I don't think anybody could have predicted that South Africans would be 2-0 at the conclusion of the Melbourne test but heck here we are...
It's been amazing cricket so far and I can tell you now that Aussie pride is not going to let them just go through the motions in Sydney on the 3rd of January - reputations are on the line....
Going to start with the SA side because they have an intriguing selection dillemma - Prince is back but who goes? Duminy who turned the second test? Mckenzie who has had a torrid series but the first choice opener... I suppose either Amla or Devilliers can open and then Mckenzie will be canned but not sure if I'd agree with dropping him now for a couple of reasons.
The Aussies on the other hand have problems aplenty. Injuries to Brett Lee, Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds (who is out of form) and problems with Matthew Haydens and Michaels Husseys form...
Matthew Hayden,
Simon Katich,
Ricky Ponting (Capt),
Michael Hussey,
Michael Clarke (Vice),
Andrew McDonald,
Brad Haddin (Wk),
Mitchell Johnson,
Nathan Hauritz,
Ben Hilfenhaus,
Peter Siddle,
Doug Bollinger
Bollinger and McDonald are in the Aussie side and I suspect Peter Siddle will also get dropped....
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wow!
If this is not one of the greatest Test series on record - then I don't know what is?!
Its interesting to listen to some of the Aussies who seem to have half their mind on the next Ashes series instead of the South African side who are finally getting their own back for those thrashings!
Guys - forget the Ashes - the real cricket is being played here and now.
This test has had it all... 101 + 99 from Ponting, 160 from JP Duminy in only his second test match, 76 + 10 wickets from Dale Steyn....
Unbelievable cricket in general!
Its interesting to listen to some of the Aussies who seem to have half their mind on the next Ashes series instead of the South African side who are finally getting their own back for those thrashings!
Guys - forget the Ashes - the real cricket is being played here and now.
This test has had it all... 101 + 99 from Ponting, 160 from JP Duminy in only his second test match, 76 + 10 wickets from Dale Steyn....
Unbelievable cricket in general!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Day 1 to SA
Day one of the second test match was slightly in favour of South Africa. Australia were 280 for six at stumps on the first day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
South Africa stuck to their guns, bowled well and apart from a costly drop of Ponting (who went on to score 100), they held their catches.
My early assertion was that unlike the first test match, this one would be won in either sides first innings. If the Aussies get their tail knocked over cheaply and SA get a 100+ lead then it will be hard to fight back - especially when one considers how well Harris is bowling.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, we should probably remember that the Aussie tail added 150+ runs and nearly buried us in the last match...
South Africa stuck to their guns, bowled well and apart from a costly drop of Ponting (who went on to score 100), they held their catches.
My early assertion was that unlike the first test match, this one would be won in either sides first innings. If the Aussies get their tail knocked over cheaply and SA get a 100+ lead then it will be hard to fight back - especially when one considers how well Harris is bowling.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, we should probably remember that the Aussie tail added 150+ runs and nearly buried us in the last match...
MCG Prediction
Our counterparts over at The Baggy Green are calling for an Aussie win in the second test match in Melbourne tomorrow.
According to the info we’ve got, the Aussies have decided to retain Siddle but replaced Krezja with Hauritz. The South Africans have announced an unchanged side with Prince not considered for selection and Duminy making his second start.
Our opinion for this test is that the outcome is likely to be based on two factors:
Whoever bats first will without question have the upper-hand and we’re guessing that the first innings for both sides will decide the test match – no second innings heroics and neither side wants to be facing either Hauritz or Harris on the last day in Melbourne.
We believe the Siddle move will hurt the Aussies and in a game where both sides are so evenly matched you’re basically weighing up pace attacks comprising Ntini, Steyn and Morkel vs. Johnson, Lee and … well Peter Siddle…. Enough said – hopefully I don’t eat my words.
Another great test match is on the cards and with South Africa striking a pretty big mental blow in the last match, we’ve looking forward to some seriously good cricket action.
Our prediction – A hard fought draw but like we said – he who bats first has the advantage…
According to the info we’ve got, the Aussies have decided to retain Siddle but replaced Krezja with Hauritz. The South Africans have announced an unchanged side with Prince not considered for selection and Duminy making his second start.
Our opinion for this test is that the outcome is likely to be based on two factors:
Whoever bats first will without question have the upper-hand and we’re guessing that the first innings for both sides will decide the test match – no second innings heroics and neither side wants to be facing either Hauritz or Harris on the last day in Melbourne.
We believe the Siddle move will hurt the Aussies and in a game where both sides are so evenly matched you’re basically weighing up pace attacks comprising Ntini, Steyn and Morkel vs. Johnson, Lee and … well Peter Siddle…. Enough said – hopefully I don’t eat my words.
Another great test match is on the cards and with South Africa striking a pretty big mental blow in the last match, we’ve looking forward to some seriously good cricket action.
Our prediction – A hard fought draw but like we said – he who bats first has the advantage…
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
New Aussie faces
Ian Reid of The Baggy Green has given us some new faces in the Aussie squad for the next test match:
Here's a little bit of information on these two players who will be apart of the 13 man squad for the Boxing Day Test:
Ben Hilfenhaus:
A Tasmanian born and bred, who you may have read worked as a brick layer in his earlier years, while breaking through the Tasmanian ranks with impressive recognition. Something I wasn't aware of is that he is Ricky Ponting's second cousin. He has represented Australia once in ODI cricket, in the 2007 Commonwealth Bank Series, and twice in Twenty20 cricket, against England & India last year. A young man, who can swing a ball with genuine pace and control, he has one heck of an impressive first class & list-A record for himself. Every year for the last 8 years Australia have held the Allan Border Medal Awards, showing off and awarding Australia's stand out players during a calendar year of cricket. In 2007 he dominated in winning the Bradman Young Cricketer of the year award. He has gained good support from the locals, and often is a raise of opinion from cricket supporters, not just supporting Australia, as to why he is rarely in the starting 11. He has been apart of numerous tours such as The West Indies, The ICC T20 champions trophy and the Future Cup ODI Tour of India (where he only played a T20 match). On Australian conditions, especially down South by the MCG or the SCG, he could work some magic with the new ball.
Currently, after 6 matches in the Sheffield Cup, he is sitting a wicket behind Brett Geeves (who you may have seen against Bangladesh a few months back) with 24 wickets, and an average of 18.66, at an economy rate of 2.58!
So, we'll see how he takes on the Proteas if he gets a call up after a bit of a patience game, which he should do.
Nathan Hauritz:
Originally from Queensland, the right arm off-break bowler who after being sent over to India in 2004 to fill in the void for Shane Warne in the Border-Gavaskar Test series, picked up 5 wickets in the match on a dustball of the wicket. He returned to the state scene and was nothing but a flash in the pan it seems. After working hard to secure a place, he made a similiar move to that of Adam Gilchrist, in moving States to find better opportunity. He currently plays for New South Wales, and despite a few ODI performances for Australia (8 matches), it is rather a surprise to have seen him play against New Zealand in the 2 Test matches recently, where he played in one of them, and had reasonable impact, getting key wickets at the top of the order, and the bottom, which will be what Ricky Ponting will be expecting from him, which Jason Krejza sadly couldn't pull off. His statistics are far from impressive to the eye, but at 27 years of age, he is in the potential bracket for nuturing to the elite level, with the likes of Beau Casson/ Krejza and Dan Cullen.
With himself and Ben Hilfenhaus having the chance to play in Australia, on home conditions, it may be the right environment for these two players to make an impact to the viewers and the team's bowling, when it is most needed.
The man I'd watch out for is Ben Hilfenhaus, who has constantly been talked about each Test series, alongside Nathan Bracken and Doug Bollinger.
Cricinfo profile: Ben Hilfenhaus (Tasmanina Tiger)
Cricinfo profile: Nathan Hauritz (New South Wales Speedblitz Blues)
--
www.thebaggygreen.blogspot.com
Here's a little bit of information on these two players who will be apart of the 13 man squad for the Boxing Day Test:
Ben Hilfenhaus:
A Tasmanian born and bred, who you may have read worked as a brick layer in his earlier years, while breaking through the Tasmanian ranks with impressive recognition. Something I wasn't aware of is that he is Ricky Ponting's second cousin. He has represented Australia once in ODI cricket, in the 2007 Commonwealth Bank Series, and twice in Twenty20 cricket, against England & India last year. A young man, who can swing a ball with genuine pace and control, he has one heck of an impressive first class & list-A record for himself. Every year for the last 8 years Australia have held the Allan Border Medal Awards, showing off and awarding Australia's stand out players during a calendar year of cricket. In 2007 he dominated in winning the Bradman Young Cricketer of the year award. He has gained good support from the locals, and often is a raise of opinion from cricket supporters, not just supporting Australia, as to why he is rarely in the starting 11. He has been apart of numerous tours such as The West Indies, The ICC T20 champions trophy and the Future Cup ODI Tour of India (where he only played a T20 match). On Australian conditions, especially down South by the MCG or the SCG, he could work some magic with the new ball.
Currently, after 6 matches in the Sheffield Cup, he is sitting a wicket behind Brett Geeves (who you may have seen against Bangladesh a few months back) with 24 wickets, and an average of 18.66, at an economy rate of 2.58!
So, we'll see how he takes on the Proteas if he gets a call up after a bit of a patience game, which he should do.
Nathan Hauritz:
Originally from Queensland, the right arm off-break bowler who after being sent over to India in 2004 to fill in the void for Shane Warne in the Border-Gavaskar Test series, picked up 5 wickets in the match on a dustball of the wicket. He returned to the state scene and was nothing but a flash in the pan it seems. After working hard to secure a place, he made a similiar move to that of Adam Gilchrist, in moving States to find better opportunity. He currently plays for New South Wales, and despite a few ODI performances for Australia (8 matches), it is rather a surprise to have seen him play against New Zealand in the 2 Test matches recently, where he played in one of them, and had reasonable impact, getting key wickets at the top of the order, and the bottom, which will be what Ricky Ponting will be expecting from him, which Jason Krejza sadly couldn't pull off. His statistics are far from impressive to the eye, but at 27 years of age, he is in the potential bracket for nuturing to the elite level, with the likes of Beau Casson/ Krejza and Dan Cullen.
With himself and Ben Hilfenhaus having the chance to play in Australia, on home conditions, it may be the right environment for these two players to make an impact to the viewers and the team's bowling, when it is most needed.
The man I'd watch out for is Ben Hilfenhaus, who has constantly been talked about each Test series, alongside Nathan Bracken and Doug Bollinger.
Cricinfo profile: Ben Hilfenhaus (Tasmanina Tiger)
Cricinfo profile: Nathan Hauritz (New South Wales Speedblitz Blues)
--
www.thebaggygreen.blogspot.com
Monday, December 22, 2008
SA ODI squad announced
South Africa has announced a couple of new faces for the One Day International (ODI) team to take on Australia over the summer.
South African Standard Bank squad:
Graeme Smith
Johan Botha
Hashim Amla
Mark Boucher
AB de Villiers
JP Duminy
Herschelle Gibbs
Jacques Kallis
Albie Morkel
Morne Morkel
Makhaya Ntini
Wayne Parnell
Dale Steyn
Lonwabo Tsotsobe
Vaughn van Jaarsveld
Have to admit I'm a little surprised that Amla is in this lineup while Ashwell Prince and Neil Mckenzie. But otherwise a good solid lineup with Herschelle Gibbs being thrown a lifeline.
Inconsistency
I do however have a bone to pick with the selectors - Kleinveldt, Zondeki, Louw all got games for SA six weeks ago when we were playing Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Now suddenly you have Parnell, Tsotsobe and Van Jaarsveld in the lineup - where's the consistency?!
These guys needed the game time and exposure to the squad setup if they were going to be part of the Aussie series - so why did they not get involved early on?
The new boys
If I slated the selectors in the last paragraph then I need to praise them for a bit of progressiveness with their selections here.
For the Australians who haven't seen much of Van Jaarsveld (pictured left) - he's a super aggressive young left handed batter who has been a great success in the domestic one day game. If he could get his head screwed on right he might even be knocking on the test squad door. Good selection.
Parnell (pictured right) and Tsotsobe we don't know much about. They're two young left
arm seamers with some solid performances in the local game. If these two can get some good performances under their belt, they could contribute some nice variety to the SA attack which has often been accused of being a bit one dimensional.
Word of warning
Graeme Smith is already battling with his old elbow injury and Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and Morne Morkel have a long season of hard test cricket in front of them - we don't want to be running them into the ground chasing a couple of ODI victories at the expense of our premium strike bowlers....
South African Standard Bank squad:
Graeme Smith
Johan Botha
Hashim Amla
Mark Boucher
AB de Villiers
JP Duminy
Herschelle Gibbs
Jacques Kallis
Albie Morkel
Morne Morkel
Makhaya Ntini
Wayne Parnell
Dale Steyn
Lonwabo Tsotsobe
Vaughn van Jaarsveld
Have to admit I'm a little surprised that Amla is in this lineup while Ashwell Prince and Neil Mckenzie. But otherwise a good solid lineup with Herschelle Gibbs being thrown a lifeline.
Inconsistency
I do however have a bone to pick with the selectors - Kleinveldt, Zondeki, Louw all got games for SA six weeks ago when we were playing Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Now suddenly you have Parnell, Tsotsobe and Van Jaarsveld in the lineup - where's the consistency?!
These guys needed the game time and exposure to the squad setup if they were going to be part of the Aussie series - so why did they not get involved early on?
The new boys
If I slated the selectors in the last paragraph then I need to praise them for a bit of progressiveness with their selections here.
For the Australians who haven't seen much of Van Jaarsveld (pictured left) - he's a super aggressive young left handed batter who has been a great success in the domestic one day game. If he could get his head screwed on right he might even be knocking on the test squad door. Good selection.Parnell (pictured right) and Tsotsobe we don't know much about. They're two young left
arm seamers with some solid performances in the local game. If these two can get some good performances under their belt, they could contribute some nice variety to the SA attack which has often been accused of being a bit one dimensional.Word of warning
Graeme Smith is already battling with his old elbow injury and Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and Morne Morkel have a long season of hard test cricket in front of them - we don't want to be running them into the ground chasing a couple of ODI victories at the expense of our premium strike bowlers....
Aussie 2nd test squad
Following on their loss in the first test to South Africa, the Australians have been quick to make some changes to their squad.
Krezja given the chop but amazingly Siddle was retained - however I'm not convinced he will stay in the starting lineup.
Australia squad
Matthew Hayden,
Simon Katich,
Ricky Ponting (capt),
Michael Hussey,
Michael Clarke (vice),
Andrew Symonds,
Shane Watson,
Brad Haddin (wk),
Brett Lee,
Nathan Hauritz,
Mitchell Johnson,
Ben Hilfenhaus,
Peter Siddle
Surprisingly no mention of Nathan Bracken - thought the Aussie selectors might carry on with the left armer theme....
Krezja given the chop but amazingly Siddle was retained - however I'm not convinced he will stay in the starting lineup.
Australia squad
Matthew Hayden,
Simon Katich,
Ricky Ponting (capt),
Michael Hussey,
Michael Clarke (vice),
Andrew Symonds,
Shane Watson,
Brad Haddin (wk),
Brett Lee,
Nathan Hauritz,
Mitchell Johnson,
Ben Hilfenhaus,
Peter Siddle
Surprisingly no mention of Nathan Bracken - thought the Aussie selectors might carry on with the left armer theme....
Apologies again
Just another quick apology to Ian from the The Baggy Green.
We were supposed to kick off our test series coverage / joint venture and I stuffed it up by being stranded in PE with no electricity and internet access.
Hopefully we'll be back on track for the Boxing Day test to provide some more insight into how we expect the test to play out.
We were supposed to kick off our test series coverage / joint venture and I stuffed it up by being stranded in PE with no electricity and internet access.
Hopefully we'll be back on track for the Boxing Day test to provide some more insight into how we expect the test to play out.
Coaching question
I've got a question for cricket coaches here.
One of my mates is a coach for one of the top boys schools in South Africa and he believes that Fine Leg has become a bit of an obsolete fielding position.
His assertion is that players can be better utilised in either a catching or defensive position in front of square on either the off or leg side.
There is quite a lot of merit in what he says. Too often Fine Leg is treated as there to pick up the occasional ball the keeper misses or the batter nudges away.
If the bowlers are supposed to be bowling an offside line and they happen to drift then a boundary here and there might be acceptable - but its such a low risk area to have to worry about.
Why not rather use this fielder as a more attacking position? Especially in the test match arena?
Dunno - what are your thoughts?
One of my mates is a coach for one of the top boys schools in South Africa and he believes that Fine Leg has become a bit of an obsolete fielding position.
His assertion is that players can be better utilised in either a catching or defensive position in front of square on either the off or leg side.
There is quite a lot of merit in what he says. Too often Fine Leg is treated as there to pick up the occasional ball the keeper misses or the batter nudges away.
If the bowlers are supposed to be bowling an offside line and they happen to drift then a boundary here and there might be acceptable - but its such a low risk area to have to worry about.
Why not rather use this fielder as a more attacking position? Especially in the test match arena?
Dunno - what are your thoughts?
Test team reviewed
It is pretty tough to find fault when your side has just chased down the mighty Australians score and recorded the second highest run chase in Test cricket history.... but I thought I'd use this opportunity to touch on a couple of observations from the sidelines.
Batting lineup
Two failures from Mckenzie asks the obvious question about whether he is the right guy to be at the top of the order - the same questions are being asked of his counterpart Matthew Hayden who has hinted at retirement. Sure batters are there to get runs, but the value these guys bring in terms of steel, brains and intelligence is valuable and shouldn't be discounted too quickly.
Of concern for us is the brittleness and length of our 'tail'. Traditionally South Africa has always enjoyed an 8, 9, 10 who would guts it out for a 10, 20 or 30 but when your number 8 looks shaky then you have to worry. Morne Morkel doesn't look like offering any solidity here so we're going to have to be aware of where our batting starts and ends.
Lots of talk about the quality of AB Devilliers century - which was top notch - but lets not forget the role that JP Duminy played. Unlucky in the 1st innings, he came back well and proved that like Ashwell Prince he's a man for a crisis situation. I reckon this innings proved Duminy has the makings of a top test batsman - Herschelle Gibbs with a brain!?
Bowling
We bowled the Aussies out twice - not much more needs to be said, although I think Paul Harris needs to crack special mention for his contribution - he was awesome.
A balanced and capable bowling attack.
From the Aussie perspective, I don't think that the same can be said. Krezja looked ordinary and Peter Siddle looks like he has no idea how to bowl quality batters out.
The South Africans looked a little sucseptible to the left arm seam of Johnston but I reckon Ponting has to be a little careful about bowling him into the ground. 60 overs in a test match is a surefire way to wear out your premium strike bowler.
All in all - a great performance from SA typifying the new mental strength that the side has acquired and next up we've got the Boxing Day test...
Batting lineup
Two failures from Mckenzie asks the obvious question about whether he is the right guy to be at the top of the order - the same questions are being asked of his counterpart Matthew Hayden who has hinted at retirement. Sure batters are there to get runs, but the value these guys bring in terms of steel, brains and intelligence is valuable and shouldn't be discounted too quickly.
Of concern for us is the brittleness and length of our 'tail'. Traditionally South Africa has always enjoyed an 8, 9, 10 who would guts it out for a 10, 20 or 30 but when your number 8 looks shaky then you have to worry. Morne Morkel doesn't look like offering any solidity here so we're going to have to be aware of where our batting starts and ends.
Lots of talk about the quality of AB Devilliers century - which was top notch - but lets not forget the role that JP Duminy played. Unlucky in the 1st innings, he came back well and proved that like Ashwell Prince he's a man for a crisis situation. I reckon this innings proved Duminy has the makings of a top test batsman - Herschelle Gibbs with a brain!?
Bowling
We bowled the Aussies out twice - not much more needs to be said, although I think Paul Harris needs to crack special mention for his contribution - he was awesome.
A balanced and capable bowling attack.
From the Aussie perspective, I don't think that the same can be said. Krezja looked ordinary and Peter Siddle looks like he has no idea how to bowl quality batters out.
The South Africans looked a little sucseptible to the left arm seam of Johnston but I reckon Ponting has to be a little careful about bowling him into the ground. 60 overs in a test match is a surefire way to wear out your premium strike bowler.
All in all - a great performance from SA typifying the new mental strength that the side has acquired and next up we've got the Boxing Day test...
Apology
Time for me to 'fess up.
At the start of the year when Hashim Amla was trying to find his way into the SA test team, I'll admit to being highly critical of him as a player.
I slammed his technique and made some comments about him coasting against easy sides. As a player, he has come good and he's made the number 3 berth his own.
Well done Hashim - you have made me eat my words.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Batting tip
Geez - one hell of a test match shaping up here between South Africa and Australia. Neither side is prepared to give up ground and just when one side looks to be getting on top, the other side hits back.
Been helluva impressed with the spirit the South Africans have displayed in this game.
Two interesting batting tips that I quite enjoyed from the Aussie commentary yesterday which I thought I would highlight:
1. Bottom hand dominance: Yesterday Adam Gilchrist touched on the subject of bottom hand dominance in batsman and came up with a unique way to counter it. Apparently its quite well publicised by Gilchrist but I missed it, so I'm going to touch on it again here. What Gilly did was to put a squash ball inside the glove of his bottom hand (basically around the webbing of his thumb).
This created a 'weaker' grip which was negated by the squash ball and batters focused more on gripping the bat with their top hands.
2. "Shape" of a batsman. We read a lot of commentary about a bowler having 'shape' but I've noticed it is something that the Aussies chat about a bit.
It is a nice way to describe a batter keeping his 'shape' when striking a ball and maybe something for coaches to remember when they are trying to describe a batting technique.
Been helluva impressed with the spirit the South Africans have displayed in this game.
Two interesting batting tips that I quite enjoyed from the Aussie commentary yesterday which I thought I would highlight:
1. Bottom hand dominance: Yesterday Adam Gilchrist touched on the subject of bottom hand dominance in batsman and came up with a unique way to counter it. Apparently its quite well publicised by Gilchrist but I missed it, so I'm going to touch on it again here. What Gilly did was to put a squash ball inside the glove of his bottom hand (basically around the webbing of his thumb).
This created a 'weaker' grip which was negated by the squash ball and batters focused more on gripping the bat with their top hands.
2. "Shape" of a batsman. We read a lot of commentary about a bowler having 'shape' but I've noticed it is something that the Aussies chat about a bit.
It is a nice way to describe a batter keeping his 'shape' when striking a ball and maybe something for coaches to remember when they are trying to describe a batting technique.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Missing a trick
It's day two of the Aussie / SA and a Mitchell Johnston 5 wicket spell has pretty much wrecked any hopes of a South African victory. It's now a case of fighting out for the draw.
Pretty grim..
But anyway - onto a more positive aspect of the tour - Something that my mate touched on... the quality of the Aussie cricket media vs. their South African counterparts.
We give the Aussies commentators plenty of stick - you can't deny that they're a little biased toward the home team... but all good fun and games.
On the SA side you have Wessels, Mbangwa and Proctor. On the Aussie side its Healy, Taylor, Slater, Chappell and Lawry who have thousands of test matches between them.
Even better though when it comes to the Aussie broadcasting is the intriguing interviews they have with guys like Adam Gilchrist who actually provides some real CRICKET related info from a players perspective. For instance today, he showed that trick he did with the squash ball to improve his grip - brilliant piece of commentary and it was something that SA cricket fans don't get to see alot of.
The same with things like their Johnnie Walker trivia pieces - something to keep you glued to the cricket so you can actually learn something.
The quality of the commentary from the Aussies is FAR superior to the SA commentators and its something we need to address as a matter of urgency to keep viewers tuned in. We immediately switch over to the Aussie guys (As much as it shames me to say it) when we switch on in the morning.
I hope the SA broadcasters are taking a hint. Viewers want to interact and be educated and entertained as they watch the game unfold.
Another thing that we as SA cricket viewers enjoy is when they talk a bit about the schools that the players have come from and a bit of genuine insight into their past / route they've taken to make it into the SA side.
Tell us where are the nurseries for SA and Aussie cricketing talent and keep us entertained.
Even that top catches competition that the Aussies run - its great to watch - build on this concept - do something!
If you can't entertain us then you can forget about keeping us involved as viewers and you will lose out on potential revenue and marketing streams....
Pretty grim..
But anyway - onto a more positive aspect of the tour - Something that my mate touched on... the quality of the Aussie cricket media vs. their South African counterparts.
We give the Aussies commentators plenty of stick - you can't deny that they're a little biased toward the home team... but all good fun and games.
On the SA side you have Wessels, Mbangwa and Proctor. On the Aussie side its Healy, Taylor, Slater, Chappell and Lawry who have thousands of test matches between them.
Even better though when it comes to the Aussie broadcasting is the intriguing interviews they have with guys like Adam Gilchrist who actually provides some real CRICKET related info from a players perspective. For instance today, he showed that trick he did with the squash ball to improve his grip - brilliant piece of commentary and it was something that SA cricket fans don't get to see alot of.
The same with things like their Johnnie Walker trivia pieces - something to keep you glued to the cricket so you can actually learn something.
The quality of the commentary from the Aussies is FAR superior to the SA commentators and its something we need to address as a matter of urgency to keep viewers tuned in. We immediately switch over to the Aussie guys (As much as it shames me to say it) when we switch on in the morning.
I hope the SA broadcasters are taking a hint. Viewers want to interact and be educated and entertained as they watch the game unfold.
Another thing that we as SA cricket viewers enjoy is when they talk a bit about the schools that the players have come from and a bit of genuine insight into their past / route they've taken to make it into the SA side.
Tell us where are the nurseries for SA and Aussie cricketing talent and keep us entertained.
Even that top catches competition that the Aussies run - its great to watch - build on this concept - do something!
If you can't entertain us then you can forget about keeping us involved as viewers and you will lose out on potential revenue and marketing streams....
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Cricket Strategist vs. The Baggy Green
With the eagerly anticipated Australia vs. South African cricket series about to kick off, the Cricket Strategist blog has partnered up with the Aussie based "The Baggy Green" to provide some entertaining commentary on the series.
The Cricket Strategist will be firmly in South Africa's corner for the duration of the series and we will be working hard to bring Ian from The Baggy Green into the light and switch allegiances by the time April 09 rolls around.
Should be lots of fun and will be great to interact with both cricket fans across the globe!
The Cricket Strategist will be firmly in South Africa's corner for the duration of the series and we will be working hard to bring Ian from The Baggy Green into the light and switch allegiances by the time April 09 rolls around.
Should be lots of fun and will be great to interact with both cricket fans across the globe!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Australian cricket blogger
With the upcoming home and away series between Australia and South Africa, the Cricket Strategist blog is looking for an Aussie cricket blogger to exchange news / views and content.
If you are interested please mail me on marc@rival.co.za
If you are interested please mail me on marc@rival.co.za
Friday, December 5, 2008
Robin Peterson
This Australian tour is a big one for 29 year old Robin Peterson. 
Peterson has long been there or thereabouts for SA cricket, but he has never quite cracked the big time or consistent game time - especially with the emergence of Paul Harris in recent years as the first choice spinner.
His record highlight this:
6 test matches - 163 runs at an average of 27 and 14 wickets at an average of 35
35 ODIs - 147 runs at an average of just over 13 and 17 wickets at an average of 58 and 4.75 runs per over.
His role is a tricky one - whenever we need a spinner - Peterson is the guy we have to turn to because there aren't too many other options.
In the ODI form of the game his good fielding and all round capabilities make him a nice stop gap type of player... but the problem is he doesn't stand out.
If he can have a decent Australian tour, then it would be great!
Peterson has long been there or thereabouts for SA cricket, but he has never quite cracked the big time or consistent game time - especially with the emergence of Paul Harris in recent years as the first choice spinner.
His record highlight this:
6 test matches - 163 runs at an average of 27 and 14 wickets at an average of 35
35 ODIs - 147 runs at an average of just over 13 and 17 wickets at an average of 58 and 4.75 runs per over.
His role is a tricky one - whenever we need a spinner - Peterson is the guy we have to turn to because there aren't too many other options.
In the ODI form of the game his good fielding and all round capabilities make him a nice stop gap type of player... but the problem is he doesn't stand out.
If he can have a decent Australian tour, then it would be great!
Lonwabo Tsotsobe
I meant to blog about this when the SA touring team to Australia was announced a couple of weeks back, but it seemed to slip through the cracks...
Uncapped left arm seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe was included in the SA team to tour Australia. His selection came a little bit out of far left field, seeing as he didn't really feature in the Kenya and Bangladesh tours and his role in the team doesn't seem particuarly clear cut.
I argued this point with guys like Rory Kleinveldt and Johann Louw - they seem to be given some time to play in T20 side but then don't spend a hell of a lot of time actually being part of the 'bigger picture'.
South Africa has been crying out for a decent left arm seam bowler for many years. The predictability of our attack has been our undoing for a decade or so and this could be a good move.
Tsotsobe has done well enough in domestic cricket for him to be considered - but then one argues - why didn't the selectors give him some T20 / ODI game time instead of fielding other guys like Kleinveldt and Louw?
Dunno - just doesn't seem to be a consistency. In the same way - if (heaven forbid) two of the quick bowlers were to break down would Monde Zondeki and Tsotsobe be pushed into the side or would reinforcements be flown in from home to jump the queue?
While the touring experience is great for players, it doesn't do anything for their form to be used to bowl a bit in the nets and do shopping while the cricket is being played.
One of the other major concerns around Tsotsobe is that his pace for an international "quickie" is in question.
Do you bank on the variety at the expense of genuine pace or do you go with reliable shock and awe pace in place of predictability?
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