[ngcles]

Hi Matt & All,

Yep, South Africa were certainly the better team in the series so far and deserved their wins. Australia had a chance to win this test back on day two/three and were found wanting.

I can't quite agree with you Matt on changes to the team (apart from the forced ones). Given the series is lost, I'd like to see young Phil Hughes given a run in place of Matt Hayden to see what he's got at the next level. Don't make to many changes or people start playing for their place in the side instead of the team. Witness the early to mid '80 and what happened there.

For Sydney Bollinger in for Lee and Hughes for Hayden that's it I think.

(Rant mode enabled)

Beau Casson must be sitting somewhere wondering what he has done wrong -- his name isn't even mentioned anymore and he did nothing wrong to warrant being dropped after only a test or so. Krejza ditto. Watson's seeming non-stop run of injury must be making the selectors now think he is physically flawed and can't be trusted over the full stretch.

Notice how many cricketers are breaking down that played in the IPL? Simmons, Clarke, Lee and now Watson. Will cricket Australia get compo from IPL for these "stress" related injuries to our test stars?

There is too much elite-level cricket being played that has undoubtedly contributed to these injuries -- get rid of the IPL.

(Rant mode disabled)

Best to all, particularly the deserved South African victors (this time)


Les D