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View Full Version : [Cricket] 4th Test - South Africa v England


richdmx
12-01-2005, 18:47
Starts Thursday from Johannesburg.

Flintoff fit to bowl, expect the same team from the defeat in Cape Town.

South Africa are set to recall Mark Boucher behind the stumps allowing de Villiers to just bat.

Looking forward to this one, hoping to bounce back :thumbs:

kjn6371
12-01-2005, 19:30
Flintoff fit to bowl

How long for though, hate for him to break down and be out for the Ashes, just let him bat and save him for the Aussies.

rawowl
12-01-2005, 19:37
I would not play Freddie :nono:

Alan b
12-01-2005, 20:27
I would not play Freddie :nono:

Its a tricky one because we all know that he is such a vital cog in our side with both bat and ball. Perhaps we have come to rely on him to much but I would rather have him in the side at present even if he isn't fully fit. It is a gamble but if he wasn't there who else could fill his role ? Even if he did not bowl in this test that would puts a lot of pressure on Harmison who has been no where near his best on this tour so far.

mattj
13-01-2005, 08:35
England have won the toss (first time for everything hehe) and have decided to bat, lets hope they dont play any silly shots like in the last test :)

john316
13-01-2005, 09:39
England just lost Trescothick and are now 45/1 :(

daz_75
13-01-2005, 11:15
Tresco fails again :oh-hum:

Surprised to see Anderson in the team, what's happened to Jones, though he'd played quite well??

mattj
13-01-2005, 11:27
i think he picked up a injury in the last test :(

they seem to be scoring quite well so far :)

Ravioli
13-01-2005, 12:01
133-1 after 40 overs
Strauss onto 79.......

mattj
13-01-2005, 12:04
what a find he was :) best batsman by far for a long time after thorpe that is :)

Arthur Fowler
13-01-2005, 12:09
Tresco fails again :oh-hum:

Surprised to see Anderson in the team, what's happened to Jones, though he'd played quite well??

They were saying on R5 this morning that Anderson's style of swing is more suited to the pitch and expected weather conditions for this test than Jones is (reverse swing?).

daz_75
13-01-2005, 12:21
They were saying on R5 this morning that Anderson's style of swing is more suited to the pitch and expected weather conditions for this test than Jones is (reverse swing?).

But surely they've alreay got a swing bowler in Hoggard, seems a bit strange to play another one, i'd rather have a quick who could do something different

gothmog
13-01-2005, 12:54
100 for Strauss :notworthy :notworthy

178-1

-- Jon

richdmx
13-01-2005, 13:00
What a great player Strauss is turning into.

john316
13-01-2005, 13:44
202-1 after the tea resumption with the 2nd over seeing Key smash 10 runs off Boje - looking to be in a commanding position here England :thumbs:

GregB
13-01-2005, 14:06
I suspect this innings from Key has confirmed the end of Butcher's international career. He has become more and more injury prone and with Ian Bell & Kevin Piertersen waiting in the wings i can see no way back for him.

Arthur Fowler
13-01-2005, 14:17
Do you all keep an eye on this on the web? I have the on-screen commentary from the sky sports website, but invariably after lunch it fails to auto update. Not sure whether the problem is at their end, or whether it is related to our company's web access. Any suggestions for another site with an auto update simple score?

Thanks.

GregB
13-01-2005, 14:17
Sod's law that just as I made my last post Key goes fishing and is out for 83 :doh:

mattj
13-01-2005, 14:18
228-2 key went for 83 could be the end for butcher now as you say

this is a big innings for vaughan

cheeseypuffs
13-01-2005, 14:24
what a find he was :) best batsman by far for a long time after thorpe that is :)
I think Strauss is probably better than Thorpe on current form. That's not saying Thorpe isn't still a fantastic batsman, more that Strauss has been a phenomenon in the last year.
If you asked Pollock, Ntini etc. which is the most important wicket to get, I'm pretty sure they'd say Strauss right now.
I can't think of a more consistently good test batsman (outside of the Australian team of course)

mattj
13-01-2005, 14:27
yeah your are right mate he is so consistant :) bowlers must dread seeing him walking to the crease :D

cheeseypuffs
13-01-2005, 14:28
Do you all keep an eye on this on the web? I have the on-screen commentary from the sky sports website, but invariably after lunch it fails to auto update. Not sure whether the problem is at their end, or whether it is related to our company's web access. Any suggestions for another site with an auto update simple score?

Thanks.

Try sportinglife (http://www.sportinglife.com) or, of course, the good old beeb (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport)

cheeseypuffs
13-01-2005, 14:30
yeah your are right mate he is so consistant :) bowlers must dread seeing him walking to the crease :D
And now Nasser is retired, that's one less way to get him out ;)

daz_75
13-01-2005, 14:31
I use www.cricket365.com

Arthur Fowler
13-01-2005, 14:40
Thanks for the links. :thumbs:

mattj
13-01-2005, 14:42
i use the good old beeb or skysports :)

daz_75
13-01-2005, 14:49
nearly had a heart attack, cricket365 show england 237 for 7 :eek: had to check on the bbc to make sure,
it's really

242/2 few :doh:

mattj
13-01-2005, 15:30
strauss has just gone :( 147 great innings 262-3

daz_75
13-01-2005, 15:32
really disapointed he didn't bat the day, oh well i suppose it's not much different, he probably would have got out straight away tomorrow morning as per usual :D

Can't wait to watch the highlights tonight, i just hope there are no more wickets

mattj
13-01-2005, 15:34
yeah hopefully we will just see the day out now and re-group for 2morrw

daz_75
13-01-2005, 15:37
Anyone know of any websites with stats on the current series?

Arthur Fowler
13-01-2005, 15:41
Thorpe gone for a duck

Crouching Tiger
13-01-2005, 15:42
No nightwatchman :cuckoo: :oh-hum:

daz_75
13-01-2005, 15:44
bugger, turning from an England day into an even day :(

john316
13-01-2005, 15:44
Tis a funny old game cricket - one minute we look like posting 500 without breaking into a sweat, now we look lucky to be hitting 400 with Flintoff's injury and Jones's rather erratic batting :(

mattj
13-01-2005, 15:45
damm :( bit late for the night watchman now should of saved thorpe for 2morrw :(

daz_75
13-01-2005, 15:49
damm :( bit late for the night watchman now should of saved thorpe for 2morrw :(

not the best decission in the world :shrug:

At Close

263/4 after 85.4

I take it they went off for bad light or something with the over not been complete?

Arthur Fowler
13-01-2005, 16:05
not the best decission in the world :shrug:

At Close

263/4 after 85.4

I take it they went off for bad light or something with the over not been complete?

That's right.

Still England's day surely.

daz_75
13-01-2005, 16:22
That's right.

Still England's day surely.

hmmmm, depends. Vaughn is batting woefully, and flintoff has hardly set the world alight, finger crossed for tomorrow

rawowl
13-01-2005, 16:51
Im not worried about Vaughan or Flintoff, both class players who may get into form tomorrow.

morleyian
13-01-2005, 17:17
Anyone know of any websites with stats on the current series?

http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/ENG_IN_RSA/STATS/

daz_75
13-01-2005, 17:29
http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2004-05/ENG_IN_RSA/STATS/

cheers, Strauss average of 93, and that's before today :clap:

vaughn second from bottom :oh-hum:

kjn6371
13-01-2005, 17:30
Good day's play, let's hope we can build on it.

Like the sig Ian, better than those ugly bints you normally have.

Alan b
13-01-2005, 17:47
A bit disappointing to loose wickets late on but if you would have given England that score at the start of the day they would have took it.

What more can we say about Strauss, is there a more consistent batsman in world cricket at the moment (apart from Kallis of course).

Nice to see Key get a few runs, now that he is going to get a run in the team now I can see him scoring a few runs.

stallion
13-01-2005, 17:49
What a great player Strauss is turning into.

The way Strauss has taken to Test cricket has been amazing. If noone beats his score of 147 in this innings he will have been our top scorer in 6 of the 7 innings we have played :dork: :D :clap: :notworthy

cheers, Strauss average of 93, and that's before today

Upto 102 now :D

stallion
13-01-2005, 17:50
vaughn second from bottom :oh-hum:

On a further note its funny that Harmison has a better batting average than Vaughan and Vaughan has a better bowling average than Harmison for this series. :lol: :eek:

morleyian
13-01-2005, 17:52
Like the sig Ian, better than those ugly bints you normally have.

:suspect: Can't believe Speedie has taken this sig away from me for these 7 days :nono:

http://members.lycos.co.uk/morleyian/mccririck2.jpg
John to win!!

Alan b
13-01-2005, 18:28
On a further note its funny that Harmison has a better batting average than Vaughan and Vaughan has a better bowling average than Harmison for this series. :lol: :eek:

Didn't release that :lol:

kjn6371
14-01-2005, 11:52
Flintoff you silly prat, it's raining you only needed to block out a few deliveries and we'd be off the field.

kjn6371
14-01-2005, 11:59
Jones is out now,England are now 7/278.

Arthur Fowler
14-01-2005, 12:03
Unbelievable. What a dire session for England.

daz_75
14-01-2005, 12:04
That's right.

Still England's day surely.

wish i wasn't right, but looks like it's turning into a complete cock up by the rest of the england team :oh-hum:

mattj
14-01-2005, 12:12
Nightmare!!! do they think its a game to see who can get to the crease and back to the pavilion in the quickest time ????

john316
14-01-2005, 12:35
Totally abysmal batting again from the England middle order - be lucky to get 350 now :oh-hum:

john316
14-01-2005, 15:05
Mini recovery being led by Vaughan - now 338-8 with the captain on 50no :thumbs:

GregB
14-01-2005, 15:13
Mini recovery being led by Vaughan - now 338-8 with the captain on 50no :thumbs:

We've now hit the 350 :clap:

As always we'll see how good a score this is when SA bat.

Good to see Vaughn making a decent score.

I know it may be heresy to say so but I hope Flintoof can't bowl too well as it would be an ideal excuse to send him home to get fully fit for the Ashes. Ian Bell could then take his place in the next test.

morleyian
14-01-2005, 15:36
Harmy's taking the pee :D

mattj
14-01-2005, 15:48
great innings from vaughan this will boost his confidence :) and harrmy just loves to smack the bowlers about hehehe

mattj
14-01-2005, 15:53
the 400 is up :D cool didnt think we would reach that a few hours ago :)

Arthur Fowler
14-01-2005, 15:59
Amazing stuff! Who would have thought it. Well done Vaughan and Harmy. :clap:

GregB
14-01-2005, 16:00
They've justy accepted an offer of the light. 411-8 at the COP. Fantastic stuff from Vaughan & Harmison.

16 from the last over of the day :lol:

ChrisH
14-01-2005, 16:07
It certainly wasn't England who took the bad light, Vaughan was furious that they had to go off!!

Apparently it was dangerous for the fielders with Harmy smacking the ball all over the place :lol:

GregB
14-01-2005, 16:10
It certainly wasn't England who took the bad light, Vaughan was furious that they had to go off!!

Apparently it was dangerous for the fielders with Harmy smacking the ball all over the place :lol:

:oh-hum: That's not the first time it's happened this series but they only lost one over because of it so it's not as if it's a real problem

daz_75
14-01-2005, 16:12
only about 38 overs today, i feel a draw coming on looking at the weather forcast for the next few days :(

Wanted play to stop as were playing crap and then didn't want it to end with harmy and Vaughn going for it, can't wait for the highlights

cheeseypuffs
14-01-2005, 17:29
Many thanks to the bowlers for giving Vaughan a chance to get back on form at such a pivotal point of the series:thumbs:
I hope the middle order are suitable embarrassed by Giles and Harmison (:notworthy) making it look a pretty decent track ;)

Seems strange that the umpires decided to take them off the field when the batting side hadn't been offered the light, and I didn't see them take a lightmeter reading either:nono: Bob Willis was fuming about it, Vaughan wasn't too impressed either, apparently the light was better at the end than when the wickets were tumbling just after lunch, and SA weren't complaining about it then :?:

Alan b
14-01-2005, 17:45
Totally abysmal batting again from the England middle order - be lucky to get 350 now :oh-hum:

You were saying :D

Just when we needed a captain's innings Michael Vaughan comes up trumps, and what about our new batting star Steve Harmison, if he continues in this vein he will be asking to move up the batting order.

Still a draw looks like the most likely outcome although this fightback by England should do us the power of good. Lets hope that when South Africa get into bat the clouds are around.

rawowl
14-01-2005, 18:01
Im not worried about Vaughan or Flintoff, both class players who may get into form tomorrow.

Freddie :razz:

Adam Thirnis
16-01-2005, 10:14
SA have now overtaken England. If they can build a lead of 50 or so I think we might strugglt.

Alan b
16-01-2005, 10:51
Well they only made 8 more, but the loss of Strauss for a duck is a massive blow to us.

On a separate issue Vaughan has been finned all his match fee:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/4176975.stm

cheeseypuffs
16-01-2005, 14:00
It's a shame Jones dropped that catch off Gibbs last night, it was straight to Trescothick and probably gave SA an extra 30-40 runs. Can't see this being anything but a draw now, but at least Vaughan has been given the opportunity to play himself back into form, likewise Trescothick now. What we need tomorrow is for Harmison to pick up a few wickets and get back to being the bowler we know he can be and it'll be game on for the last test and series decider.

GregB
16-01-2005, 14:34
What we need tomorrow is for Harmison to pick up a few wickets and get back to being the bowler we know he can be and it'll be game on for the last test and series decider.

I doubt he'll take any more part in this match because of the injury and I suspect he'll miss the last test as well. They will hopefully send him home to get fit and ready for the summer

cheeseypuffs
16-01-2005, 18:13
Didn't realise he was as badly injured as seems the case :( hope his batting isn't affected too much though ;)

Bravoman
17-01-2005, 10:25
Going well this morning. 332-9 declared with Trescothick out for 180. Sounds like he was smashing them all over the park.

john316
17-01-2005, 10:30
Smith not opening the batting for S.Africa either - wonder what condition he is in after his nasty lump he got yesterday? :shrug:

Arthur Fowler
17-01-2005, 10:33
Smith not opening the batting for S.Africa either - wonder what condition he is in after his nasty lump he got yesterday? :shrug:

He's been on the field for most (all?) of the time since late yesterday I believe, so not too bad I guess. Will probably come in in the need arises later in the innings.

GregB
17-01-2005, 10:35
Smith not opening the batting for S.Africa either - wonder what condition he is in after his nasty lump he got yesterday? :shrug:

I don't He is also not allowed to bat until the same amount of time he was off the field. This is because the injury didn;t occur during the match. I beleive he has concussion as well

john316
17-01-2005, 10:37
I beleive he has concussion as well

If he has a concussion, then I'd doubt he'll be batting if needed unless of a dire emergency which is good news. If we knock out Gibbs and Kallis soon after lunch, then we have a chance to push on :clap:

Arthur Fowler
17-01-2005, 11:23
De Villiers gone! :clap:

morleyian
17-01-2005, 11:37
*Joey mode* We got it :thumbs: 18/3, Kallis is off

Arthur Fowler
17-01-2005, 11:38
Rudolph gone! :clap:

Way too slow there Arthur! Kallis gone first ball. Looking good.

morleyian
17-01-2005, 11:38
You living in a different time zone to the rest of us? :p

john316
17-01-2005, 11:39
Hoggard removes Kallis first ball!!!!!!!!!!

Unbelievable stuff!!!!!!!!

richdmx
17-01-2005, 11:42
Hoggard has been brilliant in this test match and long may in continue :thumbs:

GregB
17-01-2005, 11:44
Hoggard has been brilliant in this test match and long may in continue :thumbs:

Indeed. Come on England. Hope the light doesn't save SA again

daz_75
17-01-2005, 11:49
damn it i wish i could watch this, damn work

COME ON ENGLAND :thumbs:

Arthur Fowler
17-01-2005, 11:52
You living in a different time zone to the rest of us? :p

No - just relying on internet updates on skysports. At work so don't have a radio or TV :(

john316
17-01-2005, 12:07
If we can take Gibbs out in the next 30-40 mins, then we are really into the lower order then with Boucher, Pollock and co facing a real tall order! :thumbs:

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 12:47
Dippenaar goes, Hoggy again :notworthy

daz_75
17-01-2005, 12:53
4 over 0 for 26, qaulity bowling by Anderson there then. :oh-hum:

Can't believe they picked him ahead of Jones

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 12:56
To be fair to Anderson, he's not done too bad, had Gibbs plum LBW, but not given.

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 12:59
Hoggard 5 for.. 10 in the match. 86-5. Boucher duck :D

john316
17-01-2005, 13:03
Fingers crossed the light gives us play till 6pm local time!!! :D

Crouching Tiger
17-01-2005, 13:28
Fingers crossed the light gives us play till 6pm local time!!! :DNot very lightly the way these official operate :brickwall

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 13:40
:brickwall Vaughan drops Boje off of Harmison

john316
17-01-2005, 13:45
:brickwall Vaughan drops Boje off of Harmison

AAGGHH! :brickwall :doh:

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 13:46
But Hoggy doesn't :) c&b

john316
17-01-2005, 13:49
Awesome-o!!!!!

Arthur Fowler
17-01-2005, 13:51
:brickwall Vaughan drops Boje off of Harmison

Expect he did it on purpose so that Hoggard can take all 10!!

GregB
17-01-2005, 13:53
Now comes the test. Graeme Smith has come out at No 8. Let's hope Hoggie can do him LBW for the 4th time in the series

john316
17-01-2005, 13:56
Reading on the Sky Sports updates that England's reserve players are dotted round the boundary ropes to throw the ball back into play! :lol:

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 13:56
A couple of short balls from Harmison might make him think about his sore head a bit too much ;)

GregB
17-01-2005, 13:57
4 over 0 for 26, qaulity bowling by Anderson there then. :oh-hum:

Can't believe they picked him ahead of Jones

Anderson is really suffering as a result of being centrally contracted. He just isn;t bowling enough to iron out his problems. He onlt bowled 181 overs in the whole of 2004 which is just not enough to get into any kind of form

vulture
17-01-2005, 13:59
Is there no website broadcasting radio of the match?

daz_75
17-01-2005, 14:06
finger crossed, this is the partnership we need to break.

Flintoff is off the field apparently, anyone know what's happened to him?

Daz

john316
17-01-2005, 14:14
I can see this ending just like the 2nd test :(

GregB
17-01-2005, 14:18
I can see this ending just like the 2nd test :(


Yep me too.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 14:20
6/147 now with 28 overs left.

john316
17-01-2005, 14:25
At least the weather still seems good :D

GregB
17-01-2005, 14:28
At least the weather still seems good :D

Good news although it does close in really quickly in SA

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 14:29
Game on! Gibbs gone for 98 - lbw to Giles :D

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 14:30
Shame for Gibbs getting so close to a ton in each innings.

Arthur Fowler
17-01-2005, 14:31
Is there no website broadcasting radio of the match?

Radio 4 TMS (Test Match Special) and Talk Sport should be.

john316
17-01-2005, 14:32
Shame for Gibbs getting so close to a ton in each innings.

Can't see to find any tears for him for some reason :D

COME ON ENGLAND :clap:

GregB
17-01-2005, 14:34
Radio 4 TMS (Test Match Special) and Talk Sport should be.
TalkSport have exclusive UK radio rights but are not Web casting this as I found out when I tried to go on yesterday.

Nick[Blarg]
17-01-2005, 14:36
24 overs to go, fingers crossed Hoggy can clear up the tail enders.

john316
17-01-2005, 14:36
For those watching live, what is the Light level like?

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 14:39
Some nice girlies in the crowd.

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 14:46
For those watching live, what is the Light level like?
Very good at the moment. They're speculating that play will go on up until 18:22, so over 90 minutes left.

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 14:47
Freddie gets Pollock :clap:

john316
17-01-2005, 14:48
Fantastic stuff!!! Just wish I could be watching it live! :D :D :D

GregB
17-01-2005, 14:50
Fantastic stuff!!! Just wish I could be watching it live! :D :D :D

Me too.

COME ON ENGLAND

Arthur Fowler
17-01-2005, 14:53
Fantastic stuff!!! Just wish I could be watching it live! :D :D :D

Thirded :cry:

john316
17-01-2005, 15:02
20 off Freddy's last over doesn't do much for economy rate - I don't think he'll care too much :D

daz_75
17-01-2005, 15:04
It's gotta be third time lucky with these tail enders. Lost the one day trophy to the windies when there tail enders played out of their skins, didn't win the 2nd test in SA, it's got to be our turn now, surely. Where is that fingers crossed smiley

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 15:19
Freddie gets Ntini, surely only a matter of time now...

john316
17-01-2005, 15:20
I don't think S.Africa will be steyn alive for much longer in this game :D :D

EDIT: Apparently the Sun has gone in according to Sky Sports :eek:

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:26
Smith's got a 50, 224/9.

vulture
17-01-2005, 15:26
Must be Englands game. Bring on the Aussies this summer

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:27
I don't think S.Africa will be steyn alive for much longer

:nono: get your coat Mr Morris.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:28
Steyn's just slashed one through the slips.

gothmog
17-01-2005, 15:29
They are going to get saved by the light :(

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 15:31
Anderson puts down a very sharp chance off Smith :(

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:31
Jimmy A's just dropped Smith,

john316
17-01-2005, 15:31
Is it getting dark there now? :cry:

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:32
I can see a run out if SA aren't careful.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:32
Light looks fairly decent.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:33
Smith's onto 62 now, just hit a 4. Harmison's looks a bit ragged.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:36
12 overs left, Giles is warming up to bowl now. Steyn's looks capable of defending the remaining overs.

john316
17-01-2005, 15:37
My god, its tense stuff! :eek:

richdmx
17-01-2005, 15:38
This is tense stuff, i hate being at work :mad:

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:38
Hoggards warming up now, it's going to be left to Ashley and Matthew now as Freddie and Harmy look done.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:39
Partnership now 26 off 24 balls.

Midge
17-01-2005, 15:40
This is tense stuff, i hate being at work :mad:


Too right, there's currently 4 of us all on different websites hitting the refresh button to ensure one of us has the lastest going's on!!

vulture
17-01-2005, 15:40
SA just need a run rate of 7 and they've clinched it. If they do it with 1 wicket left, they deserve to win.

Arthur Fowler
17-01-2005, 15:40
Come on Hoggard - wrap it up - please!!

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:41
11 overs left and Steyn's on strike.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:42
Hoggards on now.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:42
Steyn's blocked one out. dot ball. another dot ball. outside edge

Hoggard's still getting some pace of the pitch

9/246.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:46
Steyn's playing well, 10 overs left now. We need one more effort from Freddie as I can't see Giles getting a breakthrough if he comes onto bowl.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:48
SA are going to survive IMO, we look dead on our feet now.

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:49
Light's still good according to Bob Willis.

john316
17-01-2005, 15:49
I'd just keep rotating bowlers - not let S.Africa get settled to one pace or line

kjn6371
17-01-2005, 15:50
Steyn's going to be on strike now, come on.

Ravioli
17-01-2005, 15:52
I'd imagine Giles will come on if the light gets any worse, might give them an extra over or two.....

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 15:52
Hoggard gets Steyn and it's over :D

gothmog
17-01-2005, 15:53
Phew I was wrong :D

richdmx
17-01-2005, 15:54
YEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! :clap:

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 15:54
What a great match. 12 wickets to Hoggard :notworthy

john316
17-01-2005, 15:55
Fantastico - what an effort from the guys today. Truely one of the best performances from England in a long time! :thumbs:

Ravioli
17-01-2005, 15:55
Aye Hoggard has to be MoM even with great performances by a lot of batsmen.....

Arthur Fowler
17-01-2005, 15:56
Superb stuff!! Well done England, especially Hoggard today.

vulture
17-01-2005, 15:57
Bring On The Aussies

Dazzz
17-01-2005, 15:58
WOW! What a thriller... exciting to the end. Hoggard MOM, with VERY HONOURABLE mention to Trescothick.. he provided the runs to allow this final session of play.

Was Test cricket always this exciting? 7-8 years ago, English test cricket was duller than dull. This is just fantastic stuff...

GregB
17-01-2005, 15:59
Fantastico - what an effort from the guys today. Truely one of the best performances from England in a long time! :thumbs:

and that is saying soemthing considering the year they have had.

fantastic result

:clap: :notworthy

Now to see what side we put out in the 5th test cosidering the niggling injuries we are carrying.

john316
17-01-2005, 16:01
Was Test cricket always this exciting? 7-8 years ago, English test cricket was duller than dull. This is just fantastic stuff...

Never has Test Cricket seen such a golden period - the days of just teams plodding along for 5 days with sub 3 run rates are long gone IMO :thumbs:

richdmx
17-01-2005, 16:03
Never has Test Cricket seen such a golden period - the days of just teams plodding along for 5 days with sub 3 run rates are long gone IMO :thumbs:

Have to agree with that.

I used to hate test cricket, but now i enjoy it so much more :thumbs:

stephentheshark
17-01-2005, 16:06
Fantastic, you would have got odds of 8-1 on England winning the test match at the start of the day. I think this is England's best performance in the last year, as they have beaten a truly talented team. Gives me hope for the ashes if Harmison can sort out his bowling and Freddie his batting.

daz_75
17-01-2005, 16:07
can't wait for the highlights tonight, the missus won't be happy :lol:

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Well done England, i was just sat at work watching the updates, how sad is that :D

stallion
17-01-2005, 16:08
WOW! What a thriller... exciting to the end. Hoggard MOM, with VERY HONOURABLE mention to Trescothick.. he provided the runs to allow this final session of play.

Was Test cricket always this exciting? 7-8 years ago, English test cricket was duller than dull. This is just fantastic stuff...

Not only that but the ebb and flow of Test cricket at the moment is amazing. We see it so many times now coming into the final day and all three results are still possible. I cant remember that happening too often in the past.

vulture
17-01-2005, 16:10
What time are the highlights on? Don't wanna miss em.

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 16:10
It's great to see some real contests between two very good, and pretty even sides. There are match winners all through both sides.
Hoggard was exceptional today, but Flintoff was also very menacing. Harmison bowled better as well, but with no reward. Trescothick was also fantastic this morning, especially when Giles got out and he took the bull by the horns.

stallion
17-01-2005, 16:11
Never has Test Cricket seen such a golden period - the days of just teams plodding along for 5 days with sub 3 run rates are long gone IMO :thumbs:

Its great. Considering how much time was lost to rain and bad light, there were two scores of 400 plus and we still got a result

stallion
17-01-2005, 16:12
What time are the highlights on? Don't wanna miss em.

7pm

cheeseypuffs
17-01-2005, 16:14
Hoggy gets the second best test bowling figures ever at the Wanderers, man of the match award, and one god awful trophy lol

vulture
17-01-2005, 16:15
Is that CH4 or Sky?

stallion
17-01-2005, 16:18
Sky Sports 2

daz_75
17-01-2005, 16:19
Is that CH4 or Sky?
sky

rawowl
17-01-2005, 17:28
Well done to the bowlers for giving there all when the tank was empty. Also well done Vaughan & Tres for fighting hard after being in bad nick. :)

Alan b
17-01-2005, 17:50
What a day to be a England cricket supporter, but why am I always at work on days like these :(

Highlights tonight at 7pm on Sky Sports 2 :thumbs:

TonyA
17-01-2005, 18:00
Hoggard and Flintoff were, yet again, outstanding. During his first couple of spells, Harmison (bowling slightly within himself) looked like he was finding some form as well, but whether he'll be fit enough for the final test is debatable.

Marcus Trescothick was superb this morning. Seemed to be playing himself in for ages, then just cut loose to stunning effect. Two brilliant 6's off of Kallis/Ntini as well!

Credit also to umpire Aleem Dar for giving a LBW decision for Ashley Giles - first time I've seen one in ages. Not so fair on Gibbs, who was two runs short of a second centure in the match, but I'm not that bothered!

Just hope the bowlers can get themselves fit enough for the last game.

Any thoughts about the fitness of star players and the upcoming one-day series? I'd prefer to see Flintoff and Harmison sent home to get some extra time off before the domestic pre-season. Wouldn't it be better to give these two the best chance possible to rest up before the summer, and also take a look at a couple of fresh faces in the one-day series?

GregB
17-01-2005, 18:08
Any thoughts about the fitness of star players and the upcoming one-day series? I'd prefer to see Flintoff and Harmison sent home to get some extra time off before the domestic pre-season. Wouldn't it be better to give these two the best chance possible to rest up before the summer, and also take a look at a couple of fresh faces in the one-day series?

I would be amazed if either of them take any part in the one-day series. I would also rest Hoggard as he will be knackered after this tour and really could also do with a break.

rawowl
17-01-2005, 18:12
These type of tours where Test matches are crammed together should not be allowed to happen again. We are in danger of having key players picking up major injuries which could affect the players & teams future.

GregB
17-01-2005, 18:13
Actaully I've just checked and Hoggard isn't in the one-day sqaud which is good news

Crouching Tiger
17-01-2005, 19:00
I was only wondering yesterday what a strange sport it is when the final day is played on a Monday. Darts, snooker, tennis and golf have their conclusion on a Sunday for peak viewing.

Test cricket could start on Wednesday and finish on Sunday (so we could all watch) but as plenty of tests finish in four days now I suppose its swings and roundabouts.

rawowl
17-01-2005, 19:02
Thats right CT , I would rather watch 2 full days of play on a Sat & Sun rather than risk a game going the full 5 days.

Crouching Tiger
17-01-2005, 19:04
Having said all that, the next test starts on Friday.

Alan b
17-01-2005, 20:06
These type of tours where Test matches are crammed together should not be allowed to happen again. We are in danger of having key players picking up major injuries which could affect the players & teams future.

I completely agree, why on earth we agreed to this is beyond me.

I do like CT's idea that a test match should finish on a Sunday, mainly so I don't have to rely on the radio all day long ;)

daz_75
18-01-2005, 09:23
These type of tours where Test matches are crammed together should not be allowed to happen again. We are in danger of having key players picking up major injuries which could affect the players & teams future.

I think England wanted it like this, they didn't bother with many warm up matches and wanted to go straight into the test matches to keep up the intensity apparently