Pure time is definitely available at malfunctioning self-service checkouts at Sainsbury’s.

It just means ‘ages’. As in: “Ah man, England haven’t scored decent first innings runs in pure time.”

yes, i was wondering about that

Every team needs one spinner at all times*. Beyond that depends on conditions.

* so the captain isn’t fined and banned for a slow over rate

Every team should have at lease one spinner. But, when playing against India – make sure that the spinner picked is an attacking option rather than one to hold up an end. Both might get hit for runs but the attacking spinner at least gets some returns.

(I don’t consider Tahir as much of an attacking spinner – though SA’s next choice must be Robin Peterson who in comparison is the defensive spinner)

It would have been labeled irresponsible, stupid, and all other sorts of other interesting adjectives in this case too if he had gotten out sooner – like Dhawan was. That attitude is only admired when it comes off.

Not sure about a spinner, but every team should definitely have a Chanderpaul.

@Micko: A little bit of toolness never hurt anyone. Ricky Ponting is a great example.
Completely agree with your comment about the Ashes. Shows how one-eyed Ashes journalism can be.

Of course if he was playing in a losing Ashes team that sort of attitude would be labeled irresponsible, stupid, and all other sorts of other interesting adjectives.