superkingdave
Hall of Fame Member
Reckon 4-1 or 3-1 to NZ in the ODI's.
A repeat of last series in NZ with a 1-1 test scoreline. England's top six is stronger than the Kiwi's (If Prior were still there England would have a top seven all averaging over 40, interesting to know when that has happened before), saw some of the Bangladesh series and though there were some dodgy decisions, i thought Cumming and Sinclair looked particularly vulnerable, Fleming and Oram the two to worry about in the top six imo. Cook, Vaughan and Bell to be England's best - KP to turn it on in one knock or two. Strauss to be average and Collingwood to struggle. England's lower order is dire in comparison. I expect the lower order runs from Mcullum, Vettori and Mills/Franklin to be crucial in at least one test.
The bowling attacks are probably well matched, expect both Hoggard and Martin to be successful and Sidebottom and Franklin(if he plays) to do ok. Neither spinner to particularly prosper but Vettori to do better than Panesar and do well against the tail if needed.
Depending on the weather one team might sneak it either way but i think 1-1 is the safer bet.
Combined NZ/England test side
Cook
Vaughan
Fleming
Pietersen
Bell
Oram
Mcullum
Vettori
Sidebottom/Franklin
Hoggard
Martin
Interesting to see the call ups to the Lions squad for injuries, can't ever imagine Shreck and Kirby making the England side let alone being successful. The pace attack from Shreck, Kirby, Onions, Richardson and Plunkett isn't going to frighten any of the Indian sides. The batting looks a bit better but can't help but feel Yardy should be cut adrift.
A repeat of last series in NZ with a 1-1 test scoreline. England's top six is stronger than the Kiwi's (If Prior were still there England would have a top seven all averaging over 40, interesting to know when that has happened before), saw some of the Bangladesh series and though there were some dodgy decisions, i thought Cumming and Sinclair looked particularly vulnerable, Fleming and Oram the two to worry about in the top six imo. Cook, Vaughan and Bell to be England's best - KP to turn it on in one knock or two. Strauss to be average and Collingwood to struggle. England's lower order is dire in comparison. I expect the lower order runs from Mcullum, Vettori and Mills/Franklin to be crucial in at least one test.
The bowling attacks are probably well matched, expect both Hoggard and Martin to be successful and Sidebottom and Franklin(if he plays) to do ok. Neither spinner to particularly prosper but Vettori to do better than Panesar and do well against the tail if needed.
Depending on the weather one team might sneak it either way but i think 1-1 is the safer bet.
Combined NZ/England test side
Cook
Vaughan
Fleming
Pietersen
Bell
Oram
Mcullum
Vettori
Sidebottom/Franklin
Hoggard
Martin
Interesting to see the call ups to the Lions squad for injuries, can't ever imagine Shreck and Kirby making the England side let alone being successful. The pace attack from Shreck, Kirby, Onions, Richardson and Plunkett isn't going to frighten any of the Indian sides. The batting looks a bit better but can't help but feel Yardy should be cut adrift.
