Markram is seriously not up to it. If RSA give Janneman a chance, they'll never ever look back.
He's absolutely up to it. He's just in poor form. His century in Pakistan opening the batting should be proof alone that he's up to it.
What they need to be incredibly careful of now is damage control from a mental point of view. They could possible move him down to number four and let Keegan Peterson open the batting. He has a sound technique and probably isn't as much if a stroke maker as AM. Just a thought.
Markram is seriously not up to it. If RSA give Janneman a chance, they'll never ever look back.
He's absolutely up to it. He's just in poor form. His century in Pakistan opening the batting should be proof alone that he's up to it.
What they need to be incredibly careful of now is damage control from a mental point of view. They could possible move him down to number four and let Keegan Peterson open the batting. He has a sound technique and probably isn't as much if a stroke maker as AM. Just a thought.
In all honesty, this batch of SA batsmen are sub-par. Makram might cut it in the middle order, he has good stats but hes clearly not an opening batsman. Elgar is a good opener, but without a good partner and the batting order always collapsing around him, he never really reached his full potential, his talent deserves a batting average over 40.The rest of the SA test batsmen haven't done enough to be talked about the, e.g. thus far the only thing the new "KP" Keegan Petersen shares with the legendary KP Kevin Pietersen are the initials. Van Der Dussen and Themba appear to be "okay" at best, but since when was "okay" ever good enough for SA? Considering that talented cricketers like Colin Ingram and Albie Morkel never really got to sink their teeth into international cricket due to the vicious competition for places over the last 2 decades.
Markram is seriously not up to it. If RSA give Janneman a chance, they'll never ever look back.
He's absolutely up to it. He's just in poor form. His century in Pakistan opening the batting should be proof alone that he's up to it.
What they need to be incredibly careful of now is damage control from a mental point of view. They could possible move him down to number four and let Keegan Peterson open the batting. He has a sound technique and probably isn't as much if a stroke maker as AM. Just a thought.
There may be potential but he is not living up to it mate. He averages 38 after 27 tests and his ODI average is a miserable 28 after 34 ODIs. That's not the kind of numbers you would associate with a South African batter.
Surely in ODIs he should lose his spot to Janneman Malan at least for now.
Imagine Dean Elgar was Zimbabwean and he had scored 10 off 85 opening. People here would have been complaining. Test cricket isn't a race. They are setting up a very good platform here. Backing them to win this game if these 2 guys can get to 100 with no damage. Petersen is looking good too
38 as an opener is hardly shit, I don't follow SA cricket too closely, but he'd be good in the middle order, plus he bowls a bit and is a great fielder. As with all sides there's plenty of good guys putting their hands up for middle order slots, it's 1-3 where the batting in red ball is a thankless task.
VD Dussen always looks vulnerable early doors in red ball. KP Jr looks really promising.
Elgar makes dirty runs, but hangs in.
How was that VD Dussen wicket!! Fucking cheats.
He should be allowed back on.
All I'm saying is that Markram can't just carry on like this being mediocre. What should domestic performers do? Just keep waiting? If Malan is doing well what's the harm in giving him a chance? Esp when the team is anyhow losing.
Verreynne also got a chance because Dekock has retired else he was getting wasted.
Ya I agree. I believe in people getting picked on merit and potential ability and then being given a decent opportunity, especially openers, but the other FC guys must have something to play for. Its tough for a young guy to get thrown into the deep end as an opener. It may actually be the toughest gig in world sport. If I walked out there and took guard, looked behind and saw 6 guys in the cordon on the far horizon I'd bolt for the change rooms, its a lonely place.
Pujara and Rahane are in Last Chance Saloon. I really need Pujara to pull a rabbit. He epitomises everything good about test batting. Test cricket will be a poorer place without him.