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

[NZTailender]

Reminder that useless shunt lasted 207 balls whilst the guy, who should face less criticism because of the former's performances, lasted 24 in our most important test innings of the summer.

 

[Bahnz]

Latham gonna Latham. Good effort, but he just doesn't seem to have it in him to bat long against good attacks. I was really hoping he'd eventually blossom into a top-class opener, but it looks like we're just going to have to settle for a guy who's usually good for seeing off the new-ball and who only goes on with it in the most friendly of circumstances.

 

[Borges]

This test can still be saved. Get to tea without losing another wicket, and you are already half way there.

 

[Borges]

More than half way there.

 

[NZTailender]

Latham gonna Latham. Good effort, but he just doesn't seem to have it in him to bat long against good attacks. I was really hoping he'd eventually blossom into a top-class opener, but it looks like we're just going to have to settle for a guy who's usually good for seeing off the new-ball and who only goes on with it in the most friendly of circumstances.

Which is, sadly, the best efforts since Richardson (bar Baz, maybe).

He's just turned 26 (like yesterday). I still expect him to improve. I reckon a change of batting coach would be good, and more stints in county.

 

[Moss]

Latham gonna Latham. Good effort, but he just doesn't seem to have it in him to bat long against good attacks. I was really hoping he'd eventually blossom into a top-class opener, but it looks like we're just going to have to settle for a guy who's usually good for seeing off the new-ball and who only goes on with it in the most friendly of circumstances.

Hypothetical question: do you think he'd end up with a better record as a middle order bat? Won't happen of course given the state of NZ's opening batting stocks.

 

[Zinzan]

Raval deserves to cop a lot for that start this morning. Clearly can't have checked where the fielder was, really brought England right back into the game with that lame dismissal.

 

[Zinzan]

Oooo those clouds looking a bit darker England

 

[Borges]

Two overs. Just survive for two overs and the Kiwis are through.

 

[Zinzan]

Words can't express just how stupid the NZ batsmen are. Literally the last four wickets should would have been avoided without idiotic decisions. Such a dumb ass team lol.

Weren't you saying the same about England last match?

Anyway, fair cop on NZ's lame dismissals today, although you do lose an element of posting credibility around here when you only appear at the most inopportune times to stick the boot in. #fairweatherfan etc..

 

[straw man]

Raval deserves to cop a lot for that start this morning. Clearly can't have checked where the fielder was, really brought England right back into the game with that lame dismissal.

Haven't seen it but sounds bad. Taylor also ending his summer on a rubbish note with two very poor dismissals. It's more final-match-of-the-series-itis from NZ.

Honestly can't believe the season is all but over. A third test at the very least is what's needed here.

 

[Zinzan]

Haven't seen it but sounds bad.

Was a half-volley loosener on leg-stump he managed to spoon straight to a square-ish midwicket. As if he wasn't at all aware of his field.

 

[NZTailender]

Raval deserves to cop a lot for that start this morning. Clearly can't have checked where the fielder was, really brought England right back into the game with that lame dismissal.

Pretty much. If/when we lose, it'll be because of the lack of application from Raval, Taylor and Nicholls over both innings. The bowlers did reasonably well IMO and not having a lead to work with in the 2nd dig meant they had an awkward task of restrict and attack. Latham redeemed himself in this innings, and CdG has played oddly mature in both innings (with flashes here and there). The responsibility to save an innings shouldn't fall with 8-11, yet they've done quite well thus far.

Taylor should know better. Nicholls should've been looking to play the same innings as he did in Auckland and his shot selection was atrocious. That said, great stuff by England, they've turned this series around magnificently and this has been the best Broad has bowled in yonks.

 

[straw man]

That said, great stuff by England, they've turned this series around magnificently and this has been the best Broad has bowled in yonks.

Yeah England have been good, their bowling and lower-order batting anyway. Bairstow's century set up the match, they've been excellent with the new ball throughout and also the way they kept De Grandhomme and Watling quiet during NZ's recovery on the second day was crucial.

 

[Bahnz]

Which is, sadly, the best efforts since Richardson (bar Baz, maybe).

He's just turned 26 (like yesterday). I still expect him to improve. I reckon a change of batting coach would be good, and more stints in county.

I'm not really sure a batting coach will make that huge of a difference. Playing tons and tons of FC cricket might, so in that sense county cricket could help, but didn't he already have a stint in county cricket last year without much success?

 

[Zinzan]

So Riger is happy if we even have less Test matches than we currently do, as long as it's put on a pedestal.... FMD.

 

[Bahnz]

Was a half-volley loosener on leg-stump he managed to spoon straight to a square-ish midwicket. As if he wasn't at all aware of his field.

Struck me as the sort of reflex shot you play when you haven't quite switched on mentally. Either way it was poor.

 

[Bahnz]

Also, for all the **** it's copped, well done to the NZ weather. It's played an important role in turning 2 relatively one-sided games into thrilling day 5 finishes.

 

[Zinzan]

So Riger is happy if we even have less Test matches than we currently do, as long as it's put on a pedestal.... FMD.

To make matters worse, Cumming's closing comment on the Dilmah tea party were "we'll hopefully be back next year".

I hope this is just me being paranoid and not that NZC are near the stage of doing away with Test cricket.

 

[Bahnz]

This test can still be saved. Get to tea without losing another wicket, and you are already half way there.

Don't forget Southee's crook. Doubt he'll be able to hang around for long (in retrospect seems even dumber having him field and bowl yesterday).