**Official** New Zealand in Australia

[Mister Wright]

The late order batting in Australia's first innings could become crucial. I think it was the difference in Australia's first innings lead. New Zealand will need to wrap up the lower order quite quickly if they are any chance.

 

[inbox24]

I think this series and the India series have shown that we've truly lost our batting aura. Previously I'd have thought the likes of Hayden, Ponting and Clarke could always drive us out of all sorts of trouble, but now it's the case of only if they fire we do alright.

 

[kingkallis]

The late order batting in Australia's first innings could become crucial. I think it was the difference in Australia's first innings lead. New Zealand will need to wrap up the lower order quite quickly if they are any chance.

Thats where Kiwis need Bond! He would have been lethal on this wicket with TOP order, let alone the tail!

 

[_Ed_]

We've done alright with the top order without him though, Katich and Clarke aside.

 

[S.P. Fleming]

Chasing 250 still gives the advantage to Australia and sets a very tough total but it will mean that we are in with a hunt of winning a test in Australia, something that doesnt happen too often. I am actually really exited about the chase because we could be on the verge of something very special.

 

[S.P. Fleming]

I agree about the aussie tail. The first hour tommorow is crucially important because if Australia can build a couple of partnerships then the chase will become increasingly difficult. We need quick wickets!

 

[kingkallis]

We've done alright with the top order without him though, Katich and Clarke aside.

Thats the major difference! Clarke did it in 1st innings and Katto doing the same in 2nd...

Who will play such knocks for Kiwis? Flynn and How are my guess but they need greedy 50s from both of them!

Its going to be a fun filled day!

 

[Perm]

Flynn was the most impressive thing to come out of today IMO, showed real guts.

 

[Uppercut]

Flynn was the most impressive thing to come out of today IMO, showed real guts.

Felt sorry for him, stranded trying to build a test innings while everyone else in the team decided to play one-day cricket for some unknown reason.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Flynn: can edge a ball.

 

[Athlai]

Flynn: Lets not get carried away.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

The NZ batting order is all screwy (I realise people (namely Bahnz) have been saying this ad nauseum). Flynn should be at 5, Oram at 6 (when fit, obviously) and Macca at 7. Elliot probably a 7 so Macca moves up here, but still. There's no sense in having your 3 most aggressive and reckless players one after another, it's just asking for serious trouble.

 

[Uppercut]

The NZ batting order is all screwy (I realise people (namely Bahnz) have been saying this ad nauseum). Flynn should be at 5, Oram at 6 (when fit, obviously) and Macca at 7. Elliot probably a 7 so Macca moves up here, but still. There's no sense in having your 3 most aggressive and reckless players one after another, it's just asking for serious trouble.

Their best batsman is at 8.

 

[Athlai]

Vettori is good but he's not our best we just say that to make ourselves feel better when 5 down.

 

[silentstriker]

I am absolutely loving this pitch. PLEASE make more of them!

Also, hopefully the same people who whined about the Kanpur pitch whine about this one. Even though both first innings scores were higher on that than on this one.

 

[Rant0r]

I am absolutely loving this pitch. PLEASE make more of them!

here here

 

[Rant0r]

does flynn remind anyone else of ashwell prince ?

 

[Uppercut]

Vettori is good but he's not our best we just say that to make ourselves feel better when 5 down.

Third current batsman, behind Ryder and Flynn.

And they've not played much, so close enough. Also the top run scorer incidentally, despite the seemingly unlimited amount of not-outs.

 

[Uppercut]

I am absolutely loving this pitch. PLEASE make more of them!

Also, hopefully the same people who whined about the Kanpur pitch whine about this one. Even though both first innings scores were higher on that than on this one.

The batting's been far worse. But i'm completely sold on the merits of Kanpur now, having seen the alternative during the Ind-Aus series.

 

[andruid]

does flynn remind anyone else of ashwell prince ?

kinda but he is not as gun