[quote author=Gina145 link=topic=102695.msg678832#msg678832 date=1455483662]
I'm happy with the result but South Africa sure had some nervous moments along the way, especially when we were reduced to 22/3. The new bowling line-up seems to be taking shape nicely but I wonder what the selectors will do when Steyn and Philander are fit again. We really need bowlers who can bat and I can't see either of those two winning an ODI with the bat.
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Congrats, Gina. That was a hard fought and thoroughly entertaining series. Both teams seem to be quite evenly matched. I think you hit on a great point with the bowlers. One thing I felt that South Africa have done exceptionally well with their ODI side is getting the right balance with batsman/bowlers/all rounders. They bat exceptionally deep and have an array of strike bowlers. Morris and Wiese were match winners in those last 2 matches, and while Steyn and Philander are undoubtedly superior bowlers, they don't offer the same ability with the bat. It is an interesting proposition.
From an English perspective, it was a disappointing end to the tour. The ODI series was there for the taking, but their middle order batting and fielding in general let them down in the last two matches. Mikey Holding and Nasser Hussain were both quite critical of England's batting during the broadcast, alluding to the fact that there is a difference between being aggressive and suicidal. England needed to pulled back and instead kept going hard and giving needless wickets away. Still, they will hopefully learn from this. I am, however, worried about Jason Roy at the top of the order. He has bags of potential, but has yet to show this on a consistent basis.
As an aside, I am saddened that this tour is over, in part because I will no longer get to listen to the fantastic commentary team of Mike Haysman, Shaun Pollock, Graeme Smith, HD Ackerman, Kepler Wessels and Pommie Mbangwa. They were a real treat throughout.
I'm happy with the result but South Africa sure had some nervous moments along the way, especially when we were reduced to 22/3. The new bowling line-up seems to be taking shape nicely but I wonder what the selectors will do when Steyn and Philander are fit again. We really need bowlers who can bat and I can't see either of those two winning an ODI with the bat.
[/quote]
Congrats, Gina. That was a hard fought and thoroughly entertaining series. Both teams seem to be quite evenly matched. I think you hit on a great point with the bowlers. One thing I felt that South Africa have done exceptionally well with their ODI side is getting the right balance with batsman/bowlers/all rounders. They bat exceptionally deep and have an array of strike bowlers. Morris and Wiese were match winners in those last 2 matches, and while Steyn and Philander are undoubtedly superior bowlers, they don't offer the same ability with the bat. It is an interesting proposition.
From an English perspective, it was a disappointing end to the tour. The ODI series was there for the taking, but their middle order batting and fielding in general let them down in the last two matches. Mikey Holding and Nasser Hussain were both quite critical of England's batting during the broadcast, alluding to the fact that there is a difference between being aggressive and suicidal. England needed to pulled back and instead kept going hard and giving needless wickets away. Still, they will hopefully learn from this. I am, however, worried about Jason Roy at the top of the order. He has bags of potential, but has yet to show this on a consistent basis.
As an aside, I am saddened that this tour is over, in part because I will no longer get to listen to the fantastic commentary team of Mike Haysman, Shaun Pollock, Graeme Smith, HD Ackerman, Kepler Wessels and Pommie Mbangwa. They were a real treat throughout.
