The South Africa thread

[RLS]

Interesting quote from an interview with Arthur. Talking about AB he said:

"I think we will probably keep him at No. 4 in future ODIs."

Could this mean a return to the Smith-Gibbs partnership?

[slop]

Could be. They did ok in the 2nd Zim ODI. However it's the first thing they'll look at if Gibbs's form goes again.

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by RLS

Interesting quote from an interview with Arthur. Talking about AB he said:

"I think we will probably keep him at No. 4 in future ODIs."

Could this mean a return to the Smith-Gibbs partnership?

I thought that AB worked as an opener and Gibbs was handy down the order a bit as he can start hitting no matter where he bats but sometimes the new ball troubles him.

This suggests that Boucher's freedom of speech was contravened.

http://www.fxi.org.za/content/view/133/52/

Morne Morkel looks good in more ways than one.

Kallis the only SA nomination for Cricketer of the Year and can't make the 20/20 World Cup side?????

[slop]

Originally Posted by Midnight

This suggests that Boucher's freedom of speech was contravened.

http://www.fxi.org.za/content/view/133/52/

Odd to bring that up now when pretty much every sporting body in every country has a similar code of conduct that covers this sort of thing. Also many companies have similar restrictions on their employees.

Btw, the disciplinary hearing has been concluded. Boucher has been given quite the slap on the wrist, being fined 60% of his match fees for the entire 20/20 tournament. I think that could be in the region of £10-20K.

[slop]

Originally Posted by Midnight

Kallis the only SA nomination for Cricketer of the Year and can't make the 20/20 World Cup side?????

You think his nomination had anything to do with his 20/20 exploits so far or you finger get stuck on the question mark key while you were distracted by Morkel's photo? Do you really need explaining how a star test batsman might not be ideal for 20/20?

[Maty]

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/zimba...ry/308718.html

deary me what is this guy on?!

yes they are improving with experience afterall they are still young lads but just competing would be a good effort.

[slop]

Oh dear, we'll be making him health minister next!

Apart from most of his comments being woefully innaccurate, the most diturbing thing is the praise he heaps on the Zim management i.e. Chingoka and his cronies.

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by slop

Odd to bring that up now when pretty much every sporting body in every country has a similar code of conduct that covers this sort of thing. Also many companies have similar restrictions on their employees.

Btw, the disciplinary hearing has been concluded. Boucher has been given quite the slap on the wrist, being fined 60% of his match fees for the entire 20/20 tournament. I think that could be in the region of £10-20K.

I realise that and I read where he wants the money to go to charity which sounds a fine suggestion to me. I do think the penalty is disproportionate to the offence though.

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by slop

You think his nomination had anything to do with his 20/20 exploits so far or you finger get stuck on the question mark key while you were distracted by Morkel's photo? Do you really need explaining how a star test batsman might not be ideal for 20/20?

I realise that but I still believe he'd be better value than some of your selections such as Bodi.

[slop]

Originally Posted by Midnight

I realise that and I read where he wants the money to go to charity which sounds a fine suggestion to me. I do think the penalty is disproportionate to the offence though.

I did think the fine was harsh but taking into consideration that Boucher is now a senior player who has responsibilities and this trust was placed in him despite previous attitude issues, it's not unwarranted.

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by slop

I did think the fine was harsh but taking into consideration that Boucher is now a senior player who has responsibilities and this trust was placed in him despite previous attitude issues, it's not unwarranted.

But in essence all he did was question Kallis's non-selection pointing to his stellar record for SA and comment that 20/20 pales into significance in comparison to tests, and even the 50 over format.

He was lambasted for criticising Kallis's omission on the basis that it suggested to the SA public that the best team was chosen. But didn't SA's selectors already announce that Kallis was rested? By definition then the best side wasn't chosen

[slop]

Originally Posted by Midnight

But in essence all he did was question Kallis's non-selection pointing to his stellar record for SA and comment that 20/20 pales into significance in comparison to tests, and even the 50 over format.

It's not rocket science. As an employee of the UCB, Boucher has certain responsibilities. Promotion is one of them. So diminishing the importance of an international tournament, one in which sponsors (the ones that effectively pay for Boucher's match fees!) have plowed a lot of money into is a serious breech of his contract.

My company, for example, has a user conference coming up, if I was to tell our customers that it's not particularly important and that we have other priorities, I'd be in serious trouble.

Originally Posted by Midnight

He was lambasted for criticising Kallis's omission on the basis that it suggested to the SA public that the best team was chosen. But didn't SA's selectors already announce that Kallis was rested? By definition then the best side wasn't chosen

You've made some glaring ommissions there and twisted things to fit your argument. Basically a fabrication and not the first time :no:

[Midnight]

But isn't CSA saying that Kallis is being rested (which they irrefutably did say) cheapening the tournament? Immediately the SA public knows that the strongest team has not been picked. And the message was that he's being saved for more important and challenging assignments ahead.

[slop]

Originally Posted by Midnight

But isn't CSA saying that Kallis is being rested (which they irrefutably did say) cheapening the tournament? Immediately the SA public knows that the strongest team has not been picked. And the message was that he's being saved for more important and challenging assignments ahead.

Being rested because he adds no value to the team (which, we explained to you earlier, he doesn't in 20/20) compared to other choices isn't weakening the team. It isn't cheapening the tournament. The SA public - apart from the three drool-as-you-types you like to refer to as a "forum" - knows that the strongest team has been picked with regards to Kallis (Langeveld and Hall's ommisions are arguable).

Good diversion from your ealier glaring ommisions with regards to Boucher's punishment though. Nothing new there either.

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by slop

Being rested because he adds no value to the team (which, we explained to you earlier, he doesn't in 20/20) compared to other choices isn't weakening the team. It isn't cheapening the tournament. The SA public - apart from the three drool-as-you-types you like to refer to as a "forum" - knows that the strongest team has been picked with regards to Kallis (Langeveld and Hall's ommisions are arguable).

Good diversion from your ealier glaring ommisions with regards to Boucher's punishment though. Nothing new there either.

Well if Kallis is being genuinely 'rested' because he's actually omitted (note the correct spelling), surely CSA should have admitted this.

As for Boucher, nothing will convince me that punishment matched the perceived or alleged crime. Why shouldn't he comment on selection in the sense that he bemoans your best player's omission ?(note spelling); he's a passionate guy who wants the best potential outcome for his team.

And in saying that test cricket is more highly valued than the two truncated formats he was merely voicing what any other cricketer around the globe worth his salt was thinking.

And just in relation to test cricket, this is what the erstwhile Aussie Mike Haysman wrote today.

The pure essence of the game has been marginalized. That does not cut it with me and I feel robbed of fulfillment. Test cricket is and always will remain the bedrock of the game. It dishes up intrigue and surprise when combatively presented and that quenches the thirst for stimulation. But now there is a new eager kid on the block.

[slop]

Originally Posted by Midnight

Well if Kallis is being genuinely 'rested' because he's actually omitted (note the correct spelling), surely CSA should have admitted this.

They're being diplomatic and you're ignoring what I wrote (again). He is being rested. But it's only feasible because his batting and bowling don't add much to the team in 20/20s that those in place of him will do anyway.

Originally Posted by Midnight

As for Boucher, nothing will convince me that punishment matched the perceived or alleged crime. Why shouldn't he comment on selection in the sense that he bemoans your best player's omission ?(note spelling); he's a passionate guy who wants the best potential outcome for his team.

Again, that's not the entire story and your continued glaring ommision is now becoming comical. As for the opinion you are willing to refer to, he's still an employee, a senior one, of the CSA and there are channels to deal with his issues that don't include mouthing off to the press. Again, if you behaved like this in a corporation you would find yourself in similar trouble. Also, claiming Kallis is our best 20/20 player would be false (as are many of your other claims).

Originally Posted by Midnight

And in saying that test cricket is more highly valued than the two truncated formats he was merely voicing what any other cricketer around the globe worth his salt was thinking.

And again, Boucher is not The People's Mouthpiece, he is an employee of CSA and the rules are pretty clear there. Which of the three rules he broke did you not understand?

[slop]

Originally Posted by Midnight

The pure essence of the game has been marginalized. That does not cut it with me and I feel robbed of fulfillment. Test cricket is and always will remain the bedrock of the game. It dishes up intrigue and surprise when combatively presented and that quenches the thirst for stimulation. But now there is a new eager kid on the block.

Your ability to post completely irrelevant quotes to divert your argument will never cease to amaze me.

And I've only just realised you've had a go at my spelling. How pathetic.

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by slop

Your ability to post completely irrelevant quotes to divert your argument will never cease to amaze me.

But one of his breaches of conduct was to say something prejudicial to cricket matters in terms of promotion, i.e. favouring tests above a 20/20 tournament about to be played out in SA. Hence Haysman's views confirm what Boucher as a mouthpiece for the players voiced regarding his preferences for the various formats of the game.

I concede that Boucher is obviously meant to be shackled as part of his responsibility being a senior citizen of SA cricket. I respect him though for making some valid observations. Anyway he copped his fine sweet even if his management thought it harsh and he wants to donate it to charity; a magnaminous gesture.

And the correct spelling is omission which you're studiously ignoring.

[slop]

Originally Posted by Midnight

But one of his breaches of conduct was to say something prejudicial to cricket matters in terms of promotion, i.e. favouring tests above a 20/20 tournament about to be played out in SA. Hence Haysman's views confirm what Boucher as a mouthpiece for the players voiced regarding his preferences for the various formats of the game.

No, Haysman only confirmed that he agreed with Boucher's sentiment (actually, reading the whole article, he doesn't even refer to Boucher). As do I to be fair. However, at no point does Haysman's quote justify Boucher's breach of contract. Nor does it confirm your dreamt up scenario.

Originally Posted by Midnight

I concede that Boucher is obviously meant to be shackled as part of his responsibility being a senior citizen of SA cricket. I respect him though for making some valid observations. Anyway he copped his fine sweet even if his management thought it harsh and he wants to donate it to charity; a magnaminous gesture.

Yes, real big of him to donate money that isn't his to charity.

Originally Posted by Midnight

And the correct spelling is omission which you're studiously ignoring.

I'll take that over lying.

[Midnight]

Originally Posted by slop

No, Haysman only confirmed that he agreed with Boucher's sentiment. As do I to be fair. However, at no point does Haysman's quote justify Boucher's breach of contract. Nor does it confirm your dreamt up scenario.



Yes, real big of him to donate money that isn't his to charity.



I'll take that over lying.

The money is potentially Boucher's though. How would you like to work for the next fortnight or so knowing you will only be paid 40% of your projected wage?

As for lying; not sure what you're on about.