***Official**** Sri Lanka in New Zealand 2014/2015

[Blocky]

Well - I think what sold it for me - was how long do bat for and when would we have declared. What sort of a target would you have set them and how many days.

Bat them into the ground, we could've afforded to bat most of tomorrow, put them in thirty minutes before tea.

 

[Zinzan]

Neither, but we seem destined to pick a spinner no matter what.

I'm just imagining this bowling attack with Wagner + Bracewell as backups to Boult and Southee personally. I don't know why we're so hung up on selecting a spinner for NZ conditions especially considering we have Kane and Taylor (at a pinch) if required.

I know Wagner has had a good year & Bracewell is apparently back in some kind of form, but part of me would still like to see a 4-prong attack of Southee, Boult, Henry & Milne in NZ conditions. Neesham & the part-time spin of Williamson to be the back-ups.

Although with the WC coming up, happy enough for Henry & Milne to be looked after since both make my squad.

 

[Blocky]

I'd take Henry in this test team but the problem is with Boult that you need to pick a guy who is going to be threatening without a new ball and at the moment, Henry looks like another new ball bowler.

Until Boult does what Southee has managed to do and become threatening post the swinging ball stage, we're kind of hamstrung on what we need to do.

 

[Bahnz]

People need to chill out. SRL need another 230 odd just to make us bat again. The boys will come back tomorrow, pick up a couple of early wickets, benefit from a couple of short rain breaks, and wrap things up before stumps.

 

[NZTailender]

Don't mind Rutherford as a commentator.

 

[Zinzan]

Southee's such a good bowler these days, just hasn't bowled with the luck of his fellow seamers in the last 12 months. Can't help feel a big 7-8 wicket haul isn't far away.

 

[Blocky]

People need to chill out. SRL need another 230 odd just to make us bat again. The boys will come back tomorrow, pick up a couple of early wickets, benefit from a couple of short rain breaks, and wrap things up before stumps.

The game is still ours, undoubtedly - but we shouldn't have enforced. no one is freaking out.

 

[Bahnz]

We had to enforce the follow on - it was a no brainer. But now that we have - we could lose this match if they post 450-500. That may sound negative but their spinner could be a handful on a day 5 pitch. I know they are saying this Kakanui clay doesn't crumble, but it doesn't have to change too much more for that youngster to start to get some results because as it was yesterday he got purchase.

...

 

[Zinzan]

Well done Sri Lanka, but NZ still miles ahead.

Personally wanted us to bat again for 80-90 overs, but that was primarily for selfish statistical reasons Can still see NZ finishing this off by an innings on Day 3.

 

[Athlai]

Haha don't freak out just yet guys. Still a long time to go before we're not totally on top.

 

[Bahnz]

The game is still ours, undoubtedly - but we shouldn't have enforced. no one is freaking out.

I almost never support enforcing the follow-on, but in this case I'm behind it. We'd just finished knocking SRL over in a session and a half. Southee and Boult had only bowled 12 overs each, so were pretty fresh and had had a good rest whilst Wagner and Neesh polished off the tail. The pitch is only going to get better to bat on, and the sky had suddenly clouded over after being gorgeous batting weather for the previous day and a half. Throw in the stupid amount of time left in the game, and I think McCullum made the right decision. Ultimately, Sri Lanka's openers batted very well, Boult bowled pies, and we got lazy with our substitute selection. Doesn't change the fact that McCullum made the right call imo.

 

[Grasshopper]

I almost never support enforcing the follow-on, but in this case I'm behind it. We'd just finished knocking SRL over in a session and a half. Southee and Boult had only bowled 12 overs each, so were pretty fresh and had had a good rest whilst Wagner and Neesh polished off the tail. The pitch is only going to get better to bat on, and the sky had suddenly clouded over after being gorgeous batting weather for the previous day and a half. Throw in the stupid amount of time left in the game, and I think McCullum made the right decision. Ultimately, Sri Lanka's openers batted very well, Boult bowled pies, and we got lazy with our substitute selection. Doesn't change the fact that McCullum made the right call imo.

Yes, enforcing the follow on was a no brainer. We still have this game well in hand.

 

[Zinzan]

One of the few occasions it was a genuine 50/50 decision for me. Reasonable arguments on both sides.

 

[Hurricane]

I was just pointing out we could lose if they post 500

 

[Hurricane]

Great job cantab crowd loved how you got in behind the boys. You deserve another test.

 

[Zinzan]

In terms of atmosphere, ground presentation & the general quality of cricket, it's been superb for the Cantabs. They deserved such a treat after what they've been through in the last 4-5 years.

 

[Hurricane]

In terms of atmosphere, ground presentation & the general quality of cricket, it's been superb for the Cantabs. They deserved such a treat after what they've been through in the last 4-5 years.

Well said

 

[viriya]

Stopped watching after Sanga got out.. what happened in the 2nd innings? No movement or tired bowlers or better batting?

 

[Athlai]

Stopped watching after Sanga got out.. what happened in the 2nd innings? No movement or tired bowlers or better batting?

Ball did less, better better batting, we didn't take our chances, Boult bowled poorly and after a wee while we were tired.

 

[viriya]

Either way for SL to make a match of it they need to go wicketless in the morning session tomorrow.. highly unlikely.