TOPIC:

They showed why they are the number one team in the world. Our top order batting was shown to be very fragile, like it has been all summer actually even against England. But our bowlers dominance has so far covered up this problem. Will be up to Smith, Warner and Haddin to firstly try and avoid the follow on, then try and hold up South Africa for most of the day and get as close as possible to their score. The odds are though that they will be going to a decider in Cape Town. If Watson is fit to bowl in the next test, I reckon Rogers is gone unless he can make some runs in the 2nd innings.

anchorman wrote: Who goes up open them Mike!!

Good point, I think Marsh could be asked to do it as I think he may have opened for WA before? Perhaps I'm thinking of Geoff

The other option would be to bring Hughes in and drop Doolan for Watson. Harsh on Doolan I know but I think they do need the extra bowling option that Watson provides if he is fit.

Unfortunately when you pick players on a hunch things do happen to backfire, 9 hundreds since 2000 shows the inconsistency of Marsh he didn't need to play at the ball that got him out, I only hope he doesn't go on to have the same run of outs like he did after he scored his maiden hundred against Sri Lanka.

I think this test will be a draw I'm backing the Aussies to get within a hundred runs of the Saffers in this innings then give the Aussies an impossible run chase on the last day. The SA remind me of the Poms even with their record they are very negative I remember back to the recent test series against the Indians they needed 15 runs off the last three overs to win the test match with three wickets to spare they blocked it out fair dinkum.

Interesting to compare Marsh's record with two other WA batsman in great form this year namely Marcus North and Adam Voges. Sean Marsh has a first class average of 35.91, whereas North's and Voges average is around 41.5. Yet Voges has never played a test, even though his ODI record is also better than Marsh's. North was also dumped from the test team despite having a very similar test average to Marsh. It does lend weight to the fact that Marsh has had a fairly charmed run even though admittedly his ton last week was very classy. He certainly needs to be more consistent and could look at Steve Smith as an example of this.

mikeh wrote: Interesting to compare Marsh's record with two other WA batsman in great form this year namely Marcus North and Adam Voges. Sean Marsh has a first class average of 35.91, whereas North's and Voges average is around 41.5. Yet Voges has never played a test, even though his ODI record is also better than Marsh's. North was also dumped from the test team despite having a very similar test average to Marsh. It does lend weight to the fact that Marsh has had a fairly charmed run even though admittedly his ton last week was very classy. He certainly needs to be more consistent and could look at Steve Smith as an example of this.

Yeah spot on mate North is averaging 98 at the moment, Voges would be over 50 as well mind boggling how Marsh was picked over these two.

Obviously OD form is more important, going off topic noticed Whiteman made another impressive score for the Warriors today he would have to be in the running for Haddins job when he gives it up.

Peter North wrote: Unfortunately when you pick players on a hunch things do happen to backfire, 9 hundreds since 2000 shows the inconsistency of Marsh he didn't need to play at the ball that got him out, I only hope he doesn't go on to have the same run of outs like he did after he scored his maiden hundred against Sri Lanka.

I think this test will be a draw I'm backing the Aussies to get within a hundred runs of the Saffers in this innings then give the Aussies an impossible run chase on the last day. The SA remind me of the Poms even with their record they are very negative I remember back to the recent test series against the Indians they needed 15 runs off the last three overs to win the test match with three wickets to spare they blocked it out fair dinkum.

Jesus read this guy like a book, mentally fragile.

Well how soft was that? Not too sure what Lehmann does with Aust top six,not enough guys clicking at once. Can't fault Warner at present,Rogers is a battling,amazing for one so experienced that run out was school boy stuff.Clarke really is doing a Mike Brearley at present,he hasn't scored a run for 5 tests.Smith like Warner can't be faulted was due a low score,Marsh and Doolan have first class.averages less than 40 thus having one in the side is a risk let alone 2,especially due to their consistent lack of consistency.

The Saffies deserved that win, once again 0/120 quickly became 5/150 odd,no different to being 4/90. Watson will b back no doubt,perhaps Hughes too,whilst bowling wise fresh legs may be needed after such a long bowling stint for the likes of Harris et al. A loss like this one is fustrating,sounds like day 5 could of been a wet one,only themselves to blame but really not too sure what Lehmann does with Aust top six but totally agree re Sam Whiteman the kid can keep and fights hard with the bat.

went to bed last night at the beginning of the last session, we were I think
1/140. I woke this morning hoping we had at least consolidated that session and would have a good platform for the final day.

I couldn't believe we had been bowled out??!! Just unbelievable.

Aussies never been good at chasing targets, even small ones. It does show a fragility within, despite all the recent positives. That session yesterday is just unacceptable really. It shouldn't happen.

If they are good enough they can redeem. SAfrica wont just lie down.

Sometimes you've just got to give credit to the opposition. The wickets tumbled in the last session because of the reverse swing that Steyn and Philander were able to impart on the ball. The Australian batsman, apart from Rogers and Warner had no answer. You would have to say that Haddin and the bowlers have been covering for a lot of inadequacies in the batting all summer. This time it didn't happen and the whole thing came tumbling down. At least we still have a chance in the series, however South Africa have all the momentum and they will be hard to stop from here. Clarkes form is a real concern and I would say Doolan would make way for Watson for the 3rd test if he is fit.

Changes needed for the next game for sure

Harris is struggling, he has tried his guts out all summer but i heard somewhere he gets about 20ml's of fluid drained out of his knee after each days play. Thats brave but he needs a rest he has lost his zip. I also think siddle is struggling, he seems down on pace and while he ties up an end he doesnt get lots of wickets any more, maybe he needs some read meat in his diet.

As for the batters, Watson will play the next test. There si no way that they can continue with marsh. he is to inconsistent and has scored 5 or 6 ducks from his past 11 innings, that isnt good enough. They need to persist with Doolan, he has only failed once.......

The skipper needs some runs also.

Has the game gone past haddin? Big comment I know, but he looks all at sea against the kaffers. I know he was great against the poms but the game moves quickly and I dont think he can last long playing all three forms of the game at international level, is it time to get Whiteman or Paine involved? FYI Sam Whiteman is the leading dismissal taker in the shield and is also in the top 5 run scorers, not bad for someone without a shield hundred.