[Match Thread] 2nd ODI (South Africa v Zimbabwe)

[bayhaus]

Dont jump to conclusions.

Unfortunately thats all we can do without the facts and we are on forums to voice our opinions, and discuss these opinions freely. I will retract my statements if proved wrong. Who is responsible for taking the batsmen out and in to the line up?

[bayhaus]

I have a different take on Prospers captaincy(I won't go into the batting second with ten spinners in the team, or the idea to bat Maruma at no. 3! etc) My argument is based purely on the pre & post match speeches. Soooo scripted I think he is actually GAGGED! It makes him appear, not-so-intelligent! Here are the quotes from the series. It seems I know exactly what he is going to say before he even starts to talk. (As captain that is.)

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1412&hilit=+Speeches

Were need to take out the microscopes and start scrutinising Eltons Speeches! The world Cup is coming and we need some confidence in the team and a Captain who will lead from the front. I am all for Giving Elty a chance, I am a fan of the dude but my problem is the captaincy is too much of a burden for him and for most bowlers in world cricket with the exception of a very few.

[sloandog]

A very poor showing today.
Our batting looks very good. We're beginning to score some big totals now, but our bowlers continue to fail.
The sooner Kyle Jarvis gets fit the better. He may be raw, but atleast he's got the pace to trouble international batters.

[shumbat]

We have one more ODI to play, what next guys, anybody who got Butcher's number to tell him to try out Nicholson. Every body have had their chance please give him a go.

[sloandog]

Mazakadza out Nicolson in.
He can't do any worse than Mpofu of Mazakadza

[bayhaus]

We might as well get Nicholson a game soc everybody else has but we really want a good showning cos we are travelling quite a biki to get to the ground. And I agree with you sloan that our batting is much better and getting good totals. Still would have liked to see them against steyn though. Bangladesh white washed New Zealand! Am so loving that!!! Zim musrt organise a series with Bang since we will both be free till the World cup!

[Mike]

I thought Flower played Okay today, but what a stupid shot to get out!

He and Taibu were rotating the strike perfectly when he was in and hitting the odd boundary, something that we wanted. But he got out.

[clikcspeed]

With all this talk about Nicholson, I'm also hyped up - but yes, he definately needs a run to switch up things a bit.

Bayhaus, I totally agree with you on having a series with Bangladesh before WC. I think the result of that will definately be the measuring stick of how far we've progressed. Like you, I was also hoping for our guys to have a go at Steyn and Morkel - take nothing out of our batting or Theron's 5-for, but SA bowling was pretty mediocre, no real pace.

At this time, I'm just worried about the psychological state of our boys. Even after his century on Friday, Brandan looked dejected. The same for the whole team after the game today, especially the skipper (and Mbangwa is not helping it by asking the same questions!) Most of our boys have been on the international scene for 5+ years with nothing real to show for it. I hope noone is giving up.

[sloandog]

You wouldn't think Pommie Mbangwa is a Zimbabwean would you ??
In all his commentary on this tour I've not once heard him speak positively about our side and its current state. He's certainly not helping our cause.
Ya I agree with you Clickspeed. Taylor looked drained today, as did the rest of the side. We seriously need to atleasy compete in the final game to leave with a little bit of pride.

[shumbat]

Agree the guys look dejected, they never put SA under pressure with all the effort, they were just overpowered. When they bowl, they just be thinking here we go again. Its very difficult to be in such a situation, hope they have something to smile about on Friday