That's assuming he could bat to the same standard we've known him for. His bowling is really past it and Williamson is proving to be a fine option. both Bracewell and Wagner in a four seamer front with Williamson throwing a few down is the best balance atm but I don't know how much they're crushing on Martin at the moment, so that might screw with that plan a bit.
I was suggesting we drop McCullum
Butler may have been looking to be more attacking, but he almost never opened the bowling for Otago last season. Took a pile of wickets coming in first change, which is why I wouldn't be opposed to him trying the same thing at the international level. We've already got Southee and Bartin for the purposes of keeping things tight anyway.
Yeah I checked the scorecards after I'd posted and noticed the same thing. His economy was usually relatively high and he was generally bowling after either Wagner and Duffy or Soper and Duffy (2 young guys who also went for a few runs). So that, coupled with watching him bowl a bit for Otago this season, makes me think he was definitely bowling a fuller length than what PEWS suggested or, indeed, what you'd want out of a containing bowler.
Either that or rest Bruce Martin since he's bowled plenty of overs.
I can't see Martin getting any of the English top 7 out again, he fluked it when they played hilarious shots vs him first time round. Plus early season conditions ain't gonna suit him. I'd play all 4 quicks, a nice bit of variety there, and then use Kaino for the change up. It's just the more aggressive route which imo they need to take bigtime.
English batsman always throw their wickets away against spin, even if it's average straight breaks. Although admittedly, they do fare better in England.
yeah this.
