***Official*** West Indies in New Zealand 2017

[SeamUp]

Some lovely stuff by Ross in his interview. Chuffed for him.

It is so true how he could so easily have been only a white-ball cricketer.

I can't remember if it was NZ A tour or it was a full NZL 50-over tour but think it was the initial one. A game against SAF 'A' was on TV. I think he scored a few but not a lot but I remember thinking thats very limited overs sloggish to leg-side after all the excitement about him.

So well done Ross.

 

[Woodster]

So, realistically what would represent a good day for West Indies today ? First and foremost they’ve got to show the right application and mentality to bat long, to try and take this game into the last day. That would be a huge effort and I’m not entirely sure they’ve got it in them.

I’d like to see the two batsmen that are in now make a fist of it and get through to lunch. Shai Hope has obvious potential and Brathwaite has shown he can bat long periods of time, huge challenge to neutralise Boult and Southee first up with the new ball but West Indies need to see some encouragement from their batting, some hope for the future.

 

[NZTailender]

So, realistically what would represent a good day for West Indies today ? First and foremost they’ve got to show the right application and mentality to bat long, to try and take this game into the last day. That would be a huge effort and I’m not entirely sure they’ve got it in them.

I’d like to see the two batsmen that are in now make a fist of it and get through to lunch. Shai Hope has obvious potential and Brathwaite has shown he can bat long periods of time, huge challenge to neutralise Boult and Southee first up with the new ball but West Indies need to see some encouragement from their batting, some hope for the future.

Batting the day and losing three wickets, max, and adding 300.

 

[Woodster]

Batting the day and losing three wickets, max, and adding 300.

Not sure that’s a realistic possibility though is it?

 

[Athlai]

Not sure that’s a realistic possibility though is it?

Maybe they could go to the zoo or something?

 

[NZTailender]

Not sure that’s a realistic possibility though is it?

No, but that's what they should aim for. 1/100 per session.

 

[Woodster]

That would certainly represent a very good day. Personally, and I’m thinking realistically, just some positive signs, some discipline, some semblance of Test match partnerships built and maybe a total of 300+.

 

[GotSpin]

I'll genuinely be impressed if the Windies aren't 6-7 down by Lunch

 

[Woodster]

I'll genuinely be impressed if the Windies aren't 6-7 down by Lunch

That could certainly happen. Just hope for the sake of WI cricket some of those promising players can just enhance their reputations with the bat and apply themselves....could be wishful thinking.

 

[_Ed_]

While I obviously want NZ to win and do it convincingly, it would be nice to see a WI batsman score a ton today.

 

[NZTailender]

While I obviously want NZ to win and do it convincingly, it would be nice to see a WI batsman score a ton today.

Yeah, I want to see some good cricket, which is why I like the declaration. Batting them out of the game would've been a bit dull and given David White-ball more anti-test justification.

Last innings of the tour, seeing Braithwaite, Hope or Ambris make a big score would be ace.

 

[NZTailender]

I can see WIndies making 300 for the loss of 1 or 2 more wickets, only to lose the remaining wickets for 30 runs.

 

[Bahnz]

200 for Boulteh, great stuff.

Now double it.

 

[Athlai]

Boult/Southee in this Test have felt like old times.

 

[Athlai]

Fun fact, both Southee and Boult have more wickets than Hadlee did at their age. Boult also averages slightly less.

 

[Bahnz]

Maybe a little, but I think that speaks more to the quality of the opposition than anything. Boult is looking pretty good, but Southee is just so gentle these days. When he was in his 2012-14 peak, he was averaging around the 135kmh mark in terms of pace. Nowadays, it's more around 130, and it's that drop in pace I think which is costing him more than anything against the better sides.

 

[SeamUp]

200 up for Trent

This is tough for the Windies.

 

[Bahnz]

Fun fact, both Southee and Boult have more wickets than Hadlee did at their age. Boult also averages slightly less.

I doubt Southee and Boult will go on playing tests until they're 40 though. Jeez Hadlee was a freak.

 

[Meridio]

Boult arguably could (he obviously won't but physique wise...) but can see Southee turning into Ian Smith when he retires.

 

[Athlai]

WAGner