Always had the talent but only in the last few years has he really focused on his batting. To great effect this year.I know Franklin has a Test 100, but I'm really starting to see the value he has with the bat and what he can bring to the team. I know heh as been going great for Wellington with the bat in the last few seasons, but as he always from the outset being a good batsman or has been in the last several years he put his down and got the most out of himself with the bat?
I'm not a big fan of Vettori in test matches, doesn't spin it enough to be a strong enough threat. But in saying that Patel isn't the greatest off-spinner going around. He could get better if he is given more game time though.Who else agrees that Jeetan Patel should play in every single test NZ play. Vettori looks less and less threating every game. Look at how well Singh has bowled in this game.
I'm thinking if they do get out at any stage conditions will be perfect for Zaheer to hoop it round in circles and run through NZ pretty quickly.It'll rain tonight, meaning a late start, and play won't go past 5pm even if its clear all day due to light. And it may even rain tomorrow. Draw is great odds too. Bet away lads.
Really I think we're looking at 2 hours of play and in that case we have Taylor, Franklin, Vettori and McCullum (and O'Briens defensive technique) to drag us over the line. India barely even looks interested in winning this.I'm thinking if they do get out at any stage conditions will be perfect for Zaheer to hoop it round in circles and run through NZ pretty quickly.
Alright, you've sold me. But if you spoil my 100% 2009 record, i'll be angry.Really I think we're looking at 2 hours of play and in that case we have Taylor, Franklin, Vettori and McCullum (and O'Briens defensive technique) to drag us over the line. India barely even looks interested in winning this.
NZ were down 80-4, and I think that meant India did attack. However the last hour of play really perplexed because it was as if they were playing for the sake of it. The intensity was lacking and things became farcical when Sehwag was bowling. Perhaps it was the light. But I still think India will win this comfortably tomorrow, provided rain stays away.Why the hell didn't India attack? Its going to rain tomorrow, that ready to just draw a match while so firmly on top?
Hardly a champions mentality.
Yeah I don't rate either of them in the test arena tbh. Give Nethula a go.I'm not a big fan of Vettori in test matches, doesn't spin it enough to be a strong enough threat. But in saying that Patel isn't the greatest off-spinner going around. He could get better if he is given more game time though.
AmenThis team has real promise. Maybe its time to get behind them, eh?
Cliche #231. What constitutes giving their wickets away? Getting out while trying to score runs? How, err, awful...First up, they have to show some guts, and not give their wickets away when batting. If they get a draw tomorrow, they might have earned back some respect from me.
The bowling is a real worry. Has all the penetration of an 80 year-old priest.