"Todd's 4-22 in difficult conditions when the ball was slippery is one of the best spells of legspin bowling I've seen in such conditions. I think it was compelling from a selection standpoint. Todd has got that ability to bowl with pace, to bowl into the pitch like the Indian spinners do, which is a big change from how he bowls on our pitches - throwing it up a lot more in the air," Larsen observed about Astle's selection.
"Nine overs, four for 22 against very good opposition with a damp-ish ball that was hard to control. He didn't bowl a bad ball in that spell. The one and only Rahul Dravid said to me he told his team that he'd just witnessed one of the best legspin displays in Indian conditions. That's some accolade."
"Ish has a massive part to play in New Zealand cricket across all three forms of the game. But this has been a tough tour, what he's got to do is improve his consistency - putting more balls in the right spots more often and cut down on half-volleys and short balls. He's also got to improve his other aspects of the game, which is his general conditioning so that we are convinced that he is fit enough to play regular and consistent international cricket. Also his batting a few years ago, he was holding onto the No. 8 spot but that has slipped away. We will have to get more production out of Ish," Larsen said of the legspinner who had first come to India on a similar 'A' tour in 2012-13.
Most of the 6 players picked themselves but Astle's selection was based on one spell? It's going to be interesting to see how Munro goes in India and against spin. Kane's preference is Santner, he's locked in for the next 10 years I'd think :-) The only problem with Santner is that he just blocks one end by tight bowling. In India spinners need to be bowling aggressive lines and length. They should be the strike bowlers but we have to rely on our fast bowling stock even in India to pick wickets while Santner will bowl tidy spell. Ish Sodhi although expensive would have been a better choice even ahead of Santner as he picks up wickets regularly. Sure he bowls lot more loose balls but bowls way more wicket taking balls.
The Board Of Control For Cricket In IndiaAre there live score updates of the warmup game today anywhere?
KW completed Tastle's over. Any news of injury for the latter?
A few journalists tweeting as they watch the play today. There's one -@BLACKCAPS
Astle off with a groin injury and will be assessed over next 24-48.
Good stuff, Prithvi Shaw opened the batting and smashed few runs. India truly has good vision for their young players and know how to develop a batter throwing them to deep end. I was disappointed they played him in the first two games against our As and drop for the last two. Good to see him get a chance here. This lad was not even considered for the india under 19s last time around meanwhile we've had 4 under 19 players that played last time and are eligible for the next one in Jan here. What progress has our 4 lads made since? I see they are still playing school/club cricket, not even close to make the first class sides (maybe barring Ravindra, not sure?).
That truly is a great idea, they have loads of first class and twenty20 tourneys. Surely our local domestic associations can tie up with them.Lots of South African universities away, maybe. Maybe some of those Indian T20 leagues underneath the IPL that are popping up on telly.
I know the CSA Talent Acceleration Programme Invitational XI would fancy their chances -