*Official** New Zealand in England

[marc71178]

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.

It should be noted that NZ were not that far on top, as shown by their inability to score runs at anything near a decent rate.

 

[marc71178]

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.

And unless he does as he may have hinted after the game today (ie retire), you can add Hussain to that list.

 

[marc71178]

that being said the selectors will probably drop hoggard.

Well, they certainly won't drop Trescothick, because in spite of all your rants about him, his career average is over 40, and we haven't got too many of those around.

 

[marc71178]

butcher will surely play, unless you happen to be on the selection panel.

You keep having digs at the selectors, yet the teams they select keep on performing well.

Indeed to the best of my knowledge that's only 1 defeat in 11 matches and 3 in 19 since the beginning of 2003.

Perhaps they do know what they're doing?

 

[marc71178]

wish you would bring up how trescos poor footwork cost him his wicket.

But then again you have a Trescothick doll that you stick pins in.

 

[marc71178]

Selector will be happy i think so

Oh, yes, delighted at a man who's just scored a fantastic ton and has been batting superbly all match giving it all up!

 

[marc71178]

I've just thought of the irony that is Ashley Giles.

After ages where he's bowled dross and been retained, it's likely that the first time he's bowled well in England for ages, he's going to be dropped!

 

[Loony BoB]

It should be noted that NZ were not that far on top, as shown by their inability to score runs at anything near a decent rate.

That's a tad harsh on the batsmen who were facing bowlers who could swing the ball both ways. Everyone was telling me that there was no way a class batsmen could play the shots, and that you just had to wait them out - I wouldn't say it was their "inability". They've shown many times that they can indeed bat at a fast rate, and I'm sure they'll show that again.

You keep having digs at the selectors, yet the teams they select keep on performing well.

Actually, I think he was having a good dig at me. Might be wrong, but I don't blame him.

 

[Loony BoB]

The omens – for the home side, anyway – look good for Headingley in a fortnight's time. And Nasser Hussain will be there, don't fret. - Steven Lynch (Cricinfo editor)

Hmm. Does he know something we don't, or do we know something he doesn't?

EDIT: I love how he call NZ's bowling attack "varied". Heh.

 

[anzac]

well done ENG - congrads for a fine victory.............

I'm bummed out that I didn't get to see any of the match, which must have been a breath of fresh air compared to many of the predictable fare we have had served up of late.............I hope the series maintains this level of tension & brings the crowds in - just what Test cricket needs v ODIs...........

 

[anzac]

I won't bore you with my usual tirade re the NZL effort - I think my views should be well known by now..............suffice to say:

*14 man squad & lack of competition / options;
*unfit players;
*ODI punchers v TEST match boxers;

curious to note that the 3 players who had to pass a late fitness test to make the squad have all had problems - Bond not fit enouh yet, Astle ill & Tuffey reportedly struggling.............anyone have any info as to what Astle's illness was about?????

and now Oram having to leave the field.................

thankfully there are 2 weeks to get it right b4 the next at Headingly - any reports as to what the wicket has been playing like??????

 

[twctopcat]

Grrrr, how i wish i had gone today. Could've made the same course of action as neil being in exeter and got the bus. I will regret missing that day of cricket and possibly nasser's last game for a long time.......suppose i'm not a dedicated enough fan, revision got in the way, not all of us are 1st years!
Brilliant effort by England, the whole team effort is coming through every game now, bring on Headingley!

 

[Loony BoB]

Astle just had the flu.

 

[chicane]

anyone have any info as to what Astle's illness was about?????

I heard on commentary that he's suffering from Influenza.(Not sure)

 

[luckyeddie]

anyone have any info as to what Astle's illness was about?????

and now Oram having to leave the field.................

thankfully there are 2 weeks to get it right b4 the next at Headingly - any reports as to what the wicket has been playing like??????

Astle was reported to have a heavy cold or flu or similar.

Oram seemed to pull a muscle, either shoulder or side, with the last ball he delivered.

First class scorecards, Headingley, 2004
Click on search, scorecard oracle, enter Yorkshire, 2004 and away you go

 

[marc71178]

That's a tad harsh on the batsmen who were facing bowlers who could swing the ball both ways. Everyone was telling me that there was no way a class batsmen could play the shots, and that you just had to wait them out - I wouldn't say it was their "inability". They've shown many times that they can indeed bat at a fast rate, and I'm sure they'll show that again.

I didn't mean inability as in lacking in ability - what I meant was that for a side that was according to TEC on top, they weren't scoring many runs.

 

[Loony BoB]

I didn't mean inability as in lacking in ability - what I meant was that for a side that was according to TEC on top, they weren't scoring many runs.

Fair enough.

 

[marc71178]

Interestingly enough in 3 County games at Headingley, spinners have 21 wickets at 19.1 (and that includes Richard Dawson's bowling!) so maybe the King of Spain will be reprieved?

 

[sussexbythesea]

i think giles will retain his place in the side for headingley. the long-range weather forecast suggests it's going to stay dry and the selectors favour variation.
you've also got to remember he's vaughan's mate and his bowling in the second innings will probably save him for now.
personally, i feel we could go in with just four seamers and use vaughan, tresco and butcher as occasionals but i don't think the selectors subscribe to that school of thought.
so now it's down to nasser.... if he doesn't go, butcher's place must be in threat

 

[Langeveldt]

Not at all. The ball looped up off his pad from Vettori, ran up his chest and wedged under the bottom wire of his visor. Smiles all round when he realised he was still alive.

Fantastic picture, though.

Sheesh I was watching that and thought "some lucky bugger has just got an amazing photo!"

Will be watching the Hussain situation with interest... He really is a big match kind of guy! Came up with the goods in legendary style today...