3rd Test: England v South Africa at Lord's, Aug 16-20, 2012 | Day 3

[style_guru]

England have nothing to lose now; they should go out all guns blazing.

Yeah. And then get out under 150

England would rather take a 1-0 result, then a 2-0 annihilation.

I guess they'll look for a draw here. Chasing 300+ on the last day of a test match, that too against this attack, not happening for me.

 

[AlizeeFan]

England have nothing to lose now; they should go out all guns blazing.

Agree. They will have better chances of getting result (draw/win) in their favor with positive batting. Too much defensive mindset will their task even harder.

 

[nish_mate]

I think by the close of play today, I would have been charged with attempted treason!

 

[Namak_Halaal]

My prediction : 125 needed in the last session with 4 wickets in hand.

Come on England!!!

 

[Random Aussie]

malakian has a disturbingly masochistic desire to be proven wrong every time. he comes here every series acts smug gets owned. rinse and repeat. i cant find any possible explanation other than this.

of course if england win from here(even a deal with lucifer wont save em but still..), england deserve the #1 status and we will have to tolerate the "mahn". but i think they have 0.00001% chance. never count weird stuff out i say.

You forgot the bit where Malakian goes missing for months after England lose a test series. Total seagull, caw caw, flap, flap, puff chest out, fly away at the first sign of trouble.

 

[Alexander]

England should go out with a positive mindset but realistically we will be lucky to get a draw here. South Africa will be deserved winners of the series and undoubtedly the best team right now. Congrats to all the South Africa fans in advance.

 

[Amjid Javed]

England need to be positive here and have a go at this target even though its a very tough ask. They are 1-0 down so they might as well go down 2-0 trying to level it at 1-1.

When a game becomes a 1 inn shoot out the 3rd inns of test becomes most crucial and Amlas hundred looks like the game breaker here.

 

[leatherface58]

trott has two modes slow and slower. they are lookin to draw this one i guess.

 

[style_guru]

trott has two modes slow and slower. they are lookin to draw this one i guess.

If they are looking for a draw, then I am afraid they'll lose badly here.

 

[nish_mate]

Bell gone!!

 

[style_guru]

Bell C smith B Philander.

England 36/3 after 19 overs.

 

[leatherface58]

shermanator is apparently not even good enough for a flashy 30-40. show some fight england!!!! ah kp to come next. oh wait...

 

[Amjid Javed]

Doesnt look like england have any intention of chasing this total at moment, More trying to save the game and a draw.

 

[style_guru]

The RR has dropped to 1.66

SA needs just 7 good deliveries to wrap this up.

 

[James]

) ) )

Epically awful run-out for Taylor. That was eye-popping and comical stuff. Trott looks shellshocked.

 

[velu]

lol.. )

 

[AlizeeFan]

) ) )

Epically awful run-out for Taylor. That was eye-popping and comical stuff. Trott looks shellshocked.

That was quite horrible.

 

[James]

Almost a bit sad watching this.

But it is deserved.

 

[Luton Bad Boy]

) ) )

Epically awful run-out for Taylor. That was eye-popping and comical stuff. Trott looks shellshocked.

Run-out is criminal in test cricket, this test may well be the turning point in English test cricket

Consistency may well be their mantra but, some changes need to be made e.g. dropping Broad for Onions, Strauss (?) and Bell are the most vulnerable

 

[Namak_Halaal]

Bairstow in now.

Bad moon rising.

 

[Namak_Halaal]

Almost a bit sad watching this.

But it is deserved.

Did you see Gooch's reaction? Summed it up.

 

[style_guru]

One thing is for sure, with Johnny 'Bradman' Bairstow in, we'll see some positive intent in the middle.

Trott cannot score quick even to save his life

 

[James]

Run-out is criminal in test cricket, this test may well be the turning point in English test cricket

Consistency may well be their mantra but, some changes need to be made e.g. dropping Broad for Onions, Strauss (?) and Bell are the most vulnerable

I disagree. Cast your mind back to Abu Dhabi. The loss in the first test against Pakistan was bad, but just about okay in that when Flower's England had lost badly in the past, they had always come back in the next test (The Oval, Perth etc). They did play well in Abu Dhabi for nine or so sessions, but what should have been a simple run chase turned to mush, and England had lost two tests in a row plus a very rare series loss. This was the turning point.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Have andy flower and Strauss taken england as far as they can go? Cant see them winning in India. They will still be a top 3 test side, but last 6/8 months have shown cracks in the england set up.

 

[James]

Have andy flower and Strauss taken england as far as they can go? Cant see them winning in India. They will still be a top 3 test side, but last 6/8 months have shown cracks in the england set up.

Flower no. England are still pretty good, just not approaching wonderful as they were against Australia and India. And look at how well Flower is managing the LOI sides. He is doing magnificently in teh pyjama game, all things considered.

Strauss I suspect so. It's very sad stuff today but all things have an end. He's been a great servant.

 

[James]

England going for it now. Should be losing this around teatime I'd say.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Flower no. England are still pretty good, just not approaching wonderful as they were against Australia and India. And look at how well Flower is managing the LOI sides. He is doing magnificently in teh pyjama game, all things considered.

Strauss I suspect so. It's very sad stuff today but all things have an end. He's been a great servant.

I think South Africa, India and England are slightly a level above test sides like Australia/Pakistan/Sri lanka.

I think South Africa have the quality to compete in all conditions against any Oppostion. In regards to england they will continue to struggle in Asia i think. India will need to start performing away from home if they want to move up in the rankings again.

 

[James]

That run out was completely pathetic for more than just aesthetic reasons; 100/3 at lunch (leaving 240 in 65 overs) would have been a good platform to at least try and chase the score. Now certain defeat loometh.

 

[James]

Bairstow creaming the Saffers.

First innings the grit, second innings the flair.

#Yorkshire #Northern

 

[style_guru]

What's good to see is that ENG batsmen are actually looking to be positive. Thye may not win here, but the intent is good anyway.

 

[James]

Trott 41 (114)
Bairstow 37 (24)

I'll stick with what I said yesterday. This is a new ball wicket, and there isn't much out there for the bowlers otherwise. South Africa and England have taken almost all of their wickets here with the first or second new ball, it seems. After 20 overs of a new ball, batting gets easier. England will lose the match to the second new ball.

 

[Statsman]

Last 10 ovs 61/1 RR 6.10

England giving a scare here to SA.

 

[style_guru]

England innings is just into 36th over. Which means 44 more overs to go until the 2nd new ball. I doubt England will leave it that late, if they are gonna win this anyway.

 

[Jo_Don]

Good to see some attacking cricket, thought they were going to block out the day. If they win this match then they would have earned it.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Another session of bairstow batting and this could become very intresting. Hes a yorkshire so hes got ballz and will go down fighting!

Hes been the one positive in regards to the batting in this test. Also Finns inclusion was a positive one as well.

 

[leatherface58]

viv bairstow is showing his true colours.

 

[Statsman]

Last 10 ovs 65/0 RR 6.50

 

[James]

Finn with 10 wickets at 32, in 2 tests, has been by far England's best bowler in this series, so he goes to India on merit, and surely starts. Anderson and particularly Broad have made for grim viewing recently.

Bairstow has looked every inch test class during this appearance. Taylor I'm not sure about, could be too early for him. Batting selection also depends on what happens (God knows what will ever happen next) with KP.

 

[MattyB]

102 runs off the 26.1 overs gone so far in this session, that's nearly 4 an over. If these two keep going then this could get very interesting especially with Prior still to come.

 

[style_guru]

It's day 5 pitch, with opposition looking for quick runs. If Tahir cannot get a few wickets for his team here, then I doubt he is adding any value to his selection.

Another feeling that I have is that Steyn has not lived up to his reputation here. He may have the wickets in the column, but he's not the world's best bowler for just that. He has to stand up here and make it count.

Another point being that England bowlers used the reverse swing well, whereas I am yet to see the SA bowlers use it well.

 

[AlizeeFan]

Finn with 10 wickets at 32, in 2 tests, has been by far England's best bowler in this series, so he goes to India on merit, and surely starts. Anderson and particularly Broad have made for grim viewing recently.

Bairstow has looked every inch test class during this appearance. Taylor I'm not sure about, could be too early for him. Batting selection also depends on what happens (God knows what will ever happen next) with KP.

Finn will perform well in India if pitches are not flat (even spinning tracks will earn him wickets).

 

[James]

Decent mini comeback. All about the Yorkshire. But it would take a Langer-Gilchrist style partnership to win this now.

If it actually happened I think I would achieve my first ever cricket-inspired climax.

That's how low the chances are.

 

[Jo_Don]

Decent mini comeback. All about the Yorkshire. But it would take a Langer-Gilchrist style partnership to win this now.

If it actually happened I think I would achieve my first ever cricket-inspired climax.

That's how low the chances are.

A run rate of 3.6 is not impossible, they just need to stay in and do it in singles. If one of these guys get out, then Prior is still to come, and I think Barbie may contribute if forced to attack.

 

[James]

Joined the party a bit late today, so just seen Bell's shot for the first time.

My word. Absolutely horrendous.

 

[James]

Fifty to Bairstow, (nearly) run a ball 90 partnership.

SA have really relaxed after the run out, they need to get it sorted and knock these two over before things start to look hairy. You don't have the ranking until you take the final wicket.

 

[MattyB]

Bairstow goes and so do our chances of winning.

 

[James]

Got himself out completely there, inexperience showing. Good cameo though.

These two needed to put on a hundred together if we are to have any chance.

 

[leatherface58]

well played jonny. but too little too late.

 

[bantu]

Bairstow ..... He has cemented his place in the team

 

[Maximas]

IMO Bairstow is a fairly performed replacement for KP. I still hope Trott will come up with good resistance innings here.

 

[leatherface58]

the stats for english players with both bat and ball in this series make for depressing reading. strauss averaging 18 cook 32 bell 28. way below their standards. bell has done nothing to quell murmurs of being a fair-weather scorer.
with the ball 39 bresnan 160+(!!!) anderson 40.

cook had one bad series. so he could be forgiven for that. as for strauss, he might have to go. not the best decision. but he is doing nothing for the team with the bat. a walking wicket.

ironically best bowler with both bat and ball average wise has been kp.

 

[James]

Why not have both Bairstow and Pietersen?

 

[Namak_Halaal]

I still have faith in England.

Sticking to my prediction of around 125 needed off the last session with 4 wickets in hand.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I still have faith in England.

Sticking to my prediction of around 125 needed off the last session with 4 wickets in hand.

)

SA have been superior in every area of the game. They are in total control of this match. A big victory on day 5 at Lords the home of cricket to rise to no.1 is a great wCay to end the series. Come on Saffers.

 

[velu]

trott gone

 

[Jo_Don]

King Kallis!

 

[Namak_Halaal]

)

SA have been superior in every area of the game. They are in total control of this match. A big victory on day 5 at Lords the home of cricket to rise to no.1 is a great wCay to end the series. Come on Saffers.

And?

Recall ENG vs PAK second test.

No one predicted Pakistan would win (apart from a few).

You just never know.

 

[truthseer]

And?

Recall ENG vs PAK second test.

No one predicted Pakistan would win (apart from a few).

You just never know.

Yeah, but that was us. The English are not the same when boxed into a corner as we are

 

[Namak_Halaal]

Yeah, but that was us. The English are not the same when boxed into a corner as we are

I know, but whether Pakistan or England, miracles do happen.

 

[Square Drive]

As long as Broad and Prior are out there, England still have hope. Broad looking to hit, and another 40-50 quick runs by him will make things interesting. These 2 batsmen are batting positively, so I don't think it will be a draw. Either SA or England will win, although SA looking favourites. But another quick wicket and England might start playing for a draw (they will fail in that case).

 

[Square Drive]

Need a bit under 4 runs per over.

England going well run-rate wise, but their wickets are crucial.

 

[kungfu90]

crowd trolling Tahir

 

[Marshland]

England aren't going to win. Please snap out of it.

 

[nish_mate]

Treason squad to be knocking quite a few door tonight!!

Better get to the Ecuador embassy

 

[Jo_Don]

What was Barbie crying about there?

 

[Square Drive]

156 off 254 with 4 wickets left.

England can afford to tuk tuk right now.

 

[James]

Our specialist batsmen by and large get more embarrassing by the innings, but all things considered Trott, Bairstow, Prior and Broad have given this a really good go. Lately it seems that it has been down to our lower order to show the 'batsmen' how to bat.

 

[leatherface58]

Barbie demonstrating gurl powerrrr!!!

 

[James]

Pretty negative stuff from South Africa here in what has been a corking test match.

 

[truthseer]

Pretty negative stuff from South Africa here in what has been a corking test match.

Well, they don't have to be sporting, it's their prerogative to do what is within the rules to win the series. Like how Prior stumped Morkel, it's fair play!

 

[James]

Well, they don't have to be sporting, it's their prerogative to do what is within the rules to win the series. Like how Prior stumped Morkel, it's fair play!

Yep I agree, I don't blame them at all. But I don't think it's very good tactics or psychology more than anything else. Tahir is more likely to get the crucial wicket if he attacks the stumps. It also makes SA look a bit tentative and concerned.

 

[Namak_Halaal]

200 up.

144 more runs to go!

Come on England!

 

[James]

This is more like it from Kallis. An attacking line, and demanding a second slip. He knows this is how SA can win the game. An experienced campaigner, a legend.

 

[truthseer]

I'll be honest about one thing. The reason Tahir made me happy was that he made Smith attacking. It wasn't that he made it happen, it just did. I guess that's what having a leg spinner in the side naturally does. But now, this is pathetic. He's bowling a Paul Haris line of attack (And mind you, doing it pretty well) but that's not what he should be in the side for.

 

[Jo_Don]

King Kallis in the action again! Took a blinding catch earlier, and worked Broad out now!

 

[Statsman]

This is more like it from Kallis. An attacking line, and demanding a second slip. He knows this is how SA can win the game. An experienced campaigner, a legend.

And he takes a wicket!

 

[Marshland]

This seventh wicket is taking a while to fall.

 

[Marshland]

....and as I say it.

 

[Slickman]

Gone all over

 

[Marshland]

Broad, you have been successfully enforced.