**Official** England in New Zealand

[Days of Grace]

Mark Richardson making an interesting - if slightly optimistic point:

"Let's say tomorrow was the first day of the test match. Looking at the wicket, it shows no sign of wear and tear, good covering of grass is holding it together. If tomorrow was the first day you would win the toss and bat first and back yourself to score 400."

 

[GIMH]

A lot of declaration talk on the commentary...no need at this point, though I secretly (!) think we have enough now. I am an eternal optimist in many ways though

 

[Richard]

150 up.

299 lead up.

 

[Richard]

Mark Richardson making an interesting - if slightly optimistic point:

"Let's say tomorrow was the first day of the test match. Looking at the wicket, it shows no sign of wear and tear, good covering of grass is holding it together. If tomorrow was the first day you would win the toss and bat first and back yourself to score 400."

Possibly rather optimistic, but from our POV that's certainly something we need to take into account.

There's no forecast of rain AFAIK, so it makes no sense to declare earlier than we need to. We simply cannot afford to leave NZ in with a chance if we have the opportunity to not do so.

 

[GIMH]

301 lead up

 

[Richard]

Now now, we know what the rules about spamming are...









302 lead up.







Seriously, mind, it's encouraging how we're managing to get singles often the last few overs.

 

[superkingdave]

Possibly rather optimistic, but from our POV that's certainly something we need to take into account.

There's no forecast of rain AFAIK, so it makes no sense to declare earlier than we need to. We simply cannot afford to leave NZ in with a chance if we have the opportunity to not do so.

showers tomorrow according to kiwi radio tbh

 

[Richard]

Yeah? Damn. Regular like or just morning\evening\half-hour?

 

[GIMH]

As long as we're not going to lose more than, say, a session, I think we should try and bat for the rest of the day regardless. As you say, still would give us 150+ to bowl them out, which we should be capable of doing if we are serious about winning Test matches!

 

[Richard]

FFS, Vettori oversteps as per usual. Really annoys me when spinners bowl no-balls and Vettori does it so damn often.

 

[GIMH]

Didn't know that was a pet hate of yours Rich

Also, where's Brumby? Must be getting pissed, the bastard. He's generally a stalwart of these threads when we play, no?

 

[Richard]

Nah, has hardly posted this series TBH.

Don't blame him if he's out on the lash, though, obv. I would myself but, well, Exeter is **** at the current time on all days bar Mondays.

 

[Richard]

Oh dear.

 

[Jamee999]

Pietersen run out?

 

[GIMH]

balls

 

[GIMH]

balls balls balls

 

[GIMH]

Nah, has hardly posted this series TBH.

Don't blame him if he's out on the lash, though, obv. I would myself but, well, Exeter is **** at the current time on all days bar Mondays.

Isn't this the point where someone normally makes a Tuesday joke, maybe with a thrown in?

 

[Richard]

FFS, Vettori oversteps as per usual. Really annoys me when spinners bowl no-balls and Vettori does it so damn often.

Almost as much as it annoys me when batsmen get run-out backing-up.

 

[Bahnz]

KP gawn. Funny how these things usually tend to even out in the end.

 

[GIMH]

What do you mean by "these things"?