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

[Moss]

As someone mentioned earlier watling must be right up there to be our best ever keeper/bat. Sure, he doesnt stand out with his keeping like mccullum or parore at their prime but he also rarely drops easy chances. He is very safe.

Ive always had mccullun as my keeper/bat in my alltime nz xi but thats a funny selection in a way as mccullum's batting was only test superstar for his last 2 seasons.. he wasn't as good a batsman as bj when he was keeping.

Yeah, and also need to remember he's a converted keeper-bat. Definitely carved out a good career, nearing 200 dismissals and 3k runs.

 

[BC_fan_abored]

It almost seems like deGrandhomme doesn't have an "eye" in the traditional sense. He is in from the start and then doesn't really improve or degrade for the entire innings. Looks like he just got tired at the end there (probably cause he's not used to batting that long)

 

[Flem274*]

this will be laughed at because he's a 30 year old NZ allrounder who debuted late, but unlike many of the 'talented big hitting allrounders' we've selected over the years CdG is one of the most natural batsmen NZ have ever produced and has a very tidy technique to go with it, he has just never learnt what to play and what to leave and until this innings he hasn't given a damn about leaving the ball.

his only limitations are in his own head. if he was indian or pakistani the casual fans would be in love with him.

 

[_Ed_]

I think that's the most disappointed I've ever seen him after getting out as well, so that's got to be a good sign.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Does anyone else agree that bj is the best test wicket keeper/batsmen nz have had, so many recovery jobs now.

The fact that of the top keeper/batsmen since Gilchrist retired he would be listed among them as potentially being the best tells you that he probably is. Quality player and does it so often with the bat when needed.

Don't think NZ have had a keeper/bat anywhere near his level actually.

 

[Frost]

this will be laughed at because he's a 30 year old NZ allrounder who debuted late, but unlike many of the 'talented big hitting allrounders' we've selected over the years CdG is one of the most natural batsmen NZ have ever produced and has a very tidy technique to go with it, he has just never learnt what to play and what to leave and until this innings he hasn't given a damn about leaving the ball.

his only limitations are in his own head. if he was indian or pakistani the casual fans would be in love with him.

Agree he can make batting look so easy sometimes, he has such a good eye and when he gets the ball moving he can be very dangerous such a handy player to have.

 

[Larwood's_boots]

It almost seems like deGrandhomme doesn't have an "eye" in the traditional sense. He is in from the start and then doesn't really improve or degrade for the entire innings. Looks like he just got tired at the end there (probably cause he's not used to batting that long)

Not sure if he could even be described as 'in', seems like given the percentage of high risk shots a lot of it just comes down to luck.

 

[Zinzan]

Not sure if he could even be described as 'in', seems like given the percentage of high risk shots a lot of it just comes down to luck.

Nah, he was playing the ball genuinely late and his judgement outside off was generally excellent. Looked the most comfortable kiwi bat outside of KW yesterday, including BJ.

 

[Frost]

Not sure if he could even be described as 'in', seems like given the percentage of high risk shots a lot of it just comes down to luck.

That would describe a lot of current test batsmen today so a little unfair on him imo.
Back in the day the cover drive was considered 'high risk' to play in tests or hitting the ball in the air. No one expects him to be sobers but he's doing a fine job.

 

[91Jmay]

Absolute dross from Stokes. Would rather have Leach a go instead of trundling half trackers.

 

[straw man]

Decent start from Southee, might as well try score a few before the new ball.

 

[MW1304]

I know they're holding out for the new ball but these are just dead overs.

Oh and broken record but Wood is still bleurgh as far as I can tell.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Oh and broken record but Wood is still bleurgh as far as I can tell.

Has been for yonks. We need to move on.

 

[straw man]

Southee playing the role that Wood did for England here. Very useful runs.

 

[Mike5181]

I completely forgot this started earlier today.

 

[SeamUp]

Southee loves batting against England.

 

[SeamUp]

Absolute pearler from Jimmy.

 

[straw man]

That is truly unplayable, even moreso on reply - ridiculous deviation

 

[Flem274*]

that's just ridiculous

gutted watling couldn't add another ton to the tally but that's a superb ball

 

[91Jmay]

That is a beauty.