***Official*** New Zealand in Australia 2011

[howardj]

Sounds an obvious thing, but NZ need to bowl at the stumps today especially while the ball is still new (the ball should remain in good condition well into the innings, given the grass on this pitch). James Anderson - the king of bowling at the stumps early doors (as distinct from the corridor outside off stump).

 

[howardj]

I can reveal that Pattinson yesterday became the first Australian to take five wickets in consecutive innings since.... all the way back to Carlos Rackers Rackemann, who took 5-32 and 6-86 against Pakistan at the WACA in 1983.

 

[robelinda]

Carl was unplayable that season. Looked like 4 Matthew Haydens running in to bowl, massive bugger. Should've played WAY more tests, I laughed when he was picked for the 1995 tour of the West Indies, he was never going to play, it was like the selectors just gave him a paid holiday for his hard work over the years.

 

[Zinzan]

For us to be competitive we really, really need Southee to have a blinder. Boult and Bracewell are a bit of an unknown quantity and am doubtful if they have it in them to grab more than 1 wicket each - most likely from batsman error than good bowling. Martin will probably pick up 2-3 as usual but probably for 70 runs, which will be useless if the others don't pull their weight.

That said, I really hope Boult comes out, cranks it up and is dangerous with his left arm variation (I cringed typing that...) and Southee comes on and does the same from the opposite end. If Bracewell could repeat his spell from Brisbane but get rewarded, that'd be sweet. A lot of hope there, though, and not enough confidence.

I'm actually feeling uncharacteristically optimistic about NZ's prospects today. I just have a feeling this might be one of those days where Australia actually nick a few as opposed to constantly playing and missing. I really liked what I saw of Boult in his couple of overs yesterday. Bowls a nice line at reasonable pace & like you said NZT, if Bracewell could just have a bit of luck it's not inconceivable that we could roll Australia for not much over 200 provided the wicket is just as spicy this morning.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

Anyone found a decent highlights reel of yesterday? All the ones I've found are pretty rudimentary, not much apart from wickets.

 

[Pup Clarke]

By all means, if she's a half volley, or there to be driven or pulled, then smash it.

TBH I'd argue that the Martin ball was basically a half volley, and that the majority of batsmen would of put it away, but Hughes's feet are so stationary that he makes it a good length ball.

 

[howardj]

When you know that bad light will impact the day...good god man, you can't start an hour early. Just half an hour. No particular reason...you just can't.

 

[straw man]

NZ need to hold any catches they get a sniff, a whiff or even a spikey gif of this morning. Lucky we have specialist fielder Martin Guptill who was committed enough to have his spare toes grafted onto his hands as extra fingers - I think this sort of surgical augmentation will become more popular, or even necessary in the future.

It will be an interesting morning.

 

[Furball]

Anyone found a decent highlights reel of yesterday? All the ones I've found are pretty rudimentary, not much apart from wickets.

New Zealand scored pretty much **** all in the way of boundaries.

 

[Crazy Sam]

It would not shock me to see Australia fall into a screaming heap today. Teams don't need Shane Bonds these days to spark collapses in the side.

 

[Bahnz]

OK, how long do you think it'll be before the selectors ruin Brownlie by deciding he'll make a great opener?

 

[robelinda]

Hah, i was just thinking that its surely not too long before Brownlie is batting 3 or something, he is good, but not a 3 you would think. Whats with NZ cricket that they always have a solid middle order but just never seem to find any decent openers??? Been so long since the days of John Wright. Always thought Andrew Jones was very limited as a batsman but made a fine #3 for NZ.

 

[hazsa19]

Does play start at the same time as yesterday? Sky coverage doesn't start for another hour.

 

[straw man]

Hah, i was just thinking that its surely not too long before Brownlie is batting 3 or something, he is good, but not a 3 you would think. Whats with NZ cricket that they always have a solid middle order but just never seem to find any decent openers??? Been so long since the days of John Wright. Always thought Andrew Jones was very limited as a batsman but made a fine #3 for NZ.

Only recently realised what an incredible average that man had.

NZ should just request that we get to play two number 5 batsmen and two number 6s IMO.

 

[Bahnz]

Hah, i was just thinking that its surely not too long before Brownlie is batting 3 or something, he is good, but not a 3 you would think. Whats with NZ cricket that they always have a solid middle order but just never seem to find any decent openers??? Been so long since the days of John Wright. Always thought Andrew Jones was very limited as a batsman but made a fine #3 for NZ.

Truth is, New Zealand have had **** all quality top order batsman in the last 20 years. Fleming and Richardson were both good, and they were a huge part of the success New Zealand had from 2000 to early 2004. However, either side of those two, New Zealand really haven't had any genuine quality openers since Wright retired. Brian Young had his moments I suppose, but very little else.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

Starting now.

Looks like the guys at cricinfo have slept in.

 

[Zinzan]

I'll be sooo annoyed if Aust continue to play & miss without edging considering NZ edged & played-on almost everything yesterday

 

[Burgey]

Yeah, as Matt Hayden said himself the other day, you've got to show respect for the first 30 balls or so - keep the ball close to you, and don't go wafting early doors. By all means, if she's a half volley, or there to be driven or pulled, then smash it. But otherwise, keep the flourishing shots in the locker until you've faced 30 balls or so, especially against the new ball.

It's more nuanced than a dope like Langer saying the other day: "just go and play your natural game".

Lol, this from the bloke who doe-si-doed down the track and drop kicked Hoggard 12 rows back in the 5th over of a Boxing Day Test.

 

[TumTum]

This is the worst I've seen Khawaja play. Horrible footwork and just prodding at everything.

 

[Zinzan]

Truth is, New Zealand have had **** all quality top order batsman in the last 20 years. Fleming and Richardson were both good, and they were a huge part of the success New Zealand had from 2000 to early 2004. However, either side of those two, New Zealand really haven't had any genuine quality openers since Wright retired. Brian Young had his moments I suppose, but very little else.

Yup, Matthew Horne was in the Bryan Young 'marginally adequate' camp too,