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

[jnaveen1980]

AMla is using some simple tricks to counter swing. standing wide outside the off stump. india should have countered this by having keeper up. DK actually does well keeping up.

 

[jagatk]

And here comes the excuses. Amla bats at three. Has won matches when SA has lost early wickets to. I don't think I need to explain that. Anyone who has followed SA would know Amla has scored tough runs. He is the last person anyone with inkling of knowledge would accuse him of.

It's funny how you have a term called Tendulkar pitches and tell us that amla's scored tougher runs than Tendulkar and dravid combined and then have the gall to mock other people's cricketing knowledge.

 

[soso_killer]

Dekock is overrated .
Scores soft runs like David miller .
Poor temperament.

You could have a point. I remember when we dismissed Australia for 80. He came in to bat when Amla had done all the hard work. He scored 47 on that tough track against the new ball. QdK came in and scored an attacking hundred against the old ball. Yes he didn't have a great tour down under, but he scored crucial and tough runs.

 

[hk031992]

You are getting too much aggressive mate.
Amla is not capable enough to tie tendulkar's
And dravids shoelaces.

Amla may not be as good as Tendulkar but he is a better batsman than Dravid in both formats of the game.

 

[hk031992]

AB out, who's surprised? What a lose player.

AB practically won you the first match on a very difficult pitch. I think you are being a bit too harsh

I agree that Amla has scored plenty of tough runs though

 

[soso_killer]

It's funny how you have a term called Tendulkar pitches and tell us that amla's scored tougher runs than Tendulkar and dravid combined and then have the gall to mock other people's cricketing knowledge.

Come up with an innings better than Amla's 192 on a tough track away from home. A match and series defining one.

 

[jagatk]

Great captaincy from the chump here, let's keep giving the ball to the guy who is giving 4 an over on a pitch where no one else is going over 3.

 

[DRsohail]

lead of 30 for either side will be handy.

 

[akki]

Come up with an innings better than Amla's 192 on a tough track away from home. A match and series defining one.

It takes bowlers to ultimately win you the test matches and test series by taking 20 wickets genius. It doesnt matter even dravid or tendulkar score runs on mars or jupitar pitches. Untill bowlers take 20 wickets it wont be called as series defining according to your logic.

 

[jagatk]

Come up with an innings better than Amla's 192 on a tough track away from home. A match and series defining one.

So now we are rating players on 1 innings are we. Gillespie and Harbhajan must have been world class batsmen by that standard.

 

[King Kong]

Great captaincy from the chump here, let's keep giving the ball to the guy who is giving 4 an over on a pitch where no one else is going over 3.

Yes, give back the ball to the one who has already bowled 17 overs. Great, genius!

 

[soso_killer]

AB practically won you the first match on a very difficult pitch. I think you are being a bit too harsh

I agree that Amla has scored plenty of tough runs though

My point is about adapting. I don't think this is a pitch where one can score a counter attacking 50.
It's the difference between him and Amla. The latter has scored attacking hundreds to win matches, in reverse he has scored at snail pace depending on the conditions or match situation.

AB was dabbling a swinging ball down to third man as if this was a normal wicket. Great players don't do that. They are very aware, this wicket is very quick. Everyone has been lucky to score.

 

[jagatk]

Yes, give back the ball to the one who has already bowled 17 overs. Great, genius!

I ain't a genius mate, genius would be the fellow who thinks we only have 3 pacers because if shami is to be it has to be by bhuvi according to you not ishant or pandya, such a smart one you are.

 

[Ab Fan]

Amla showing how it's done in a dead rubber.

 

[hk031992]

My point is about adapting. I don't think this is a pitch where one can score a counter attacking 50.
It's the difference between him and Amla. The latter has scored attacking hundreds to win matches, in reverse he has scored at snail pace depending on the conditions or match situation.

AB was dabbling a swinging ball down to third man as if this was a normal wicket. Great players don't do that. They are very aware, this wicket is very quick. Everyone has been lucky to score.

I don't disagree. However, some people would argue that the first match pitch wasn't a counter attacking wicket either and it worked there. I still think AB is a great player but Amla might just be a better test player.

 

[soso_killer]

It takes bowlers to ultimately win you the test matches and test series by taking 20 wickets genius. It doesnt matter even dravid or tendulkar score runs on mars or jupitar pitches. Untill bowlers take 20 wickets it wont be called as series defining according to your logic.

So that innings takes no credit? A hundred in a session at better than a runner in what was a low scoring match? All credit to the bowlers? That innings wasn't tough?

 

[soso_killer]

So now we are rating players on 1 innings are we. Gillespie and Harbhajan must have been world class batsmen by that standard.

Where have you been? Under a rock? Amla has one clutch innings in his career?

 

[akki]

Come up with an innings better than Amla's 192 on a tough track away from home. A match and series defining one.

So that innings takes no credit? A hundred in a session at better than a runner in what was a low scoring match? All credit to the bowlers? That innings wasn't tough?

I didnt say that .Offcourse he should have all the credit. He played very well like a top test batsman. But the way you compared it to tendu or dravid that they should have some more records like amla as you called series defining ,cant be justified.

 

[Ab Fan]

Predictions seem to be working lol.

 

[soso_killer]

I don't disagree. However, some people would argue that the first match pitch wasn't a counter attacking wicket either and it worked there. I still think AB is a great player but Amla might just be a better test player.

No, no one can argue that. Anyone who knows South African conditions knows this is the toughest pitch in the country traditionally. In fact it's the toughest pitch in the world. A wicket falls every 53 deliveries on this ground. A green deck at the Bullring is tougher than any green deck on the coast.

 

[jagatk]

Where have you been? Under a rock? Amla has one clutch innings in his career?

Your contention was he has scored tougher runs than Tendulkar and Dravid combined and your only evidence to support the same was 1 innings, i won't deny amla's is a good p player who has played many great knocks, but there is a reason why most experts and fans rate Tendulkar miles above amla and dravid is also considered better than him.

 

[jagatk]

[MENTION=132982]soso_killer[/MENTION] sharma's over had both ball staying low and extra bounce, if that isn't variable bounce you said won't be seen until 4th or 5th day, I don't know what is.

 

[soso_killer]

I didnt say that .Offcourse he should have all the credit. He played very well like a top test batsman. But the way you compared it to tendu or dravid that they should have some more records like amla as you called series defining ,cant be justified.

I don't agree with the theory that only bowlers win test matches. When SA won the series in England South Africa were chasing a record score. Smith played a blinder of 154*. We chased 408 in Australia, again bowlers let us down. Amla played his hand with a vital 50. The guy has played some tough cricket in his life. Like he is doing now on this pitch.

 

[Oligochaetes]

The value of Amla's innings can be seen in Kohli's eyes. I am sure Inddia will struggle to get the last 4 wickets.

 

[Ab Fan]

As a cricketer, Amla will go down behind Steyn, Kallis, Smith and ABD.

Among the fast bowlers, Steyn was the one everyone used to talk about.Rabada will be the one people talk about in coming years. No one will be remembered in between.

Some may not like it but that is what the world outside South Africa knows.

 

[big_gamer007]

Bhuvi set up AB so nicely this is test cricket at its best.. Perfect set up by bhuvi rarely see such skills these days.

 

[Slog]

As a cricketer, Amla will go down behind Steyn, Kallis, Smith and ABD.

Among the fast bowlers, Steyn was the one everyone used to talk about.Rabada will be the one people talk about in coming years. No one will be remembered in between.

Some may not like it but that is what the world outside South Africa knows.

tbh if youre talking about SA's best players after readmission not sure Amla would be in top 5.

off the top of my head Smith, Steyn, Kallis, AB, Pollock, Donald all come before him.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Yeah a guy that stood up every time the #1 ranking was on the line away from home is not fit enough to lace anyone's boots. And the issue was Amla "scoring" soft runs.

Which in itself is ironic. On the one hand this pitch is a "minefield" on the other it's a "dead rubber". Which is which? Coz it can't be both.

This pitch is a minefield and amla is playing a really courageous innings.
Anyone saying that batting well here is easy coz of the match being a dead rubber is not watching the match.

 

[soso_killer]

Your contention was he has scored tougher runs than Tendulkar and Dravid combined and your only evidence to support the same was 1 innings, i won't deny amla's is a good p player who has played many great knocks, but there is a reason why most experts and fans rate Tendulkar miles above amla and dravid is also considered better than him.

I did state above Amla has played clutch knocks away. UAE, India, England, NZ, Australia. That's not just one innings. Those are half the countries he has played against. I didn't even mention his hundred at a runner ball when SA and Australia were shot out 91 and 47 respectively.

 

[Ab Fan]

tbh if youre talking about SA's best players after readmission not sure Amla would be in top 5.

off the top of my head Smith, Steyn, Kallis, AB, Pollock, Donald all come before him.

Not since readmission obviously.

Since readmission, Pollock and Donald will be included and I haven't watched careers of Kirsten and Boucher to really tell that or Gibbs also( wonderful odi player).

 

[Bilal7]

What an innings by Hashim. 35 years of age and still the best player of swing bowling from both sides. Absolutely fantastic.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Amla may not be as good as Tendulkar but he is a better batsman than Dravid in both formats of the game.

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

 

[soso_killer]

It's funny how you have a term called Tendulkar pitches and tell us that amla's scored tougher runs than Tendulkar and dravid combined and then have the gall to mock other people's cricketing knowledge.

I didn't mock anyone. And I still stand corrected. I asked for a list of series and match defining knocks away from home since Amla scores "soft runs". I got a bunch of excuses instead. Again I stand corrected.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Common boys finish it off fast now....

 

[Bilal7]

As a cricketer, Amla will go down behind Steyn, Kallis, Smith and ABD.

Among the fast bowlers, Steyn was the one everyone used to talk about.Rabada will be the one people talk about in coming years. No one will be remembered in between.

Some may not like it but that is what the world outside South Africa knows.

Hashim Amla is easily a better batsman across formats that AB and Smith. Steyn is better than him for the same reason that someone like Imran is better than Sachin or Wasim is better than Gavasker; bowlers are much bigger match-winners than batsmen.

Amla is already better across formats than anyone India has ever produced apart from Sachin so I can understand the jealousy.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

I didn't mock anyone. And I still stand corrected. I asked for a list of series and match defining knocks away from home since Amla scores "soft runs". I got a bunch of excuses instead. Again I stand corrected.

Go ahead make a thread for sachin vs amla
Impact vs impact.

 

[Ab Fan]

Hashim Amla is easily a better batsman across formats that AB and Smith. Steyn is better than him for the same reason that someone like Imran is better than Sachin or Wasim is better than Gavasker; bowlers are much bigger match-winners than batsmen.

Amla is already better across formats than anyone India has ever produced apart from Sachin so I can understand the jealousy.

What are you doing man? You should have praised me look my predictions are getting on spot. Amla will hit a 100 today and that would mean its pack-up time for Kohli and India.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Hashim Amla is easily a better batsman across formats that AB and Smith. Steyn is better than him for the same reason that someone like Imran is better than Sachin or Wasim is better than Gavasker; bowlers are much bigger match-winners than batsmen.

Amla is already better across formats than anyone India has ever produced apart from Sachin so I can understand the jealousy.

Sachin>imran.
Espn and wisden says that.

 

[soso_killer]

[MENTION=132982]soso_killer[/MENTION] sharma's over had both ball staying low and extra bounce, if that isn't variable bounce you said won't be seen until 4th or 5th day, I don't know what is.

This pitch has played well in general. This is the hardest surface in the country (I'm not talking about tough conditions), the odd ball will bounce or shoot of a length. I haven't seen any demons on wicket.

If you want to talk about a pitch with variable bounce on day two, then see the series against Johnson in Centurion. That was a dangerous pitch and should have been rated poor IMO.

 

[soso_killer]

Damn that is his bowling hand, I hope he's okay.

 

[Bilal7]

I didn't mock anyone. And I still stand corrected. I asked for a list of series and match defining knocks away from home since Amla scores "soft runs". I got a bunch of excuses instead. Again I stand corrected.

Soft runs, lol. Some people are just plain dumb. Amla was the star batsman in South Africa's greatest test team (around 2010-2015). Massive series in Australia, India, England, the UAE and great knocks everywhere else in the world.

He makes it look easy because he has no weaknesses. Pace, swing, bounce, spin, Amla has never had any trouble with any of that. His recent form has been patchy but what else do you expect from a 34 year old? An ATG batsman and South Africa's second best behind Kallis.

 

[Slog]

lol at Amla being better than Dravid or Gavaskar

do people even know what they spout

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Soft runs, lol. Some people are just plain dumb. Amla was the star batsman in South Africa's greatest test team (around 2010-2015). Massive series in Australia, India, England, the UAE and great knocks everywhere else in the world.

He makes it look easy because he has no weaknesses. Pace, swing, bounce, spin, Amla has never had any trouble with any of that. His recent form has been patchy but what else do you expect from a 34 year old? An ATG batsman and South Africa's second best behind Kallis.

Live in your own world.
Kallis>abd>smith>amla

 

[soso_killer]

Go ahead make a thread for sachin vs amla
Impact vs impact.

Don't think it will be a contest though. Amla has twice won a series in England and Australia. Took his team 9 deliveries away from winning a series in India and remained not out. Won a series in Lanka, NZ. It's not a contest.

 

[Ab Fan]

Philander is emerging out as such a fantastic cricketer. This guy deserves due he is not getting for some reasons. I was harsh on him unfairly.

 

[Bilal7]

What are you doing man? You should have praised me look my predictions are getting on spot. Amla will hit a 100 today and that would mean its pack-up time for Kohli and India.

I don't know what you said but that comment was pretty trollish and plain wrong. Don't go down that path, you're a better poster than that.

Sachin>imran.
Espn and wisden says that.

Imran > Sachin. I don't care what ESPN and Wisden say to make money off Indians, lol.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Don't think it will be a contest though. Amla has twice won a series in England and Australia. Took his team 9 deliveries away from winning a series in India and remained not out. Won a series in Lanka, NZ. It's not a contest.

It won't be a contest for sure.

 

[soso_killer]

Soft runs, lol. Some people are just plain dumb. Amla was the star batsman in South Africa's greatest test team (around 2010-2015). Massive series in Australia, India, England, the UAE and great knocks everywhere else in the world.

He makes it look easy because he has no weaknesses. Pace, swing, bounce, spin, Amla has never had any trouble with any of that. His recent form has been patchy but what else do you expect from a 34 year old? An ATG batsman and South Africa's second best behind Kallis.

No it's okay. AB who skipped tough tours in a time of need for his country is among the top 5 South African players

 

[Ab Fan]

Can we call [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] if he doesn't mind to make the fun twice?

 

[shah_1]

If Amla scores a hundred

It will be difficult to top this performance in 2018

 

[Bilal7]

Don't think it will be a contest though. Amla has twice won a series in England and Australia. Took his team 9 deliveries away from winning a series in India and remained not out. Won a series in Lanka, NZ. It's not a contest.

Don't boil your blood, mate. These guys are not worth it. Let's instead enjoy watching one of the last test ATGs. With test cricket being put on the backburner and the newer generation being pretty hopeless away from home, we won't have more than a couple more.

 

[soso_killer]

It won't be a contest for sure.

Feel free to start one

 

[Red Devil]

Big Vern > Kohli.

 

[Bilal7]

Gotta admit, these Indians might have finally gotten a decent pace attack. The thrashing they receive in England and Australia won't be as bad because of this.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Big Vern > Kohli.

Kohli at least got a 50, what about Abd? :

 

[soso_killer]

I did say Vern has the technique for this wicket. In terms of impact he is approaching if not already in the top 6 South Africans to play Tests since readmission. He's got the mental toughness of Gary Kirsten.

 

[Bilal7]

Big Vern > Kohli.

There is actually quite a valid case for Philander being a better batsman in this series than any of the Indian bats, barring Kohli.

 

[DHONI_FAN]

Lucky break

 

[akki]

Indian bowling has been known as the worst bowling so runs against them doesnt mean a jack wheras runs against morkal philandar rabada...what kohli or pujara scored only matters.
And yeah amla is not half precent of sachin or dravid. Plus wasim or imran loll. ? They are not worthy to be mentioned in the same sentence.

 

[soso_killer]

Well played Hash

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Big Vern > Kohli.

See don't try these tiny blood boilers here.
Wont be of any use

 

[jagatk]

This pitch has played well in general. This is the hardest surface in the country (I'm not talking about tough conditions), the odd ball will bounce or shoot of a length. I haven't seen any demons on wicket.

If you want to talk about a pitch with variable bounce on day two, then see the series against Johnson in Centurion. That was a dangerous pitch and should have been rated poor IMO.

This one is starting to resemble that pitch now, with balls rising very dangerously from good length. Would be genuinely surprised if this isn't rated poor.

 

[Ab Fan]

Oh No..India's hopes still alive.

 

[Bilal7]

Bat up, what a knock. This innings was the difference between a 2-1 and a 3-0.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Amla for 60

 

[DHONI_FAN]

Even a 20-30 runs lead may prove to be crucial. We need to get them within 200 to have slight chance

 

[Protea Fan]

This pitch is not unplayable,if it is then no way someone in the likes of philander and rabada scoring here

But its tough to score freely here hence everything you need is some character

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Bat up, what a knock. This innings was the difference between a 2-1 and a 3-0.

So you believe we will lose this match now? It's still in balance unless SA get a lead >=50 as they have to bat last.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Fabulous innings

 

[Bilal7]

Lol, I forgot that South Africa still had this bowling all-rounder in the tank. If these two take the score to 200, India are done.

 

[Ab Fan]

Credit where due. This was a quality inning from Hash and could make a difference later on.

 

[Protea Fan]

Match is evenly polished with amla's wicket but SA is batting here in 4th inngs

So advantage for india

 

[akki]

There is actually quite a valid case for Philander being a better batsman in this series than any of the Indian bats, barring Kohli.

Yeah so close series between two test teams between WORLD N.O 1 TEST TEAM of the world and yeah other one. And over rated player like amla also scored runs in one and only last match of the series due to umpire error and that too against indian bowling which nobody rates. but over all very closed series with both test matches we didnt knew who is going to win untill last or last 2 sessions.
What do you think personally, amla cud made himself in playing 11 of indian team when we had fab four batsman??. Pretty tough though.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Need to get philander if he scores 50
things will get really tough

 

[Bilal7]

This pitch is not unplayable,if it is then no way someone in the likes of philander and rabada scoring here

But its tough to score freely here hence everything you need is some character

Tail-enders bat with zero pressure on such pitches and one or two of them score some runs. Same reason why some part-timers pick wickets on roads while the specialist bowlers struggle.

So you believe we will lose this match now? It's still in balance unless SA get a lead >=50 as they have to bat last.

No, India can still win but if Amla had gotten out for zero, there would only be one result possible. Now, South Africa can definitely win.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

THIS team will still get beaten by Australia at home.

 

[Ab Fan]

V Philander has shown that he is a better cricketer than Faf du Plessis and Morne Morkel now across formats and is heading to the level of Smith, Amla and de Villiers.

 

[Bilal7]

Yeah so close series between two test teams between WORLD N.O 1 TEST TEAM of the world and yeah other one. And over rated player like amla also scored runs in one and only last match of the series due to umpire error and that too against indian bowling which nobody rates. but over all very closed series with both test matches we didnt knew who is going to win untill last or last 2 sessions.
What do you think personally, amla cud made himself in playing 11 of indian team when we had fab four batsman??. Pretty tough though.

Amla scored a crucial 82 in the last game, only getting out because of a run-out and a ball that kept very low. Amla > Dravid, VVS, Sehwag and any other "fab" batsmen India have produced barring Sachin and Gavasker (better than Gavasker too when ODIs are considered).

 

[Red Devil]

See don't try these tiny blood boilers here.
Wont be of any use����

Lol just messing around.

 

[Mamoon]

Can we call [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] if he doesn't mind to make the fun twice?

What fun? Please provide a context of the discussion so that I can provide my insight.