Graeme Smith won the toss at Brisbane in the first Test between Australia and South Africa and did the right thing by deciding to bat.
I say the right thing despite the fact that the pitch had a slightly greenish tinge to it, suggesting a certain liveliness, especially in the two hour session before lunch. Also, the selectors had picked four pace bowlers, five if Jacques Kallis’ burly medium-pace stuff is taken into account.
Smith, like Mark Taylor, is an opening bat. And like Taylor he invariably puts his team first when making a decision about whether to bat or not.
There is the temptation to avoid those supposedly dangerous opening couple of hours for captains who are opening bats. This was a temptation that Smith rejected like a saint being offered the run of a carnal house.
There was some discussion, in fact, before the Test about the wisdom of batting first at Brisbane. Ian Chappell made the argument he hoped Michael Clarke would dismiss the adage ‘nine times out of ten you bat and on the tenth you think about it and bat,’ if he thought there was something in the pitch and he won the toss.
Far be it from me to quibble with Ian Chappell, one of cricket’s finest captains, but here goes. The beauty of batting first is that if the best of the pitch is utilised properly and a very big first innings is accumulated, a side has gone a long way to winning the Test.
It is a fact of nature that deterioration will set in, especially on the last day, even on a pitch as good as Brisbane generally is.
And with this deterioration, even a relatively modest run total to win the Test can be really hard to achieve. There are not very many successful fourth innings run chases of over 250.
Even if a team collapses on the first day of the Test, it can still recover and win. This has been done from time to time.
But batting first gives a team its best chance of forcing an opposition to bat last. And we know what happens generally when a team has to bat last and try to knock over any total over, say 250.
At the end of the first day’s play, South Africa has batted itself into a position where it is possible to see them bowling out a defensive Australian side on the last day of play.
This is why I would argue this has been a great day for South Africa.
I followed the Test mainly on Channel Nine. And I would assert the coverage was, in a word often used by Richie Benaud, “splendid!”
We had a (deserved) tribute to Benaud, with a wry commentary from the great man on his 35 years of commentary on Channel Nine, which started with the World Series Cricket matches.
Benaud made the point that WSC, “changed the game for ever and for the better.” He is being unduly modest. Benaud has helped improve the game and enhance its popularity with his playing feats, his attacking attitude to the way the game should be played and then his thoughtful and considered journalism and broadcasting on cricket in a long career (he is 80) after his playing days were over.
There are some old-timers, and I am one of them, who aren’t greatly enthused about the enthusiasm and hoopla of the T20 circus games. But in terms of the presentation of the game and paying the players, cricket is a better game to watch, especially at home, than it has ever been by the ingenious work of Channel 9 experts.
Benaud mentioned cameras from each end, snicko (“one of the best innovations”), cameras broadcasting from all angles, coloured clothing and the high-defenition slo-mo camera shots. All these innovations have come out of the WSC venture and most of them inspired by Benaud’s determination to fulfill Kerry Packer’s brief to televise cricket in a way that enchants the faithful and enthralls those who know very little about the game.
The presentation of the opening day was up to the very best standards that have been set by Channel Nine in the past.
Glenn McGrath has been brought in as a replacement for Tony Greig. His informed commentary fitted in well with a commentary team that was strong on analysis and information and lighter (thankfully) in the good-old-boys banter and in-house joking.
As I was watching, I put a comment or two on The Roar’s continuous verbal commentary. Early on, for instance, I noted the current obsession with bowlers’ special plans for specific batsmen is a nonsense. It is a distraction to the bowlers. And I was chuffed to hear several minutes later Ian Chappell making a similar point himself.
My point is the obsession with bowling plans places too much emphasis on policy. The emphasis, though, should really be on process.
As Ian Chappell pointed out, it is generally better for bowlers to do what they do best, rather than get into complicated plans which have them bowling in a way they are not accustomed to.
Under Craig McDermott the Australian pace attack knocked over a strong Indian batting side six innings in a row. They did it by paying attention to the process of pitching the ball up, getting it to swing and then inducing mistakes from some of the best batsmen on the planet.
When I switched off after a most enjoyable day of being informed and entertained by a terrific presentation of a cricket Test, I had the sad feeling of what an opportunity Channel Nine stuffed up with its pathetic coverage of the Wallabies Tests. If only there had been someone at Channel 9 with a passion and intelligence for rugby union to match Richie Benaud’s mastery of all aspects of cricket …
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
Last year Michael Clarke kissed his helmet quite a few times and this prompted a discussion in the nin commentary box about who started this trend when players reached their hundred. Michael Slater was in the box at the time and I think it was Mark Taylor who said something like 'Slats, you were a helmet kisser in your time weren't you?' Somebody with a brain quickly told them to change the subject. Could have been a classic.
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
I lost all respect for Ian Healy when he suggested that Fringe Australian players should be selected to play test cricket for other countries on a one off test match basis or a one series basis because this would strengthen the other teams and also allow these Aussies to play test cricket. If that idea had been adopted we would have had harbhajan Singh playing for Australia last year to fill our spin bowler position. Just Imagine. As for the rest of the commentreay team the younger guys are freshening up what had been a fairly boring commentary team (Ian Chappell aside) for quite a while. Chappelli could be relied on to drop the 'C' word or the 'F' word from time to time.
Beardan
Roar Guru
You are joking about Mike Atherton and Nassar Hussain right??
Johnno
Guest
Farmer J, i agree I like David Gower, Nass Hussain, and Ian Botham, and David Lloyd, and Athers, all better than most of the aussy mob. Richie Beanud and Micheal Holding are the 2 best I have seen in cricket .
M-Rod
Guest
Channel 9 Commentary team?... meh....What's the point of commentary for cricket on TV anyway? Why do we need to be told what we're already seeing? If you find watching cricket so monotonous and boring that you need continual anecdotes/ insight & chatter to distract you, then guess what? Cricket's probably not your thing! By all means have a couple of dudes throwing in some commentary between overs if you have to ... but that's as far as necessary... rest of the time during each over the game should be watched in commentator silence and being able to take in the atmosphere generated by the ambient crowd noise...
Bazza
Guest
You find McGrath a good commentator,....... it was his first day, in his first gig, as a test commentator for Gods sake, you can't compare him to anyone let alone Chappell and co until he has some form on the board.
Farmerj
Guest
With a couple of exceptions, the channel 9 commentary team is the worst in world sport. Even worse that the english rugby league guys. Ritchie Benaud is clearly great, Mark Taylor to. Ian Chappell, well I can take or leave him and from then on, its all downhill. MIchael Slater and Ian Healy are cheerleaders of the highest order. Totally lacking any objectivity and unwilling to offer any astute analysis aside from total adulation of anyone wearing a baggy green. However, the absolute clown among them all is Mark 'RIIIIIIICKY POOOOOONTIIIIING' Nicholas. His best qualities are that he was an average cricketeer with no test experience. His worst is his total fawning of the australian cricket team. If they had to get a long term replacement as the frontman for Channel Nines cricket coverage they should have unloaded the wallet and got David Gower. There is a guy who is eloquent, astute, can see with both eyes and knows exactly what it is like in the heat of battle in a test match. The guy is all class and to replace the great Ritchie with a clown like Nicholas and not a quality commentator like Gower just cheapens the role that Ritchie has performed for so many years
onside
Guest
"If only there had been someone at Channel 9 with a passion and intelligence for rugby union to match Richie Benaud’s mastery of all aspects of cricket" Watching or playing rugby union is in part trying to second guess the referee. International Test rugby referees influence, team selections ,style of play and quite often, results. Not so in cricket. Dud decisions for sure, but they are clear cut and can be queried. A Test cricket umpire does not have his own personal quirky view of how to interpret LBW.. But a Rugby Union Test referee can interpret a variety of indiscretions,real or imagined, on a whim. No 'Ritchie Benaud of Rugby',regardless of his knowledge,passion, and broad public appeal could overcome this fundamental flaw that is pivotal to why people are unable to understand the game, and therefore watch other codes.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
He is out for the tour, and probably South Africa's home season as well. Reports are saying anything up to six months, and at least three months.
MrKistic
Guest
They've certainly upped their technology again this year with their new touch screen video desk. Unfortunately, they decided to put Tubby in the chair and he managed to stuff it up completely within 2 minutes of its debut. Even more unfortunately that meant having to listen to more of Tubby which is never pleasant. He might have some knowledge but he's a terrible speaker. Once again the ABC coverage was a joy, although without Glen Mitchell and Roebuck on air these days there is a little too much of Drew Morphett. I'll listen to a bit of the TV for the before the game info, but I'd never leave the TV up for ball by ball coverage. If you're okay with the amusing boys club banter then I'm sure it's fine but I'm a little more interested in what's actually going on in the game. You're not on the Channel 9 books are you Spiro? This "article" is up there with the Channel 9 in-commentary promotions.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
There's only one of the current Ch 9 mob who is really top notch - and that's Richie Benaud. Lawry. Chappelli and Greig refer everything back to their own experiences in the 70s and its becoming increasingly like listening to a few vaguely senile old men reminiscing about the 'good old days'. And Greig has been getting more and more factually incorrect as he's gotten older. The trouble is there aren't too many overly impressive younger commentators coming through. If some of them learned to shut up once in a while there might be some hope. But generally they seem to be behaving as if they are being paid by the word.
Red Block
Guest
Yes the Nine commentary team were great but it's time to move on and embrace a younger generation. The team should now be a professional caller, an ex-test player and a funny man. Imagine Glen Mitchell, Slats and Mick Molloy followed by Dennis Commenty, Heals and HG Nelson. Then to Drew Morphett, Tubby and Skull. Even I'd switch off ABC radio and turn the sound up on 9. To listen to this -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
As always, I watched Nine's coverage with the sound down and ABC Radio turned up. It was great to hear Barry Richards and the other commentators, the dreaded O'Keeffe excepted. Rain in Brisbane makes it likely I'll have nothing to watch or listen to today.
Marc
Guest
Sorry guys, Ian Chappell is a bore. His commentary is deeply rooted in the 70's as with all of his "insights". All of his anecdotes revolve around himself back in the series of whatever time he was playing and his appeal is limited to males aged over 50. Unfortunately, all of the older commentators are a legacy of WSC, having jobs for life as a repayment of the faith they placed in Kerry Packer and his revolution of the game of cricket. Benaud is the only one of this cohort who transcend the generational divide. The younger commentary team are far stronger offering genuine insight into the current day locker room and the modern demands of cricket in the 21st century.
James
Guest
I respect Chappells belief in his own judgement. After all he wrote an excellent article on the modern great batsmen i.e Tendulkar,Ponting etc. And never mentioned Kallis once. I can't wait for his observations on the the modern great all rounders.
sheek
Roar Guru
Good morning Spiro, While I obviously revere Richie Benaud along with everyone else & respect Tony Greig's insights & Bill Lawry's apparently wicked humour, Ian Chappell has been a hero to me since my childhood days. Chappelli isn't everyone's cup of tea because he doesn't coat his advice with sugar, he gives it to us straight. Just like Lordy & Topo, among others. And not everyone is comfortable with being given advice unsugared. What I love about Chappelli is his practical, commonsense approach to cricket & life. Something that is often lost in our 'corporate image' obsessed society of today. I agree wholeheartedly there is this infatuation with policy over process which is all part & parcel of the 'corporate image' obsession. I see it happening in my own job, which is an emergency service related job. Just stick to the basics & the rest will flow from that. Good advice not only for our cricketers but our Wallabies as well!
lolly
Guest
Is he out for the whole match, biltong? That's terrible for him.. and for me. I like watching him bowl.
Not so sure it was a great day for us, .duminy is out, so we have only 18 wickets in the match and our best spin option is gone.
Johnno
Guest
Mcgrath is a good commentator I find, he is younger than Tony Greig, Ian Chappelll, and Bill lawry , and benaud the last of the old guard. There is something about Richie Benaud he seems to be ageless and flow with the times no matter what generation he just flows with the times. Mcgrath and Warney I like warney always has some good stories and Mcgrath does well he is still young enough to be still be relevant to the current game, . Maybe as his new wife is younger I have notice Pigeon has become more Worldly and cultured, as his wife is quite glamorous and works in the art industry. Brett Lee has some talant too and always has some good stories to tell and is adaptable. Him and slats work well together on the cricket show. Bingha really interviewed Elyse perry well yesterday , . Bingha has the looks, and style so is adaptable to a female audience which is a win win for channel 9. Bingha does a lot of fashion work he used to work in a men;s suit store, is in a band , is good on the piano to, and on the guitar so has the looks and stlye to get a female audience watching the cricket, something Heals and Tubby, and Slats don't have the same pulling power as Bingha has for the female audience. James Brayshaw is like Slats I find is solid, but both of them will never be like Benaud or Mark Nicholas standard. But Bingha and warney and Mcgrath have a lot of potential , and Gilly i always enjoy when he does some commentating too. Like the new technology with nine, test cricket really felt well in a weird way strangely so much more modern. Like a cloud fell over test cricket this year, it is really trying to jazz it self up more and all this new technology is part of the re-image of it. I would honestly love if they go to day night tests, coloured clothing identifying each country like ODI and T20 the whites are too boring and old fashioned and traditional., Numbers on jerseys, and having crowd callers scream out next batter up when a wicket is done. Can't wait for the pink ball to come out going to be great.