***Official*** New Zealand in Bangladesh & Sri Lanka 2013

[hendrix]

Williamson needs to fill his boots and pad that average out

 

[Maximas]

btw, is Elias Sunny injured or something? I haven't heard his name mentioned much and he was the second spinner for the SL series, he also bowled quite well on the Bangladesh A tour of England, interesting.

 

[Vic Trumper]

Bangladesh aren't going to win, but they're gonna give the Blackcaps a damn good run for their money. If the 'Deshis are able to get some decent facilities and administrators so that the game isn't constantly in turmoil and they have a domestic season to play, they'll be able to compete at about a NZ/WI level I reckon.

 

[NZTailender]

It's funny, I remember that last Test series (2008) being 'closer' in both Tests but the first 3 days of test 2 was a washout, so it was really just the first Test (and the ODI series of course, but they're not Tests). Looking at that side, Vettori obviously saved us from humiliation in the first innings but we solidified well in the 2nd to chase down 317 (Vettori batting at 4). I think that side was also kinda always reliant on the Vettori 'I'll dig us out' factor a bit too, so with him out I think it'll be interesting to see how we go here (if we do get some play...) because of our weak batting efforts of late. It'll be interesting because there are only TWO players from that Test in the current squad; Taylor & McCullum.

Batsmen from then who aren't here now:
How
Redmond
Flynn
Ryder
AR:
Oram
Elliott

Ryder is only loss, really. So I think it'll be an entirely different game. No Vettori to save us with the bat or ball. Remember our bowling attack for those tests were the venerable Mills, an awesome O'Brien, Vettori, Jeets, Oram (who took no wickets) and Elliott didn't bowl in the wash out. I think, overall, our bowling attack is actually quite even. The lack of a class spinner is the biggest detraction of the current squad, while Boult and O'Brien being leading strike bowlers on similar footing (though Boult more dangerous). We played two spinners then so our third seamer was Oram. In terms of the rest, Wagner, Bracewell & Gillespie/Martin/Sodhi>Mills, Oram, Patel. I don't see us playing two specialist spinners in the first test at least but we do have Williamson who I wouldn't be surprised if he picked up more wickets than Sodhi if he were to play.

Openers:
Redmond & How vs Fulton & Rutherford. The latter take this one, I think. How was on his 2nd chance iirc, while Redmond was in the middle of his only stint in the side. So actually, the opening combo is not too dissimilar in terms of experience, except Fulton is more accomplished and experienced and has scored a couple of centuries, while you could argue Rutherford>How>>>>Redmond in the talent department.
The middle order:
Ryder, Taylor, McCullum, Flynn, Oram/Elliott vs Williamson, Taylor, Brownlie, Watling, McCullum. The first line up looks better because of Ryder and Oram (who was a decent bat once upon a time). It's more Flynn, Oram/Elliott vs Williamson, Brownlie and Watling which is harsh on the first lot really. The second group is superior when we can't consider Ryder.

I also just realised that Flynn and Ryder we the inexperienced ones on that tour. It was Ryder's debut, Flynn's second series and Taylor's fourth. The bowling attack and the rest of the bats ranged from very to fairly experienced. I think our current side has more potential despite inexperience, and don't have the same culture of losing/relying on Vettori. It will be interesting to see how our pace attack goes with one more genuine seamer likely to play than last time.

NZT's XI:
Rutherford
Fulton
Williamson
Taylor
Brownlie
Watling
McCullum
Martin
Wagner
Gillespie
Boult

Could be a good series for Anderson to cut his teeth but I'd do so in the 2nd test if we win the first (providing we actually get some play). Was 50/50 on Gillespie/Bracewell but I think G-pie deserves a crack.

As for Bangladesh's chances, I think they have more chance this time round. I think they have a better side than last and we're more prone to embarrassing batting collapses.

 

[Bahnz]

From what Hesson said, I believe Anderson will play if he's recovered from his illness. This makes me think we're likely to see a side of

Rutherford, Fulton, Williamson, Taylor, McCullum, Anderson, Watling, Bracewell, Martin, Wagner, Boult

I just can't see the selectors picking Sodhi after his nightmarish efforts in the SLA FC matches. But Anderson is still a handy guy to have in the side regardless, as it will allow the main three seamers more time to rest (though the lack of swing after the first 10-20 overs will likely limit his effectiveness). It's unfair on Brownlie, but I just have a feeling that this is the way Hesson is leaning.

 

[RxGM]

I just can't see the selectors picking Sodhi after his nightmarish efforts in the SLA FC matches.

Bradburn (who has shares in Sodhi Inc.) was on the radio this morning describing his bowling during the A series as "very very good" without reward.

Tvnz also seam to be picking him
Black Caps consider bowling first in Chittagong - Cricket News | TVNZ

But i agree I dont think they will, especially given the rain about.

 

[Flem274*]

From what Hesson said, I believe Anderson will play if he's recovered from his illness. This makes me think we're likely to see a side of

Rutherford, Fulton, Williamson, Taylor, McCullum, Anderson, Watling, Bracewell, Martin, Wagner, Boult

I just can't see the selectors picking Sodhi after his nightmarish efforts in the SLA FC matches. But Anderson is still a handy guy to have in the side regardless, as it will allow the main three seamers more time to rest (though the lack of swing after the first 10-20 overs will likely limit his effectiveness). It's unfair on Brownlie, but I just have a feeling that this is the way Hesson is leaning.

Bradburn (who has shares in Sodhi Inc.) was on the radio this morning describing his bowling during the A series as "very very good" without reward.

Tvnz also seam to be picking him
Black Caps consider bowling first in Chittagong - Cricket News | TVNZ

But i agree I dont think they will, especially given the rain about.

:-/

 

[vandem]

Mark Genty on Stuff: Leggie in line for test debut in Bangladesh.

Cricket | New Zealand Set to Field Two Debutants | Stuff.co.nz

 

[Hurricane]

Mark Genty on Stuff: Leggie in line for test debut in Bangladesh.

Cricket | New Zealand Set to Field Two Debutants | Stuff.co.nz

"That could see Dean Brownlie miss the cut. It would also leave a three-way scrap between Doug Bracewell, Neil Wagner and Mark Gillespie to partner Trent Boult with the new ball."

Do you go with two lefties in a two man + all rounder seam attack?

Bracewell or Gillespie do not offer strong alternatives

 

[Prince EWS]

I reckon all signs point to Anderson and Sodhi both playing.

 

[hendrix]

I reckon all signs point to Anderson and Sodhi both playing.

Yup.

While it's not the right call given that Sodhi hasn't proven anything, it's either both or neither IMO. Anderson is not quite a 3rd seamer in a 4 man attack, but he is in a 3 seamer 2 spinner attack.

I think McHesson will keep their heads though. The fact that we also have Williamson makes it less likely that they'll do something so silly.

 

[hendrix]

"That could see Dean Brownlie miss the cut. It would also leave a three-way scrap between Doug Bracewell, Neil Wagner and Mark Gillespie

I hope that the selectors noted that Milne comfortably out-bowled both Bracewell and Gillespie on the A tour.

 

[NZTailender]

Wtf. This strikes me as being pretty arrogant. Debuting Sodhi and Anderson in the same match with two specialist seamers isn't our strongest attack, even if the conditions are spin friendly. Ugh.

 

[NZTailender]

Pretty harsh on Brownlie too, especially since he wasn't slotted into any A team for some practice, nor played any CC in England or T20. AFAIK his last significant match was the last England Test. So even if he does play he'll be less prepared than Anderson, Latham et al.

 

[Mike5181]

Anderson's arguably just as likely to score runs in these conditions as Brownlie. If you pick him though you kind of have to back him, which would include a game or two against the West Indies at home. Brownlie would be quite handy there. I don't mind either way.

Playing two spinners would be nonsensical though. Without Southee, we should be selecting our bowling attack a bit more conservatively. Boult/Wagner/Martin and one of Bracewell/Gillespie.

 

[Flem274*]

Dear Lord..

 

[Maximas]

I like the idea of Wagner playing - especially ahead of Bracewell, Wagner seems to be able to produce something out of not much every now and then while I think Bracewell tends to need a bit in the pitch. I'm not sold on Ish Sodhi just yet but I hope he does really well

 

[Maximas]

 

[Prince EWS]

I like the idea of Wagner playing - especially ahead of Bracewell, Wagner seems to be able to produce something out of not much every now and then while I think Bracewell tends to need a bit in the pitch. I'm not sold on Ish Sodhi just yet but I hope he does really well

I legitimately hope he gets hammered. I'm so mean.

 

[Vic Trumper]

The fact that they are planning on doing something quite as arrogant as playing a bowler with a bowling average of over 50 is exactly why I abandoned support of New Zealand. Up the Tigers!