Topic: International Cricket 2022 - 2023 - General Thread

[LF]

Cant help but lol

They've got a nation of billion, but cant find a replacement for a couple players. Fine if it was a in a country where it's not the No1 sport. But it is there

One of the replacement who finally played was a replacement to the guy who was the replacement to the first team player. 

You don't know what you are talking about, there have been lots of players who stepped up. Just this particular instance the new guys didn't. Nothing taken away from SA of course, they were too good. But the selectors are doing a fine job anyway.

[Chivasino]

Cant help but lol

They've got a nation of billion, but cant find a replacement for a couple players. Fine if it was a in a country where it's not the No1 sport. But it is there

To be fair mate, Dravid and Laxman are two of the best players from their generation. Two of the best in the world. Replacing them will not be easy no matter how big your population is.

Agree that we really fail to find fast strike bowlers, but that's probably due to the pitches that are prepared.

[The 5th Benitle]

Has Sharma regressed then? Or choked on his ludicrously sized Adams Apple?

[sat]

Has Sharma regressed then? Or choked on his ludicrously sized Adams Apple?

He hasnt played any test cricket so difficult to assess whether he has regressed, he was due to make his debut during the last test but was taken ill on the day of the match so they had to play the Bluenoses no 8. Agreed about his adams apple
I still dont understand why the selectors dont play Kohli, I think it will be just a matter of time given his 1 day performances. be interesting to see what type of pitch is prepared for the second test on Sunday.

[sat]

The test match is looking quite interesting now, what a collapse by SA almost on par with India's in the first test.

[Sorted!!]

Fucking Harbhajan Singh!!! 

[LF]

yeah he was due a big performance a long time coming. SA were in total control of the game but few minutes and all changed.  still I'd think they could have stopped the rot at that. To lose 7 for 30-40, that's how you end up losing matches. SA still have to bowl though and you never know what happens.

[The 5th Benitle]

Really enjoyed Kieron Pollard's innings earlier today.

[Chakan]

Mid and tail collapse which is something SA tend to be good at sometimes. Wickets tumble and we just can't stop it. Need a big day from the bowlers tomorrow.

[LF]

Mid and tail collapse which is something SA tend to be good at sometimes. Wickets tumble and we just can't stop it. Need a big day from the bowlers tomorrow.

It's the Eden Gardens and Laxman is playing.  He has always been consistent and good for India but it's been a long time since we've have a truly very very special innings from him. A win here would mean we'll stay no.1 and it's his magical ground so the script is all set.

[Chakan]

It's the Eden Gardens and Laxman is playing.  He has always been consistent and good for India but it's been a long time since we've have a truly very very special innings from him. A win here would mean we'll stay no.1 and it's his magical ground so the script is all set.

Certainly set up for a good test match! Will be interesting to see how SA respond to the late crumble of wickets. But we definitely have the bowlers to play a good game! And come back strong

[Crazynumber9]

Really poor effort from the rest of our batsmen bar Amla and Pieterson, we were well set to post a really good first innings score and then poor shot selection let us down. India bowled alot better in the last session, a good pitch though, there is movement for the quicks and spin too so should be an interesting match

[sat]

The first session tomorrow will be the key, if India get off to a flyer and can negotiate Steyn then I am expecting a decent first innings lead but a few wickets for SA then the match will be in the balance. As someone said earlier this is Eden gardens and Harbhajan/Laxman have fantastic records here. Harbhajan has started off well, now over to VVS...

[Una cerveza, por favor]

Solid batting by India. Went out all guns blazing and are now 40 behind with 8 wickets left. Sachin and Sehwag in the middle and have played really well so far. I reckon India could get a lead of about 80-odd tonight without losing more than 2 wickets.

[kopindian]

Tendulkar got his 47th century and after that a mini collapse to end the day at 340 odd for 5.Both Sehwag and Sachin gone.Need to grind out atleast a 150 run lead tomorrow.

[sat]

Hopefully the last 5 batsmen can muster another 160 odd. Just waiting for VVS to show his class at Eden Gardens again

[Chivasino]

VVS and Dhoni have taken the game away from SA now.

VVS on 97 and Dhoni on 85 at tea. India 252 ahead on 548/6.

[Chakan]

SA playing for the draw! Need to hold on for 2 days of batting.

Does anyone know if we draw this game what happens to the number 1 spot? Do they still retain it if we draw this game? I know they retain it if we draw the series.

[Chivasino]

SA playing for the draw! Need to hold on for 2 days of batting.

Does anyone know if we draw this game what happens to the number 1 spot? Do they still retain it if we draw this game? I know they retain it if we draw the series.

I believe SA have to win the test to go level with points with us at the top of the rankings.

[Chakan]

I believe SA have to win the test to go level with points with us at the top of the rankings.

Ah ok so you guys still no 1. Fair enough, SA are not winning this test, it's draw or lose now.

[sat]

I actually thought a win in the series would be good enough for SA to become no.1. So India need to get those 10 wickets over the next day and a half to retain number 1 spot, over to you Mr Singh to show your class at Eden Gardens again.....

[Una cerveza, por favor]

If SA win this 1-0, both teams are number 1. If it's an India win, and thus 1-1 in the series, India are number 1.

[The 5th Benitle]

Neither of them should be number one frankly.

[DK]

I would prefer SA to be number 1 as they actually care about Test cricket.  I feel a little bit dirty saying that

[The 5th Benitle]

I would prefer SA to be number 1 as they actually care about Test cricket.  I feel a little bit dirty saying that

To be fair, they probably deserve to be. But it's a sad indictment of the standard of the other teams if they are. If they had any balls at all - or if Smith had a clue about declarations - they would have smashed England.

[Una cerveza, por favor]

Neither of them should be number one frankly.

Says the Englishman.. 

I would prefer SA to be number 1 as they actually care about Test cricket.  I feel a little bit dirty saying that

The BCCI is hardly representative of the entire country though, is it?

[The 5th Benitle]

Says the Englishman.. 

Give it a rest, I didn't say England were better, nor do I think that.

[Una cerveza, por favor]

Give it a rest, I didn't say England were better, nor do I think that.

I'm not saying that you think England should be number 1, just that it sounds like sour grapes.. Who should be number 1 then?

[The 5th Benitle]

I'm not saying that you think England should be number 1, just that it sounds like sour grapes.. Who should be number 1 then?

Well it wasn't fucking sour grapes so don't assume!

As I said, probably SA, but that says more about the deficiencies of all the teams than about SA's strengths.

[Una cerveza, por favor]

Well it wasn't fucking sour grapes so don't assume!

As I said, probably SA, but that says more about the deficiencies of all the teams than about SA's strengths.

OK, if you say so. Sorry 

So tell me, what teams have deficiences that are preventing them from rightfully, according to you, displacing SA from the No. 1 spot (assuming they were, which they aren't).

[The 5th Benitle]

OK, if you say so. Sorry 

So tell me, what teams have deficiences that are preventing them from rightfully, according to you, displacing SA from the No. 1 spot (assuming they were, which they aren't).

Fine

Australia are rebuilding and need a quality spinner. Ponting also an appalling captain.
Pakistan mercurial and inconsistent
India unconvincing away from home and when conditions are not set up for them, and batting lineup ageing
England need a quickie and another class bat, progressing though

WI, NZ way off

If SA had a spinner worthy of the name, and an ounce of bottle, they'd be streets ahead.

[Chivasino]

This test series, and the previous ones between England and SA, as well as the Ashes, goes to show their isn't much between the four teams. For me, that's a great thing for Test cricket.

I think the standard of batting is still very high. Test run rates of 3.5+ is brilliant for the game.

I don't think anyone would argue that the standard of fast bowling is still very good.

As for India at the top, why shouldn't they be there? They don't lose test series' at home and have won test away from home all over the world in recent years. They have probably the best batting line-up and a decent attack.

[Chivasino]

Fine

Australia are rebuilding and need a quality spinner. Ponting also an appalling captain.
Pakistan mercurial and inconsistent
India unconvincing away from home and when conditions are not set up for them, and batting lineup ageing
England need a quickie and another class bat, progressing though

WI, NZ way off

If SA had a spinner worthy of the name, and an ounce of bottle, they'd be streets ahead.

Still no reasons why India shouldn't be top though, Mate.

It's not India's fault that the Aussies are rebuilding (would take some serious work to get to their previous heights), and that England are two players short, and that SA can't find a spinner. India have their own deficiencies.

[The 5th Benitle]

Still no reasons why India shouldn't be top though, Mate.

None at all. Don't think there is much to choose between the top 4 as you said. I also never said SA should definitely be No. 1.

[Una cerveza, por favor]

Fine

Australia are rebuilding and need a quality spinner. Ponting also an appalling captain.
Pakistan mercurial and inconsistent
India unconvincing away from home and when conditions are not set up for them, and batting lineup ageing
England need a quickie and another class bat, progressing though

WI, NZ way off

If SA had a spinner worthy of the name, and an ounce of bottle, they'd be streets ahead.

Finally, something to debate..

Pakistan, NZ, England and WI belong nowhere near the mantle of best test team, in my humble opinion.

Australia, India and South Africa are the best teams in tests and there could be arguments for either of the 3 to be in there.

Australia is on the wane. I am not a fan of Ponting but their problems lie deeper than that. Been on the decline since the legends of Aussie cricket retired. What a team Steve Waugh had!

South Africa need a spinner, yes. But to say they would be ahead of India on if's and but's remains to be seen.

India has some senior members in the side but to say they only win - a) at home; and b) when the conditions are tailor-made for their batsmen is ironic considering SA won the 1st test on a batsman's paradise and the current Test in Calcutta, which India lead, had a decent cover of grass and there were fear's by the BCCI that India would lose again (in fact, they were at loggerheads with Jagmohan Dalmiya and the CAB for this very reason).

Having said that, South Africa are probably an inch ahead of India as a test team, in my opinion. You also have to remember that India have had some serious injuries and the last time the entire squad was together, they were well on their way of beating England 7-0, albeit in ODI's.

[The 5th Benitle]

We're not discussing ODIs so you can leave that right out 
 
Don't know how you can leave England a tier below the other 3 when their record against the other 'Top 4' stands comparison with everyone elses, is in fact probably superior to some. Beat Australia, drew with SA in SA.

[Chivasino]

I know it's 15 months away but can't wait for India to tour next summer. 4 tests and it's going to be epic.

[DK]

So Una, if we asked Indian fans if they would prefer to be ranked number 1 in Test cricket or win the Twenty20/One day world cup, which would be more popular?

[Una cerveza, por favor]

We're not discussing ODIs so you can leave that right out 
 
Don't know how you can leave England a tier below the other 3 when their record against the other 'Top 4' stands comparison with everyone elses, is in fact probably superior to some. Beat Australia, drew with SA in SA.

I've got to be honest here. The 7-0 was simply a mean little dig at you people. *devilish smiley*

Not saying England are a tier below, just that they are closer to Pakistan as a test team rather than SA. And yeah, we all know how England got the draw in SA. 

[The 5th Benitle]

And yeah, we all know how England got the draw in SA. 

Yep, by having bigger balls than South Africa.