Bobby Londt reports:
Sublime batting has been the topic of most conversations at the second test. Two centuries, to be exact – one by our own Alviro Peterson and the other by their Kevin Pietersen. Both were remarkable achievements as both were under some pressure to deliver.
Kevin rated his ton as in the top 2 of his 21 centuries thus far, and, to be honest, as a bowler there is not much you can do when he is in a mood like that. Perhaps this is a timely reminder of his capabilities to the English selectors and coach Andy Flower before the T20 World Cup.
The focus for the Proteas side today will be on a solid start– not to lose any wickets early on and assess the game at lunch. The most likely result of this game is a draw but you just never know and the reason I say that is this:
The biggest concern for the Proteas at present will be the fitness of Alviro Peterson (hamstring), Graeme Smith (knee) and King Kallis (back spasms). They were forced to reorganise their batting line-up to accommodate the injuries to Alviro and Kallis and although Rudloph is a suitable replacement for Alviro at the top of the order, a few quick wickets could set the cat amongst the pigeons as batsmen find themselves in unfamiliar positions.
The situation is exacerbated by the ICC’s controversial change in playing regulations last year that prohibits an injured player from making use of a runner.
The 3rd and final test at Lords is due to start Thursday the 16th of August. This should allow players to respond positively to treatment and recover in time.
But first, let’s get through this one. There is far greater urgency for the English to force a result, than there is for us.
Sharks: Running on Empty
The best consolation I read about the Super 15 final was that it was contested between the two teams who played the most attractive rugby during the season.
The Chiefs were worthy winners, and I really admire the way they kept running the ball after building up a substantial lead – none of that “Let’s make it safe” strategies that our sides often adopt in big matches.
The referee was again weighed and found underweight, but this is no excuse from a Sharks perspective. How a sighting can lead to a red card decision, while three officials appear to be missing in live action, is beyond comprehension. And Sonny-Bill now appears to have the same “freedom of the fluitjie” as McCaw. He blatantly shoulder charges Lambie, with no use of the arms, and gets away with a penalty, and hardly a talking to. His smile as he ran away confirms that his actions were intentional, not on the spur of the moment.
Dalk is ons dom, of naief, of dalk het ons net oor die jare ‘n reputasie opgebou vir robuuste spel, en is dit waarom ons swaarder as ander lande se spelers gestraf word.
Tailenders
Louis Oosthuizen se verdienstelike vierde plek in die baie taai Bridgestone Invitational is seker nie te vrot nie, maar na sy voëltjie op die eerste was ek seker hy gaan ons weer trots maak en wen. Arme ou Jim Furyk – my hart het gebloei vir hom. Om die hele tyd voor te loop, en dan op die laaste putjie twee oor baansyfer te speel en met een hou te verloor, is iets wat ek nie my ergste vyand toewens nie. Dis bloot wreed.
If I recall correctly, it was David Feherty who resembled Furyk’s style to “an octupus falling out of a tree.” Funny, that Irishman.
The Olympics held little joy for South Africa after the elation of the three gold medals, and we can only hope that Castor will pour some oil on the wounded expectations of some hopefuls. Oscar Pistorius at least got nearly as much applause as Andy Murray for his heroic efforts. I thought Federer gave it to the Scot as consolation for losing the bigger crown, Wimbledon, a few weeks ago.
Lekker rus, ou Grote. Die lang naweek is op hande.
PK the DJ
