India vs South Africa | 3rd Test | Johannesburg | Jan 24-28, 2018 | Day 2 | Discussion Thread

[jnaveen1980]

credit to bowler if thats the case. but that is a horrible shot even if set up.

He had trouble on or around the off stump. He was never allowed to be positive. Moment he saw a ball on the stumps his eyes lit up. But little did he realize it was a set up ball.

 

[Pete Rose]

I want someone to stand up to AB and give him a mouthful.

too much coddling for him. allowed to play when he wants and how he wants.

 

[Moh@n]

Must say Kohli's best decision in this series was in this match i.e. to win the toss and bat first.

LOL how? Green pitch, we choose to go with five fast bowlers, drop the extra batsman, and then bat first.

The most absurd and hilarious decision.

 

[Ab Fan]

There is unnecessary nonsense going around on how he should have played coming at 70-2 and that too on this dead rubber.

A guy who has been the reason for India not being able to win this series(yes, they would have won the 1st one if not for that inning) is getting unnecessary criticism for failing in a dead rubber and that too for not cashing on some soft runs after the hard work Rabada and Amla did( well isn't this what he has been accussed of all his career). Considering the context of the match, it only shows why all those innings he played in past were useful which today are hailed as soft runs and what not he is getting accused of that now.

 

[soso_killer]

Barring Smith, none of them can play moving ball.And SA bowlers are much faster and better than England's

Partnerships, that's how he will kill us. Players with less talent get confidence when batting with the team's best player. They don't throw their wickets around as they don't want to let him down.

Take Faf in Cape Town, as soon as AB was out he didn't last long. Centurion as well, batted well with Amla. He ran him out, yes he had a partnership of some sort with the tail, but he was struggling to match Amla's fluidity and was eventually out for 63.

Smith only has to score 120 or so, it's the partnerships that will kill us. We used to win matches the same way with Kirsten and Kallis.

 

[Ab Fan]

What AB did all his career in tests?

Getting soft runs after Smith, Amla and Kallis did the tough work. And that is what he is accused for.

What is AB getting accused for today?

Not being able to score soft runs after Amla and Rabada did the hard work.

Sounds strange? But it only shows that unrealistic expectations from fans.

 

[Ab Fan]

LOL how? Green pitch, we choose to go with five fast bowlers, drop the extra batsman, and then bat first.

The most absurd and hilarious decision.

If India would have batted last, they would have been done by now which means the risk of batting first worked for them. Credit to Kohli and Pujara for those 50s.

Kohli took the risk of batting first and proved it correct with performance from his bat. That is all what matters.

 

[CricketAnalyst]

At 12/3 and 70 odd for two I expect different approach.

That's the thing attacking doesn't mean carting bowlers around. He could have done what Amla was doing to devastating effect. He has a better hand eye coordination too. He undid all KG's hard work, disappointing from a senior figure. Amla only drove full deliveries.

I want someone to stand up to AB and give him a mouthful.

That's why SA have never won the big things. The only thing that can get you a mouthful seems to be attacking batting (which is also what wins games).

 

[soso_killer]

too much coddling for him. allowed to play when he wants and how he wants.

I find his ego puzzling. There was a Test match (I think it was Edgbaston) where he scored an ugly but a necessary 40. Smith and co. told him how to approach that innings. He survived a crucial spell when Jimmy was swinging it both ways. SA had a start and didn't want to invite England into the game.

This match needed a similar approach. What he did here was invite India back into the game. Again lack of match awareness. At 12/3 you have nothing to lose when the pitch is acting up. But this wicket had eased up a bit. It was still doing a bit, but it wasn't impossible as in the first hour. Should consider retiring after the Australian tour so we can groom Theunis de Bruyn. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are ideal opposition before the English arrive next year.

 

[subbu]

It looks all clear that Australians will thrash SA in the upcoming tour.

Anyways, AB has done his part more than enough in this series. Getting out to some fantastic bowling is all okay in a dead rubber. It is all upto the batsmen how he plays.

He is the Man of the series for me in this series.

Australian batting will struggle against SA bowlers on similar conditions..

 

[Pete Rose]

I find his ego puzzling. There was a Test match (I think it was Edgbaston) where he scored an ugly but a necessary 40. Smith and co. told him how to approach that innings. He survived a crucial spell when Jimmy was swinging it both ways. SA had a start and didn't want to invite England into the game.

This match needed a similar approach. What he did here was invite India back into the game. Again lack of match awareness. At 12/3 you have nothing to lose when the pitch is acting up. But this wicket had eased up a bit. It was still doing a bit, but it wasn't impossible as in the first hour. Should consider retiring after the Australian tour so we can groom Theunis de Bruyn. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are ideal opposition before the English arrive next year.

I have an observation/question: while South African cricket has done great things is definitely worth following, I have always found your players to be a bit too insulated. I mean there are some fantastic players, but the camaraderie feels contrived. Maybe Graeme Smith was different. The only player who I consider ‘smart’ is Du Plessis: he seems like he understands how a team works and also is match aware. Never got that feeling with guys like Kallis, Amla, De Villiers. Your thoughts?

 

[Ab Fan]

Australian batting will struggle against SA bowlers on similar conditions..

Smith will still run away with the game mind you.

Amla will score his usual one good inning till the series is alive.

AB will score his usual pretty looking 60-80. It was India here so he managed to grab the game. Up next is Aus and Smith won't let it go.

An example of this was 1st test vs Brisbane. If Smith would have scored a 60-70 and get out, England would have won that. But Smith stayed till the end and took the game away from England.

Others won't do much either.

 

[CricketAnalyst]

I have an observation/question: while South African cricket has done great things is definitely worth following, I have always found your players to be a bit too insulated. I mean there are some fantastic players, but the camaraderie feels contrived. Maybe Graeme Smith was different. The only player who I consider ‘smart’ is Du Plessis: he seems like he understands how a team works and also is match aware. Never got that feeling with guys like Kallis, Amla, De Villiers. Your thoughts?

What does it mean to say 'Du Plessis is match aware'. He keeps getting clean bowled while leaving the ball. Twice in one match in England. Is interminable blocking combined with failures 'match awareness'? Is being a tuk-tuk what makes a smart cricketer?

 

[subbu]

LOL how? Green pitch, we choose to go with five fast bowlers, drop the extra batsman, and then bat first.

The most absurd and hilarious decision.

True...1st day morning session was toughest of all.... over night rain, fresh green wicket with cloud cover... India was bit lucky and good effort from kohli and pujara.... it was one of those 1st innings 80 all out wicket

 

[Princejain191]

Partnerships, that's how he will kill us. Players with less talent get confidence when batting with the team's best player. They don't throw their wickets around as they don't want to let him down.

Take Faf in Cape Town, as soon as AB was out he didn't last long. Centurion as well, batted well with Amla. He ran him out, yes he had a partnership of some sort with the tail, but he was struggling to match Amla's fluidity and was eventually out for 63.

Smith only has to score 120 or so, it's the partnerships that will kill us. We used to win matches the same way with Kirsten and Kallis.

Faf batted really well with the tail in Centurion in both the innings, not because of Amla and AB, but because he is good enough. Actually Amla was dropped twice for his 80 in 1st inning. Faf also took over after SA lost 3 wickets for 20 odd runs in 2nd inning. Flawed example.

 

[subbu]

At 12/3 and 70 odd for two I expect different approach.

That's the thing attacking doesn't mean carting bowlers around. He could have done what Amla was doing to devastating effect. He has a better hand eye coordination too. He undid all KG's hard work, disappointing from a senior figure. Amla only drove full deliveries.

I want someone to stand up to AB and give him a mouthful.

pretty harsh....AB for Man of the series ..it wash his counter attacking innings (twice) changed the match situation when Indian bowlers were on top

 

[Pete Rose]

What does it mean to say 'Du Plessis is match aware'. He keeps getting clean bowled while leaving the ball. Twice in one match in England. Is interminable blocking combined with failures 'match awareness'? Is being a tuk-tuk what makes a smart cricketer?

No. I guess I meant he plays the game differently (as deficient as he might be) vs the other Saffers and I think he certainly leads it better.

 

[Napa]

He got a peach there's no denying that.
But go and look how he fiddled around at the crease in difficult conditions as if he was playing Sunday League Cricket. The ball was swinging both ways yet on two occasions he tried to dab it to third man, with three slips and a gully.

You couldn't drive on the up on this pitch and he did. That's irresponsible. On this type of wicket you need to play percentage cricket.

I didn't actually watch most of his batting, so I will accept your point that he could have batted more responsibly.

 

[Smbhayi]

His innings should be remembered for luck more than anything else. There were at least 3 occasions when, if the umpire had raised his finger a review would not have overturned the decision. To get 3 such "lives" in scoring 61 is very very lucky.

then everyone's innings should be remembered as luck in this series. without luck there wouldn't be many great innings in whole test history.

 

[leatherface58]

This series has been fun to watch. Both teams have competed and India have not given up despite losing the series unlike in previous cases. They were let down by their batting a lot and being woefully underprepared but this series loss should help Kohli prepare for future tours.

 

[Lefthanded]

I already am but that is more down to the knowledge that Rohit Sharma will somehow find a place in the squad against England.

I almost didn't want Rahane to play this Test because if he failed, Rohit's failures could be glossed over. Only hope now is that Pandya and Rahane score solid half centuries and Rohit has to sit out in England. Anything less and he'll still be playing then.

 

[jnaveen1980]

It looks all clear that Australians will thrash SA in the upcoming tour.

Anyways, AB has done his part more than enough in this series. Getting out to some fantastic bowling is all okay in a dead rubber. It is all upto the batsmen how he plays.

He is the Man of the series for me in this series.

But Australians are not exactly great players of swing/seam bowling. They are "road"specialists.

 

[Dingolfy]

Based on form and history, you have to back South Africa vs Australia when playing in South Africa.

You have to look at the current batting lineup rather than history.Current generation of Australian batsmen are hopless against horizontal movement.And the runs they make on Australian pattas doesn't matter when they come to South Africa.

 

[Dingolfy]

Based on form and history, you have to back South Africa vs Australia when playing in South Africa.

It looks all clear that Australians will thrash SA in the upcoming tour.

Anyways, AB has done his part more than enough in this series. Getting out to some fantastic bowling is all okay in a dead rubber. It is all upto the batsmen how he plays.

He is the Man of the series for me in this series.

How? Who else do you think will standup against SA bowling on these pitches other than Smith from Australian lineup?

 

[Dingolfy]

Based on form and history, you have to back South Africa vs Australia when playing in South Africa.

But Australians are not exactly great players of swing/seam bowling. They are "road"specialists.

This.I saw them struggling agianst Bhuv in the recent ODI series whenever there was movement.For sure, they gonna score a lot against Rabada and Co.

 

[Sachin136]

This series has been fun to watch. Both teams have competed and India have not given up despite losing the series unlike in previous cases. They were let down by their batting a lot and being woefully underprepared but this series loss should help Kohli prepare for future tours.

To be fair, India's last series in South Africa was competitive as well.

 

[Pete Rose]

You have to look at the current batting lineup rather than history.Current generation of Australian batsmen are hopless against horizontal movement.And the runs they make on Australian pattas doesn't matter when they come to South Africa.

Sorry that came out wrong. I back South Africa. Australians have always been bad vs. seam/swing,

 

[Lefthanded]

What a series this has been.

The results have been disappointing, but can't be too disappointed because I'm a fan of six or seven in the XI SA are fielding. And that India haven't, 'snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.'

-

With Dhawan in the wings, if Vijay doesn't score a 50 or 60 here at least, I'm not sure he'll be playing in England. And only way Rahane can bat ahead of Rohit in England is with a 50 here. Even then, with Kohli/Shastri it's hard to know whether even a Rahane century could seal his spot.

 

[jnaveen1980]

This.I saw them struggling agianst Bhuv in the recent ODI series whenever there was movement.For sure, they gonna score a lot against Rabada and Co.

Who can forget Newlands Mayhem. Philander reduced them to 24/9 . They freaking lost to BD in BD. Even Maharaja will be handful.

 

[BaankeJi]

I want someone to stand up to AB and give him a mouthful.

That is a good way of breaking harmony in dressing room.

 

[Ab Fan]

How? Who else do you think will standup against SA bowling on these pitches other than Smith from Australian lineup?

Pitches might be on flatter side to reduce the destruction of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood. And then Warner will come into play like he did last time ( in clear skies he destroyed the SA attack) and won the series.

 

[Ab Fan]

How? Who else do you think will standup against SA bowling on these pitches other than Smith from Australian lineup?

And in case if pitches have huge assistance then one inning is enough to take the game away. And I dont think AB or Amla will be able to play that inning in this series.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Pitches might be on flatter side to reduce the destruction of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood. And then Warner will come into play like he did last time ( in clear skies he destroyed the SA attack) and won the series.

That is precisely what will happen. They never offer green track to Aussies as it will backfire. That is one reason why averages of Aussies are better than most of the Indians in SA. Having said that , offering flat track to Australia will be suicidal.

 

[Ab Fan]

That is precisely what will happen. They never offer green track to Aussies as it will backfire. That is one reason why averages of Aussies are better than most of the Indians in SA. Having said that , offering flat track to Australia will be suicidal.

I also think the same. On flat deck, Smith and Warner will do things AB or Amla(who is not at prime) won't be able to do.

The pitches will be mixed i.e. flat in couple of games and green in one odd match.

AB, no matter how much skillful he is won't be able to counter attack the Aussies pace attack . He may score a 50-60 but won't take the game away from Australia.

I dont expect much from Amla either except the odd two performances.

Aus batting has a sign of worry too but I dont know I am getting a feeling that Aussies will win that easily.

 

[Savak]

A good recovery by India. A greentop makes things an even contest.

 

[Hasan123]

Tommorows action will be fascinating.

 

[akki]

A good recovery by India. A greentop makes things an even contest.

Yeah i agree we also make most of the matches and series in india even contest by making spin top.

 

[Bilal7]

What AB did all his career in tests?

Getting soft runs after Smith, Amla and Kallis did the tough work. And that is what he is accused for.

What is AB getting accused for today?

Not being able to score soft runs after Amla and Rabada did the hard work.

Sounds strange? But it only shows that unrealistic expectations from fans.

They would definitely not have been soft on this pitch.

 

[soso_killer]

I have an observation/question: while South African cricket has done great things is definitely worth following, I have always found your players to be a bit too insulated. I mean there are some fantastic players, but the camaraderie feels contrived. Maybe Graeme Smith was different. The only player who I consider ‘smart’ is Du Plessis: he seems like he understands how a team works and also is match aware. Never got that feeling with guys like Kallis, Amla, De Villiers. Your thoughts?

Amla at his pump was an out and out match winner. He'd play an innings and we just knew the game was in the bag. It was not half way done or left to someone else. In terms of versatility, attack and defence, spin or pace he could do it all. He is the best I've seen at what he does. Scoring a hundred of 105 deliveries and then proceed to score a hundred of 300 balls at second dig. Unbelievable player. He's the best bat among all who debuted in the 2000's no doubt. He likes a dog fight.

 

[soso_killer]

That's why SA have never won the big things. The only thing that can get you a mouthful seems to be attacking batting (which is also what wins games).

SA have won major series away playing sensibly. If you're talking ODI's you're in wrong thread.

 

[Mr.Q]

The bowling lineup once again punched above its weight to keep India in the game. Glad to see Rahul looking composed at the crease. Very important innings for him and India. Hope he continues to bat sensibly.

 

[Abdullah]

If India would have batted last, they would have been done by now which means the risk of batting first worked for them. Credit to Kohli and Pujara for those 50s.

Kohli took the risk of batting first and proved it correct with performance from his bat. That is all what matters.

India were fortunate to get 187. They could have gone for 120 quite easily on the first morning

 

[Bilal7]

Amla at his pump was an out and out match winner. He'd play an innings and we just knew the game was in the bag. It was not half way done or left to someone else. In terms of versatility, attack and defence, spin or pace he could do it all. He is the best I've seen at what he does. Scoring a hundred of 105 deliveries and then proceed to score a hundred of 300 balls at second dig. Unbelievable player. He's the best bat among all who debuted in the 2000's no doubt. He likes a dog fight.

Agreed completely. His record against the best teams in their backyard is unmatched. From those that debuted in the 2000s, Amla is #1 followed closely by Sangakkara and then Younis Khan. The only three ATGs from a batch of excellent batsmen.

 

[dauntless]

This match is in the bag.Go guys get them under 150.whitewash is written all over india!!!

 

[King Kong]

This is what happens when India hold onto all of their catches. Surely India can't lose from here on. Seeing Vijay and Rahul play yesterday, they were determined, wanted to prove themselves, and we have Pujara and Kohli coming in next, India will be 160 at least by the time these guys get out. Rahane, Pandya, Bhuvi hopefully add 80 more runs and that's it for the game.

 

[hk031992]

Really.
I won't even argue with you now.

With all due respect, you don't have any argument to argue with. Dravid was a very good player but if he wasn't Indian, he wouldn't be anywhere near as hyped. His performances against full strength attacks like Australia and South Africa were below average. He failed against a full strength Pakistan attack in 1998/99, averaging just 27 across three tests.

He bashed the weaker versions of these attacks but against quality attacks, he struggled. He was a great player against good attacks but only decent against great ones.

 

[Napa]

then everyone's innings should be remembered as luck in this series. without luck there wouldn't be many great innings in whole test history.

Being out 4 times in scoring 61 is far beyond common luck.

 

[Smbhayi]

Being out 4 times in scoring 61 is far beyond common luck.

he got 3 lbw one is missing off stump which umpire given out and Amla review it successfully. and other two times most of the umpires will give that not out coz he's standing outside offstump. That's adaptation. he know he has a less chance to get lbw if he's standing outside offstump. So more than luck it's his shuffling saved his wicket there. and yeah Kohli fifty in this matche rated high but he didn't have any luck, nah?