gsmith12

You still think he's a pretty boy? Can't argue with that, bring back Katich.

Under 19 lads in a spot of bother at 3/92 off 27 chasing the Saffers 230 in the semi final.

For the sake of stability only, bat Watson at 3 if Doolan is dropped or 4 if they choose to dispense wit Marsh. Baffles me why Clarke doesn't take on the challenge of number 3 where most 'class' batsmen have for us in the past.

On recent form Usman Khawaja may come into future plans for the top order.

Harris's injury issues have been well documented, I reckon this summer's heavy campaign has caught up with him. Needs a spell.

From memory Cape town produces runs however Lehmann & Clark want a look see before deciding the make up of the attack so I guess we will have to wait and see. Lyon has earned his spot for mine.

Don't think Faulkner made the trip due to a knee injury, the other reserve quick is Bird.

Changes for the third test dee-luded ?

We failed badly Jack, really badly. Harris needs a rest, in Pattinson. In Watson out ?

How long since we saved a game through rain ? We have certainly been denied a few wins in recent years.

The unpredictability of the game is why we enjoy it I guess.

Gone for all money save for rain which is a big possibility on day 5. SA have shown the Poms how to fight back, they are a very good unit and De Villiers is a gem.

177 in arrears and we are struggling, injury to Parnell will help if we can remove SA for 200 odd but with Rogers and Haddin unable to buy a run I don't like our chances chasing those numbers.

Surprising the Saffers have put down so many easy chances, out of character in recent times. The slow batting, Duminy in particular, may well prove to be their downfall.

Easier said than done, day two has shown us why the Saffers are number one at present as their bowlers extract more than we could from a seemingly lifeless track. Warner is our chance to push for a decent total yet he was again dropped.

Great minds eh Jack ?

Seems SA have made sure they won't be embarrassed this time, the track is as flat as a tack.

Top class innings form Dhoni no doubt. On the other hand how poor has Lyon been leaking 5 runs an over on a dust bowl - woeful.

'Warnie must not have been thinking' Not sure he has a lot to work with.

Our selectors are not known for daring choices Jack, perhaps they should take a leaf out of Collingwood's book Or perhaps they still regret the failure of Ian Craig ?

Lyon retained - predictable.

no indication is performance was waning. Quite the opposite. Appreciate your logic, moot point however.

His form has been great since 2009 and I did say he was a wonderful contributor. I'm also pleased he is going out on his own terms. My suggestion that maybe it is time is based on what I witnessed at the Gabba when he was beaten on countless occasions by Morkel who also troubled Huss in Adelaide and Perth. The fact that Michael was still able to make big scores is a testimony to his concentration and professionalism. Maybe Morkel just had the wood on Mr Cricket. The other fact that may have influenced his decision is that of the last 12 times at bat in England Hussey has failed on 8 occasions and averaged 31.3 - far below his overall performance. Whatever the reason behind his retirement, he has been a magnificent performer for his country.

Kidding in what respect ?

I share your sentiments Nasher but believe the time has come for Mr Cricket. The number of times he played and missed against the South Africans was almost embarrassing. He has been a wonderful contributor for several years and it's a pity his talent wasn't recognised earlier. One can only imagine the effect a few more years would have had on his statistics.