Fourth Test, SA v England. Centurion, Jan 22-26

[mikesiva]

MOTM?

I'd give it to Rabada over Amla.

Definitely now.

Hard to credit his bowling when this batting has been some of the worst I can remember.

13 wickets is not a haul you see much. The batting may have been bad, but credit to the young man.

Well done, Rabada!

[Aidan11]

Well that was brief.

What a performance from Radaba.

[shankycricket]

Still, look at Anderson's record in SA. It may be that Woakes can do better in different conditions.

He has played 4 Tests in England too. All against struggling Indian or Aussie tests. Didn't look hot there either.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Apparently, the first time SA have won without Steyn since Edgbaston 2008.

[sussexpob]

Still, look at Anderson's record in SA. It may be that Woakes can do better in different conditions.

He has played 4 Tests in England too. All against struggling Indian or Aussie tests. Didn't look hot there either.

I dont think there has been indications of any underlying quality there, and England have too many all rounders and a seam attack that fully fit picks itself.

But then again, his record in County Cricket suggests sticking with. I can see both sides.

[The Professor]

Has anyone figured out how many runs would have been 'saved' if England had held their catches?

[Durhamfootman]

I think it was AC who suggested yesterday that England don't seem to have it within them to save a test match. Far from batting a day to save a test, they barely batted an hour.

On this occasion it doesn't matter, but the day will come where it will, and they'd do well to find a way to do it. Lots of other teams seem able to find a way....... usually against England

[captaincolly]

I think it was AC who suggested yesterday that England don't seem to have it within them to save a test match. Far from batting a day to save a test, they barely batted an hour.

On this occasion it doesn't matter, but the day will come where it will, and they'd do well to find a way to do it. Lots of other teams seem able to find a way....... usually against England

I was looking after my mates dog today and play hadn't resumed when I took him for a walk and when we got back it was all over!
Mike Atherton ' s series marks out of 10 in The Times has Stokes with a perfect score and Root & Broad 9.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I was thinking about rating, and maybe someone will do some, but my maximum was 8 for Stokes. You can't really say it was a perfect series, even apart from today.

[captaincolly]

Yes, I agree. Athers ratings are a bit odd as Cook has 8 as does Bairstow. I can see the logic in that Cook takes credit as captain for a series win and JB'S batting was crucial to the overall victory.
Geoffrey Boycott's analysis was more measured! He says England have problems with the opener, middle order ,wicketkeeper and bowling! Think only Root and Stokes pass muster with Geoffrey.
Apart from all that he seemed quite pleased!

[Aidan11]

Shame the series is over. A really enjoyable contest. Rabada is going to be some bowler.

One dayers start next week.

[backfootpunch]

Shame the series is over. A really enjoyable contest. Rabada is going to be some bowler.

One dayers start next week.

lets hope they give rabada a rest

he has certainly earned it

[backfootpunch]

Has anyone figured out how many runs would have been 'saved' if England had held their catches?

the drops of amla cost at least 300 runs

throw in the drop of cook when he made his hundred and dropping AB early on when he made 80 odd

plus de kock made a few after getting dropped

a lot basically

[westoelad]

I think it was AC who suggested yesterday that England don't seem to have it within them to save a test match. Far from batting a day to save a test, they barely batted an hour.

On this occasion it doesn't matter, but the day will come where it will, and they'd do well to find a way to do it. Lots of other teams seem able to find a way....... usually against England

We have one who looked as if he was capable of it and he got criticised of Bayliss for doing so.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Yes, I agree. Athers ratings are a bit odd as Cook has 8 as does Bairstow.

Stephen Cook? He only played in one game...