***Official*** New Zealand Domestic Season 2017/18

[Kippax]

A well-established New Zealander with the surname of Hendrie sounds pretty solid.

Let's see....no, wrong -

 

[Kippax]

Wellington Firebirds Make Two Changes for Top-of-Table Clash | Scoop News

With Hamish Bennett a late call-up to New Zealand A, the Firebirds have called in Taita fast bowler, Travis Muller. A former-South Africa U19 representative, Muller has 42 First-Class matches to his name with a bowling average of less than 24.

After spending the Firebirds’ opening three home games in charge of the Basin Reserve scoreboard, Eastern Suburbs’ wicketkeeper/batsman, Lauchie Johns, finds himself on the other side of the boundary, in line for a First-Class debut.

Johns has come up through the development system within Wellington, playing in two national tournaments with each of the CricHQ Wellington U19 and CricHQ Wellington A sides.

 

[Kippax]

Wellington Firebirds sign former England international Samit Patel for Twenty20 season

 

[Kippax]

Best to be mindful that Johns isn't making his FC debut in great club batting form. Current run total is down with the bowlers and Stewart Rhodes, in a tourney Deepak Joon has already scored 400 runs in.

Even if Conway's glovework was good in Taupo, note Muller and Conway couldn't have both played in the same XI.

 

[jcas0167]

Good time to head down to Eden Park Outer Oval, Phillips & Chapman at the crease.

 

[straw man]

Good to see Wheeler is back for CD.

Surprised Watling is opening for ND, when I thought he was going to demonstrate his fitness for NZ by keeping.

 

[Kippax]

A pity it's now past midnight where SeamUp is. I know Muller has been opening the batting for Taita and doing okay, but the SR suggests he can't light up an engine room with fast scoring.

 

[straw man]

Kippax, are there now more South Africans than previously in Wellington (and NZ) domestic cricket, or is it just that you happen to be focussing on them at the moment? If it's more than usual, what's the reason for that - things worse in SA?

 

[RxGM]

Good to see Wheeler is back for CD.

Surprised Watling is opening for ND, when I thought he was going to demonstrate his fitness for NZ by keeping.

I guess that means he is out for the first test than.
Or latham is going to keep and BJ will open.

 

[straw man]

Yup

Black Caps wicketkeeper BJ Watling won't take gloves in first test

Watling will remain with the squad in Wellington and will be in contention to play as a batsman, although he'll more likely be batting cover.

 

[Prince EWS]

I'd strongly consider picking him anyway, as a batsman. His form with the bat hasn't been great for a while now, and Nicholls did hit that ton against South Africa (which I think is actually still NZ's most recent Test series ) but I still have more faith in him to make runs despite those things. Six Test tons and an average of 38 nails that #5 spot, for mine.

I reckon it's unlikely though. Selectors love Nicholls.

 

[straw man]

It would be very rough on Nicholls. Alternatively, could leave De Grandhomme out to accommodate Watling. Get Raval and Williamson to bowl some filth to make up some overs if necessary, which it probably won't be.

 

[Kippax]

Kippax, are there now more South Africans than previously in Wellington (and NZ) domestic cricket, or is it just that you happen to be focussing on them at the moment? If it's more than usual, what's the reason for that - things worse in SA?

Yeah the South Africans are definitely higher in quantity now, but the way they really shine out like beacons at the top of the club runs/wickets charts is also magnifying that. There aren't six Saffers to a club XI all of a sudden, although maybe in Auckland you might be getting towards that.

They are sensing a great opportunity down here. It's almost like 'New Zealand' is now a bit of a shell company listed on an attractive stockmarket bourse, and the only ones really keen to breathe new life into the venture tend to be South African or Indian/Sri Lankan.

 

[Kippax]

The increased black/coloured player quota per pro franchise is definitely the reason someone like Conway is here, I'd say. He lost his Lions contract at age 26, so there's just no real way to ascend to international cricket from there.

 

[straw man]

Oh yeah I forgot about the increased quotas in SA, that would certainly play a part. There's a very well-worn path to NZ now, having been travelled by many other SA cricketers. Many would already know a few players or coaches in NZ prior to coming over.

 

[NZTailender]

I'd strongly consider picking him anyway, as a batsman. His form with the bat hasn't been great for a while now, and Nicholls did hit that ton against South Africa (which I think is actually still NZ's most recent Test series ) but I still have more faith in him to make runs despite those things. Six Test tons and an average of 38 nails that #5 spot, for mine.

I reckon it's unlikely though. Selectors love Nicholls.

1. J Raval
2. T Latham
3. K Williamson
4. R Taylor
5. BJ Watling
6. H Nicholls
7. T Blundell+
8. C de Grandhomme
9. M Santner
10. N Wagner
11. T Boult

Stack the batting. de Grandhomme to continue his new ball exploits. Wagner first change and Williamson to bowl himself more if needed. The way to go imo.

 

[straw man]

I really wouldn't - two bowlers and two half-bowlers. Put Southee back in for CDG and it's still light on bowling, though maybe passable.

 

[NZTailender]

I really wouldn't - two bowlers and two half-bowlers. Put Southee back in for CDG and it's still light on bowling, though maybe passable.

Nah, it's the WIndies. pummel them with some batting practice this game and next match play 4 seamers (Boult, Southee, Wagner, Henry) + Santner and give them some bowling practice.

 

[Bahnz]

Hattrick for Tickner!

 

[SeamUp]

A pity it's now past midnight where SeamUp is. I know Muller has been opening the batting for Taita and doing okay, but the SR suggests he can't light up an engine room with fast scoring

It's funny you bringing all these names up. Remember them from youth weeks.

Travis Muller is a swing bowler. I know that article mentioned opening batsman though. Did very well for the Cobras on the ocassions he played and kicked into touch.

He got a bad injury but played SA u19 and SA academy.