***Official*** Australia in New Zealand 2016

[Meridio]

I don't get the Nicholls hate on here, but then again I don't get to see any NZ FC cricket. He looks pretty compact and is up for a scrap at least. Obviously he's no Ross Taylor but he's not the reason NZ has struggled with the bat this game.

I think it's been greatly exaggerated by a few posters here tbh. I haven't seen a lot of him either, and it does look like there's a few problems with his technique - definitely onside-biased, and flirts with an angled bat outside off stump - but I've been quite impressed with how he's handled himself. Hasn't really looked nervous or overawed since he's come into the team, and is showing a bit of ticker here on debut. Long way to go though.

 

[Meridio]

Omg, Mark Richardson - please never try and explain reverse swing in a scientific manner ever again.

 

[hendrix]

If Nicholls tons up, and Ross Taylor is fit for the next match, do we:

a) Drop Anderson

b) Drop Guptill and ask Baz to open in his last test.

 

[Meridio]

If Nicholls tons up, and Ross Taylor is fit for the next match, do we:

a) Drop Anderson

b) Drop Guptill and ask Baz to open in his last test.

I've just been pondering this question myself. I'd be inclined to drop Anderson - though that's largely on the basis that I can't see McCullum going back up to open after the faith shown in Guptill this summer..

 

[Gnske]

I'd assume Nicholls would miss out for the one test actually, Santner will be fit by then right?

 

[Athlai]

If Nicholls tons up, and Ross Taylor is fit for the next match, do we:

a) Drop Anderson

b) Drop Guptill and ask Baz to open in his last test.

lol, mate Guptill is nowhere near getting dropped. Did you forget the Sri Lankan tour?

If Santa isn't fit. We'd probably just drop Nicholls and play him in Baz's spot in the future.

 

[Meridio]

Do we know if Santner's been ruled out of the whole series, or was it just this test? Could throw another spanner into the works.

 

[jcas0167]

If Nicholls tons up, and Ross Taylor is fit for the next match, do we:

a) Drop Anderson

b) Drop Guptill and ask Baz to open in his last test.

Nicholls to keep wicket. Realistically I suspect that Taylor will just come in for Nicholls.

 

[straw man]

Drop Anderson and Craig, pick four steamers.

 

[WalkingWicket]

I swear just before Watling was bowled, his attention was drawn to something on the wicket. I noticed it and thought if he gets out that'll be weird...

EDIT: Ah, maybe not. It might just be his technique.

 

[Athlai]

Do we know if Santner's been ruled out of the whole series, or was it just this test? Could throw another spanner into the works.

Was just ruled out of this Test.

 

[Meridio]

Right, so if Santner's fit - then he comes in for Craig, presumably. Though I'd actually prefer the four seamers. With Henry and Wagner, that is.

 

[hendrix]

That was a really poor shot from Watling.

 

[Meridio]

Right, so if Santner's fit - then he comes in for Craig, presumably. Though I'd actually prefer the four seamers. With Henry and Wagner, that is.

And assuming Hagley Park produces a normal pitch.

 

[Zinzan]

At work, but if anyone cbf posting BJ's test batting stats since the English tour last year, it'd be appreciated.

 

[Athlai]

Yeah hard to say what we will get in Hagley just yet, if we get something grassy looking then we could probably go with a full strength XI of

Latham
Guptill
Williamson
Taylor
McCullum
Nicholls
Watling
Santner
Southee
Wagner
Boult

after Baz retires, you move Nicholls up and bring in Anderson/Neesham/Bracewell/Henry depending on form/conditions.

 

[hendrix]

Another damning indictment on the coaches is that Nicholls, the debutant, has been our best batsman in this match.

 

[Gnske]

At work, but if anyone cbf posting BJ's test batting stats since the English tour last year, it'd be appreciated.

Averaging 17 with a high score of 32 for 156 runs

 

[Bahnz]

And assuming Hagley Park produces a normal pitch.

Think it's time to admit that this pitch was actually pretty fair, and NZ have just been thoroughly outplayed.

 

[Meridio]

I'm so pleased that Ian Smith is commentating while Bracewell's batting. It just adds so much insightful, quality analysis to proceedings.