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

[BazBall21]

It seemed pretty flat, but had spongy bounce. Expect that bounce to normalize.

Normally the spongy bounce makes scoring quite slow, but nz rattled along.

Tbf, 3 of the wickets were contributed by that bounce: Kane, Blundell, and if being charitable Smith.

Even Ravindra's full toss was contributed by the maglev nature of the pitch that refused to let that ball bounce in the first place.

Carse got more bounce than Mitchell expected too for that dismissal.

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

Totally agree @Red_Ink_Squid is the worst culprit too.

I'm harsh on him sometimes, but always fair.

Like, when he won PotS in the last Ashes series and won both white ball world cups I was like "Yeah, that's legitimately awesome, what ridiculous achievements, what a legacy, WAG. But imagine if he could somehow be even better?"

But then I always conclude no, don't get greedy, there is no such higher level.

 

[hendrix]

I don't agree with the first paragraph but wholeheartedly do with the 2nd. Phillips is clearly a better batsman than Blundell now and probably always will be. So he needs to bat above him, to maximise his output. Fairly simple.

Mind you, I do also agree we gifted wickets and a bog average spinner taking 4 for at Hagley after being inserted is poor.

Thought Bashir bowled well.

Enjoying Bond and Gower.

Think Bond is one of our better commentators of recent.

 

[BazBall21]

Southee to round off a successful career with his maiden century?

 

[Bahnz]

Apparently this pitch was prepared on the same part of the block as the ND v Canterbury game. In that game, both teams scored 350ish in their first innings, before Canterbury collapsed against Wagner and his apprentice Fisher in their second innings and ND romped to an easy win.

 

[BazBall21]

I'd have started with Carse.

 

[Johan]

KEEP WOAKES OUT OF THE ****ING OVAL

 

[BazBall21]

76mph

 

[BazBall21]

Doesn't have the action to decieve, doesn't have the physical materials to shock.

 

[Johan]

Woakes vs Qadir — Whose worse?

 

[PlayerComparisons]

I'm harsh on him sometimes, but always fair.

Like, when he won PotS in the last Ashes series and won both white ball world cups I was like "Yeah, that's legitimately awesome, what ridiculous achievements, what a legacy, WAG. But imagine if he could somehow be even better?"

But then I always conclude no, don't get greedy, there is no such higher level.

The level guys like Bumrah and Woakes operate at is as good as it gets. Can’t expect anymore

 

[ataraxia]

Southee really making the most of facing 76% of deliveries in that partnership.

 

[KungFu_Kallis]

Typical brainless Southee innings. **** off you muppet. And you know they are going to give him a lovely farewell tour all 3 Tests. While not one of our top 3 players from the historic India win are playing. Gotta love NZ cricket

 

[Neil Young]

Southee gonna Southee.

 

[Blakey]

Southee - reverts to the norm. All out for under 340 looks like.

 

[Johan]

I'd have started with Carse.

you really should be the captain

 

[Blakey]

What was he thinking? Dumb question I guess. But it's his last series and he does that??

 

[Blakey]

Phillips HAS to step up and bazooka some runs. Assuming he gets to bat again.

 

[King Kane]

What was he thinking? Dumb question I guess. But it's his last series and he does that??

Playing his natural game to the very end, he's at least consistent.

 

[Dick Rockett]

The direction Williams has gone in more recent times is a shame.

Very true.