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

[Zinzan]

Yep. His innings on Boxing Day (I'm sure it's been thoroughly discussed here already) included about the best 40 I've ever seen and then he just decided to block everything for an hour.

That coincided with his run-out of Taylor though didn't it? Clearly affected the young man.

 

[Gnske]

David : "I'd have Haddin in the Aussie side over Watling any day of the week, Karl. He has a long way to go to get anywhere near Haddin's impact on a game or his keeping ability. Watling would be waiting behind about five keepers in Australia."

David = benchy

One day the people who get their comments published on cricinfo will actually have some kind of quality to it.

One day

 

[Blocky]

I'd be happy enough with that, just not sure it's financially viable forUS to play the likes of Zim & Bang anymore than they are right now, but probably needs as seen a medium/long term investment. Also hopefully the ICC via the 3 big boards help with the funding given they've snubbed playing us very often.

I still think Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and to a lesser degree South Africa would all welcome three test series against us. The other thing is the moment we take a 1-0 victory over either England or Australia in a two test series is the moment they start looking at three test series.

 

[Athlai]

Is Watling our ultimate wingman?

 

[Blocky]

Also the "Taylor has adopted McMillan's batting style" would seem to fly in the face that every other batsman, sans Rutherford, is performing at a level above what we probably expected them to since Macca took over as batting coach.

 

[thierry henry]

9 test tons at the age of 24 & we're complaining about his conversion? really?

More than pertinent point about Stephen Fleming or even Mark Richardson for that matter, but no way Kane.

Not complaining really. His conversion rate is good. If anything it's more about how amazing he tends to look getting to 20 or 30 most of the time, unlike most players who scratch around and are vulnerable early. It enhances the impression that his dismissals are "soft" because he seems to make an impressive start more often than not.

I have no idea if the stats around the distribution of his scores actually proves me right (like, does he get to 20 more than most batsmen?). If anything maybe it's just because I rate him so highly and he always appears to be so in control.

 

[viriya]

All of a sudden a draw doesn't seem an impossible result.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

the commentators are ripping into SLs plans but tbf they would've worked if they took their catches.

 

[Flem274*]

Big phase in the game coming up. This is where this pair need to be ruthless and take us from the brink of something to bowl at to something very hard for Sri Lanka to get. If a good ball gets a wicket, Craig and the tail need to contribute.

Sublime drive.

 

[Jezroy]

Average watch - KSW = 44.03

 

[Zinzan]

Not complaining really. His conversion rate is good. If anything it's more about how amazing he tends to look getting to 20 or 30 most of the time, unlike most players who scratch around and are vulnerable early. It enhances the impression that his dismissals are "soft" because he seems to make an impressive start more often than not.

.

That's a fair point. Certainly looks a hundred times better than Taylor when starting his innings.

 

[Athlai]

the commentators are ripping into SLs plans but tbf they would've worked if they took their catches.

They forgot to add that to the plan tbf.

 

[thierry henry]

That coincided with his run-out of Taylor though didn't it? Clearly affected the young man.

Absolutely.

Honestly I thought the "Williamson going great guns, then getting out to everyone's surprise" thing was sort of a widely-known thing, if it isn't then ok. I love the kid and have no major qualms with him.

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

Not complaining really. His conversion rate is good. If anything it's more about how amazing he tends to look getting to 20 or 30 most of the time, unlike most players who scratch around and are vulnerable early. It enhances the impression that his dismissals are "soft" because he seems to make an impressive start more often than not.

I have no idea if the stats around the distribution of his scores actually proves me right (like, does he get to 20 more than most batsmen?). If anything maybe it's just because I rate him so highly and he always appears to be so in control.

Yeah, it's almost like he's too good that it seems he only gets himself out. Which is pretty much the best attribute you can have in a batsman.

 

[ohnoitsyou]

These two need to get us to a 250 run lead at the minimum.

 

[viriya]

It's not insane to think SL would have already won the match by now if Herath didn't drop Kane early on.

 

[Flem274*]

Is Watling our ultimate wingman?

Yup.

He's closer to my NZ all time XI than most would have him. He's our second best keeper batsman imo. Not better than the big three with the gloves but the second best batsman and could be the best of them all when he's done. He's only 29.

 

[_Ed_]

All of a sudden a draw doesn't seem an impossible result.

True, although I still think it's less likely than a SL or NZ win - weather permitting.

 

[Blocky]

These two need to get us to a 250 run lead at the minimum.

That's my thoughts too, 250 towards the end of next session would be ideal, then we can start to look for quick runs. I'd want to be setting a 3.2 to 3.5 RPO for Sri Lanka to win.

 

[ohnoitsyou]

Yup.

He's closer to my NZ all time XI than most would have him. He's our second best keeper batsman imo. Not better than the big three with the gloves but the second best batsman and could be the best of them all when he's done. He's only 29.

Nah,he's a superb keeper. Deserved part of the big 4.

His only issue is stumpings, but then again stumpings are so out of the blue for a NZ keeper.