Saturday 6 December 2008

Death rattle

Duncan Fletcher believes in fast bowling, to the point of obsession. When Jacques Kallis says that South Africa's advisor has 'some new ideas to beat Australia... I obviously can't say much more on that, but our bowling is going to be crucial', be sure that the Saffer attack will be loaded with its big guns in Perth. 

The one man you won't hear from is Fletcher. Few people in the world have heard him speak, although it's rumoured that he can. 

Tim Nielsen can't stop. John Buchanan limited himself to the odd acidic waft from beneath that crowbar moustache, but his teams had McGrath and Warne to speak for them. Nielsen evidently thinks the pre-series sledge is down to him. He's warned South Africa over 'cheap talk'. Which is interesting considering they have have yet to say anything. When Neilsen really did need to speak out, as Ponting was copping it all for India, he chose to do so via the fearless forum of his Cricket Australia blog. 

Australia versus South Africa is a contest. Fletcher versus Neilsen is over already. 

5 comments:

Damith S. said...

I am also curious as to these 'fresh ideas'. What would those be, to replace a really fast bowler with a medium pacer or vice versa.

Lack of variation will cost SA imo.

Loving the pre series sledging by the coaches though. Its a riot !

The Old Batsman said...

Will be interesting to see - you could equate Steyn with Simon Jones, Harmy with Morkel and get Ntini bowling around the wicket to the lefties...

Damith S. said...

Agree. But even in that 05 series Giles nipped in with some very useful wickets which helped England win.

Can Harris do the same ?

Anonymous said...

It will no doubt please you to know that one of the conditions of Fletcher's contract is exemption from media duties.

Best,
Rodney Ulyate

The Old Batsman said...

Thanks Rodney,

It pleases me greatly! Fletch plays by Fletch rules... and he's coming to Hampshire this year. Hopefully he'll have the same clause there, to counteract the worldwide media interest in Chris Tremlett...