**Official** England in New Zealand 28 Nov-18 Dec 2024 - 3 Tests

[Dick Rockett]

Best thing would've been Boult gets that Bay Oval call up

I read the other day that Boult was a guest on some podcast and said that NZC made it clear to him that declining a central contract meant he would never be selected in the test side, so he was never going to be asked to play that match.

Apparently he also noted that that rule didn't seem to be applied to subsequent players that declined a contract, so perhaps he's a little salty about it.

Poor wee lamb.

 

[Skyliner]

The fish rots from the head. Weenick is a bit of a Gary Stead in his own right.

'NZ Cricket's newly minted Chief Executive Scott Weenick played 12 first-class and seven List A games for Wellington between 1995 and 1997. The right-hand batter averaged a modest 13.17, with a highest first-class score of 72 not out.
But in his short time in the top level game before embarking on a high-flying corporate career, Weenink more distinguished himself for his role in an obscure piece of sporting trivia. As a young, up-and-coming player on the Wellington scene, Weenink was from time to time, called upon as a reserve fielder for test matches and one day internationals at the Basin Reserve. He got the opportunity to take the field in an ODI against Pakistan in the early 90s – an appearance memorable for a missed catch.'

 

[Hungry Llama]

Looking at recent test results, all the top teams seem to be bit like the nursery ryhme, when theyr good, theyr very very god, but when
theyr bad, theyr absolutely shite.

Also a top 3 of Creepy Ducky and Ethel still looks rather odd. On a good day, Bazball heaven, but on a bad one maybe triple zero.

 

[slowfinger]

England set-up picks Bethell and there are dark warnings about how English first class cricketers might get their noses out of joint. This is all this toxic ‘pecking order’ stuff again. Baz and Ben just laugh.
Meanwhile Stead is totally in thrall to ‘pecking order’. Old past-it players have to be winkled and cajoled out of the side via a process reminiscent of life-or-death hostage negotiations. “I’ll come out, but I want a farewell series and safe passage to the Seychelles”.
Contrast the freewheeling ‘what have got to lose, we might unearth a gem’ attitude of the English brains trust with the ultra-conservative emotionally constipated Gary Stead and his acolytes.

When Australia do it, they are "loyal" selectors who "pick and build an experienced team" - that team has hardly changed in the past 6 years!

When NZ do it - they are 'out of touch'

Remember Australia were maligned for picking experience in the last Ashes but they nearly wiped the floor with us. It was the first time bazball looked a little deflated

 

[Skyliner]

When Australia do it, they are "loyal" selectors who "pick and build an experienced team" - that team has hardly changed in the past 6 years!

When NZ do it - they are 'out of touch'

Remember Australia were maligned for picking experience in the last Ashes but they nearly wiped the floor with us. It was the first time bazball looked a little deflated

At some stage the advanced cricketing ages of many of the Australian team will become a problem.

 

[Chubb]

The Tim Southee farewell tour rolls on.

 

[thundaboult]

When Australia do it, they are "loyal" selectors who "pick and build an experienced team" - that team has hardly changed in the past 6 years!

When NZ do it - they are 'out of touch'

Remember Australia were maligned for picking experience in the last Ashes but they nearly wiped the floor with us. It was the first time bazball looked a little deflated

a lot of those aging aussie players keep on performing though

ours dont

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Amazing that Southee and Kane were from the same under-19 team and Tim is getting the early farewell.

Cricket, a batsman’s game

 

[Skyliner]

‘Full stop on this era’: Legend calls for outgoing Kiwi great’s axing after humiliating loss

‘Full stop on this era’: Legend calls for outgoing Kiwi great’s axing after humiliating loss

www.foxsports.com.au

“The upshot of this, is changes should be made to this New Zealand side because the World Test Championship is gone. The Crowe-Thorpe trophy is gone. Let’s put a full stop on this era, and use this next Test match as the start of a new one,” Smith stated. “Let’s start the next cycle, and just don’t give away opportunities to people who have given long service; you don’t do that. That’s what you get MBE and OBE’s for, but you don’t get given Test matches and five-day farewells."

 

[Immenso]

Amazing that Southee and Kane were from the same under-19 team and Tim is getting the early farewell.

Cricket, a batsman’s game

But Kane was a 17 year old and Tim a 19 year old.

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

The Tim Southee farewell tour rolls on.

View attachment 43130

Fools Trundle In

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Setting Young up to fail. He goes in as Opener where he's not suited, nicks off early doors, goes back to sitting on the bench again.

It is only 1 test and shouldn't be an issue.

In terms of "sitting on the bench" we won't play another test for about 7 or 8 months and there will be a new coach with hopefully a clear, new vision for the tour of Zim which will probably clash with the US and other leagues so it is likely that uncontracted players like Conway and Williamson won't be picked.

 

[straw man]

The Tim Southee farewell tour rolls on.

View attachment 43130

A Little Less Perspiration
?

 

[Fuller Pilch]

At some stage the advanced cricketing ages of many of the Australian team will become a problem.

Despite the win in Adelaide I think it already has. Wouldn't be surprised if Bumrah rolls them again in the BG and if P Jayasuriya does likewise in SL.

 

[straw man]

All eager to see *something* change at Seddon Park, though we also all know it will be basically the same team aside from Conway.

And yeah, Smith will probably sit out for Santner too. Leaving aside the injustice of that, I will be curious to see how Santner goes after his India breakthrough. He found exactly the right speed and length for that second test wicket. If there's any spin to be had at Seddon and if we have any runs to play with, would love to see him take a few wickets.

 

[Skyliner]

What I've found interesting is the significant 'heat' that has been directed at the set-up. Usually the response to losses is fairly muted, maybe not on talkback radio but certainly in the media and from former players. This has become excruciatingly embarrassing already and we are still 5 days out from the final test of the series.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead defends Tim Southee as pressure mounts for him to go

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

 

[Prince EWS]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/36051...-devon-conway-miss-third-test-against-england

Looks like young will play after all

@Burgey

 

[Prince EWS]

Hmm interesting.

I've been firmly in the camp that Young shouldn't come back into the team as an opener (3 or lower pls), but if it's a one-off and a dead rubber than it's still a good opportunity for him.

If Young is the reserve batsman then I think he should be prepared to bat anywhere for a one off game. I don't think he should be a first choice opener but if there's an unavailability I'm fine with it short term. If he makes a ton he'll probably keep the spot though which might not be good for him long term.

 

[Burgey]

@Burgey

JFC what's wrong with these ****ing people

 

[Dick Rockett]

What I've found interesting is the significant 'heat' that has been directed at the set-up. Usually the response to losses is fairly muted, maybe not on talkback radio but certainly in the media and from former players. This has become excruciatingly embarrassing already and we are still 5 days out from the final test of the series.

The media and NZC are too cosy. Hard questions aren't allowed or you lose access.

It's about time the team received some scrutiny.

Edit: Good lord, the denial in Stead's comments in that article. I can only assume that he is profoundly in love with Tim Southee.