***Official*** West Indies in New Zealand 2013/14

[hendrix]

It really doesn't matter. The better batsman is in now anyway.

 

[Flem274*]

Sodhi is so much better at batting than Southee it's just not funny. Nice technique, a bit of ability, actually tries to play the percentage shots.

 

[Bahnz]

I think Southee's batting has gone backwards since McCullum became captain. All those "play your natural game" themed team talks.

 

[hendrix]

I think Southee's batting has gone backwards since McCullum became captain. All those "play your natural game" themed team talks.

Nah I'm over this over-characterisation of McCullum.

Southee's batting has been like that since his debut.

Anyway, you only have to look at Taylor's batting last night to see that it's not exclusive to McCullum's brethren.

 

[BeeGee]

Sodhi's average over 40.

 

[straw man]

I guess there is still some benefit to having Southee above Sodhi at 8 - tells Sodhi that his batting is a bonus that is not essential to his role in the team, whereas I do think the number 8 spot has some batting expectation associated with it. Southee's biffing also tends to distract the opposition allowing someone like Watling to quietly accumulate at the other end.

These aren't great arguments really but I don't mind if Sodhi stays at 9 or lower for any tests he plays in the next couple of years.

 

[jonbrooks]

Apparently in his interview he said he was hungry and tired so wanted to get out of there. I don't know whether this is true or not but it is confounding.

 

[BeeGee]

30 more runs, please.

 

[ohnoitsyou]

wicket keepers are allrounders thanks for that rigor

 

[hendrix]

2 years ago our tail would've folded with little fight.

These runs are purely down to the way Watling is able to marshall the tail. He's a better batsman that 7 and could easily bat in the top 6 and honestly deserves to, but gee it's nice to have someone who shows such commitment to the cause.

 

[Flem274*]

I'm probably alone in this and it would never happen anyway, but if he couldn't keep wicket I'd still play him at five as a specialist batsman.

 

[hendrix]

I'm probably alone in this and it would never happen anyway, but if he couldn't keep wicket I'd still play him at five as a specialist batsman.

He's ahead of Anderson but not McCullum or Ryder. But yeah, better than Brownlie et al as reserve batsman.

So many easy singles on offer.

 

[ohnoitsyou]

I would play him at five even if he still kept wickets. I know it would never happen but when Ryder comes back i would move McCullum back to opening as well. Would be a beast of a side.

 

[Bahnz]

Sodhi a better leg spinning batsman than Steve Smith

 

[Flem274*]

McCullum has two tons as a specialist batsman after 30 odd games and now bats in the easiest position possible. He was a world class keeper bat, is an astute skipper and was briefly a good opener but overall he isn't a very good specialist batsman and has undersold himself. I'm not calling for his head, but in an alternate universe where Watling forgets how to keep wicket tomorrow I'd rate him higher as a specialist batsman than McCullum. If his name wasn't McCullum he would be seriously under the gun.

 

[hendrix]

I would play him at five even if he still kept wickets. I know it would never happen but when Ryder comes back i would move McCullum back to opening as well. Would be a beast of a side.

I think McCullum's technique has regressed since he gave up opening and he wouldn't be capable of scoring runs from there anymore. Williamson Taylor Ryder McCullum Watling is a beast of a middle order.

The opening will always be weak but a stacked middle order is pretty nice.

 

[Meridio]

sodhi a better leg spinning batsman than steve smith

oblsa?

 

[ohnoitsyou]

Also there have been far to many balls down leg this innings. Umpires should call them more when they occur this consistently.

 

[hendrix]

Also there have been far to many balls down leg this innings. Umpires should call them more when they occur this consistently.

You mean call them wide?

 

[ohnoitsyou]

You mean call them wide?

yep