SA tour of NZ, Feb 17-March 29

[mikesiva]

South africa 359 all out. Some good wagging.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Jeets wraps it up. But 57 for the last wicket will weigh heavy on the Kiwis in the third innings. Reminds me of Harmi batting at 11 pissing off the opposition back in the noughties with a quick 30-40 composed mainly of cheerful slog sweeps and lucky edges. My favourite ever batter.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Probably a book to be written on tail end batters. Or at least a newspaper article. Featuring the legends. Chris Martin, one of the few who never had his day in the sun (most number elevens have one outlier knock). The England team of the three number elevens. Harmison was the Lara of lower order bats, with that big backlift and air of improvisation.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Latham out. I fear the worst.

[mikesiva]

Morkel strikes twice !

Kyle who?

[Arthur Crabtree]

NZ about level now, but three down. Looks a tense situation.

Time for Raval to convert. He always seems to get a start.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Four down. Starting to look hopeless for the plucky Kiwis.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Five and still one behind. A collapse. Need an old time BJ knock here.

[Arthur Crabtree]

50 for Jeet Raval. Quality batting.

[mikesiva]

Raval made 80.

Maharaj 6-40!

[The Professor]

In my opinion South Africa are the best team in the world if you combine their home and away form.

[Making_Splinters]

South Africa are probably the most complete side in world cricket at present, and that's with them missing AB. In terms of best, I'd say India in India.

[alfie]

South Africa have certainly rebuilt after Kallis and Smith departed - and have now gone on to cover very well for Steyn and AB . They travel better than most sides.

However I wouldn't call them - or India for that matter - an outstanding team. Reckon recent results show there really isn't much between any of the leading teams ...location , toss , couple of injuries - and results can swing either way at any time.

Which actually makes Test Cricket exceptionally interesting at the moment. To me anyway.

[Dr Cricket]

Wonder if we will see the same outcry in the cricketing world for this.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand ... 87960.html

They know Hamilton is a crafty venue that way. There are two blocks, one which has fast pitches, and one with slower ones. New Zealand decide which block they play on. Then the groundstaff get to preparing the surface - the team doesn't intervene.

[rich1uk]

could be a much weakened NZ team with no Taylor and looking like Boult and Southee both missing