**Official** South Africa in New Zealand

[Immenso]

In the stats guru querying I was doing of NZ ODI form of last few years which showed how bad NMac is at home (and actually quite respectable away). Also showed how good Ronchi has been since he stopped opening. He was averaging 30 and striking at 130 at number 7 for last 2 years. That will have improved even more after today.

As much as a Watling fan as I am, I am very OK with Ronchi in both short forms. He's been excellent.

 

[straw man]

Will be good to see Boult with the new ball in ODIs though I still think he's likely to be a worse option than most or all of McC, Bennett, Henry.

 

[Blakey]

Cricinfo commentary is so cringe.

"Wow. Trent Boult's batting average doubled while I was eating lunch," So have New Zealand's chances, Brad. It's been a pretty decent wagging of the tail for them. I'd wager Scooby Doo would have been jealous. You know, tail.. wag... anyway.. So how many of you guys think this is a defendable total?"

 

[hendrix]

Boult vs left handed openers is really only going to end one way in these conditions.

 

[BeeGee]

Good start from Boult.

 

[straw man]

Good bowling from Boult - the benefit of having a genuine test match bowler opening up. I imagine pitches will be more roady come the world cup though.

 

[Athlai]

Gogogogo Boult

 

[wellAlbidarned]

Excellent form from boult

Straight away Dan's action is looking a bit weak. Not liking the heavily collapsing front leg.

 

[Daemon]

Hopefully Mills is reported after this game

 

[BeeGee]

Good bowling from Boult - the benefit of having a genuine test match bowler opening up. I imagine pitches will be more roady come the world cup though.

Yeah, I think he needs to be a horses for courses pick.

 

[ohnoitsyou]

Daft captaincy here. Low total, no point letting them get their eyes in

 

[hendrix]

Daft captaincy here. Low total, no point letting them get their eyes in

he really doesn't have a choice with only one strike bowler in the lineup.

 

[ohnoitsyou]

he really doesn't have a choice with only one strike bowler in the lineup.

Still would have kept one of the seamers on, we needed a wicket and spin wasn't going to get it

 

[_Ed_]

Anderson!

 

[hendrix]

Still would have kept one of the seamers on, we needed a wicket and spin wasn't going to get it

Mills was bowling poorly though, and you can't really bowl Boult through.

He'll bring Boult back if/when JP Duminy gets to the crease. Need to fluke another wicket before that.

 

[hendrix]

ABDV: 50 average, 95 strike rate.
Amla: 54 average, 89 strike rate.

Ridiculous.

 

[ohnoitsyou]

Goes to show how aweful two spinners is really

 

[Athlai]

Damn, just realised that the hopes I've been building these last 24 overs are for nought.

We forgot to play a deathbowler.

 

[NZTailender]

Damn, just realised that the hopes I've been building these last 24 overs are for nought.

We forgot to play a deathbowler.

Dean Brownlie nippy seam ups ftw

 

[_Ed_]

Can't stay mad at Millsy.