*Official* Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 2018/19

[Bahnz]

I honestly still only see Ferguson working as part of a 4-man seam attack in tests. The fact remains is that after his first spell he just won't be offering much in the way of express pace, and international batsman don't have a huge issue dealing with 138-145, especially when it's gun-barrel. He'd be a useful complement to Soult and Wagner, coming in and letting rip for a couple of 5 over spells, but as a third seamer I think Wagner is still definitely the better bet - still pretty much the only proven bowler in the country in terms of his wicket-taking ability during the 50-80 over period.

Having said all that, I think he's close to the best ODI bowler we have, and his performances tonight really show how bizarre it was that the selectors kept ignoring him during the tai-series last summer. That yorker to clean up de Silva was Bond-esque.

Fun game tonight, was actually cheering for Sri Lanka, would've been nice for them to have gotten up. Jayzus, what is going on with Southee's speeds? Struggling in the mid-120's is crazy for a guy who was consistently in the mid-130's during the tests. I guess he's going for precision accuracy and changes of pace, but honestly the Indians will send him into orbit if he continues bowling that guff. Well done to Bracewell, I don't rate him as an ODI #7's arsehole, but he's possibly worth a crack as a Southee replacement. Also, Kugz... I stayed out of the conversation about him before the game, as I said pretty much all I have to say about him during the time of the trial, and I'd prefer it if he wasn't playing for New Zealand. Still, a good effort from him, so...ummm...yeah.

 

[Bahnz]

Legite think Kuggs looks a better test allrounder prospect than Santner/Neesham maybe even Corey Anderson.

If you want an all-rounder that's a genuine wicket-taking threat, then yeah he's probably the best option in the country. Don't think he'd average anymore than 25 with the bat in tests though, which really isn't enough unless you're batting at 8, so I'd probably still rate Neesh and Anderson as better allrounder prospects. Kugz is more a contender for if Wagner ever gets injured.

 

[Pup Clarke]

lol surely there's no actual thought of resting Boult/Southee cause it's Bangladesh? If it's a workload issue then agreed, but you shouldn't be resting them due to the perceived quality of the opposition

 

[Bahnz]

Who is clocked quicker tonight, Ferguson or Kuggeleijn?

Haha, I did expect Kugz to bowl a bit quicker than he did, but seriously wtf is this post?

 

[wellAlbidarned]

I honestly still only see Ferguson working as part of a 4-man seam attack in tests. The fact remains is that after his first spell he just won't be offering much in the way of express pace, and international batsman don't have a huge issue dealing with 138-145, especially when it's gun-barrel. He'd be a useful complement to Soult and Wagner, coming in and letting rip for a couple of 5 over spells, but as a third seamer I think Wagner is still definitely the better bet - still pretty much the only proven bowler in the country in terms of his wicket-taking ability during the 50-80 over period.

Having said all that, I think he's close to the best ODI bowler we have, and his performances tonight really show how bizarre it was that the selectors kept ignoring him during the tai-series last summer. That yorker to clean up de Silva was Bond-esque.

I think you're underrating the effect of 140kph bowling in tests. Most "express" bowlers in history have bowled in that range in the long form. When pitches are spicier and batsmen aren't primed for the hook it's still quick enough to be a point of difference. I do see your point though and I'd also rather having a way to work both Wagner and Ferguson into the same side, either by giving him the new ball or going with a four seamers + colin attack.

 

[Flem274*]

the answer is rachin plays in the top 5 as our spin bowling allrounder

he's still 12-18 months off test cricket tho

 

[SteveNZ]

Ferguson, Southee, Boult should be NZ preferred trio.

Where's Milne nw?

Southee has no real right to be there, unless we figure he's going to bar up for what might be his last World Cup.

Since destroying England in 15 WC he averages 48 at 5.85RPO and last 10 ODIs averages 99. Course I shouldn't waste my time seeing he will get the new ball but he doesnt deserve it. Bizarrely for a guy whose first half of his career was outstanding with white ball and crap with red, hes now the opposite.

 

[vandem]

I honestly still only see Ferguson working as part of a 4-man seam attack in tests. The fact remains is that after his first spell he just won't be offering much in the way of express pace, and international batsman don't have a huge issue dealing with 138-145, especially when it's gun-barrel. He'd be a useful complement to Soult and Wagner, coming in and letting rip for a couple of 5 over spells, but as a third seamer I think Wagner is still definitely the better bet - still pretty much the only proven bowler in the country in terms of his wicket-taking ability during the 50-80 over period.
...

I have seen Ferguson in domestic at EPOO take wickets in 2nd and 3rd spells, 135+ and get some inswing.

Strangely his immediate path to the test team may be blocked by de Grandhomme's knack of taking useful wickets. A more balanced XI for NZ pitches would have BJ / Santner at 6/7, leaving space for a 4th "shock" seamer, Milne / Ferguson etc. But while deG keeps taking wickets at around 30 average, and doesn't make enough runs to bat in the top 5, he will keep the 6 slot, and we will keep to a 3 seamer 1 spinner attack, if only not to blow out the over rate and get Kane suspended.

Agree with Flem, medium term answer could be Ravindra batting in the top 6 (either opener, or at 6 to replace deG who is now 32 years old) and being the 3rd/4th innings spinner.

 

[TheBrand]

I just want to see Wags bowling in Australia, he missed all 3 tests last time as NZ preferred Henry/Bracewell. I think he will be a new threat on Aussie wickets this coming summer.

 

[hendrix]

Hard to see Wags doing well in Aus but he deserves his shot

 

[Starfighter]

Why would he be worse than elsewhere?

 

[thundaboult]

Kuggelejin's fastest was 142.2

He's got good pace and accuracy. Generally around the 139-142 mark today with 2 or 3 balls below that mark.

Personally I've always rated him. Been wanting to have him in the side for a while. The way he plays his game is very stokes-esque. Not comparing the two but the bat hard, bowl fast attitude is sort of similar. Doesn't mind a confrontation as well. Ideally, he should be playing all the remaining LO's in place of southee before the cup, byt we all know lord southee is undroppable. And koogs can swing the ball in favorable conditions. Did so on that Bangladesh/Ireland tri series tour in 2017. Once again, southee is blocking his spot in the LO's. Kuggellejin bowls quicker, bats better. He deserves a run and I honestly believe he needs to be in that world cup squad alongside Neesham and sants. CDG, corey anderson, bracewell in the second tier but should not be in that WC squad. Bracewell was impressive today but Scotty koogs just seems a lot more promising at this point.

 

[Bahnz]

I have seen Ferguson in domestic at EPOO take wickets in 2nd and 3rd spells, 135+ and get some inswing.

Strangely his immediate path to the test team may be blocked by de Grandhomme's knack of taking useful wickets. A more balanced XI for NZ pitches would have BJ / Santner at 6/7, leaving space for a 4th "shock" seamer, Milne / Ferguson etc. But while deG keeps taking wickets at around 30 average, and doesn't make enough runs to bat in the top 5, he will keep the 6 slot, and we will keep to a 3 seamer 1 spinner attack, if only not to blow out the over rate and get Kane suspended.

Agree with Flem, medium term answer could be Ravindra batting in the top 6 (either opener, or at 6 to replace deG who is now 32 years old) and being the 3rd/4th innings spinner.

Santner isn't a good enough bat to play at 7 (unless Southee's batting continues to improve to the point where he's consistently averaging 25ish at 8).

 

[thundaboult]

In the last two months I'd say, Ferguson has now become our best LO's bowler. I'd pick him very first, then boult, and then sodhi as definite must haves'

 

[TheBrand]

In the last two months I'd say, Ferguson has now become our best LO's bowler. I'd pick him very first, then boult, and then sodhi as definite must haves'

Agree with the first part. Not sure about the 2nd. I would say Boult, Lockie and Santa are definite must haves with Sodhi coming in depending on the wicket.

 

[Bahnz]

Why would he be worse than elsewhere?

Yeah, my first thought is that the extra pace and bounce available over there would make him more of a threat, not less. He bowled well in South Africa in 2016, and the recent occasions where he's struggled have been on surfaces with very soft bounce (the Basin and Dubai).

 

[Athlai]

Australians arent allergic to bouncers like the rest of the world

 

[Flem274*]

i think the egos of the current lot will force them to have a go at him tbh. whether it works or not time will tell. he bowled well in his one crack at them on our shores.

 

[Blain]

I think his diminishing pace (like Southee) and one dimension short ball game could make him cannon fodder over there. "Extra pace" in their pitches these days is a bit of a myth, unless you're talking about the way they crank their speed guns up.

But he deserves his chance for a crack with performances over the best few seasons, hopefully he performs.

 

[Bahnz]

Australians arent allergic to bouncers like the rest of the world

Didn't stop Wagz from bouncing his way to a 6fer on a day 3 Hagley seamy road.