Cricket

[Zapater]

Fair play, these two have cashed in on favourable conditions. On a different day SA would have nabbed atleast 2 more wickets yesterday for disciplined performance, but no complaints. Will need to bat really well to catch up.

Rabada banned from the next test

Don't understand at all what is so offensive about his celebration, but it's typical. As I've said previously in this thread, if this system was in place before, Brett Lee would have missed every second game. Completely unnecessary. Not having a moan, but players from certain countries always seem to get a harsher sanction than others when the book is thrown at them. India, Australia and England get away with what they want and control everything.

Presuming this isn't overturned, Bavuma will be sure to play the next game for 'transformation' reasons. So that will involve dropping a batsmen and adding a different bowler (keeping Paterson probably). Going into a test without a black player would cause mutiny despite the forced nature of the change. Unless Ngidi is fit again, at least that would be like for like.

[Shaggy]

Agreed re Rabada. Don't see what was wrong with it.

[Chazza]

Stokes gone for 120.

[Alex]

Fair play, these two have cashed in on favourable conditions. On a different day SA would have nabbed atleast 2 more wickets yesterday for disciplined performance, but no complaints. Will need to bat really well to catch up.



Don't understand at all what is so offensive about his celebration, but it's typical. As I've said previously in this thread, if this system was in place before, Brett Lee would have missed every second game. Completely unnecessary. Not having a moan, but players from certain countries always seem to get a harsher sanction than others when the book is thrown at them. India, Australia and England get away with what they want and control everything.

Presuming this isn't overturned, Bavuma will be sure to play the next game for 'transformation' reasons. So that will involve dropping a batsmen and adding a different bowler (keeping Paterson probably). Going into a test without a black player would cause mutiny despite the forced nature of the change. Unless Ngidi is fit again, at least that would be like for like.

Agreed re Rabada. Don't see what was wrong with it.

It was a build up of points apparently. So basically the same as totting up yellow cards and getting a ban for it. Didn't think it was bad anyway. Just a bit of needle.

[Zapater]

So the demerit point is for "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match".

I mean that's open to interpretation but if you want to follow that to the letter of the law, there are dozens of incidents in each and every test which could be considered to do so. The way players regularly speak to their teammates about the opposition to avoid talking to them directly could easily facilitate an aggressive reaction. Disappointing that one of the best bowlers in the world wont get to play a home test for him. Thought the ICC's job is to promote and preserve test cricket. Not make it a poorer product.

Although, Rabada isn't blameless, he has been called out on similar things in the past. Despite the situation being ridiculous, he should be aware that they're targeting him and he's been under the microscope for years. He shouldn't give the authorities the ammunition regardless of how marginal/circumstantial it is. Oh well, maybe a rest will do him some good.

Just sets double standards - Brett Lee was a fiery competitor and Rabada is out of control. Different eras, I know but it doesn't sit well with me.

[Chazza]

Here comes the collapse.

Buttler out for 1

[Zapater]

It was a build up of points apparently. So basically the same as totting up yellow cards and getting a ban for it. Didn't think it was bad anyway. Just a bit of needle.

Indeed, it was the straw that broke the camels back, but I don't deem the incident befitting of it. But that's just my opinion, same as I didn't deem the Buttler incident noteworthy. In the previous tour when he told Stokes to **** off after getting him out, fair enough, that's unnecessarily aggressive. In this case, he was a bit close, but don't think it was that bad.

[Zapater]

On an amusing note, I think that Paterson must be one of the roughest players I've ever seen on an international cricket pitch. Check the teeth on the guy! Not the best haircut either.

[Shaggy]

Ollie Pope is here to stay huh? Fantastic. England line up suddenly shaping up pretty well I reckon.

[Cormack74]

Bell Jnr.

[RichC]

Nice early wicket this morning with Elgar going. 63-3

[RichC]

Bess takes another with du Plessie. 71-4

[Cormack74]

A really good morning but the weather for the rest of today and tomorrow doesn't look great sadly.

[RichC]

4 wickets to bowl SA out for 1 run, that’s some real capitulation. Rain might be their saviour though. 15-0 after England forced the follow on.

[RichC]

1 down 3 wickets to go. Hopefully we can get this done quickly and take any weather concerns out of play.