**Official** New Zealand in England

[zaremba]

Sidebottom went for the ball, it was just unfortunate that he moved into Elliot's line and prevented him from going any further.

Sidebottom was on that line from the moment he bowled the ball. Elliott intercepted him, not the other way round. I'm not 100% sure Elliott didn't do it deliberately.

 

[Flem274*]

Here's a question that the world has been wanting answered since time immemorial - as fundamental to the universe as the meaning of life.... Has anyone, yourself included, ever succeeded in changing Richard's mind about something without first having to at least bash their head so many times against a brick wall that their head has turned all soft and mushy??

Even I can answer that one.





Bet you're surprised to hear that No one can stop the chaotic horror of the Richard opinion rampage.

 

[_Ed_]

Can only think of one who shrugs it off and thats Martin

Yeah, that's true.

Looks like a nice bloke, that Martin.

 

[Dick Rockett]

I'm not sure "poorer" is the right word.... Maybe the phrase "more on topic" would work better there.

Ah Heath, sometimes "more on topic" is the less desirable path to travel.

When it comes to trolling on one particular subject, TH and SP are on par for mine.

No ****ing way. Aside from ranting about Vettori, thierry henry is quality. Scaly has precisely zero redeeming features.


Edit: holy crap, the replies to this thread are coming thick and fast aren't they?

 

[Somerset]

Yeah...if a young SL fast bowler had an awful record in SL domestic cricket, somehow got picked for the national side, and proceeded to remain in the squad despite also being poor at international level, I'd make the exact same comment

And Patel internationally has been poor how? Hes hardly played and when he has he's generally made an impact! Out of interest, who'd be your second spinner in your New Zealand side? Patel is far superior to the new group of Bruce Martin, Corey Anderson, Nathan McCullum, etc.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Can only think of one who shrugs it off and thats Martin (Haven't seen Southee or O'Brien enough to judge their reactions to things going wrong). The rest (especially Mills) don't exactly take things nicely.

O'Brien always has that pained, vacant expression on his face except when he takes a wicket, when he kisses his ring (naughty that at your peril).

 

[Jono]

Sidebottom was on that line from the moment he bowled the ball. Elliott intercepted him, not the other way round. I'm not 100% sure Elliott didn't do it deliberately.

Lol, and now we have another extreme. Elliot did not intentionally crash into Sidebottom. That's stupid considering there was no guarantee he wouldn't be run out by not doing it, and instead put him at greater risk.

It was neither Elliot or Sidebottom's fault.

 

[Flem274*]

Sidebottom was on that line from the moment he bowled the ball. Elliott intercepted him, not the other way round. I'm not 100% sure Elliott didn't do it deliberately.

Pretty sure it was just an accident tbh. Sidebottom didn't look like it was deliberate and unless Elliott is ******** he wouldn't charge at the bowler whilst trying to run a quick single.

 

[_Ed_]

And Patel internationally has been poor how? Hes hardly played and when he has he's generally made an impact! Out of interest, who'd be your second spinner in your New Zealand side? Patel is far superior to the new group of Bruce Martin, Corey Anderson, Nathan McCullum, etc.

Bring back Brooke! Bring back Bradburn!

 

[thierry henry]

Here's a question that the world has been wanting answered since time immemorial - as fundamental to the universe as the meaning of life.... Has anyone, yourself included, ever succeeded in changing Richard's mind about something without first having to at least bash their head so many times against a brick wall that their head has turned all soft and mushy??

I don't think so, but at least he rarely pulls me up on the things we disagree on....iirc he actually doesn't mind Vettori, rather he thinks he's "utterly innocuous like all left-arm finger spinners are forever destined to be unless the conditions are extremely helpful, in which case Vettori is really rather competent", or something like that.....which I actually kinda agree with, but which is also sorta the reason why it's ridiculous to pin your hopes on that sort of bowler in the first place...

 

[NZTailender]

Yeah...if a young SL fast bowler had an awful record in SL domestic cricket, somehow got picked for the national side, and proceeded to remain in the squad despite also being poor at international level, I'd make the exact same comment

You've just about described every New Zealand spinner to ever play pretty much, not to mention some seam bowlers and batsmen.

Daniel Vettori is a top class ODI bowler, and an 'adequate' Test bowler (not to mention he has been a very good bat for us for the past few years). If his batting wasn't what it is, and he averaged about 9, I'd probably advocate for his dropping. But he is an intelligent captain and what you might even say a good all-rounder. Also, he has a better attitude for cricket than most other New Zealand cricketers - something we sorely lack: a killer instinct.

The only conceivable option who might be better in NZ at the moment is Bruce Martin, but he's unlikely to get called up unless Vettori gets injured.

 

[_Ed_]

O'Brien always has that pained, vacant expression on his face except when he takes a wicket, when he kisses his ring (naughty that at your peril).

I've wondered why he does that.

Does he wear the ring at all times, apart from taking it off when he washes his hands? If so, it's rather unhygienic to kiss it.

 

[Flem274*]

And Patel internationally has been poor how? Hes hardly played and when he has he's generally made an impact! Out of interest, who'd be your second spinner in your New Zealand side? Patel is far superior to the new group of Bruce Martin, Corey Anderson, Nathan McCullum, etc.

Bruce Martin-better than Patel tbh.

Corey Anderson-he's my age and he's an allrounder that is a seamer. Not sure why he's mentioned.

Nathan McCullum-As a bowler Patel wins. McCullum has a better allround package though.

 

[thierry henry]

And Patel internationally has been poor how?

In ODIs (hasn't played enough tests to really judge) his average and economy rate are not good enough....which is really rather important.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

And Patel internationally has been poor how? Hes hardly played and when he has he's generally made an impact! Out of interest, who'd be your second spinner in your New Zealand side? Patel is far superior to the new group of Bruce Martin, Corey Anderson, Nathan McCullum, etc.

Last time I saw Corey Anderson, he was a left-arm medium pacer...

Do you mean Robbie Schaw by any chance??

 

[thierry henry]

Roneel Hira ftw btw

 

[NZTailender]

Patel is far superior to the new group of Bruce Martin, Corey Anderson, Nathan McCullum, etc.

DWTA. Remember Martin being pretty darn good when I've seen him bowl (not a lot admittedly, only in List A/T20 matches). He went overseas on an A tour and went pretty well too IIRC. Suffers from being a slow left armer, like Vettori. Patel is just about the opposite, so it makes sense to pick him for 'variety'. Also IIRC Patel was picked because he had a reputation as a good death bowler.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Bring back Brooke! Bring back Bradburn!

One name - Chris Mary Kuggle-juggle. Top class Kiwi spinner.... Mmmmm good.

 

[Flem274*]

Roneel Hira ftw btw

Have you actualy found a spinner you like?

 

[Somerset]

I watch the Aussies all the time, I think Vettori is at least as bad. Generally the Aussies end up getting fined for it, Vettori does it routinely and gets away with it.

I'm not really concerned with his captaincy style, more with the example it sets when an average player with massive raps on himself is captain, and then conducts himself so poorly to boot.

Vettori at least as bad as some of the Australians? Theres a difference between over-appealing and passionately appealing. Personally I think Vettori is a very passionate appealer. I don't think you have any real case there.

And as I said before, I've found the conducting of himself to be more than appropriate for a New Zealand captain. As far massive raps on himself, I disagree although I would perceive Vettori to have self-confidence in his captaincy and bowling; would you prefer a captain without any confidence in his own ability?