**Official** New Zealand in England

[_Ed_]

A bit earlier they showed Flynn's dismissal, that was the first time I'd seen it. I'm undecided about whether he deserves his place in the team, and since they've shown faith in him for this game I'd probably like to see him stay for the rest of the series, but that was extremely poor.

 

[Richard]

The last thing they need now is another Sinclair.

Flynn didn't deserve selection over several players, but now he's in he simply has to be given this series for my money.

 

[Craig]

Has McCullum ever made a hundred against a Test standard team? I know he has one each against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, but excluding them I can't think of any.

 

[_Ed_]

Has McCullum ever made a hundred against a Test standard team? I know he has one each against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, but excluding them I can't think of any.

Not yet. I know of at least four scores in the 90s though.

 

[_Ed_]

Damn Vettori, gave me a fright there. Looked away from the screen briefly to do some work (as I should, it's what they pay me for), then when I look back, Vettori is walking slowly looking solemn. Thought he was out! But it was just the end of the over.

 

[Richard]

Not yet. I know of at least four scores in the 90s though.

He's only made 3 in the 90s: said aforemioned 99; and the 96 and 97 at Lord's.

There's also 85 against England at Basin Reserve a couple of months ago, and 74 against West Indies at Eden Park, mind.

Never played India or Pakistan either. Fantastic scheduling from NZC that in 5 years they've not played one series against either.

 

[Steulen]

Slow start to the day. Far less swing available today, it seems, although Sidebottom almost used that lack of swing to great effect against Oram.

Oh, and Atherton now saying Panesar showed yesterday why he should be an automatic selection no matter the conditions. Itstl. Even as an advocate of Plan B I would not go that far.

 

[_Ed_]

:Never played India or Pakistan either. Fantastic scheduling from NZC that in 5 years they've not played one series against either.

That's only partly NZC's fault though, there was an India series scheduled for the 2006-07 season but then it was "mutually agreed" that it wouldn't happen.

 

[Richard]

I see. Well, well done BCCI... as per usual.

 

[Steulen]

That's only partly NZC's fault though, there was an India series scheduled for the 2006-07 season but then it was "mutually agreed" that it wouldn't happen.

There's no money in a NZ series. Hence, no Ind vs. NZ.

 

[Richard]

Slow start to the day. Far less swing available today, it seems, although Sidebottom almost used that lack of swing to great effect against Oram.

Not too surprising, given the ball is 60 overs old now. There is still a bit there, at least for Sidebottom. Anderson has been reasonably impressive with his lines so far, which is something.

Oh, and Atherton now saying Panesar showed yesterday why he should be an automatic selection no matter the conditions. Itstl. Even as an advocate of Plan B I would not go that far.

Ridiculous, obviously. Not the first nor the last to say that by a long chalk, of course, and they're all talking nonsense.

MSP won't be bowling any wicket-taking balls on this pitch for my money.

Here come the dark clouds. Bad-light to stop play in 5...4...3...

 

[Richard]

Gooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeee. Fantastic bowling from Sidebottom, Oram out! Strauss almost falls to the usual Lord's dropping spree, but we're still waiting for the first miss in the 63rd over of the match. Impressive.

 

[99*]

So what's up with the hill at one end of the ground? If it hits that is it four?

FFS Oram.

 

[Steulen]

Highly deserved first wicket for Sidebottom. Oram gone.

 

[Steulen]

So what's up with the hill at one end of the ground? If it hits that is it four?

FFS Oram.

Yes it is. Probably Lord's didn't have the resources to buy a long enough rope.

 

[Richard]

So what's up with the hill at one end of the ground? If it hits that is it four?

Nope, has to hit the wall at the top of the hill. That means something going very slowly as it reaches that will not be four when it would be on another ground.

FFS Oram.

Don't be too harsh, 'twas a superb delivery. And some good bowling before too, discouraging the swing by pitching repeatedly short, then getting it back up there.

 

[andruid]

Got back from an exam just in time for the wicket..

 

[Richard]

Actually, looking at that again it wasn't the greatest shot from Oram. The bat was turned towards leg as contact was made, and while it'd still probably have been edged with a straight bat, it might have been a thicker edge that went down.

 

[Richard]

Haha, Strauss scrambling to stop the ball hitting the helmet. It had already missed it by the time he got it though.

Too much short here, still.

 

[99*]

Nope, has to hit the wall at the top of the hill. That means something going very slowly as it reaches that will not be four when it would be on another ground.

ITSTL.

With Oram it was more frustration than anything else.