Test Champs final, Oz vs SA at Lords, June 11-15

[andy]

Hazelwood even gets a boundary now...nothing wrong with this pitch...if they bat with intent this score shouldn't scare south Africa

[sussexpob]

Hazelwood even gets a boundary now...nothing wrong with this pitch...if they bat with intent this score shouldn't scare south Africa

Need to take inspiration from England's victory in 2000 vs the West Indies at Lords. England overturned a 100 odd run deficit from the first innings on a pitch no one scored on (they bowled West Indies out for 50 odd, and chased 150 -200 in the second innings).

[andy]

Pitch has got even better for batting there is nothing in this pitch to scare SA lead up to 244 now...starc and Hazelwood playing the bowling with ease

[Arthur Crabtree]

In the context of the game, that's a big stand by Carey and Starc.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hazelwood even gets a boundary now...nothing wrong with this pitch...if they bat with intent this score shouldn't scare south Africa

Have to get by far the biggest score of the game.

[andy]

250 run lead up

[sussexpob]

Hazelwood even gets a boundary now...nothing wrong with this pitch...if they bat with intent this score shouldn't scare south Africa

Have to get by far the biggest score of the game.

Indeed. After 3 low scores in the game, the scoreboard pressure now is going to factor, and batsman might not trust the pitch fully. Feels like Mitch Starc has won Australia the title at the moment, but as BFL said, you feel 250 is chaseable on most decks.... especially on one that isn't yet past the half way mark for the test.

Its all academic really, because Australia are looking reasonably comfortable. Another 30 runs and you really feel its game over.

[andy]

Rabada has nothing left in the tank..clearly has a niggle and running on empty now

[andy]

Hazelwood even gets a boundary now...nothing wrong with this pitch...if they bat with intent this score shouldn't scare south Africa

Have to get by far the biggest score of the game.

If josh Hazelwood can hang around for as long as this then the pitch has clearly flattened out it is at its best for batting now

[sussexpob]

Edge number 9856 that bounces short of the slip fielder.

[andy]

Think SA needs to look at their batting order for the chase...Mulder can't bat 3...he has more of an impact down the order ...I would move bedingham to 3....it's a final win the game....Mulder at 3 won't do that

[andy]

Finally markram in the attack!

200 for OZ
50 for starc
50 partnership

[andy]

Not long before lunch would give stubbs a bowl too..... something different pitch doing nothing

[mikesiva]

Australia 207 all out

Starc 58*
Carey 43

Rabada 4-59
Ngidi 3-38

Target 282

[sussexpob]

At 70/7, South Africa will be disappointed to have conceded so many runs. Good rearguard action from the Aussies.... probably a match winning one.

Goes without saying, but Saffers need to get some partnerships on the board up the top. A few early wickets with nowt on the board, and it wont end well.