**Official** New Zealand v Pakistan in UAE

[Howsie]

God, we really like losing wickets in clusters.

 

[andyc]

I had a post but then my internet had *** iwth itself.

He's a keeper, so he catches all the balls. Batting is extra.

If we let him have bargfights again, he could smash the oppos best players. That would be handy.

He coudl win us a game here. as for the last time he doesn't, i don;t really remember or care, statsguru is soooooooooooo ghey atm because I'm happy and i don't want to run into maths when i dont want to think.

Loving drunk Flem.

And McCullum brings up the century, who'd have thought?

 

[Howsie]

Congrats to McCullum on a well made 100, hopefully he goes on.

 

[Stapel]

Are Pakistan using a spinner for the death overs, or what?

 

[Nate]

McCullum to make his highest ODI score.

Ahhh, close-ish.

Top innings Macca!

 

[nightprowler10]

Not sure if this was the best move, using Ajmal as a death bowler. He's no Saqlain.

 

[Blakey]

How long is Taylor going to persist with this appalling form? Averaging 30 for the last 12 months. What's the schedule for this team after this series?

Any chance of him going back to domestic cricket?

 

[Blakey]

Last ball deliveries are killing it for the kiwi's.

 

[Blakey]

Last three overs were maidens until the final balls - 4, 4, wide then 4, - next two overs after this runs off the last ball? 4, 4.

 

[Blakey]

Bond being treated with disdain.

 

[Hurricane]

Great win New Zealand.

Just tuned in to see Guptil take the last two catches.

Well done McCullum hopefully that will secure his opening spot for the next while at least.

Good to see Styris get a handful of wickets to make a contribution to the team.

 

[GGG]

Anyone catch the LBW appeal from Vettori, it was plumb. Where's that "bastered umpire" fellow now?

 

[GGG]

from cricinfo "Danny lashes out from UK: "As a (semi) impartial viewer I can't help but be tickled by all of these comments regarding McCullum: you all seem to think that he is some sort of saviour for NZ cricket, and this simply is not the case. The sorry fact is that he is a pretty average player, with a below average technique and a pretty pitiful batting average in ODI cricket. If he is the world beater that you all claim then how is it that his only ODI century to date came against Ireland! Essentially he is a player that on his day, given a good track and a weak or inconsistent attack can take the game away from the opposition, nothing more, nothing less. NZ would look a FAR worse team with him missing that they do with him in the side, so stop complaining and embrace the unpredictability! ""

So I take it you watched the game Scaly piscine?

 

[Hurricane]

Obviously they count, which as I said is why he averages as much as he does in Test cricket (still not even 40). If the pitches consistently have a bit more in them then he'd be nearer 30. This is relevant to him not being suited as a top order batsman in ODIs because he simply doesn't last long against a new ball on anything other than a complete road (or a minnow bowling attack). He is what he is, a middle order player to convert platforms into big totals against the slower bowlers and seamers coming back with an old ball.

If he was an Aussie the first question would be - would he be selected. If yes then you are probably right he would make a good contribution at 6 rather than 4 for the Aussies.

But for New Zealand we have few other options to put in at 4. Styris would be his competition for that spot I guess. So given our limited talent pool he is a star for us. Even if he may not rate as a star if he was playing for one of the top countries. He is a big fish in a small pond. IMHO he does a good job at 4 and has to show a lot of character to bail us out of tough situations. He is also a class above some of his fellow top order country men such as Fulton and Flynn.

It is a shame that he failed last night. I waiting for him to score a good eighty so that I can say there you go.

 

[Polo23]

If he was an Aussie the first question would be - would he be selected. If yes then you are probably right he would make a good contribution at 6 rather than 4 for the Aussies.

But for New Zealand we have few other options to put in at 4. Styris would be his competition for that spot I guess. So given our limited talent pool he is a star for us. Even if he may not rate as a star if he was playing for one of the top countries. He is a big fish in a small pond. IMHO he does a good job at 4 and has to show a lot of character to bail us out of tough situations. He is also a class above some of his fellow top order country men such as Fulton and Flynn.

It is a shame that he failed last night. I waiting for him to score a good eighty so that I can say there you go.

Well said.

To be perfectly honest I don't know too many batsmen who are good on a green pitch with the new/ish ball. All in all, i'd much rather Ross Taylor than Ian Bell

 

[Scaly piscine]

It's not green pitches though (not that you get many of those) - it's practically any pitch which allows the new ball to move around a little.

 

[DingDong]

i must say i'm just happy none of the nz posters from this forum arent selectors. you lot would have dropped mccullum ages ago. just shows form is temporary and class is permanent.

 

[Flem274*]

3/23 against India much?

In fact, any test he plays much?

Our openers are always out. Our middle order gets lots of practice against the new ball. I think he'd be used to it by now.

Anyway, who cares what Scaly says atm, we won. Lol McCullum. Good hundred, can't wait to get home and catch a replay.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

Poor Scaly, McCullum ruining your evening like that.....

 

[Athlai]

Well that worked out pretty well for me.