[Match Thread] Zimbabwe v South Africa: Only Test

[CrimsonAvenger]

I thought Hammy and Vermuelen's effort to see off the new ball really set the platform for the rest of the batsmen as well. Much easier for the likes of Taylor and Williams to come in when the ball is not moving around as much as the shine has gone off it. So many times you see Zimbabwe 2/not many after only a couple of overs.

That's my highlight of watching today's match too. Engrossing one and a half hours of cricket with exceptionally high quality bowling and stonewalling defense of the highest order by Verm and Hammy. They did not even get a few freebies here and there, and made to play pretty much everything. Top class stuff.

[Jemisi]

The morning was very enthralling.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

Can someone summarise how we looked in the last session?
Who looked good, who didn't. Did the bowlers batting techniques stand up to Steyn and Morkel? What should have been done differently?

I was following the scores on my phone and was gutted to see Taylor departed for 93. I was impressed to see Tiripano stonewalled towards stumps though, Nyumbu too in fact. Admittedly, I was shocked to see Chatara reach the 20s. He's obviously come a long way as a batsman since the days where he backed away to square leg when Roach or whoever it was bowled quick at him.

Thrilled that we made it through to stumps on day one though. That is a big win, and probably more than anyone was expecting. Not sure who long we can last tomorrow, but if these two could grind out another 10 overs and maybe put another 10 to 20 runs on the board that would be great.

With today's effort, maybe we've just left the door slightly ajar for a draw?

[lobsang]

Almost four dismissals by the index fingers of the two umpires were wrong, that of Williams, Vermeulen and Mutumbami were costly. it was so disappointing that Taylor failed to score a well-deserved century.

[Kriterion_BD]

Quite solid the days play. Looks like a few bad calls prevented what should have been a 300+ total here. As is, 250 is a respectable score against this attack.

Pretty impressed with Hammy. And how good is Taylor? Mutumbami seems the real deal as well. I think Regis should be persisted with cuz he has a solid technique from what I've seen of him. Good to leave chigs out, and what can be done about Sibanda? The inclusion of Mawayo will really solidify things. A top 5 of Mawoyo, Hammy, MV, Taylor, Williams with Mutumbami, Chakabva and Raza around makes for a very strong lineup. Wish Musoko played and Shingi too.

Anyone know how likely we are to see Welch in there in a couple years??? What's the status on Moor and Byrom?

[zimfan1]

Just got in and saw the score, looks like the boys put in a real fighting performance, hopefully we can put South Africa under pressure with the ball tomorrow

[Conant]

Quite solid the days play. Looks like a few bad calls prevented what should have been a 300+ total here. As is, 250 is a respectable score against this attack.

Pretty impressed with Hammy. And how good is Taylor? Mutumbami seems the real deal as well.

Just fell five short of my prediction of Hammy to make a fifty in the TEST . Still a mightly effort from Zim despite being incapacitated by three bad calls. The minnows do get the short end of the stick, coz they don't wanna upset Steyn and company. Wish Matibiri was umpiring, blatantly biased for his country. We need all the help we can get against the hostile Pom officials, Aussies and Kiwis.

I just love to see Mtumbami batting, special talent that. He will convert more, trust me. Vusi disappointing again. Don't really know what Chakabva's use was supposed to be once he wasn't keeping, he's only good as a rear-guard, that's it. Make him open then, Vusi is useless enough.

Very sour by the umpiring, hope for a superb Chatara special effort tomorrow.

[Jemisi]

Tiripano's defiance was the defining episode of the last hour. He really showed spirit, especially once Taylor had left. I thought we would just capitualte, but they held on. Really appreciated the guts. Will miss the first session tonight, hope that we bowl with discipline.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Sights and Sounds: Day 1

Guys, which yesteryear names could you notice among the crowds yesterday in the telecast? I thought it was Stuart Carlisle who was seen delighted when Verm's edge went for 4 down to third man to get him off the mark. Boy, his delight at Verm's successful restart was pretty obvious.

Later that session when Hammy hit a stunning cover drive for four, we saw a slightly rotund guy for a brief moment. He was happy, and was feeding a little child. Was that Peit Rinke?

Also, who was that guy who sat next to Mangongo for most of the day? Was it Cuthbert Musoko? Anyone else you saw there?

By the way, Prosper Tsvanhu wasn't great on commentary. Campbell was his usual negative junk. While Verm and Hammy batted as thought their life is on the line, there weren't any praises coming through from him, but regular jibe and chuckle about where they could find their next opportunity for a run. Pommie was at his best when Chatara was batting. I thought Rainsford was pretty good throughout.

[Jemisi]

Pommie improved, he was dodgy at the start. Rainsford was pretty clean throughout. Tsvanhu didn't add much. Campbell didn't get under my skin too much, I mean we were totally up against it and even our reasonable effort is still only just putting us in the frame in this match.