***Official*** New Zealand Domestic Season 2007/08

[Tim]

I'd give him a chance to bulk up. If he's bowling a decent clip at his current size, then if he gets a big bigger he'll be clocking in over 140 regularly.

It's really funny how critical people here have been on these guys when they're only 16/17/18.

 

[Days of Grace]

He he, McCullum taking Martin to the cleaners in the state shield final.

Anyone at the ground today?

 

[Tim]

Superb innings from Guptill i thought. After taking 15 balls to get off the mark, he didn't panic and scored a very good century.

He was prolific at age-group level but struggled in his first few seasons for Auckland but he's looking like he's starting to find his feet now.

 

[Days of Grace]

McCullum has 100* off 52 balls. A NZ limited overs record.

Surely he is the form batsman in the world a.t.m.

 

[Tim]

Fastest one day century in NZ domestic history for McCullum. 100 off just 52 balls.
Man has he turned the corner in the last 6 months.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

Seriously, McCullum has turned into a run scoring machine.

Scoring at a run a ball would be considered slow for McCullum these days. He is striking at atleast 150 this year, surely.

 

[Tim]

It's great to see a guy who promised so much at age group level, actually start to produce the goods at the highest level. He's still only 25/26 as well so plenty of good times ahead if he keeps it up.

 

[Days of Grace]

But can he do it at test level at no.7? That is the big question.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

But can he do it at test level at no.7? That is the big question.

.....and overseas.

Was hoping he would have a shot at 200 in this much, but it doesnt look likely now. I spose it is a final, and you don't wanna be throwing your wicket away.

 

[Bahnz]

I'd give him a chance to bulk up. If he's bowling a decent clip at his current size, then if he gets a big bigger he'll be clocking in over 140 regularly.

It's really funny how critical people here have been on these guys when they're only 16/17/18.

Exactly. Just like Chris Martin clocks over 140 regularly. And I'm not being critical of the young guys. I wish them all the luck in the world. I just find it silly how people start parading them as future greats on the basis of...what? 7-23 against Malaysia? Harry Thompson's village cricket side managed to beat their senior team, although it admittedly was on a Tuesday. Maybe if Kane Williamson had actually scored some runs for ND this season, or Boult had...well...played at all, I'd be more enthusiastic about them and others. And for guys like Anderson and Southee, who have performed well consistently at both U19 and first class level, I am genuinely excited about what they could achieve. But until we actually see some notable performances from the other young players in situations that actually matter, then I fail to see why I should be creaming my pants over the great future of New Zealand cricket.

Unbelievable stuff from McCullum. If he can work on his temperament a little bit, once he reaches that 70-80 score zone, then he really could be the next Gilchrist...touch wood. The problem is he currently really needs a couple of slices of luck every innings to go on and get a big score. Against a side like England who have a poor fielding outfit, and don't necessarily take ODI cricket as seriously as they should, he'll often get that luck. But against, say Australia, where every chance is likely to be taken, and every lbw seems to go their way, you just wonder how often he's going to get past 20, if he continues to offer so many opportunities.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

lolz

McCullum just couldnt quite get that not out.
170 (108)

Not bad.

 

[Somerset]

Outstanding batting from McCullum. Only saw the last 20 overs of the Otago innings so missed the early enslaught. Highest score in a one day match in New Zealand and to score it in a final and against both opening bowlers in the national side...decent effort.

Was surprised the final was even played today to be honest, given the weather was miserable overnight and this morning.

Not sure Chris Martin will be feeling great leading into the test, 1/81 from eight....mind you even Styris got belted by McCullum at the end and knowing Martin's nature he'll likely put it behind him.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Fastest one day century in NZ domestic history for McCullum. 100 off just 52 balls.
Man has he turned the corner in the last 6 months.

Why is it that prats are so often the best players? McCullum gets right on my ****, but its so hard to moan about him when he gets results.

 

[Smudge]

McCullum was a right prat about 7-8 years ago. He's grown up a lot since he met his wife and had a kid.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

McCullum was a right prat about 7-8 years ago. He's grown up a lot since he met his wife and had a kid.

He's still a prat, just no longer a complete ****.

 

[Smudge]

Strongly disagree.

 

[Somerset]

Thats a bit harsh...he seems to have really matured in the last couple of years, his off field behaviour in giving interviews and effectively speaking on behalf of the team as the vice captain has reflected this...calling him a prat these days isn't warranted IMO.

 

[Flem274*]

Exactly. Just like Chris Martin clocks over 140 regularly. And I'm not being critical of the young guys. I wish them all the luck in the world. I just find it silly how people start parading them as future greats on the basis of...what? 7-23 against Malaysia? Harry Thompson's village cricket side managed to beat their senior team, although it admittedly was on a Tuesday. Maybe if Kane Williamson had actually scored some runs for ND this season, or Boult had...well...played at all, I'd be more enthusiastic about them and others. And for guys like Anderson and Southee, who have performed well consistently at both U19 and first class level, I am genuinely excited about what they could achieve. But until we actually see some notable performances from the other young players in situations that actually matter, then I fail to see why I should be creaming my pants over the great future of New Zealand cricket.

Unbelievable stuff from McCullum. If he can work on his temperament a little bit, once he reaches that 70-80 score zone, then he really could be the next Gilchrist...touch wood. The problem is he currently really needs a couple of slices of luck every innings to go on and get a big score. Against a side like England who have a poor fielding outfit, and don't necessarily take ODI cricket as seriously as they should, he'll often get that luck. But against, say Australia, where every chance is likely to be taken, and every lbw seems to go their way, you just wonder how often he's going to get past 20, if he continues to offer so many opportunities.

That is true. They do have great potential though and perhaps next season they will be starters for ND. NDs batting is fairly crap and bowlers like Luke Andrews etc don't really scare anybody so there's a chance they will get a crack.

Why is it that prats are so often the best players? McCullum gets right on my ****, but its so hard to moan about him when he gets results.

Explanation? Just wondering, have you met him? Its something that irks me when people pass character judgement on someone they don't know. I'm just not a fan of it (though I admit I have done it at times, which is hypocritcal)

I'm going to laugh if you mention ego when you have that quote of yours in your sig

 

[NZTailender]

Otago, **** YEAH!!!

Massive innings from McCullum. Think Cumming deserves a mention at the other end, and also grabbing 2 wickets.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Explanation? Just wondering, have you met him? Its something that irks me when people pass character judgement on someone they don't know. I'm just not a fan of it (though I admit I have done it at times, which is hypocritcal)

I'm going to laugh if you mention ego when you have that quote of yours in your sig

Funnily enough, his ego is a little bit cringe-worthy as is the bollocks he talks behind the stumps. I will admit though, that I have not had a conversation with McCullum, though I've been in the room with him a couple of times. A mate of mine who played top level club cricket in Dunedin (until he moved to Wellington) informs me that he's a ****, but that his brother's alright (I think they played soccer together).

He also pisses me off with all the cheap gamesmanship. Running out Murali when congratulating the other Sri Lankan is one thing, but he did the same to Chris Martin's rival for World's Worst Batsman - Chris Mpofu when he congratulated his partner on making a 50. Not only was this completely unnecessary, but the Run Out steals a wicket from the bowler. I'd have been absolutely livid if I'd been on 4 wickets and Mpofu could have been number 5. As it was, in that game Bond had 4 wickets when Mpofu was dismissed.

The batsman scoring his 50 was Mahwire and New Zealand only won by an Innings and 46. Personally, given the circumstances I'd have let Mpofu off (who, lets be honest, can't have been in that situation very often and may well have not known the rules, unlike Murali)

http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/zimbabwe/engine/match/216055.html

I'm sure the batsmen among you won't agree with me at all, but I'd have been livid if I were Shane Bond at that. Imagine if he stole your first test fiver from you?

By the way, I don't mean to rain on McCullum's parade after his innings today, but I've been asked to explain what I'd thought to be a throwaway comment. Top batting from the guy today.