Symonds.... I was wrong, he performed well, other than his duck in the first innings... The selectors obviously know lots more about cricket and cricketers than I can ever hope to.. Good luck to Symonds... is he an aussie or a pom? serious q coz I aint sure...

[Sportz]

He was born in England, but he's lived here for many years. Back a few years ago, he could possibly have represented England, but he said he was definitely an Aussie and that was that.

There has never been any question at all over his ability. The only problem was that he just didn't seem suited to Test Cricket. He didn't seem to know how to bat in Test Cricket and he didn't play his natural attacking game. He looked totally out of place. I also didn't consider his bowling anywhere near worthy of being called an "all rounder". But he certainly bowled well yesterday, and the confidence rubbed off on his batting today.

It must be remembered that up until a couple of years ago, he was also performing poorly in One Day Cricket. Then came the 2003 World Cup and he came up with a few brilliant performances and he's performed consistently at one day level ever since. He's now a regular in the one day team. Who knows? Perhaps something similar will happen to him in Test Cricket. Personally, I still think he's better suited to the one day game though.

[Sportz]

I don't know about this declaration. I think he's given the South Africans a bit too much chance of winning. I know others will say that you have to give the opposition a chance to improve your own chances, but I'm just ultra cautious. There's a few good players in the South African team.

[Sportz]

But then again... :D

[xptdriver]

But then again... :D
LOL

I hoped ya backed the aussies Sportz.. they are lookin pretty good... dunno if small wager on a draw is order.. whatcha reckon?

[Mr J]

I think the declaration was spot on. As you said, keeping the south africans in it gives a better chance to get the win.

Seemed like ball stopped swinging after tea.