*Official* New Zealand in Australia 2019/20

[morgieb]

No idea why Lyon's been so underbowled, he's actually kept things tight rather than just getting smashed. Seamers look under the pump.

 

[thundaboult]

Have to say it’s been the opposite that’s impressed me. Great patience waiting for the bad ball, then he’s pounced. Getting a few of them now he’s waited it out!

Haha, admittedly my perception is very biased when it comes to stuff like that. I am of the T20 generation. Will always notice the pace and blazing strokeplay over hard graft and patience. But glad to see Blundell reaping the rewards of Patience. He's handled all 3 quicks very well.

 

[straw man]

It's great to see Blundell playing so well, but I am getting a bit of a Peter Fulton feeling - unexpected success in an unsuitable position, earning prolonged selection in the same role and a harrowing sequence of failures. I hope it doesn't turn out the same way.

The good thing with Blundell is that he's already earmarked as keeper for when Watling retires so can always slot back in there. And if he can bat well against the second new ball, that helps.

 

[Athlai]

Is Blundell the reverse Watling? Opener who transforms into keeper va keeper who transforms into opener?

 

[Moss]

Yeah he's definitely showing up the lack of clarity in method of the other batsman. Such a simple gameplan; leave anything on a good line, milk singles off anything straight, murder the **** out of anything in your zone.

EDIT: O'Keeffe definitely has a point here about KW's backlift. It's something I've thought for a while too on quick pitches, really noticed it watching him live.

Yup that was a good point, it's been a long while since NZ played on bouncier tracks and KW' s not adapted that well. Needs a start.

Saw the dismissal for the first time just then, didn't look a great call at all.

 

[Meridio]

It's great to see Blundell playing so well, but I am getting a bit of a Peter Fulton feeling - unexpected success in an unsuitable position, earning prolonged selection in the same role and a harrowing sequence of failures. I hope it doesn't turn out the same way.

Yeah obviously my post was fairly sarcastic, and like I posted before the test, we still do have a selection dilemma there - he'll open next test, but will he be there come the India series?

 

[Prince EWS]

Is Blundell the reverse Watling? Opener who transforms into keeper va keeper who transforms into opener?

Haha I genuinely still think NZ would be better off swapping them. Probably not worth risking Watling's mojo but still.

I was almost unique in being more annoyed at Blundell being considered NZ's reserve batsman than I was at a non-opener opening - I'd have been much more on board with Seifert, Phillips or (if he was fit) Young opening - and I'm not about to totally flip on that after one dig, but he's gone as far towards proving me wrong as he realistically can in one innings already and he's not even out yet.

I do worry that losing this Test by 100 less runs but then also going into the next four Tests with Blundell opening may end up a bit of a poisoned chalice, but we'll see.

 

[thundaboult]

Another tricky patch to negotiate with. Something always happens after these breaks. Need to tough it out

 

[Flem274*]

yea i fear for blundell against the swinging ball. as good as aus are, the ball hasn't moved like it will on the first morning in nz

 

[Athlai]

Won’t be worse than Raval, and if he’s only temporarily opening then it’s perfect for easing Rachin in to replace him. Win win.

 

[The Hutt Rec]

If Raval can succeed for a while opening, I reckon Blundell can too. He’s already adjusted and tightened up from the first innings, which is a real positive sign.

NZ contingent of the crowd has been amazing I must say (apart from the cringeworthy stealing of the Barmy Army’s chant). Wish tests in NZ had this much atmosphere.

 

[Flem274*]

its always nice to hear 'warners a wanker' piercing the drone of michael vaughan tbf

 

[Burgey]

What is it with otherwise nondescript random kiwis coming over here and playing a one off great knock before rapidly trending back to mediocrity? Lou Vincent, Mark Greatbatch and now this bloke.

 

[NUFAN]

I predict a Starceh wicket this spell.

 

[Flem274*]

i think i just heard a brief waisake naholo chant lol

 

[Flem274*]

beaudy and jordie are solid cricketers. cant do any worse than some of our batsmen. jordie hits the deck hard.

 

[Burgey]

How come the normally quiet, dour and reserved NZ fans have turned into the Barmy Army? Gives credence to the South Sea Island Poms nickname. Been very good natured.

 

[Midwinter]

How come the normally quiet, dour and reserved NZ fans have turned into the Barmy Army? Gives credence to the South Sea Island Poms nickname. Been very good natured.

Did it all day yesterday despite their teams poor performance.

Good natured tho'

 

[Burgey]

Well bowled there.

 

[Spark]

Great nut.