*Official* England in New Zealand 2019

[jcas0167]

Nice an unbeaten ton for Allen. At least the NZXI batsmen have done well out of this match.

 

[Howsie]

Phillips is probably next cab off the ranks tbh. Second best average over the last two Plunket Shield seasons after Conway...

My inside source has Hamish Rutherford as cover for anyone in the top six. So if Kane is out for the first test look for Rutherford to be batting at three..........

 

[Howsie]

Finn Allen should demand a release from Auckland cricket right now

 

[Athlai]

My inside source has Hamish Rutherford as cover for anyone in the top six. So if Kane is out for the first test look for Rutherford to be batting at three..........

Sounds like total rubbish

 

[The Hutt Rec]

Yeah Rutherford was mentioned in a stuff article. Would have been Young if he wasn’t injured.

 

[Prince EWS]

My inside source has Hamish Rutherford as cover for anyone in the top six. So if Kane is out for the first test look for Rutherford to be batting at three..........

Ew.

 

[Gnske]

My inside source has Hamish Rutherford as cover for anyone in the top six. So if Kane is out for the first test look for Rutherford to be batting at three..........

This is like Aaron Redmond getting another gig in 2013.

I hope it happens.

 

[vandem]

Yeah Rutherford was mentioned in a stuff article. Would have been Young if he wasn’t injured.

The previous test squad / standby middle order batsman before Young (2018-19 vs SL vs Ban) was Guptill (2017-18 vs Eng at Eden Park), wouldn't be a bad option if Kane is out.

 

[Howsie]

Obviously he isn’t fit but it should be Young, Seifert, Phillips in that order right now. With Rutherford about 20 places behind. God knows what Stead and Larsen are smoking here

 

[vandem]

Obviously he isn’t fit but it should be Young, Seifert, Phillips in that order right now. With Rutherford about 20 places behind. God knows what Stead and Larsen are smoking here

As small boys they read stories about famous English Ashes victories, where middle aged batsmen were called back into the side to play key innings (Washbrook, Compton etc).

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Surely the idea of Guptill in Tests should have been put to bed years ago. He's had ample opportunities, and has been nothing but underwhelming.

 

[The Hutt Rec]

Surely the idea of Guptill in Tests should have been put to bed years ago. He's had ample opportunities, and has been nothing but underwhelming.

I'd prefer Rutherford to Guptill, I'll give the selectors that.

Makes no sense given their test averages, but Guptill has almost played 50 tests, I can't take any more of that painfulness.

 

[NZTailender]

I would be okay with guptill at 5,but not in the top 3

 

[Athlai]

Promote Taylor or Nichol”s and slide Guppy in at 5

 

[nzfan]

Finn Allen should demand a release from Auckland cricket right now

This kid should be playing every game for Aces, period... He's one of the best players of spin I've seen among young cricketers since Tom Latham.

 

[Flem274*]

with young injured, it should be seifert unless they need an opener

i didn't realise phillips had so many shield runs. i thought he had been having middling seasons.

 

[nzfan]

Why don't they play Tom Blundell? He can bat surely. Not sure why he isn't discussed. He has runs to show in test cricket. I have no bias he's a Wellingtonian :-)

 

[theegyptian]

Sounds like the England side for the first test is all but decided except for the last bowling spot.

Woakes v SCurran - hardly a great choice at least bowling wise.

Neither looks like taking wickets away from home - and they have the records to back it up.

 

[Moss]

Why don't they play Tom Blundell? He can bat surely. Not sure why he isn't discussed. He has runs to show in test cricket. I have no bias he's a Wellingtonian :-)

This would be my preferred option, if Kane's absent then move Nicholls to three, Watling as specialist bat at 5 and Blundell as keeper/bat.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

This would be my preferred option, if Kane's absent then move Nicholls to three, Watling as specialist bat at 5 and Blundell as keeper/bat.

Another possibility could be Neesham at 5.