Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
How the ICC perceives the “shoulder barge” by Rabada on Smith |
What a Test we just experienced!
What is a rugby or cricket Test? We saw a vicious, rugby like shoulder charge that knocked Steve Smith back 10 metres, nearly knocking him out cold. The ambulance had to come in, and the game was stopped for a little while to make sure Smith was alright. Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2019, the Springboks have a close eye on Kagiso Rabada after such a brutal hit…
… and this, ladies and gentlemen, is basically how the ICC portrayed the “shoulder nudge” incident which will cost the best Test bowler a spot in the final two Tests, and rob us of Kagiso v the Aussies take three at Cape Town. And for what, showing passion?
What about the band being asked to stop? Since when does culture, atmosphere and good vibes get frowned upon? Our society today is filled with snowflakes, and I hope cricket doesn’t go down the same path.
Yes, Kumar… |
Anyway, here are my player ratings out of ten from South Africa’s magnificent series-leveling win in Port Elizabeth:
South Africa
Dean Elgar: The one, the only, Dean Elgar! Is there a top order batsman in world cricket that actually looks worse the longer he stays in?! All jokes aside, nearly 3,000 Test runs at 40.81 shows he is a fine Test opener. His gritty, tough first innings fifty was key for South Africa in terms of making the Australians work hard. A good effort. 7
Aiden Markram: A quiet Test for the youngster after his brilliant second innings century in Durban. However, he did provide us with a moment of delight in this Test, edging a dolly to Mitchell Marsh at first slip, who was too busy saying “f— you c—” and dropped it! 3
Hashim Amla: A good Test by the Hash. His partnership with Elgar in the first innings was key in blunting the Australian attack a little, and enabled AB de Villiers to go hard. He is past his best, but performances like this, in addition to his recent heroics against India on a very tough Johannesburg pitch shows he still has what it takes. 7
AB de Villiers: Genius, as his bat says. Yet again, AB delivered for the Proteas when they needed it, and his 126* was one of his finest innings yet. It was if he picked up a flat pitch from Australia, replaced the Port Elizabeth one, and batted on it. It is incredible to think he was batting on the same pitch as everyone else who had a much tougher time. All class, AB. 10
Check out brilliant AB in 2018! Genius… |
Faf Du Plessis: A quiet game with the bat for skipper Du Plessis. However, his hugs and kisses for Kagiso Rabada (don’t we all want to kiss Kagiso) showcases his leadership and how he was able to get the Proteas firing from 1-0 down in the series. 4
Theunis de Bruyn: Hit the winning runs for South Africa but is yet to cement the number six spot. Whether he makes way for Temba Bavuma in the next Test remains to be seen. 4
Quinton de Kock: The man at the centre of the controversy. The man who could have very well ignited the fire in South Africa’s belly, after a very passive performance in the first Test. With the bat, de Kock received a good ball from Nathan Lyon, and was pretty decent with the gloves, snapping a very good catch to get rid of Steve Smith in the second innings. 6
Vernon Philander: Super performance from the Vern. He was the bowler displaying the most control in a disappointing first session for South Africa on Day 1. He took 2/25 in 18 overs in the first innings, and while he wasn’t as effective in the second innings, it’s clear he’ll have a say in the series especially if we see typical South African pitches in the last two Tests. He also made a very handy 36 in the first innings. 7
Keshav Maharaj: Contributed with both bat and ball. Removed Steve Smith with a beauty in the second innings, after a whirlwind 30 with the bat, combining for a 58 run stand with AB de Villiers. 7
Kagiso Rabada: WOW. What a performance by this star. He tore the Australians apart with truly amazing bowling in both innings, finishing with 11 wickets. So disappointed he will miss the rest of the series. 10
Lungi Ngidi: The quiet achiever! Ngidi took five wickets in the Test, and justified the selectors’ decision to drop Morne Morkel in favour of him. 8
Australia
Looks like Rabada wasn’t the only one screaming…. |
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