*Official** New Zealand in England

[Loony BoB]

They weren't yesterday, either.

 

[PY]

looking at what martin and oram are getting out of the relatively new ball, it makes me come back to trescos decision of bowling with the old ball yesterday......doesnt look like runs are flowing off the bat now does it?

It should be pointed out that the last 2 morning sessions have been dominated by the bowling side due to the conditions.

 

[tooextracool]

It should be pointed out that the last 2 morning sessions have been dominated by the bowling side due to the conditions.

it should also be pointed out that NZ had the better of yesterday's morning session right until the last 15-20 mins. 2 of those wickets fell due to poor batting rather than good bowling.

 

[Tim]

Whatever happens, this match has been a fantastic advertisement for test cricket. It's unbelievably tense at the moment..it could still go either way.

 

[PY]

2 of those wickets fell due to poor batting rather than good bowling.

Ditto for this morning.

 

[Tim]

There has been a fair amount of meek dismissals off poor bowling..but that has also been due to pressure building up & players giving their wickets up rather easily.

 

[Tim]

I still believe England are slight favourites to win at this stage.

If England get to 200 with only 3 or 4 wickets down, it would be extremely tough for NZ to claw their way back. NZ HAS to have England at least 200/6 I believe.

 

[tooextracool]

I still believe England are slight favourites to win at this stage.

If England get to 200 with only 3 or 4 wickets down, it would be extremely tough for NZ to claw their way back. .

easier said than done....its 50/2 right now not 150/2

NZ HAS to have England at least 200/6 I believe.

although the pitch is playing at its worst ATM with its uneven bounce and rough patches outside the left handers off stump.

 

[Gaijin-san]

Strauss could really cement his spot in one game with a good second innings performance in this particular match. Not for any reason that stands out by itself, but it seems to me that he's played with such composure beyond his experience at this level.

Mind you, Michael Clarke had a massive start to his ODI career and that hasn't quite followed up.

 

[PY]

Even with 200/6, if Freddie is still in..........England definitely still have a chance. Too unpredictable though.

I'm inclined to agree though, 6 wickets in hand at 200 would make things very difficult for New Zealand to come back.

 

[tooextracool]

Strauss could really cement his spot in one game with a good second innings performance in this particular match. Not for any reason that stands out by itself, but it seems to me that he's played with such composure beyond his experience at this level.

assuming vaughan is fit for the next test who would you drop though?the selectors are completely against dropping tresco, hussain hasnt done too badly in this test and unless there are thoughts of going in with an all seam attack at headingly and playing the extra batsman its hard to figure out whos going to miss out in the long run

 

[Tim]

I reckon that if NZ can get Strauss & Thorpe out before lunch, that will really boost them..not to say that Hussain's wicket wouldn't though.

 

[Loony BoB]

I imagine Thorpe needs to do something if he wants to stay in the side, because I haven't seen him more than a few times in the entire game so far. Butcher's scores aren't doing him any favours, either - he's scored less than Hussain and Hussain has done some important fielding to boost his chances of making the next test. I imagine if Thorpe doesn't get anything this innings then the two of them would be lucky to make the XI for the next test, much in the same way that Styris and McMillan will be.

 

[Gaijin-san]

assuming vaughan is fit for the next test who would you drop though?the selectors are completely against dropping tresco, hussain hasnt done too badly in this test and unless there are thoughts of going in with an all seam attack at headingly and playing the extra batsman its hard to figure out whos going to miss out in the long run

Justify dropping Strauss, right now.

 

[Gaijin-san]

I see Strauss getting a standing ovation. I'd say its deserved.

 

[Andre]

I imagine Thorpe needs to do something if he wants to stay in the side, because I haven't seen him more than a few times in the entire game so far. Butcher's scores aren't doing him any favours, either - he's scored less than Hussain and Hussain has done some important fielding to boost his chances of making the next test. I imagine if Thorpe doesn't get anything this innings then the two of them would be lucky to make the XI for the next test, much in the same way that Styris and McMillan will be.

Some people don't learn - you don't drop proven performers like Butcher and Thorpe because of 1 poor match. It's laughable - they are the backbone of the side.

 

[PY]

Some people don't learn - you don't drop proven performers like Butcher and Thorpe because of 1 poor match. It's laughable - they are the backbone of the side.

Who to drop though???

You must forgive Andre, he worships Butcher almost as much as he does Mark Waugh.

 

[Adamc]

Who to drop though???

You must forgive Andre, he worships Butcher almost as much as he does Mark Waugh.

Drop Harmison and bowl with Butcher.

 

[tooextracool]

Justify dropping Strauss, right now.

i never said strauss should be dropped....hes been the best english batsman in the match and the most promising english players in quite a while.
im just wondering who the ECB are going to drop to keep strauss in the side....i would drop tresco regardless of his 80 but i dont think they would do that.

 

[Gaijin-san]

Well, on the plus side, at least its a good selection dilemma. Only months ago, England were desperate for performers. Its good that they are having problems because so many people are pushing for it.