brmtaylor.com admin wrote:It's a bold and foolish strategy of taking time out of the game. Get forward, get hit in the box, replace the box.
Repeat every over?
Was thinking the same . But what if the batsmen in the middle are unaware and they run out of the last one available
Winning is out of the question, two new balls to face. Out of form top order.
Strategy? Survive this afternoon, ask the top order to spend some time in the middle. Look if we survive 130 overs we probably win it without much risk. But what is Vusi doing, 2nd over?!!!
Personal bests, grind it out. First target is to bat out today with minimal damage. The reassess tomorrow morning.
Look the theory may have come from an unliked character but I'm a firm believer of the theory, your best batters should be in your middle order. Look at Bangladesh, that Mushi, Shakib, Nasir is giving Bangla some backbone, also look at Ponting Hussy Clarke for Aus (before Punter and Hus went)
Mawoyo needs a partner who can just hang around and tire the prime bowlers. If Chakabva can settle into this role, would be fantastic. Say hang around for first 20 overs or so. Even if we are 35-0 after 20, with Vusi Hami and Taylor to come, with Waller/Ervine/Chigs at6 and Mutambami at 7....
Step 1: 0-20 Survival without loss (runs not important)
Step 2: 20-40 If step 1 achieved, get a few runs, say 50 at 2.5....
Step 3: 40-47 Play for close...say 80 - 100 on the board? Leaving 300 to get in 90 tomorrow...unlikely, hence wickets in hand more important than the runs...
First one down, pure genius by Shakib, Reggie could not have done much there. Impressed by his approach and technique though. But he can't go the Matsi way. He must be persisted with, and hope he delivers on the long run as a batsman.
Better start than we've had recently. I think we will win if we bat out the overs. 3 runs an over becomes well doable if we were to have plenty of wickets in hand tomorrow afternoon. Unless tomorrow is washed out a win or tie are our only ways out of this. Just can't see us 8-280 off 130.