**Official** England in New Zealand

[_Ed_]

But Cumming looked similarly lost last time he opened for us...and that was against Bangladesh.

 

[Natman20]

I'd rather have ANYONE than the Bell of this morning. Cumming a given for a recall surely.

Anything but Cumming again. He can hardly perform at first class level let alone test cricket. Bell played himself into the squad but has been a dissapointment. We always have opening problems I would take him to England but with Ryder as back-up imo.

 

[Neil Pickup]

Get Vettori to do it.

 

[Tim]

What is clear though..Jamie How is the best opener in NZ right now.

 

[_Ed_]

Get Vettori to do it.

That's actually not the daftest idea ever.

 

[Natman20]

Get Vettori to do it.

Good point. He has done it a few times in lower levels. Why not boost him up the order? Can't do any worse than Bell.

 

[Pup Clarke]

Papps discarded a bit to soon IMO.

 

[Retox]

Go for Papps Or Redmond

 

[Tim]

I think NZ will be keeping a close eye on Johan Myburgh. He still has a year or so left to qualify as a citizen here but he's got a bloody good FC record and he's done well opening for Canterbury this season.

 

[Goughy]

Goughy, interested in your opinion on Sidebottom? I'm sure you've probably stated it before, but the only thing I remember reading from you was after the first Test of his recall you said that should be that...have you changed your mind on him?

He has done better than I thought he would. Im still not a big fan, but maybe thats my problem.

I still think its hard to win with guys like this as your main strike bowlers. He would be a good complimentary bowler. A very healthy 3rd bowler in an attack. So my opinion has softened.

He is a good pro that does things well and takes advantage of conditions.

I still think he bowls half a yard too short and too wide. He looks an unlucky bowler but he is just a fraction short of the full length he should be bowling.

He is IMO, the best bowler in this England side but that doesnt say alot.
Im not going to criticise the guy as his form has been good. A credit to the maligned CC in that a guy can be pulled out and perform well.

 

[Natman20]

I think NZ will be keeping a close eye on Johan Myburgh. He still has a year or so left to qualify as a citizen here but he's got a bloody good FC record and he's done well opening for Canterbury this season.

Is NZ becoming more attractive to play now? There seems to be a few from SA that have come over eg. Van Wyk, Myburgh, Eliott. Even attracting off season players eg. Strauss and Shreck.

 

[Pup Clarke]

I still think its hard to win with guys like this as your main strike bowlers. He would be a good complimentary bowler.

Honestly don't see where you're coming from?

He moves it both ways, can swing it, has very decent control and has what seems like a wonderful attitude to bowling. Sidebottom to be at his effective best would have to be given the new ball.

 

[Smudge]

Geez, they're not letting Anderson settle at all. Punished him for 14 in his first over back.

 

[Tim]

Jamie How pulling it out of the screws now.

 

[Halfpast_Yellow]

Cumming was scratchy against Bangladesh but as I said before, ANYONE would be better than Bell right now.

Jesse Ryder insane call though. Opening in a test match in England? Probably the best way to ruin his career as an int test Batsman.

Papps maybe, at least he has toured England before, awful though he was there.

 

[wpdavid]

Anderson carrying on where he left off at the other end.

Had to smile at the NZers worrying about Bell. That's only one duffer in the side guys. Some of us are having to follow a side with about 8, and it's not fun.

Anyway, enjoy your day. You won't come across weaker or more spineless opponents this side of Bangladesh, but that's our problem not yours.

 

[chalky]

14 of Anderson's comback over looks like he is back to form in this test - what the England selectors see in him is a mystery to me.

All the while Mathhew Hoggard sits in the sheds.

 

[Tim]

Well clearly Strauss was here to prepare for the England series while Shreck and Gidman were probably hoping for a speight of injuries so they could earn a call-up.

But like England, South African's are finding NZ an attractive place to come and live now.

 

[Retox]

Anderson carrying on where he left off at the other end.

Had to smile at the NZers worrying about Bell. That's only one duffer in the side guys. Some of us are having to follow a side with about 8, and it's not fun.

Anyway, enjoy your day. You won't come across weaker or more spineless opponents this side of Bangladesh, but that's our problem not yours.

We also have Sinclair

 

[Pup Clarke]

Well clearly Strauss was here to prepare for the England series while Shreck and Gidman were probably hoping for a speight of injuries so they could earn a call-up.

Haha, would take a number of injuries for Gidman to get called up, he's pretty far down the pecking order tbh.