Winter Tour playing Pakistan & South Africa

[RichC]

4 early wickets this morning. SA 143-8 game good as over amd should be done this morning

[RichC]

Woakes takes Piedt

[RichC]

Cracking opening test win for England. Actually winning on our travels as well

[Chazza]

I know they have lost a few players but I am surprised at how poor SA look for a number one test side.

If the rumours of AB de Villiers being about to jack in test cricket are true they will be in an even worse position.

[Buzzo]

Pretty straight forward win in the end.

The lack of quality in test cricket is pretty worrying these days.

[captainfog]

Pretty straight forward win in the end.

The lack of quality in test cricket is pretty worrying these days.

I think that's unfair, we showed a lot of quality in that game and Pakistan and Australia both have terrific Test teams.

[captainfog]

If we can get to 400 then I think this game is sewn up. Broad and Finn will be all over this bouncy pitch and its already starting to turn. Batting 4th will be tough.

[Buzzo]

I think that's unfair, we showed a lot of quality in that game and Pakistan and Australia both have terrific Test teams.

I'd say for the first time I don't see many world class cricketers around. There are some decent ones, some very good ones, but only a handful of world class cricketers.

We've been spoilt over the last few decades.

[RichC]

Cracking ton from Stokes 100 off 105

England moved quickly to 352 this morning.

[Buzzo]

England must be taking huge confidence from this, they are absolutely dominating SA so far, through both tests.

[RichC]

Yup, can't help feel if Steyn and Philander were in the attack it wouldn't be quite this easy.

Good on England though they've dominated SA so far in this series.

[RichC]

We're currently scoring over 8 an over this session

[RichC]

Stokes double 100

He's scored over 125 runs before lunch today

[captainfog]

I'd say for the first time I don't see many world class cricketers around. There are some decent ones, some very good ones, but only a handful of world class cricketers.

We've been spoilt over the last few decades.

Not having that, there are plenty of WC players. It's just the old guard have retired and the kids are taking over. Root, Williamson, Smith and Koli are probably the best 4 batsmen in the world right now and a finer quartet you couldn't hope for. They will go on to be remembered as all time greats.

The talent is there its just they're not as famous... yet.

[captainfog]

This morning was some of the most brutal batting I've seen.