South Africa vs India | 1st Test | Cape Town | Jan 5-9, 2018 | Day 3 | Discussion Thread

[MenInG]

The situation as it stands now:

South Africa 286 & 65/2 (20 ov)
India 209
Stumps - South Africa lead by 142 runs with 8 wickets remaining

[MenInG]

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[CricketAnalyst]

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India won't mind that forecast.

A stop-start session with rain and overcast conditions would do nicely.

[Oligochaetes]

Oh, chances of rain? Now that will be interesting. This might make Saffers feel they have slightly less time to set India a target which will make them score quicker and lose wickets in the process.

Or ABDV will still come out and hammer the world's fastest 100. Nothing affects him!

The conditions will not let batsmen rest in peace if the bowling is accurate so this will hopefully be a visual treat. A good battle of Bat Vs Ball.

[Sakss]

Steyn won't bowl further in first Test, could miss rest of series

[Oligochaetes]

Steyn won't bowl further in first Test, could miss rest of series

Boy O Boy O Boy.... Thats horrible news.. =(

[dravidthewall]

Game to start after lunch

[dravidthewall]

Drizzle

[English August]

Oh, chances of rain? Now that will be interesting. This might make Saffers feel they have slightly less time to set India a target which will make them score quicker and lose wickets in the process.

Or ABDV will still come out and hammer the world's fastest 100. Nothing affects him!

The conditions will not let batsmen rest in peace if the bowling is accurate so this will hopefully be a visual treat. A good battle of Bat Vs Ball.

This game has moved so quickly so far (22 wickets down already) that even losing 4-5 hours is not going to change anything. Plus these days they allow 30 mins make-up time on subsequent days, so there is plenty of cushion.

[MenInG]

Rain delaying start of 3rd Days play

[MMHS]

It had to rain, because it's Sunday morning

[Ozymandiasza]

I, for one, welcome the rain. Really need it in the Western Cape. Pity about the cricket though.

[GoUgandaCranes]

I, for one, welcome the rain. Really need it in the Western Cape. Pity about the cricket though.

A couple of seasons before it was like that too, long dry season and then cricket started and bam came the rains. Maybe cricket's secret purpose is still a rain dance and that's why it has so many rules.

[MenInG]

Great news for the drought stricken areas.

[shaz619]

Steyn won't bowl further in first Test, could miss rest of series

Terrible

[Varun]

Every hour that gets washed out is an hour less that we have to bat when we're looking to save the game in the final dig.

[Ab Fan]

There won't be any play today.

[Madplayer]

Every hour that gets washed out is an hour less that we have to bat when we're looking to save the game in the final dig.

Only luck can save India.

[troodon]

Only luck can save India.

SA got lucky too in their last tour to India. They were getting hammered by Dhawan after India bundled out SA for a paltry score. I think it was the Bangalore Test. It rained for 3 days after that.

[Sin Nombre]

Looks like day 3 will be a complete washout.

[soso_killer]

Super Sopper is working.

[Varun]

SA got lucky too in their last tour to India. They were getting hammered by Dhawan after India bundled out SA for a paltry score. I think it was the Bangalore Test. It rained for 3 days after that.

Yeah - very rainy in Bangalore that time of the year, concurrent to the downpour in Chennai. Thankfully I saw the only dry day of that test.

The atmosphere was weird for an India game - the crowd were heavily behind AB and were disappointed when he was out. It was one of those 50:50 calls a catch by a close-in fielder. When the Indian team were returning to the pavilion, they booed the hell out of them.

Another way how the IPL has ruined the fabric of Indian cricket.

[samplepiece]

Even if the whole day gets washed out, think we will still have a result. South Africa would like to bat a minimum of 2 sessions more and even more if we can slow down the run rate unlike the first innings. Which could mean 4 sessions to chase 325-350 or bat out a draw. If our batters turn up in the 2nd dig, this could be interesting.

Even though we are behind the 8 ball here, have thoroughly enjoyed the first 2 days of cricket and the rain has only added to the drama.

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Yeah - very rainy in Bangalore that time of the year, concurrent to the downpour in Chennai. Thankfully I saw the only dry day of that test.

The atmosphere was weird for an India game - the crowd were heavily behind AB and were disappointed when he was out. It was one of those 50:50 calls a catch by a close-in fielder. When the Indian team were returning to the pavilion, they booed the hell out of them.

Another way how the IPL has ruined the fabric of Indian cricket.

This is exaggeration... I saw that day live, crowd were behind ABD and were disappointed when he was out some pocket sections would have booed for fun but majority cheered. Moreover SA was in a desperate situation and everyone knew ABD's runs will be just entertainment and would not hurt IND, that whole series we were all over them.

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Even if the whole day gets washed out, think we will still have a result. South Africa would like to bat a minimum of 2 sessions more and even more if we can slow down the run rate unlike the first innings. Which could mean 4 sessions to chase 325-350 or bat out a draw. If our batters turn up in the 2nd dig, this could be interesting.

Even though we are behind the 8 ball here, have thoroughly enjoyed the first 2 days of cricket.

Right. Even I believe there would be a result and we will have a session today as well.

[samplepiece]

Right. Even I believe there would be a result and we will have a session today as well.

It has started raining again. So having an entire session today looks unlikely with only about 15 minutes left until the scheduled tea break.

As we know, the last session can be 30 minutes longer so to have a full (2 hr) session's play today, the rain has to stop and ground has to drain within an hour or 65 minutes max. I wont bet on it.

[Varun]

As we know, the last session can be 30 minutes longer so to have a full (2 hr) session's play today, the rain has to stop and ground has to drain within an hour or 65 minutes max. I wont bet on it.

And the super sopper has to work.

[samplepiece]

And the super sopper has to work.

I guess they have until the rain stops to fix the big sopper. It would be a miracle to get a session in today.

[Varun]

I guess they have until the rain stops to fix the big sopper. It would be a miracle to get a session in today.

India won't mind that, but we will potentially be required to bat the whole of Day 5 to ensure a draw if it comes to that.

Reckon we can pull it off? I'm very skeptical.

[samplepiece]

India won't mind that, but we will potentially be required to bat the whole of Day 5 to ensure a draw if it comes to that.

Reckon we can pull it off? I'm very skeptical.

I would prefer if we get a 10 over session tonight tbh. South Africa cannot do a lot of damage in 10 overs but we can change the complexion of the game in 10 overs at this stage.

I think batting ought to be easier on the latter days of the test matches in South Africa unless the pitch is very dry and cracking. We batted the same number of overs as South Africa in the first innings (73) despite a couple of mini-collapses. I think 98 overs is not a stretch but wont be easy. It would be very difficult if they have 400+ on the board though as that would enable them to attack persistently.

[battler]

Every hour that gets washed out is an hour less that we have to bat when we're looking to save the game in the final dig.

India wanted to go for the win.

[samplepiece]

Its stumps on day 3.

[Oligochaetes]

Play has been called off, Bye Bye! :bye:

[Ab Fan]

It was pretty obvious after lunch only. This match will either go down the wires or a draw is almost a guarantee.

[battler]

It was pretty obvious after lunch only. This match will either go down the wires or a draw is almost a guarantee.

If we can shoot-out SA by tea tomorrow. Leaving us about 300-320 to win then we would mostly likely have a result. Eithher SA win or if India bat 4 sessions they should achieve that target.

[Ab Fan]

If we can shoot-out SA by tea tomorrow. Leaving us about 300-320 to win then we would mostly likely have a result. Eithher SA win or if India bat 4 sessions they should achieve that target.

I think with Steyn already injured, India will do better with the bat in 4th inning. They just have to go through Philander and Rabada initial overs and can get runs against Morkel. On 5th day pitch, Maharaj might be handy and India haven't faced Maharaj in the past. So, it can be close. Personally, 300+ will be very difficult for India to score even though Steyn is injured.

[English August]

Folks are overthinking the impact of rains washing out day 3. Modern teams, especially India, are not very good at playing out draws. There will be a result. In the current XI, only Vijay and Pujara can play time.

[English August]

The atmosphere was weird for an India game - the crowd were heavily behind AB and were disappointed when he was out. It was one of those 50:50 calls a catch by a close-in fielder. When the Indian team were returning to the pavilion, they booed the hell out of them.

Another way how the IPL has ruined the fabric of Indian cricket.

It's great, actually. The sooner we get off this stupid nation-vs-nation model of cricket, the better it is for the game. The current model promotes jingoism and mindless hatred. Players should be appreciated for their skill.

What would you prefer -- Kohli and ABDV batting together or Kohli and Rohit Sharma batting together?

I'm not a fan of booing, so I wouldn't have done that if I was in the stadium, but more power to the Bangalore crowd for standing behind their favorite RCB player.

Even from cricket economics standpoint, it's much more sensible to have India with 4-5 really good teams (made up of Indian players and a few selected overseas players) rather than the current model where whole of India has one team and Zimbabwe also has one team. There is a reason why India, Aus and England play each other so often, and no one wants to play with Zimbabwe and BD.

[Tridibans_16]

It's great, actually. The sooner we get off this stupid nation-vs-nation model of cricket, the better it is for the game. The current model promotes jingoism and mindless hatred. Players should be appreciated for their skill.

What would you prefer -- Kohli and ABDV batting together or Kohli and Rohit Sharma batting together?

I'm not a fan of booing, so I wouldn't have done that if I was in the stadium, but more power to the Bangalore crowd for standing behind their favorite RCB player.

Even from cricket economics standpoint, it's much more sensible to have India with 4-5 really good teams (made up of Indian players and a few selected overseas players) rather than the current model where whole of India has one team and Zimbabwe also has one team. There is a reason why India, Aus and England play each other so often, and no one wants to play with Zimbabwe and BD.

Why don't you speak for yourself. Cricket is and will be played in national contexts as the flagship model, be it the World Cup, or Ashes or iconic test series like this current Ind SA one.

Even today, no matter how successful or money you make in IPL, your national performances in various countries/ conditions and world events determine whether you are a standout champion ala Smith or Kohli or an IPL/ T20 one trick pony, ala Bravo or Pollard.

Tests are dying, its true, but cricket- played by nation states- will remain the iconic version of the game even after 200 years. It will never be like NBA or American Baseball where clubs and franchises are where the sport starts and ends.

[mp812rediff]

Steyn won't bowl further in first Test, could miss rest of series

I had predicted this he would breakdown soon

[CricketAnalyst]

Every hour that gets washed out is an hour less that we have to bat when we're looking to save the game in the final dig.

Quite unlikely. It's very likely India either runs SA over, or Kohli goes for whatever the target is.

Don't see too much chance of India blocking to save something.

[battler]

I think with Steyn already injured, India will do better with the bat in 4th inning. They just have to go through Philander and Rabada initial overs and can get runs against Morkel. On 5th day pitch, Maharaj might be handy and India haven't faced Maharaj in the past. So, it can be close. Personally, 300+ will be very difficult for India to score even though Steyn is injured.

I really don't think Maharaj should be too much of a threat even on day 5. And even if he bowls well Pujara is godly against spin and kohli is pretty decent himself. On top of that Pandya can do some calculated hitting against him.
Rabada is a serious serious threat though.

[CricketAnalyst]

Why don't you speak for yourself. Cricket is and will be played in national contexts as the flagship model, be it the World Cup, or Ashes or iconic test series like this current Ind SA one.

Even today, no matter how successful or money you make in IPL, your national performances in various countries/ conditions and world events determine whether you are a standout champion ala Smith or Kohli or an IPL/ T20 one trick pony, ala Bravo or Pollard.

Tests are dying, its true, but cricket- played by nation states- will remain the iconic version of the game even after 200 years. It will never be like NBA or American Baseball where clubs and franchises are where the sport starts and ends.

It will be non-national contests that dominate within 10 years.

And in future no one will determine success on Test matches.

[English August]

Why don't you speak for yourself. Cricket is and will be played in national contexts as the flagship model, be it the World Cup, or Ashes or iconic test series like this current Ind SA one.

Even today, no matter how successful or money you make in IPL, your national performances in various countries/ conditions and world events determine whether you are a standout champion ala Smith or Kohli or an IPL/ T20 one trick pony, ala Bravo or Pollard.

Tests are dying, its true, but cricket- played by nation states- will remain the iconic version of the game even after 200 years. It will never be like NBA or American Baseball where clubs and franchises are where the sport starts and ends.

Of course I'm speaking for myself, when did I say I was speaking for anyone else?! You appear to be frothing in the mouth for no good reason. Calm down!

You also appear to be making an assumption that IPL will continue only in its current format. It doesn't have to. I in fact like the longer format of the game more than 20-20 myself. What I don't like is cricketing superpowers like India and Australia are forced to limit themselves to one team, just like cricketing minnows Zim and BD. Think about it: right now talented players like Rahane, the Yadavs, Nair, KL Rahul, Jadeja, Samson and several others are either warming the bench or not even selected. While some talentless hacks from Zim and BD will get to play Test cricket. That's totally unreasonable. You can easily fix this problem by moving to a franchisee model even for longer form of the game.

And like in soccer, you can still keep the nation-vs-nation format for the WC that would be played once in 4 years. That way those of you who get their kicks from faux-nationalistic jingoism, will continue to get your opportunities to troll the Pakistani fans every time India hammers them in a WC.

Rest of the time, we'll get to watch brilliant cricket played by teams of roughly equivalent strength, with talent being picked from all parts of the world, just like it's done in soccer (EPL, Italian League, Bundesliga etc.).

It's amusing that you seem to know exactly what will happen in 200 years! This game is less than 150 years old (from international cricket standpoint) and has changed so much in those 150 years. Do you think Ranjitsinghji, Hobbs and Bradman knew that we'll play 50-50 and 20-20 cricket today?

You don't have to agree with me. You're welcome to bury your head in the sand. But this train is moving, you can either get on it or get left behind.

[Tusker]

Of course I'm speaking for myself, when did I say I was speaking for anyone else?! You appear to be frothing in the mouth for no good reason. Calm down!

You also appear to be making an assumption that IPL will continue only in its current format. It doesn't have to. I in fact like the longer format of the game more than 20-20 myself. What I don't like is cricketing superpowers like India and Australia are forced to limit themselves to one team, just like cricketing minnows Zim and BD. Think about it: right now talented players like Rahane, the Yadavs, Nair, KL Rahul, Jadeja, Samson and several others are either warming the bench or not even selected. While some talentless hacks from Zim and BD will get to play Test cricket. That's totally unreasonable. You can easily fix this problem by moving to a franchisee model even for longer form of the game.

And like in soccer, you can still keep the nation-vs-nation format for the WC that would be played once in 4 years. That way those of you who get their kicks from faux-nationalistic jingoism, will continue to get your opportunities to troll the Pakistani fans every time India hammers them in a WC.

Rest of the time, we'll get to watch brilliant cricket played by teams of roughly equivalent strength, with talent being picked from all parts of the world, just like it's done in soccer (EPL, Italian League, Bundesliga etc.).

It's amusing that you seem to know exactly what will happen in 200 years! This game is less than 150 years old (from international cricket standpoint) and has changed so much in those 150 years. Do you think Ranjitsinghji, Hobbs and Bradman knew that we'll play 50-50 and 20-20 cricket today?

You don't have to agree with me. You're welcome to bury your head in the sand. But this train is moving, you can either get on it or get left behind.

Goddamn it ... thats one of the best posts ever ... so eloquent and practical and forward thinking!. It is very scary how much we think alike. Damn!

[Rightarmfast]

Why don't you speak for yourself. Cricket is and will be played in national contexts as the flagship model, be it the World Cup, or Ashes or iconic test series like this current Ind SA one.

Even today, no matter how successful or money you make in IPL, your national performances in various countries/ conditions and world events determine whether you are a standout champion ala Smith or Kohli or an IPL/ T20 one trick pony, ala Bravo or Pollard.

Tests are dying, its true, but cricket- played by nation states- will remain the iconic version of the game even after 200 years. It will never be like NBA or American Baseball where clubs and franchises are where the sport starts and ends.

BCCI doesn't exactly come under the Indian govt, unlike other sports like athletics, boxing etc which SAI takes care of. BCCI is just a money making body. Its only recently that the govt has been acting a bit tough because of so much money going around. I am assuming its a similar case with other countries because I dont think ICC comes under any country.

In that case, these players are playing for BCCI and for themselves. Tbh, they are not playing for the country, its just a make believe system where the audience is kept captive. RCB players dont play for Bangalore, do they?
So your comment about the nation and national team is not too convincing. This fake jingoism about nationality and what not, that we are fed upon, is a bit childish.

[Oligochaetes]

Can we have the day 4 thread please? How is the weather now at Cape Town?