southafrica V bangladesh

Where now for Bangladesh? It is a question that has hung like a shadow over their development ever since they made their Test debut in 2000, yet as the years roll on, there is little evidence of improvement. Their form guide, a string of "Ls", reads like a Welsh railway station, and the first Test against South Africa last week was a case in point. Encouraging performances from their bowlers contrasted starkly with an insipid effort from Bangladesh's batsmen who, in the second innings, folded like a pack of cards to lose their last seven wickets for 79. No wonder Mickey Arthur, the South Africa coach, is concerned about his side's build-up to the Australia series next month.
Bangladesh's inadequacies aside, South Africa had their own problems, most notably Morne Morkel, who conceded nearly seven-runs-per-over in the first innings, spraying the ball with alarming regularity. At the other end, however, South Africa have Dale Steyn who is rapidly becoming the finished article. His ninth five-wicket haul decimated Bangladesh's second innings, while his career strike-rate stands at a venomous 36.6.
With Paul Harris out of the series, South Africa will pick wither Monde Zondeki - Test-less for three years - or the left-arm spinner, Robin Peterson. Given Bangladesh's fear of anything fast, Zondeki ought to strap on his bowling boots and ensure South Africa wrap things up in three days flat.

southafrica V bangladesh

Where now for Bangladesh? It is a question that has hung like a shadow over their development ever since they made their Test debut in 2000, yet as the years roll on, there is little evidence of improvement. Their form guide, a string of "Ls", reads like a Welsh railway station, and the first Test against South Africa last week was a case in point. Encouraging performances from their bowlers contrasted starkly with an insipid effort from Bangladesh's batsmen who, in the second innings, folded like a pack of cards to lose their last seven wickets for 79. No wonder Mickey Arthur, the South Africa coach, is concerned about his side's build-up to the Australia series next month.
Bangladesh's inadequacies aside, South Africa had their own problems, most notably Morne Morkel, who conceded nearly seven-runs-per-over in the first innings, spraying the ball with alarming regularity. At the other end, however, South Africa have Dale Steyn who is rapidly becoming the finished article. His ninth five-wicket haul decimated Bangladesh's second innings, while his career strike-rate stands at a venomous 36.6.
With Paul Harris out of the series, South Africa will pick wither Monde Zondeki - Test-less for three years - or the left-arm spinner, Robin Peterson. Given Bangladesh's fear of anything fast, Zondeki ought to strap on his bowling boots and ensure South Africa wrap things up in three days flat.

BPL Saturday Live!

It's half-time at the Emirates Stadium now. Arsenal are leading United by 1-0. A 22th minute strike by Samir Nasri in which his shot catches the hanging leg of Gary Neville as the ball slips past United keeper Edwin Van der Sar.
Match Updates:
It's half-time at the Emirates Stadium now. Arsenal are leading United by 1-0. A 22th minute strike by Samir Nasri in which his shot catches the hanging leg of Gary Neville as the ball slips past United keeper Edwin Van der Sar. United have it all to do in the second-half. One wonders if Sir Alex Ferguson will give his charges the hairdryer treatment during the half-time team-talk.
Following all the action so far? Let me know your rants, thoughts, observations and comments about the match! Email me at zhangs@espnstar.com!
- Khairul Anuar Abidin from Malaysia, writes in to remind his fellow Gunners supporters not to "get too excited yet". He says:
"Wait till the final whistle before you guys could celebrate tonight. United will be up to their usual tricks again. Hold your breath until the end and hope that their usuals don't happen tonight. Miracles do happen!"
more info.........http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item148023/BPL-Saturday-Live!/