*Official* Group B Discussion - South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England

[Flem274*]

Haha, you Kiwis don't like criticism of your players huh.

I haven't much interest in the stats of ODI batsmen because they're so easily skewed, but Taylor averages 32.75, SR 79 against test nations minus Bangladesh. Compare to, say, the much-maligned Owais Shah, who after a similar number of matches batting in similar positions averages 31.75, SR 79. I think they're really quite similar players.

The difference is that Taylor is younger, so people expect him to improve. Unfortunately, he's been around for a while now and shown no signs that he's getting any better. The other difference is that Kiwis tend to get behind their players whereas the English tend to criticise theirs heavily and unfairly. Net result, Taylor's overrated and Shah's underrated.

But at least he doesn't run his partner out all the time.

Wait......say again?

 

[straw man]

From cricinfo:

Aaron Redmond, who's replaced for Daryl Tuffey, won't be playing today, so Martin Guptill will be the likely opener. Also, It appears Eoin Morgan will keep wicket yet again for England.

So that confirms that, though hasn't confirmed the depressing news that Hopkins might play yet.

 

[Xuhaib]

Hero Cup Final 93 vs India
WC 1996 vs WI
WC 1999 vs AUS
ICC Trophy 2000 vs India
ICC Trophy 2002 vs India
WC 2003 vs Sri Lanka
ICC Trophy 2004 vs WIN
ICC Trophy 2006 vs WIN
WC 2007 vs AUS
T20 WC 2008 vs India
T20 WC 2009 vs PAK
ICC Trophy 2009 vs England

SA have now managed to choke against all major test playing nations.

 

[GIMH]

They didn't choke on Sunday they were just outclassed

 

[Xuhaib]

They didn't choke on Sunday they were just outclassed

Nah was a bit of a chokage in the batting apart from Smith.

 

[Howsie]

Hopkins

 

[straw man]

Toss New Zealand have won and opted to bowl. "We want to make most of the overcast conditions," Vettori says. Hopkins replaces Ryder, and Butler replaces Tuffey.

And there it is... Hopkins is playing. *sigh*

Bowling first is a good option I think, given the weakness in our batting. Would be really nice if Bond could come good and steamroll the English top order.

 

[straw man]

The floodlights are already in action, and there are some showers forecast for later in the day.

High five!

 

[marc71178]

They certainly are in with a good chance now, because once you make it into the semis, its ends up being a bit of lottery, but their most likely opponents in the semi-finals would be either Pakistan or Australia/India, and you would back those teams to beat England.

By the same token you'd back SL and SA to beat England though.

I don't think we will win, more than likely lose then next 2 games, but the thing is you never can be sure.

 

[marc71178]

Bowling first is a good option I think, given the weakness in our batting.

Another thing to factor in (weather dependent) is that a rain delay and subsequent revision of target by DL may then allow NZ to lose the game and go through...

 

[straw man]

Another thing to factor in (weather dependent) is that a rain delay and subsequent revision of target by DL may then allow NZ to lose the game and go through...

I suppose that is possible. But the lose-and-go-through scenario seems so unlikely to me that I'm viewing it as a must win.

In general batting second has to be a good thing with rain around though, you're right.

 

[Kyle]

Karma, Strauss.

 

[straw man]

Mills

 

[99*]

Mills, WAG.

 

[inbox24]

Millsy.

 

[marc71178]

Karma, Strauss.

Bitter, Kyle?

 

[cover drive man]

Not a good start from England.

 

[Kyle]

Bitter, Kyle?

The result was fair, but the decision was unsporting, so yes.

I'm feeling better with Strauss getting a duck, though.

 

[marc71178]

To be honest, I doubt he cares, what with England still being in and all that.

 

[Kyle]

To be honest, I doubt he cares, what with England still being in and all that.

It's ok, I'm fairly sure he does.