South Africa in Australia - Page 99

Jolldo87 · 5 Jan 2009, 23:30

We need at least one but probably two more wickets tonight.

**Biggie** · 6 Jan 2009, 01:05

Stumps Day 4.

SAf 62/1(2*) needs 314 runs to win

McKenzie 25*
Amla 30*

Should be a good days play tomorrow.

*Smith wont play

The430king · 6 Jan 2009, 02:05

What were South Africa thinking opening with Morkel? Not a batmans bumhole let alone an opener. Australia in a strong position and look out for Siddle and McDonald to cause problems bowling into the cracks just outside off stump.

Kram81 · 6 Jan 2009, 02:34

Should be a really interesting day's play tommorow, Australia need to strike early and get SA nervous.

**a for effort** · 6 Jan 2009, 02:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by The430king

What were South Africa thinking opening with Morkel? Not a batmans bumhole let alone an opener.

The only thing I can think of is that he was going in as a pinch-hitter. Even if South Africa weren't going for the win, if Morkel could come in and hit a quick 40 or 50 Australia would be forced to push the field back, making it easier for the others.

However, given the state of the pitch, most of the wickets tomorrow are going to be bowled or LBW, so I don't think the field placings will end up being massively important

**Mousey** · 6 Jan 2009, 03:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by The430king

What were South Africa thinking opening with Morkel? Not a batmans bumhole let alone an opener.

I think they were hoping he'd survive the pace attack (which he can play decently well) until stumps and they wouldn't lose any vital wickets, like a nightwatchmen. It's not a bad idea in theory, it keeps the order the way it would normally be, but unfortunately for South Africa Morkel couldn't capitalize on the chance.

grapedo · 6 Jan 2009, 04:25

I think with the pitch being rolled again tommorow if South Africa can bat well in the first session the match is there's for the taking IMO.

**Ljp86** · 6 Jan 2009, 09:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by The430king

What were South Africa thinking opening with Morkel? Not a batmans bumhole let alone an opener. Australia in a strong position and look out for Siddle and McDonald to cause problems bowling into the cracks just outside off stump.

The South African batting order is pretty well set so tinkering with it is not in their best interests. Morkel opened because South Africa didn't want to switch around their top six which probably wasn't the right thing to do considering they have nunerous opening options.

Morkel was a sacrificial wicket more then anything and was unlikely to score anything significant should he have batted in his usual spot on day five.

**mas cambios** · 6 Jan 2009, 11:22

Will stick my neck out here and go for an Aussie win but I have a few doubts. A draw is very possible and there is an outside chance of South Africa sneaking it but a lot will depend on the morning session. Get through that without loss or maybe only losing a wicket then it could be game on.

Jolldo87 · 6 Jan 2009, 17:29

We need to get 2 wickets in the first session minimum otherwise we are in big trouble.

I feel it will be up to Siddle and McDonald to take the majority of the wickets today.