**Official** Pakistan in New Zealand (3 tests)

[Howsie]

That was a fantastic ball from Gul. I liked that innings from McCullum, he actually looked in top form during it (unlike a few times this year). So hoping Vettori can get his 100 though, he's been lucky on the odd occassion, but he's batted very well for the most part.

If New Zealand can get another 50-70 runs from here we should be well set, but this pitch is playing pretty well so the next day or so could be difficult.

 

[Cruxdude]

Brilliant batting by Vettori. What a player !!!

 

[Polo23]

Don't forget NZ's normal 2nd innings self destruction. If we don't get a 100+ run lead on the first innings we may well just screw this up completely.

 

[Athlai]

Don't forget NZ's normal 2nd innings self destruction. If we don't get a 100+ run lead on the first innings we may well just screw this up completely.

Haha pessimism is awesome.

Think Vettori will be a huge handful in the 2nd innings considering the uneven bounce.

 

[NZTailender]

Polo23 has a point. We've quite often made a competitive first innings score only to collapse the second time round.

It's a bit dark and overcast over my house but out towards the harbour where the Oval is covered with light fluffy clouds interspersed with blue sky. If there's rain, there shouldn't be a lot of it.

 

[Top_Cat]

Thats why I have no time for test cricket in the subcontinent. The sub standard pitches and dull draws in the region with the majority of cricket fans is the chief reason for the decline of test cricket

Come on. Been flat pitches there since time immemorial and 0-0 draws are nothing new. It's maybe helped kill off Tests in India but that's about it.

That said, the Test in NZ looks a good'un. Great to see a fight from the NZ lower-order against what would be a pretty spirited (if a bit inexperienced) Pakistan attack.

 

[aussie]

+100

the best all rounder in the last 15 years

No. But he is the best spin bowling all-rounder since Benaud for sure now which is great, since there hasn't been many of them in cricket history.

 

[Howsie]

Classic Match and LOL at Matthew Bell's stance.

 

[NZ Guy]

Wow Bell used to have a rather odd stance!

 

[Prince EWS]

I'm about 90% sure this is a Sinclair double ton game (the game on the highlights atm, that is).

 

[nz0003]

Bell used to bat like a spastic.

 

[_Ed_]

I'm about 90% sure this is a Sinclair double ton game (the game on the highlights atm, that is).

Yeah, and Yousuf got one too.

Even Saqlain got a ton.

 

[_Ed_]

There's one commentator in this old game that I can't recognise.

I've heard Smith, Coney, Crowe, Larsen, and this other guy. Anyone have any idea?

 

[Prince EWS]

Yeah, and Yousuf got one too.

Even Saqlain got a ton.

And Richardson got a wicket IIRC.

 

[Howsie]

I thought Sami was suppose to be quick, he's medium pace in this game.

 

[_Ed_]

I'm thinking that mystery commentator is Chris Cairns.

 

[Howsie]

****, Chris Martin used to average three.

 

[Athlai]

Man Vettori has been immense this year
579 @ 72.37
Taylor has been great too
575 @ 57.50

Doully said earlier that Vettori has easily been our best batsman in the last two years, but I'd personally say Taylor is above him. Vettori a close second and Ryder a close third.

After that the cupboard gets a bit empty, McCullum?

 

[_Ed_]

5 minutes ago it said play would resume at 4:05, now it's saying "suspended until further notice"...wonder if it's started raining again.

 

[Howsie]

Chris Martin looks funny.