Going into the third game at 1-1 and you’d be forgiven for thinking we’ve got a series on our hands here. Both matches have been decided in the final over from these two very evenly matched sides.
Australia
Our bowling lineup looks at it’s strongest so far in the series with Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson playing together at last. Mitchell’s troubled the Saffas more than any other bowler on this tour so having him back after a rest will be a big bonus.
Hilfenhaus has shown some of the potential that I keep talking up this series, and bowled a heap of garbage too. He and Ryan Harris have been dropped for tomorrow’s game to make room for Tait and Johnson. I’d really like to see ‘Dirty’ Dirk Nannes given a shot, preferably in a way that forces him to miss tomorrow night’s Twenty20 final at the SCG 
Shaun Marsh has blasted off the cobwebs of his sub-par domestic season with 78 and 79, here’s to a century from the Son of Swampy. The only question remaining in our lineup is which Queenslander to not play at number 8. Here’s hoping my boy Dave Warner starts middling them again tonight, if not can we have him back for tomorrow?
South Africa
Johan Botha throws like a girl, and his action is dodgy as hell but at least the teams over rate is improving. AB ‘c’ DeVilliers should be be getting back on the horse that threw him, look for Ricky to bring Tait on as soon as he’s in. The overly hyped Vaughn van Jaarsveld has been dropped, much like the multiple chances that have fallen through his hands and snuck past his bat.
We’re still looking for a way to negate JP Duminy, hopefully Tait can maim him as I just can’t see us getting him out the old fashioned way.
Free Stuff
If you’re going to the match tonight, hold on to your ticket as it’ll work at Homebush for the Twenty20 final tomorrow as well. We’re hoping to take the record for highest attendance at a domestic Twenty20 game from the Vics in addition to the Big Bash Trophy, so giving tickets away seemed like a good plan. To be honest I reckon they should give all tickets away and make cash off food/drink/merchandise, or charge a token amount to get the bums on seats. Still, $20 aint too bad..
The Teams
Australia 1 Shaun Marsh, 2 David Warner, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Hussey, 5 David Hussey, 6 Cameron White, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 James Hopes/Nathan Hauritz, 9 Mitchell Johnson, 10 Nathan Bracken, 11 Shaun Tait.
South Africa (possible) 1 Herschelle Gibbs, 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Jacques Kallis, 4 AB de Villiers, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Neil McKenzie, 7 Mark Boucher (wk), 8 Albie Morkel, 9 Johan Botha (capt), 10 Dale Steyn/Morne Morkel, 11 Makhaya Ntini.
As much as I dislike to see the Aussies going down a peg or two, the fact that they are finally starting to blood youngsters (because they have to) is great for the development and future of Australian cricket. Naturally, while these younger players find their feet the Aussies may not be as dominant.
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australia just have a rubbish captain and thats mostly the problem. india completely changed their ODI squad and haven’t missed a beat. while boasting about the “excellent system” and “stable of home grown, seasoned talent” why are australia struggling then?! batting has no momentum, clueless on field decisions, committee based plans, all point to general lack of leadership.
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And on a completely different but equally important note;
Is it just me or is Vaughn van Jaarsveld the mutant lovechild of Brian McMillan and Fanie DeVilliers? I guess because of his name DeVilliers would have been the sheila?
Cheers
Prof. Pilsner
Professor Pilsner’s last blog post..What’s in the fridge this week?
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