*Official* New Zealand in England 2015

[WindieWeathers]

First test.the reason he's so highly rated is the intangible quality's he has, the things you can't coach, bowls a great natural length at good pace and can swing the ball a perfect addition to the bowling attack

But if he's going for runs all the time isn't that "natural talent" undermined? Granted it's his first test but the more he bowls the more the opposition will get used to him so he's got to find a way to keep things tighter in his later spells at least.

 

[Frost]

But if he's going for runs all the time isn't that "natural talent" undermined? Granted it's his first test but the more he bowls the more the opposition will get used to him so he's got to find a way to keep things tighter in his later spells at least.

I do agree with you I just don't think that's its fair to suggest his talent is undermineded for that reason in his first test.I guess is comes back to what people define as "talent".

 

[Moss]

But if he's going for runs all the time isn't that "natural talent" undermined? Granted it's his first test but the more he bowls the more the opposition will get used to him so he's got to find a way to keep things tighter in his later spells at least.

Hmm, as per the scorecard, he's taken the most wickets in the match at an ER of around 3.7 in a game where both teams have scored at around 4 runs per over. So yeah, Gavin Larsen he ain't, but on the evidence of this one game he's no Fidel Edwards either.

 

[Moss]

A lot has hinged on the conditions in this game, seems both sides attacks have been noticeably much more threatening when conditions have suited. Personally I think having Stokes in the attack gives England a valuable point of difference and allows them a decent chance of defending the 300 plus score. Chasing down a sizeable target is unchartered territory for this NZ side though it would be really cool if they managed it.

Bit disappointed overall with NZ's bowling in the game though it could be partly down to IPL induced rustiness and McCullum's attack-at-any-cost mentality. There were plenty things which didn't go their way (marginal lbw decisions, and those near-misses in the field) but you expect this side to dig deeper when the rewards aren't forthcoming (interestingly WW's the only one who pointed out what Wagner might have brought to the table).

 

[JRC67]

Great test and great day for England. If it wasn't for the dropped catches it would have been a great all round match for Stokes. Is there a case for throwing him the new ball while his confidence is on a high and see if he keeps the roll going?

 

[Furball]

Great test and great day for England. If it wasn't for the dropped catches it would have been a great all round match for Stokes. Is there a case for throwing him the new ball while his confidence is on a high and see if he keeps the roll going?

Not really, no.

 

[The Battlers Prince]

Wish I didn't have work so much at the moment to see more of this match. 2 quality sides going at it

 

[Cabinet96]

Well that was fun. Credit to Stokes who has played two remarkable innings. Was slightly streaky at times today, particularly early on, but forget the hooks some of the drives he played today were brilliant. Reckon that's one of Cook's best centuries too. Twice had to start in tough conditions and circumstances, got through it and didn't give it away later. Ahmedabad-esq.

 

[Bahnz]

Well that is a disappointing scorecard to wake up to. Fingers crossed we don't **** this up completely by being skittled for 100 on day 5.

 

[Meridio]

Yeah, Cook's innings imo was the key one throughout the day - and yesterday evening for that matter. He played the moving ball extremely well, can barely remember a play and miss and left the ball exceptionally. He doesn't play like that and I doubt England would still be in the game.

 

[Athlai]

Very impressive fightback that from England. It's the sort of situation where having McCullum as captain makes me a little nervous. He'll chase this. Whether they declare or we bowl them out, he's going for it.

 

[GIMH]

Very impressive fightback that from England. It's the sort of situation where having McCullum as captain makes me a little nervous. He'll chase this. Whether they declare or we bowl them out, he's going for it.

Surely he would rein it in if you went a few down for **** all?

 

[Cabinet96]

Yeah McCullum is aggressive but he's not an idiot. The Wellington game v India shows he won't throw the game away.

 

[Hurricane]

i was expecting about 350 tops, 430 is a very good effort. Well done to cook in particular.

New Zealand needed to be more patient with its plans in the first session. Too much chopping and changing.

 

[Athlai]

Surely he would rein it in if you went a few down for **** all?

Probably but by that point England are sharpening their knives.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Great test and great day for England. If it wasn't for the dropped catches it would have been a great all round match for Stokes. Is there a case for throwing him the new ball while his confidence is on a high and see if he keeps the roll going?

He should definitely get a go in the first 15-20 overs that's for sure, but that should be the case anyway because he'll bowl wicket-taking deliveries against anyone. I think any of the 5 bowlers could take a 4/5 fer tomorrow, but NZ are capable of chasing something like 350 in 80 overs. Particularly if the ball does nowt. Hopefully England don't piss about in the morning and the game gets the last day it deserves.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

Slightly disappointing scorecard but you gotta give credit to the english. We bowled our arses off in the first session, on a different day against two different batsmen we could've been running through them. But Cook and Root produced some of the best defensive batting I've seen. Inevitably, we couldn't quite maintain it since Craig was especially disappointing.

 

[TheJediBrah]

I know it's a flat pitch but Stokes is looking like an absolute gun

 

[wellAlbidarned]

I know it's a flat pitch but Stokes is looking like an absolute gun

Honestly it's not that flat. There's been nip and movement for both sides the whole time I've watched, and it's only become easier later in the day (as it should)

 

[Gnske]

Impressive, minnows showing great fight here and have completely blindsided NZ.