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

[Flem274*]

That reminds me, I forgot to troll Pakpassion after we won that test. Shame on me.

 

[Athlai]

We will never ever get any credit for being anything other than spirited hard working triers and we will never be a drawcard. We could turn up with Bradman reincarnate and still be expected to lose by Joe Public.

Nobody wants us. We're the fat friend of world cricket. The labrador. The last kid picked for lunch sport. The sooner we accept this and stop hoping for acceptance, the faster we can getting on with winning and being as humble about it as your average Pakpassion poster.

Glory in the tears.

When we're #1 in 2016 and Southee is the best bowler in the world, this isn't going to be the case.

 

[Flem274*]

No it still will be. And if we reach #1 they'll be looking for any reason to suggest a sudden fall from grace. Just you watch.

 

[NZTailender]

I did notice that in a near unprecedented move, the Ch 9 commentary team were talking NZ up on Monday afternoon after we'd finished up the first test. Maybe an early move to stoke general interest ahead of a scheduling announcement next year?

I was wondering if they'd discuss it, but wasn't watching them at the time. What did they say?

 

[OverratedSanity]

That reminds me, I forgot to troll Pakpassion after we won that test. Shame on me.

Don't you know? That loss doesn't count for them because the Pakistan players were all distracted because of the Hughes matter and the match shouldn't have been played at all.

 

[NZTailender]

Don't you know? That loss doesn't count for them because the Pakistan players were all distracted because of the Hughes matter and the match shouldn't have been played at all.

So why didn't they win the 2nd Test? Wait they were clearly on their way, right?

 

[Bahnz]

I was wondering if they'd discuss it, but wasn't watching them at the time. What did they say?

It sprung out of the commentators talking about who was the best batsman in the world. Nicholarse raised Brendon McCullum, and then Chappell brought up the success of the current side (5 wins in the year). He followed on by talking about how excellent Southee and Boult are, and there were general murmurings about how good the NZ side is. Then something happened and the conversation moved on.

 

[NZTailender]

It sprung out of the commentators talking about who was the best batsman in the world. Nicholarse raised Brendon McCullum, and then Chappell brought up the success of the current side (5 wins in the year). He followed on by talking about how excellent Southee and Boult are, and there were general murmurings about how good the NZ side is. Then something happened and the conversation moved on.

Ah, neat. Would've expected them to have discussed Baz at some point given his year, but wasn't sure if they'd have picked up on the other. I mean, as professionals and lovers of the game (apart from Nicholarse) most of them would be watching other cricket, but usually they don't really discuss other players unless they are all-time-greats or players from sides they've played in the last year. My memory isn't what it used to be, but I think Amla, Steyn and ABdV were mentioned at least 50,000 times.

 

[morgieb]

Yeah, I noticed that as well, pretty similar to how things were 10 years ago when Sri Lanka toured in each of 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07. I'm not sure whether it's before or after the Australia series. Also, on a tangential note, I saw that the NZC is pushing hard to play in the MCG boxing day test next summer. Have mixed feelings about it (Christchurch did such an excellent job this year), but generally think it would be pretty awesome and would definitely go over for a couple of days to watch it. However, I have to wonder whether CA will decide that a sentimental favourite like WI will make a better draw card than an increasingly competitive but historically ***less New Zealand side.

Thing is there's over 500,000 people born in NZ living here. Surely the expat population plus the big brother/little brother thing would be a selling point for Australia rather than a declining force that hasn't won a game away from home against real opposition in years.

 

[Prince EWS]

Australia v NZ would rate every bit as well as Australia v India in Australia if it was a close and high quality series, but that's not quite the point. The 'NZ don't sell' argument isn't about the domestic audiences, but how much they can sell the rights for to overseas broadcasters.

 

[Grasshopper]

Australia v NZ would rate every bit as well as Australia v India in Australia if it was a close and high quality series, but that's not quite the point. The 'NZ don't sell' argument isn't about the domestic audiences, but how much they can sell the rights for to overseas broadcasters.

Exactly.

 

[Kippax]

Sri Lankan players have been caught being fans of the cliche, remonstrating with Basin groundsman Sipthorpe this morning. "Is this the match pitch? Really?".

He says his data suggests he's tracking perfectly for something very similar to this pitch -

Sipthorpe interview -
http://content.radionetwork.co.nz/weekondemand/radiosport/51215.mp3 (9 mins in)

 

[Maximas]

'nah nah she's alright'

 

[Dan]

Man, I wish I could be at the Basin Test again this year. Such a nice place to watch cricket.

 

[Bahnz]

I don't think that's going to break up much...

 

[morgieb]

Is that the wicket or the lawn?

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

I wonder if the Sol Bar will be there again this year. No having to slum it with Tui, just pseudo-slumming it with Sol!

Maybe they serve different beer in the Members' Area?

 

[Dan]

I wonder if the Sol Bar will be there again this year. No having to slum it with Tui, just pseudo-slumming it with Sol!

Maybe they serve different beer in the Members' Area?

Push a box of beers over the fence, imo.

 

[viriya]

Herath probably gonna play the 2nd test.. could make things interesting if it gets to the 5th day..

 

[Howsie]

This, really. It's not like he's averaging 66.62 in his last 5 tests and should be dropped on being ineffective.

If Bracewell were to be picked and did perform well here and then go on to be Southee MKII, I'd taste it. But I'm skeptical as to whether he'd do anything other than pull off a Hobart then go about bowling rubbish again.

Because that was the only game where he bowled well..... Bracewell was excellent for a good year when he first came into the test squad.