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

[OverratedSanity]

Any idea why these greentops in NZ over the last few months ease out so dramatically after the first day or two? Seem to become complete paradises after 4-5 sessions of being extremely lively.

 

[Athlai]

Also interesting to note this is the first time we have whitewashed a team in a series (not including Bangladesh or Zimbabwe) since that India tour in 02/03.

 

[Athlai]

Any idea why these greentops in NZ over the last few months ease out so dramatically after the first day or two? Seem to become complete paradises after 4-5 sessions of being extremely lively.

That Christchurch ground is new so it's harder to say, but basically it's the type of clay used IIRC.

Is what is used at the Basin the same as Hagley?

 

[ohnoitsyou]

Any idea why these greentops in NZ over the last few months ease out so dramatically after the first day or two? Seem to become complete paradises after 4-5 sessions of being extremely lively.

They barely offered seam to begin with.

 

[Blocky]

Any idea why these greentops in NZ over the last few months ease out so dramatically after the first day or two? Seem to become complete paradises after 4-5 sessions of being extremely lively.

Clay and the science in behind pitch preparation meaning they're happier leaving on a lot more grass which stops it breaking up so much.

 

[Athlai]

They barely offered seam to begin with.

Hardly like we could tell after the Sri Lankan pace attack wasted the best of the overs.

 

[Hurricane]

I will stew on your post athlai and respond after dinner

 

[Athlai]

I will stew on your post athlai and respond after dinner

Sort of debate that can only be truly sorted by pints IMO.

 

[OverratedSanity]

They barely offered seam to begin with.

Didn't watch this game, but the mcCullum 302 match provided plenty of seam initially then eased out to a total pancake.

 

[Zinzan]

Combined series team;

Karunaratne
McCullum (c)
Williamson
Sangakkara
Mathews
Neesham
Watling (wk)
Craig
Southee
Boult
Pradeep/Bracewell

I'm forced to open with Bmac, since none of the other openers deserve it.

Not much between Pradeep & Bracewell.

From a captaincy perspective, McCullum wins comfortably in the end, but there's a lot to like about Mathews.

 

[ohnoitsyou]

Hardly like we could tell after the Sri Lankan pace attack wasted the best of the overs.

I remember when the WI played at the basin, first or second ball Best landed one on the seam and it jagged miles. Then they were gun barrel straight for the rest of the session.

But then again, even when we did get to bowl it didn't seam much, and the pitch was still fairly green.

 

[Athlai]

Combined series team;

Karunaratne
McCullum (c)
Williamson
Sangakkara
Mathews
Neesham
Watling (wk)
Craig
Southee
Boult
Pradeep/Bracewell

I'm forced to open with Bmac, since none of the other openers deserve it.

Not much between Pradeep & Bracewell.

From a captaincy perspective, McCullum wins comfortably in the end, but there's a lot to like about Mathews.

Craig the best spinner after a sl tour and Pakistan tour. Craig #1 spinner.

 

[Zinzan]

My best surprise of the series - Neesham's bowling (and Craig's to a lesser extent.. ack)

My biggest disappointment of the series - Latham failing to kick on at home

 

[Howsie]

Ha. Just watching ESPN and Williamson's catch made the top play of the day on Sportscentre. Not the first time I've seen a cricket play make number one but it was the first time I've seen them interview the player after showing it. Kane going all around the world, WAG.

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

It's on YouTube as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEqQj33Cx1Y

 

[straw man]

Hah, espn hype is hilarious. Kaneh's laid-back kiwiness seems completely out of place.

 

[Athlai]

Haha absolutely refusing to up himself, congratulates the others and the possible crowds come the wc. Wag

 

[Zinzan]

lol American's are so funny when they describe sports they're not familiar with like cricket and rugby. In the recent USA vs All Black test, I remember the commentator saying "What a cut-back by Williams" as SBW stepped back in and it just sounded sooo wrong. An in that clip an American talking about 'slips'.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Also interesting to note this is the first time we have whitewashed a team in a series (not including Bangladesh or Zimbabwe) since that India tour in 02/03.

Good point, although it should have been 3-0 against the Windies but only wasn't due to:

Darren Bravo
A very poor run chase when all the forecasts said rain was coming
The rain

 

[Flametree]

Re Athlai's three team question. John Reid must have been in his late 50's by the 1986 season so he probably wouldn't have been at his best.

(Yes, I know he meant the other John Reid, but he did post John R Reid's batting stats... )



As for the test series, we seem to have become a side which wins the big moments, takes advantage of second (and third) chances, and gets important contributions from all over the team. All good signs... I've been horribly disappointed by our performances in England on every tour since 1999... but daring to hope.

Final question - has anyone else added Williamson to their All-time NZ xi after this?