I was expecting the host nations to produce wickets that would suit them, but instead they have produced completely flat and lifeless pitches. How boring. The fields are small and the out-fields very fast. Today when we talk of a "good" pitch we invariably mean good for batting.
The game is too much in the batsman's favour. Part of it is due to 20 over cricket, no doubt. Batsmen have learned some skills from it. Surprisingly, it doesn't seem to have affected their technique; 20 over cricket is all about smashing the ball as hard as you can for a short time, and not worrying about your wicket. Bats are much better than they were 10 years ago. Power-plays, ball changes at 34 overs, everything in the batsman's favour. How far will they go? Do they want every game to have 600 runs or more? It's ridiculous.
Enough of that. England look in bad shape, losing to Ireland? What a great day for them, magnificent innings by Kevin O'Brien. England will have to win against SA. Not an easy task. Anyway, KP likes the South African bowling. Fantastic draw England had with India. And they say 50 over cricket is dying.