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***Official*** England in New Zealand 2018

_Ed_

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That 60-40 confidence has already eased its way down to 55-45. An early wicket would help ease these jitters.
 

straw man

Hall of Fame Member
Obviously can't help but think of England holding out for the draw last time they toured, but we still are huge favourites to finish this off with no rain forecast at all.

English batsmen already a little edgy this morning (according to radio). I'm itching for Astle to bowl, even though it's certainly better to start with Boult/Southee and it's nowhere near a day 5 pitch.
 

straw man

Hall of Fame Member
Southee deserved that. He's bowled well to the lefties.
It's nice to see this because when he was bowling really well 3(?) years or so ago he was bowling well to lefties too. He's mostly a two-trick pony with the outswing and the off-cutter, and I really think his off-cutter has lost something in the last few years which is part of why he's been less threatening. It may also be that batsmen have been watching for it better.
 

NZTailender

I can't believe I ate the whole thing
It's nice to see this because when he was bowling really well 3(?) years or so ago he was bowling well to lefties too. He's mostly a two-trick pony with the outswing and the off-cutter, and I really think his off-cutter has lost something in the last few years which is part of why he's been less threatening. It may also be that batsmen have been watching for it better.
It's pretty much become his go to. Bowl a cutter from wide of a crease. For a while it was clever and unexpected, now everyone knows he does it. Every spell the commentary teams point it out.
 

SteveNZ

Cricketer Of The Year
It's nice to see this because when he was bowling really well 3(?) years or so ago he was bowling well to lefties too. He's mostly a two-trick pony with the outswing and the off-cutter, and I really think his off-cutter has lost something in the last few years which is part of why he's been less threatening. It may also be that batsmen have been watching for it better.
That was because he had the ability to bend the ball back to LHers. I think he still has the off-cutter. LHers should be able to leave him with complete confidence, which Malan should've done. Poor discipline, decent bowling. In fact that's really a hallmark of this English side isn't it? Bugger all discipline in their shot selection over long periods of time.
 

_Ed_

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Ooh, dropped. Tough chance, but you'd back BJ to hold on to those more often than not.
 

Adders

Cricketer Of The Year
England still playing way too aggressively, especially outside leg. Does leaving even exist any more as a concept?
Yeah, when we drew that test here in 2013, Stuart Broad of all people faced 77 balls for 6 runs to (nearly) last the day with Prior. I just don't see that sort of application in this side at all.
 

The Hutt Rec

International Vice-Captain
Only 20 overs until the new ball ... not sure Astle will get the ball before then. Williamson doesn’t seem to have much faith in him ...
 

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