01-09-2018, 01:18 AM
(01-09-2018, 12:58 AM)laj link Wrote:Actually, outside a few batsmen their batting isn't that strong. I reckon ours overall is better. They had no idea against the moving ball last night and that was against India's pacemen. Admittedly the pitch was juiced up just for India but their batting put themselves in a position where they could lose the Test Match. Our very aggressive bowling would kill their batting line up on those pitches as well if they juiced it up like they did for this Test again India. We always go well in SA, no reason it won't happen again. SA's not that good. They lost in England 2-1.
Yes, our catching during the series wasn't good. Dropped some shockers. You could make an argument that Smith's dropped catches in Melbourne, when Cook was just 66, cost us a 5-0 result.
I think we will start favourites...as you say I think their batting overall isnt as strong but they have a couple of standouts, I'm not as bullish on our batting though and I have noticed Steyn is back bowling which makes their attack better. The only edge I see them having is being at home and they are always a good fielding team with good catchers...I'd take Renshaw for his slip work, cant be any be any worse than Bancroft with the bat either....two lefties opening might also work better vs the Saffies with Steyn and Rabada who bowl outswing.
I wouldnt expect many road like pitches either, reckon they will green up the wickets and back their own bowlers...