*Official* New Zealand in Australia 2019/20

[Binkley]

On the basis of the warm-down match and some comments in the media, it looks like Blundell is New Zealand’s new opener. Which seems like both a terrible idea, and the best option available. I have my fingers crossed for Lou Vincent Mark 2, but am expecting James Marshall.

 

[The Hutt Rec]

He’s on 50 off 57 in the warm up match.

Seems like a good option to me, whenever he’s been given a chance he’s done very well.

 

[NZTailender]

Yeah I don't think he can do any worse than Raval, given he scored 1 and 1. Tbh I just want the openers to last, get a 50 runs partnership from 100 or more balls, and have Williamson come in against someone other than Starc and Cummins with the new ball.

 

[Jezroy]

On the basis of the warm-down match and some comments in the media, it looks like Blundell is New Zealand’s new opener. Which seems like both a terrible idea, and the best option available. I have my fingers crossed for Lou Vincent Mark 2, but am expecting James Marshall.

I wonder if Cairnsy is hoping for Lou Vincent Mark 2?

 

[Grasshopper]

Good news if it happens. Bring on the Tom Tom Club!

 

[hendrix]

Think Raval deserves at least one more tbh.

 

[Kippax]

It's been confirmed.

https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1208579552957435905

 

[Kippax]

Archer was determined to turn Blundell's pull shot strength into his weakness btw. Maybe Starc is keen to take it in this direction, too. A few top edges and we're 20/0.

 

[Gnske]

Have you heard of mythological alleged former opening batsman Jeet Raval? Me neither.

 

[ataraxia]

It's been confirmed.

https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1208579552957435905

So, Blundell and Raval opening.

 

[Flem274*]

reactionary panic selection. our back up keeper is no opener.

 

[Grasshopper]

reactionary panic selection. our back up keeper is no opener.

So who is our back up opener if Latham or Raval gets injured?

 

[Flem274*]

So who is our back up opener if Latham or Raval gets injured?

someone we fly over from nz

this isn't a wc. we're not limited to our squad. we could fly over a whole new 11 on a whim.

 

[Prince EWS]

someone we fly over from nz

this isn't a wc. we're not limited to our squad. we could fly over a whole new 11 on a whim.

Yeah the justification for the small squad was precisely this. They just don't want to admit a mistake and fly someone over for form reasons. If Raval was injured they probably would have flown over someone else.

 

[Grasshopper]

someone we fly over from nz

this isn't a wc. we're not limited to our squad. we could fly over a whole new 11 on a whim.

Who then? I was under the impression Blundell was selected as our back up keeper and only back up specialist batsman.

 

[honestbharani]

reactionary panic selection. our back up keeper is no opener.

I thought one of your openers was your back up keeper too?

 

[Prince EWS]

I thought one of your openers was your back up keeper too?

Blundell is the backup keeper. One of their openers (Latham) is their first choice keeper in one day cricket.

 

[honestbharani]

Well, I thought Latham was the back up keeper as he does the job in LO cricket. Bit like SL with Sangakkara then.

 

[thundaboult]

Not confident about a guy who usually bats 5-7 as an opener against cumcloth stork and siddle. But it is what it is. Raval is woefully out of touch.

 

[thundaboult]

On a brighter note, good to see Boult sendin em down.

Really hope the next two pitches we play on are slow and low for Latham's sake. That dude can't handle pace and bounce no matter how good of form he is in.