**Official** England in New Zealand

[NZTailender]

Haha.

We can still win this. If we get within 100 we've done pretty well for ourselves IMO.

 

[Richard]

If you get hit on the pads ten times in twenty minutes then you're gonna get given out sooner rather than later. You have a bat. Use it.

Still doesn't mean that you should be given just because of the quantity. Each decision should be judged on its own, SHOULD.

Precisely. Batsmen should be given lbw because the ball has not hit bat, has pitched in line or towards off of leg-stump, and is going on to hit the stumps. Not because the pads have been hit 50 times in 60 deliveries.

Mind, if someone deserves good fortune, it's Sidebottom, and it was an excellent ball high or not.

 

[Richard]

Rich, think your views on Anderson being distinctly poor since his excellent spell the other day are a touch harsh. Yes he was struggling with his ankle yesterday, but he bowled into a very strong wind, his main weapon - swing - was negated by the wind but he was fairly disciplined and worked hard. Distinctly better than poor.

Uninspiring rather than poor maybe, but as I say - doesn't really get us away from the fact that the only time this game he's bowled really well have been the opening 9 overs. Bit rich to say he's suddenly part of a cluster of excellent seamers which means MSP obviously shouldn't be picked on a surface like this, as, well, certain people were.

 

[Woodster]

McCullum going really well here. Only 138 behind now, surely Gillespie will be picked up pretty soon! Surely......

 

[silentstriker]

Precisely. Batsmen should be given lbw because the ball has not hit bat, has pitched in line or towards off of leg-stump, and is going on to hit the stumps. Not because the pads have been hit 50 times in 60 deliveries.

Mind, if someone deserves good fortune, it's Sidebottom, and it was an excellent ball high or not.

Neil wasn't claiming that he should be given out because he was hit often. It's just that if you're hit twenty times and they're all close, the umpire will make a mistake once.

And to reiterate something everyone is sick of hearing from me - bring on the technology .

 

[Richard]

FFS, Sidebottom bowled on an over too long here one feels.

 

[silentstriker]

Wow, some nice fours here.

EDIT: Except this last one

 

[Richard]

Neil wasn't claiming that he should be given out because he was hit often. It's just that if you're hit twenty times and they're all close, the umpire will make a mistake once.

Think he was TBH, seemed that way to me. Seemed he was saying "wasn't fortune\misfortune because he'd been hit on the pads loads", really.

 

[wpdavid]

McCullum going really well here. Only 138 behind now, surely Gillespie will be picked up pretty soon! Surely......

It's a worry, isn't it. Not a good time to turn in for the day, but I've got to do it. Night all.

 

[Goughy]

Interesting noone seems to have commented on something like "Push 2, push 2 its Monty" coming over the stump mic earlier in the session.

I mention it after Sidebottom stared him down after allowing the 3 just a min ago.

 

[Woodster]

It's a worry, isn't it. Not a good time to turn in for the day, but I've got to do it. Night all.

Up early for work in the morning, but can't turn that tv off yet! 40 mins till lunch, lets please wrap this up so we can all sleep easy...

 

[Woodster]

England spill another one. Strauss in slips, quite a sharp chance, should have been taken though.

 

[Richard]

Oh well, never mind. Gillespie gone anyway in the same way.

 

[Smudge]

New Zealand now 9 1/2 down.

 

[Richard]

Interesting noone seems to have commented on something like "Push 2, push 2 its Monty" coming over the stump mic earlier in the session.

I mention it after Sidebottom stared him down after allowing the 3 just a min ago.

Picking your fielders isn't that unusual, though, is it?

 

[Woodster]

YYYYIIIIPPPPPEEEEEEEE!!!!
Jimmy finally removes Gillespie. Been a good over from Jimmy, this should be over real soon. Is there time for any more McCullum fireworks, century in sight.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

There goes McCullums slash, and he is dropped. Hopefully, no more edged slashes from now.

EDIT: ****

basically all over now. McCullum might as well try hitting everyball for six, give Martin as little strike as possible.

 

[Richard]

Gone, that's victory, wehay.

Sidebottom gets the final catch, the 1st wicket of the game to a spinner in the game is the 40th and last.

 

[Jamee999]

ENGLAND WIN!

Top bombing.

 

[Woodster]

What's McCullum playing at there, he's left Chris Martin high and dry!!