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

[wellAlbidarned]

I lose my mind when people go on about how we need a faster bowler in the team. Sure, it would be nice, but I'd take Glenn McGrath over Brett Lee.

It's not an either or thing though. Boult's pace is down because his action isn't quite right, which means his accuracy is also faltering. A bowler who is in rhythm will be bowling both at their quickest and most accurate.

 

[Athlai]

Dougeh is going to wreck here.

 

[hendrix]

Yes it's green but there's even bounce.

The colour does not equal the surface.

 

[YorksLanka]

From a SL view, I am disappointed that silva isn't playing as I still really rate silva and Dimuth as an opening partnership. Mendis looks like a potential no3 and I am yet to be convinced by jayasundera..

 

[Jezroy]

True, but as a viewer, I would much rather watch Lee than McGrath..

True - but McGrath never bowled 8 overs for 70 against Zimbabwe in an ODI

5th Match: Australia v Zimbabwe at Melbourne, Jan 21, 2001 | Cricket Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[Bahnz]

Jeez Mendis looks a hack.

 

[YorksLanka]

True - but McGrath never bowled 8 overs for 70 against Zimbabwe in an ODI

5th Match: Australia v Zimbabwe at Melbourne, Jan 21, 2001 | Cricket Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo

Don't get me wrong, I am not questioning the skill of McGrath, just the entertainment factor..

 

[Jezroy]

It's not an either or thing though. Boult's pace is down because his action isn't quite right, which means his accuracy is also faltering. A bowler who is in rhythm will be bowling both at their quickest and most accurate.

It's not an either or thing with Boult in his current form. You are correct. Boult's direction/rhythm/form are all affecting his pace.

I'm more referring to the masses of talkback callers that go on and on and on about "we need these guys to bowl 145km/h plus". No. We need them to bowl in the right areas. Especially on this pitch!

 

[Bahnz]

I'd take Boult off and get Doug on while the ball is still nice and hard. Hate to say it, Boult looks a real passenger at the moment.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

all the talk of the pitch but it's looked pretty true so far. Bit of swing but that's not really the pitch.

 

[BeeGee]

Dougeh is going to wreck here.

I'd say this is damn near the perfect pitch for him. Good bounce with just enough sideways movement.

 

[Moss]

Sounds like Lanka have had their fair share of luck, but needed it get by on this sort of track. What is with NZ and the catching these days?

 

[wellAlbidarned]

Sounds like Lanka have had their fair share of luck, but needed it get by on this sort of track. What is with NZ and the catching these days?

Wouldn't say there's been that much luck. One drop, not that many play and misses, a few shots that have come off. They've done well.

 

[Cabinet96]

Wasn't looking at the TV, heard the sound and assumed he'd been bowled. WOW.

 

[YorksLanka]

Sounds like Lanka have had their fair share of luck, but needed it get by on this sort of track. What is with NZ and the catching these days?

Wagner hitting the stumps and the bail not dislodging!! That is luck! So unlucky for the kiwis

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Don't think I have ever seen a ball hit the stumps that hard and not bowl the guy.

 

[BeeGee]

I was putting my finger up.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

I swear this isn't just a knee jerk but they put the stumps in way too firmly these days. Can't remember the last time I saw a stump fully cartwheel.

 

[Meridio]

I have no idea how that ball from Bracewell didn't bowl him. You occasionally see that happen when the ball deflect on to the base of the stumps, but that's smashed into the top. Unbelievable.

 

[hendrix]

I swear this isn't just a knee jerk but they put the stumps in way too firmly these days. Can't remember the last time I saw a stump fully cartwheel.

I also think the grooves for the bails are too deep.