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NZ domestic season 2023/24
- Thread starter OnTheBank
- Start date
I have to say I have found this whole thing absolutely extraordinary.
Firstly, the fact that a current Test player being accused of ball tampering hardly even registered a ripple in the media. I read it on Stuff once, but that was about it. Nothing on TV, no columns, hardly anything. 10 years ago, it would've been the major sports news story. 20 years ago, it would've been the front page item in the Herald and on TV news. It would've been all over talkback. It would've been forensically analysed.
And now, I find it extraordinary that the independent commission have not said that he didn't do it...in fact it seems to admit he did. It says his actions were unlikely to alter the condition of the ball or the shape of the ball. Anyone who knows what a helmet grill looks like, knows there is enough edges in the welding of the metal to alter the condition of the ball. And if it wasn't done for that reason, why the **** did he do it, on three separate occasions at the start of overs (according to Stuff)? Surely the intention was to alter it? This has been reported by the umpires, apparently seen by Auckland, it isn't clear on the video but you can see what the allegations are based around...yet brush brush under the carpet it goes. Basically, because it's easy to - because there is no media pressure to go harder.
Firstly, the fact that a current Test player being accused of ball tampering hardly even registered a ripple in the media. I read it on Stuff once, but that was about it. Nothing on TV, no columns, hardly anything. 10 years ago, it would've been the major sports news story. 20 years ago, it would've been the front page item in the Herald and on TV news. It would've been all over talkback. It would've been forensically analysed.
And now, I find it extraordinary that the independent commission have not said that he didn't do it...in fact it seems to admit he did. It says his actions were unlikely to alter the condition of the ball or the shape of the ball. Anyone who knows what a helmet grill looks like, knows there is enough edges in the welding of the metal to alter the condition of the ball. And if it wasn't done for that reason, why the **** did he do it, on three separate occasions at the start of overs (according to Stuff)? Surely the intention was to alter it? This has been reported by the umpires, apparently seen by Auckland, it isn't clear on the video but you can see what the allegations are based around...yet brush brush under the carpet it goes. Basically, because it's easy to - because there is no media pressure to go harder.
100% agreed. I know it's not as dastardly as the sandpaper episode but at the end of the day, Warner and Bancroft were given year bans for planning to alter the condition of the ball. I can't see how scraping a ball on a metal visor is any different.
They'll just hope it dies off and no one cares, which they'll be right. But gee, Nicholls is so lucky. I'd like to hear from him. Why? What were you doing?
The Hutt Rec
International Vice-Captain
Apparently he was using sweat from the helmet to polish the ball … makes sense to me. If you’re going to tamper with the ball a helmet would be pretty much the largest and most unwieldy item to do it with that you could find.
Flem274*
123/5
We used to make fun of them (correctly), but one good thing about radiosport and their boomer audience was the much more direct connection it provided between the fans, the media and NZC.
We could have had a 10 page thread here and the result would have been the same.
RossTaylorsBox
Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
Nicholls has to be caught at least 3 times before being dismissed from the game.
Howsie
International Captain
It’s Henry Nicholls, a guy who hasn’t done squat for years and yet hasn’t had his place in the test squad challenged and whenever they can they’ll find a way to get him into the ODI team. Are you surprised this was swept under the carpet. He’s part of the boys club.
He’s a filthy cheat, I hope his career crashes and burns this summer
The Hutt Rec
International Vice-Captain
I think they’re only allowed to use sweat now aren’t they?
Flem274*
123/5
He's coming off a double ton and is dominating FC.
I know he should have been dropped earlier but that's some serious Lou Vincent treatment and we don't want our selection consistency to go there again.
jcas0167
International Regular
Looks like Jock McKenzie is continuing his cricket after playing Super Rugby earlier this year. Quite a few names I'm not familiar with alongside him in the NZ Development side. Hamish Rutherford turning out for Otago A along with the Cumming brothers and Wheeler-Greenall.
The Hutt Rec
International Vice-Captain
And remember that was a game at home against quite weak opposition, and he was dropped twice before he reached 50 in that innings.
His away average of 21.6, combined with his Asian average of 29.5, indicates to me he’s not going to contribute much on this tour.
Add in averages of 17 vs Aus and 13.5 vs India and I think he’s hit his ceiling.
Yes he scored some runs after being given a long run of opportunities in his last test, but should we hold back someone like Ravindra getting a decent shot because of that? Sometimes you have to move along players like we did with Guptill in order to let players like that into the side.
Flem274*
123/5
Nicholls is a much better player with a much better record than Guptill.
He's a HTB. Something like a 50/25 split. Only 1 ton away and 8 at home but against some world class attacks.
He should have been dropped last summer. However, this is not a video game. IRL if guys repay the faith then dominate FC before test season, a selector who drops them is sending the message that performance does not matter.
Nicholls has bought himself more rope. I'm not thrilled either but it is what it is. Anything else is terrible player management.
He's a HTB. Something like a 50/25 split. Only 1 ton away and 8 at home but against some world class attacks.
He should have been dropped last summer. However, this is not a video game. IRL if guys repay the faith then dominate FC before test season, a selector who drops them is sending the message that performance does not matter.
Nicholls has bought himself more rope. I'm not thrilled either but it is what it is. Anything else is terrible player management.