England vs South Africa, 2012

[littlebabyjesus]

The line is always going to be blurred anyway. From a minutes googling it seems Dernbach moved to England as a child (similar to Andrew Strauss) and Kieswetter when he was about 18. Where's the line supposed to be?

I agree that it's hard to come up with a solid line. But I'd like to see everyone playing for the system they learned the game with, ideally. That gives extra meaning to the contest. I understand people like Morgan from non-test countries wanting to find a way in - and being given one - but I'm less sympathetic towards those who move around to the place they can earn most money.

There was a very bad period a while back when almost every county had several South African Kolpak players. It was bad for the game, imo.

So fucking what if you have a British grandparent. That kind of eligibility actually has the effect of perpetuating privilege in places like South Africa - white players having wider options than black players.

 

[gabi]

I'd say ten years minimum. I've been here 14 years mind you and if I was a top sportsman I don't think I'd feel right playing for England against nz, as much as I love it here

 

[paulhackett]

There shouldn't be a minimum and there shouldn't be a need for a minimum. It should be clear enough if someone is mercenary or not? And the respective boards are just as culpable for selecting players just because they are available? Or is there a law that covers it? Anyway there were players in the first ever Test who went on to play for the oppo.

As for this game, Bairstow should be keeping instead of Kieswetter

 

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

lbj's idea about the system isn't a bad one IMO. So Dernbach and Strauss - fine, Pietersen - not, Kieswetter - still a bit borderline.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

Yeah, I've heard Dernbach saying that he learned the game here, not in SA. Clearly not true of Pietersen or Trott. As you say, Kieswetter is perhaps borderline, and there will always be borderline cases.

 

[gabi]

on track - Elgar looks a decent player. Very composed considering how inexperienced he is.

 

[gabi]

Well

 

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

on track - Elgar looks a decent player. Very composed considering how inexperienced he is.

 

[gabi]

Those fucking slow yorkers

 

[twentythreedom]

I hate Duminy. No rational reason, just don't like the cut of his jib!

 

[Idaho]

Are England actually going to take a game off South Africa this summer?

We really should have had a 5 test series. Fucking ICC.

 

[Idaho]

Decent result to get them all out short of the 50. I really want Cook to get 50. He can get out after that.


Regarding playing for "another" country. I don't really care. Play for who you like. As long as you don't switch.

 

[gabi]

Good effort that.

I'm with KP on Nick Knight. Haven't really paid him much attention till this innings. What the fuck is he doing anywhere near a commentary box.

 

[twentythreedom]

Boooooo

 

[twentythreedom]

come on samit!!

 

[twentythreedom]

Ravi

 

[SpookyFrank]

So fucking what if you have a British grandparent. That kind of eligibility actually has the effect of perpetuating privilege in places like South Africa - white players having wider options than black players.

A very good point.

 

[gabi]

Wrong thread but im not sure it deserves its own one...

Anyway, cracking finale to the second test between NZ and India happening at the mo

http://cricvid.com/

 

[butchersapron]

So fucking what if you have a British grandparent. That kind of eligibility actually has the effect of perpetuating privilege in places like South Africa - white players having wider options than black players.

A very good point.

Who are we talking about?

 

[gabi]

Wicket. 5 to go.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

Woho. 1 more wicket and they're into the rather long tail.

 

[DrRingDing]

Elgar looks a decent player. Very composed...

 

[littlebabyjesus]

India look like they're going to get home now. Good test match, though. I watched a bit of it online over the weekend, and there was a great crowd in, too - 30,000 + on Saturday - which is really encouraging.

 

[gabi]

The kiwis have the making of a half-decent 'pace' attack. Southee should've bowled a lot more in this innings. Taylor's not a great captain.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

The kiwis have the making of a half-decent 'pace' attack. .

They do. Batting's still substandard, though. Taylor's probably the only batsman who'd make it into the Indian team.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

India don't look like a great team at the moment. With due respect to NZ, England have better bowlers and batsmen than them. I think England stand a chance this winter in India. Clearly they will need to deal with spin a whole lot better than they did last winter, but India's current crop of spinners isn't that scary.

And Sachin is playing all around straight ones at the moment. Not sure if he has much left in the tank.

 

[Idaho]

Bopara gets a duck.

They need to put him in at 6 and give him a couple more chances. Perhaps tell him not to worry about batting and just get wickets.

 

[twentythreedom]

Putting Ravi in at 3 was daft

 

[gabi]

I don't quite know where you'd bat him then. Is he in the side for his bowling?

 

[littlebabyjesus]

Putting Ravi in at 3 was daft

If he's really lost his form and confidence, he shouldn't be in the side. If you think he can pull it round, he's in the side as a top-order batsman first. I think 3's the right place for him to bat, if he's going to play.