I think the bowling was definitely above average. It's been many years since I covered a Test match with such quality fast bowling on both sides... It's easy to say that Arundel obviously had nothing to do with their success because it rained for three days. But I believe it did, seriously. Just being in a real match situation with 'actual' opposition...helps prepare the mind. Australia just had nets amongst themselves - hard to find any intensity in that situation. Perhaps I'm delusional, but I do actually believe SA's preparation was more appropriate. Call me mad.
Finally, we can all breathe again. Cathartic! Also hats off to the coach and his team for all the work to get us here.
Hopefully this puts the spotlight more firmly on cricket at home. It's such an amazing achievement after all those times we almost got there. 12 semi finals! That's a feat in itself. So many little compilation vids of players just shattered at the loss of those campaigns. Then what is sure to become an iconic sight: SA need one run... They should have brought it full circle and put the amount of balls left!
Thanks for keeping us informed and entertained as always.
As for those dismissive twatwads, trying to cheapen this win and the team: Have some more bile, drown in it.
Excellent article Neil. Having been there myself - and finally seeing SA winning a major trophy after reporting on the team all the way from India in 1991 - you have picked out some vignettes that capture the emotion and magnitude of the occasion. What a day.
Absolutely brilliant occasion and, for me, made even better by having you there - 31years after our first Test at Lord's in 1994 when the Press Box was still in the Warner Stand! It's been quite the journey. I do hope you enjoyed your short holiday after the Test!
Thanks for the insight.
Two above-average teams and played admirably.
Maybe the prep at Arundel was the difference .. lols
I think the bowling was definitely above average. It's been many years since I covered a Test match with such quality fast bowling on both sides... It's easy to say that Arundel obviously had nothing to do with their success because it rained for three days. But I believe it did, seriously. Just being in a real match situation with 'actual' opposition...helps prepare the mind. Australia just had nets amongst themselves - hard to find any intensity in that situation. Perhaps I'm delusional, but I do actually believe SA's preparation was more appropriate. Call me mad.
Finally, we can all breathe again. Cathartic! Also hats off to the coach and his team for all the work to get us here.
Hopefully this puts the spotlight more firmly on cricket at home. It's such an amazing achievement after all those times we almost got there. 12 semi finals! That's a feat in itself. So many little compilation vids of players just shattered at the loss of those campaigns. Then what is sure to become an iconic sight: SA need one run... They should have brought it full circle and put the amount of balls left!
Thanks for keeping us informed and entertained as always.
As for those dismissive twatwads, trying to cheapen this win and the team: Have some more bile, drown in it.
Good on you, Rippers. You mustn't allow yourself to be dragged down by the nay-sayers and doubters. Rise above them!
Thank for the reply!
Hope you are enjoying your time abroad. 😃
Excellent article Neil. Having been there myself - and finally seeing SA winning a major trophy after reporting on the team all the way from India in 1991 - you have picked out some vignettes that capture the emotion and magnitude of the occasion. What a day.
Absolutely brilliant occasion and, for me, made even better by having you there - 31years after our first Test at Lord's in 1994 when the Press Box was still in the Warner Stand! It's been quite the journey. I do hope you enjoyed your short holiday after the Test!