Before Monday in Nagpur, South African strike bowler Steyn, was generally most renowned for his lethal out-swingers at pace. Suddenly, though, shell-shocked India – and the world, too – have learned of his new-found ability to bend the ball the other way on a sustained basis.
The result was carnage, with the Proteas now handsomely placed to strike for a big win over the ICC’s No 1-ranked side after an eventful day three of the first Test.
India’s first innings spectacularly unravelled in a 37-minute period after tea, where they slid from the relative sanctuary of 221 for four, in reply to the Proteas’ beefy 558, to 233 all out.
For sheer suddenness, it was all very Waqar Younis-like … the great Pakistani toe- and timber-hunter would have been proud of Steyn’s post-interval salvo of 3.4-2-1-5.
Certainly the 26-year-old Phalaborwa Express, albeit with many years of good cricket ahead of him, will be hard-pressed to repeat a dose like that, even as he registered a personal best innings return of 7/51 in 16.4 overs.
“With one of the most lethal and joyful spells of pace and swing seen in India, a red-hot Dale Steyn took the pitch out of the equation and led South Africa to the verge of what should be close to their finest Test victory” -Cricinfo
All good and well, this was yesterday. Do not expect the same collapse from India today. We are in for a almighty fight back from Sachin Tendulkar and mates. SA might just need another ripper from Paul Harris to disturb the Indian apple cart. We must at all cost prevent India from setting us a target. Anything around 80 to 120 runs in the last 2 sessions will to be a night mare.
You go Ireland and England and I’ll go France and Italy. Deal.
Blouste – spot on. Think you right with that one.
Looking at the teams, i would say bulls by 8.
238 – VanStraaten, Saders for sure.
Then remember last year that game between Landers and Saders was probably the worst game ever I have seen in Super rugby. Then they had not Carter or McCaw so maybe why.
244 – not meant no
When last did Carter have game time.
Isn’t he coming of an injury ?
The big question for the Cheetahs is can Brussow adapt to the law changes? The Bulls will have to answer some big questions up-front. I’m going with the Bulls edging the game by a few points.
241 – Irish, Okay
All these state secrets being revealed – I’m going Bulls by 21. 😉
And McCaw being rested?
Puma@248 – LOL – you nuts – I’m going France, England & Wales
No he played in the warm-up game the other day against the Blues. He scored a try and converted all three tries.
Irish
Before the tournament started I would have gone with Ireland.
The weekends display changed my mind.
But who knows ?!
249 – Irish, Cheetahs have quite a good team. Maybe 21 might be a bit much. Bulls by 7 or maybe a bit more.
251 – Irish, Ireland, England, Wales.
252 Ok thanks
Blouste@253 – France can self destruct mate. They can blast us away or push the self destruct button. Depends on which team arrives to play. Ireland have all the talent, but self-belief lacks at times. When you get them down their heads drop and the tend to give up too easily…thus me going with France – but it will be close either way.
The Cheetahs could easily take it. The other big question is will there be Heynecke Meyer magic come scrum time for the Bulls?
Hope you right Puma!!!
These warm-up games…
Reds beating Crusaders and Waratahs…
Jeez…
Pre-season friendlies count for ziltch
Reds beat a Crusaders side without Carter. Reds will beat the Waratahs because Ewen McKenzie knows them inside-out.
261
Agree…
I never saw the game between Ireland and Italy. It was delayed here. But I got it spot on with my SuperBru. So have no idea how they played, but saw the game the French played against Scotland. Not too sure about the French after that game.
Going with Ireland 😀
Hi Ashley
Sien jy het klaar gevreet… 😆
The Bulls were flat in the friendlies last year and hit their stride in the first week.
261 – Irish, Spot on mate. Agree.
blouste @ 265
😀 ag ve’dag se gatsby’s is mossie meer soes hullerit altyd gemakitie!!
266 – VanStraaten, Hope the same happens with my Sharks 😀
Well I have to run – nice chatting guys – speak tomorrow again.
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