NZ v SA Test Series

[Chris B.]

@Cyclops Weather forecast has improved for tomorrow - rain maybe coming only later in the day.

Run rates probably also dictating a draw as most likely, given only 62 runs scored in that session. At this rate SA would only be 200 ahead at close of play. I don't imagine they'd declare with a lead of much less than 300, which is surely going to take them close to lunch tomorrow.

Quite frustrating in that we could have had them effectively 70 for four or five with a bit more competence - and a chance to bowl them out for a lead of say only 150.

[Cyclops]

@Chris-B.

Yep, definitely think we would be in the driver's seat right now had we made better use of our opportunities

[mimic]

another chance gone down..

[Virgil]

ffs how many drop catches is that?
Has to be one of the worse periods of shit fielding in a long time. Used to be one of our best weapons.
Now the useless fucks would be lucky to catch a cold.

[Donsteppa]

Hands like feet.

The Black Caps trying to play rugby in conditions like Hamilton last night (or league at Mount Smart) would result in a solid 80 minutes of scrums...

[MN5]

@Virgil said in NZ v SA Test Series:

ffs how many drop catches is that?
Has to be one of the worse periods of shit fielding in a long time. Used to be one of our best weapons.
Now the useless fucks would be lucky to catch a cold.

The Black Caps were much better fielders when they couldn't bat or bowl....it's pbviously bloody hard work getting all three disciplines to align.

[Chris B.]

Santner has been a bit underbowled in this game. I'd get him in against Faf (and eventually hopefully Bavuma).

Jeets has had a good go against Elgar (and Duminy) and hasn't got him out.

[Cyclops]

@Chris-B.

Yeah the under bowling of Santner confuses me. I love Hesson because of his perseverance and willingness to give guys time to settle at international level, but I think the flip side of that is that we can be a little slow in changing up our tactics in match situations when something isn't working or when there might be an opportunity to do something off script

[Chris B.]

@Cyclops Smithy on about it now.

Fucked if I know what's going on. Kane seems to have gone to sleep at the wheel. Long spells for everyone - especially Wagner and Patel.

Wouldn't we have been better off with shorter spells and something like rotating the seamers at one end and the spinners at the other.

Neesham probably should have bowled a bit more as well, since his right arm gives a bit more variation than a relentless diet of Bouldt and Wagner.

[Chris B.]

Hesson's finally logged on....!!!

Santner into the attack.

[Chris B.]

Half chance first ball!!!

[mimic]

Why is Neesham at first slip? Is he usually a first slip catcher?

Santner making things happen

[Chris B.]

@mimic Half chance, but similar to the one Amla caught!

[No Quarter]

@mimic said in NZ v SA Test Series:

Why is Neesham at first slip? Is he usually a first slip catcher?

Santner making things happen

Ross is usually 1st slip. I'd pefer Kane there, Neesh is tall and standing too upright.

[Chris B.]

Last ball before tea - Elgar gets given out but reviews and he's hit his pad and missed the ball.

Looked great in real time!

So SA 124/3 with 4 sessions left. It's going to take the weather holding off and a nasty collapse by someone and/or a very bold declaration by SA to get a result.

Would they be brave enough to set us just 250 on this pitch?

[MN5]

Faf Du Plessis playing an innings that makes Trevor Franklin look like David Warner.

He sure won't die of a stroke.

Jeets fighting hard for a well deserved Michelle, just five wickets to go.

Who says test cricket can be boring?

[canefan]

Is it time for another fire alarm?

[Chris B.]

Take the fucking new ball, Kane. Even with the spinners on.

How many hours since we got a wicket?

[Virgil]

Now Boult is off injured, best days cricket ever

[nzzp]

@Chris-B. said in NZ v SA Test Series:

How many hours since we got a wicket?

Got a wicket, or created a chance?