Cricket Anyone?

[R8RMR]

Which makes all the difference! 

[Ramraider]

South Africa v England 4th Test

South Africa need the win to tie the series 1-1. England need to win or draw to come away with a series win. 4th Test starts tomorrow and here is a report on the playing surface.

PITCH AND CONDITIONS

Coach Mickey Arthur has briefed Wanderers groundsman Chris Scott to prepare a "heavily-grassed" wicket, according to reports. He wants to ensure there is a result either way; frankly, losing 2-0 will not be much worse than losing 1-0.

In any case, it has been raining in Johannesburg since New Year's Day, and with the thunderstorms expected to linger it could be a seam bowlers' paradise one way or another.

Rice sums it up: "Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel might be able to put England under a bit of pressure but I don't see why the English attack can't get some movement as well. In fact, they might do even better."

Does not look like the game will end up as a tame draw

[Ramraider]

Well, a total no show by England and the umpires gives SA a win. I suppose a Test series draw in South Africa is not a bad result and England would have taken that at the begining of the series.

[Ramraider]

England are now heading off to play Bangladesh in a two match test series (if two matches can be called a test series) without captain Andrew Strauss. As captain should Strauss have travelled with the rest of the squad?

"Jaded" England captain Andrew Strauss will miss the tour to the UAE and Bangladesh next month, with Alastair Cook, 25, standing in as skipper.

Strauss is rested along with seamer James Anderson who will have his troublesome right knee injury assessed.

Yorkshire pace bowler Ajmal Shahzad, Kent off-spinner James Tredwell and Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry form a trio of uncapped players included.

Paul Collingwood is named captain for the two Twenty20 games in Dubai.