Nov 4, 2016 -- 9:54AM, detraveller wrote:

oh no Starc is here

Starc not firing this afternoon

Nov 4, 2016 -- 11:10AM, Cardinal Scott wrote:

Still got a horror position in the market but it has slightly improved, if the draw somehow comes into play (and I don't know how) could come out unscathed.

I have massively comedy draw green and £3.6k red results.  I've had better positions. This is almost certainly my pocket talking but I can see the draw coming back under 10s, just possibly even a fair way down from there. It needs some prospect of SA batting the game dead by lasting another 4 sessions or ideally a little over. They will certainly aim to do that, as there is loads of time left to get plenty of runs ahead and no advantage in pushing the scoring rate towards a declaration, partly because of the time and partly because of Steyn's injury. It's still an utterly massive ask, of course, requiring some huge contributions from at least two batsmen and probably a few others to chip in. For the game to be drawn Aus would then have to last four or more sessions themselves but the draw will probably be under 3 by then as if SA survive forever, market will reckon Aus will also be able to without Steyn.

Course far more likely we never see the draw anywhere even near 20 but we can hope.

Nov 4, 2016 -- 9:12PM, Whisperingdeath wrote:

I agree with the first half Juce. I think the arithmatic make an Aussie back prudent as there seems to be plenty of support for their current price.My own view though is they are on the edge of a beating. The pitch looks pretty good particularly if you are positive. I think SA will bat positively and the pitch will be good tomorrow. I have a feeling Aus will bat in a cavalier fashion and if there is any help from the pitch that will be their undoing. They must go after Maharaj and Duminy and wear down Big Phil and Rabadabadoo but Saffers are tough.I think it is prudent not to have an Aus red first up but after Starc and Hazlewood have bowled 4 or 5 overs each I am switching back to SA if no wickets have fallen and I may buy SA on the fall of wickets in chunks after that. I do think Warner and even Smith could play a big innings but I do not rate the rest of them too much but they are at home so have that advantage.Good luck Dan. I am looking to lay Aus at odds on but when and how much is the question!

There is a massive crack developing down the middle of the pitch and it's going to be 37+ degrees tomorrow. Right arm over to the southpaw will bring it into play. Can't understand why they bowled so much around the wicket yesterday. Just keep banging away at that crack!

Nov 4, 2016 -- 10:00PM, Whisperingdeath wrote:

Yes, Starc in particular was thinking with his dicke!usually overseas bowlers get carried away with the bounce and bowl short. Aus should have known to bowl a good length!You are still favouring Aus? SA have 100 on the board. Warner said the crack wasn't a problem! We shall see. I do think they might have tried too hard with the pitch so it might brak up. It looks very fair on top but dark underneath so maybe the top will come off, I don't know but while it is still there it looks ok to bat on for me. There has been some poor batting and good bowling.I got half tempted to lay Aus back at evens but will back off for at least first half an hour or 45 mins.

The 37+ degrees tomorrow will certainly make things difficult for the Aus bowlers and I think the SAF batters might take advantage of that. And also the cracks might come into play if SAF can occupy the crease long enough. I agree with WD it is best to wait till wicket falls to back SAF. Somehow I feel that SAF has the momentum in this game and Australia mindset after loosing the away series( although in alien conditions) are not that good.

I might be terribly wrong here and Aus might blast through the SAF batting in the morning!!