**Official** South Africa in New Zealand

[kiwiviktor81]

Ronchi's series average of 89 putting the other batsmen to shame.

 

[social]

New Zealand could revolutionise cricket strategy by writing the numbers 1 to 11 on pieces of paper, putting them in a hat, then each player picks a number at random and that is his place in the batting order.

Would wreak havoc on opposition bowling plans.

Without harming their own chances

 

[Kippax]

Ronchi's series average of 89 putting the other batsmen to shame.

Well, Ronchi's been brutally realistic about NZ's depth in the past. Probably the only guy waiting to bat thinking "yeah, they'll do that".

 

[kingkallis]

No telecast of this series in India...strange and shameful.

Thanks to the streams, I saw the game.

 

[Energetic]

Don't think Taylor and Ryder would've made much of a difference. Both average 32 and 24 I think against South Africa in ODIs. South Africa are just too strong. Don't forget they've won this AWAY!!!

 

[hendrix]

NZ won their last series in SA IIRC.

 

[Hurricane]

Don't think Taylor and Ryder would've made much of a difference. Both average 32 and 24 I think against South Africa in ODIs. South Africa are just too strong. Don't forget they've won this AWAY!!!

This is an exceptional point. Most likely they would have combined for exactly 56 runs which wouldn't have made a difference. Why didn't I think of that.

 

[Jono]

tbf, NZ won the the last ODI series between the sides in South Africa in 2013. Williamson got 145 in one of the games. Grant Elliot & James Franklin also did well, but have slipped out of contention.

Ah okay, I stand corrected. For some reason don't remember that at all.

 

[BeeGee]

For some reason don't remember that at all.

It was an ODI series.

 

[Jarquis]

I think he was just making two potentially valid points really badly tbh.

If Miller's in the side and a wicket falls in the last ten overs, and he hasn't batted yet, he should come in almost without question.

Furthermore, given the strength of the top order and the conditions, picking Rossouw as a specialist #7 seems a bit of a waste. They've comitted to twenty overs of spin now and a very weak sixth bowler; doesn't seem worth what the seventh bat would offer really. "Not letting him bat" was a silly way of putting it, but if he's going to bat seven then he's not worth picking.

Isn't the point also that they're testing a new balance but the bloke theyre relying on is pretty untested himself and so you're not actually learning anything by him not having a hit.

 

[Watson33]

F**k me, is Mitchell McClenaghan bulking or something? :P

Back on cricket related discussion, that early missed chance from keeper and 1st slip for Amla looked crucial. Didn't see the entire game (watched 20 overs of SA's innings) but he looked shaky early on, should've been out twice. Costly.

 

[kingkallis]

On that South African side discussion, they should field this team:

Amla
de Kock
Faf
Miller
AB
JP
McLaren
Philander
Steyn
Morkel
Tahir

 

[BeeGee]

Why have the NZ batsmen forgotten how to push singles?

Check this **** out:

1st ODI: New Zealand v South Africa at Mount Maunganui, Oct 21, 2014 | Cricket Types of Runs | ESPN Cricinfo

SA scored 114 singles. NZ scored 60 singles.

2nd ODI: New Zealand v South Africa at Mount Maunganui, Oct 24, 2014 | Cricket Types of Runs | ESPN Cricinfo

SA scored 108 singles. NZ scored 71 singles.

It's almost like they've forgotten how to bat in an ODI.

 

[Flem274*]

Reading my way through the thread but just want to comment on Guppers. *Disclaimer: haven't seen a single ball* but it sounds like he's either a) not finished his rebuild, still getting used to his rebuild etc or b) he isn't tuned into his rebuild enough yet that it is instinct. It's easy to play consciously in practice but in the ring you go from instinct/muscle memory/whatever you want to call it. You're on autopilot, and Guptill's autopilot could still be set on the past 5 years of his career.

So my point is hendrix wanting him gone in five minutes is having a laugh, especially when old Guptill is still the second best batsman in this weakened team at worst. Keep hatin'

 

[Gnske]

Why have the NZ batsmen forgotten how to push singles?

Check this **** out:

1st ODI: New Zealand v South Africa at Mount Maunganui, Oct 21, 2014 | Cricket Types of Runs | ESPN Cricinfo

SA scored 114 singles. NZ scored 60 singles.

2nd ODI: New Zealand v South Africa at Mount Maunganui, Oct 24, 2014 | Cricket Types of Runs | ESPN Cricinfo

SA scored 108 singles. NZ scored 71 singles.

It's almost like they've forgotten how to bat in an ODI.

Screw singles, I want 3 DLF maximums every over with Danny Morrison in the background screeching his head off.

 

[Flem274*]

The more I see them play, the more I'm of the mind we can only select one out of Neesham and Anderson when we have our full squad options. If we could guarantee we'd get ten overs or more from a combination of the two of them every match then that's fine, but the reality is they're too hot and cold.

Yeah there's no room for both in that 5-7 zone until BMac retires unless one opens the batting or becomes completely trustworthy with the ball. It's a nice problem to have though.

If one were to open I would have gone for Anderson using Shane Watson theory (minus the review antics).

I wonder if someone with a marketing style brain could put together a boycott the Black Caps until Jesse is back in the side summer, where everyone refuses to go to the grounds meaning their finances are severely impacted.

Hmm nah I don't want him back unless he has his **** together. If we pick him this is what will happen.

-30s against SA
-one smoking of Sri Lanka
-he does something stupid
-he gets fired
-we need a new opener right before or during the world cup

Hesson is a careful planner and I don't see him risking Ryder ruining everything.

 

[Days of Grace]

You can play both Neesham and Anderson if McCullum opens. Just sayin'.

McCullum
Guptill/Latham
Williamson
Taylor
Anderson
Neesham
Ronchi (wk)
Vettori/NcCullum
Southee
Mitch
Boult/Mills

Too top-heavy?

 

[Athlai]

Yeah I don't really back Anderson at 5.

 

[Kippax]

Protea Dale Steyn: I can sense batsmen's fear | Stuff.co.nz

Q: Can you sense fear in a batsman?

"The answer is yes. Through body language you can see it. A lot of players are scared and they back away and hit you over extra cover and it looks really good, it's a one bounce four and he runs down near where I'm standing but I know inside that he's absolutely crapping himself. I know, and he knows, the only reason he played that shot was because he was ****ting himself. I get that feeling all the time."

 

[kiwiviktor81]

On recent performances you'd have to back Luke Ronchi as a fair shout for a long-term 5 option.