***Official*** New Zealand in South Africa

[straw man]

How gorneeeee

Fantastic idea this playing cricket so late in the season. Brill.

Its obviously a conspiracy by the ICC to deflect criticism about the game becoming too batter friendly

 

[thedarkmullet]

Its obviously a conspiracy by the ICC to deflect criticism about the game becoming too batter friendly

If they really want to produce even contests its about time they got rid of that rule about not being able to play in the driving rain. Its about time we saw some mud in the game

 

[straw man]

If they really want to produce even contests its about time they got rid of that rule about not being able to play in the driving rain. Its about time we saw some mud in the game

yes. and bring back motorcycle helmets too.

 

[NZTailender]

Hmm...I hope How stands up in his next test (if he plays). Getting a little worrying, there.


Have to give credit where credits due - good bowling from Martin. Now we can expect another spell like that from him around 2008...

 

[thedarkmullet]

Have to give credit where credits due - good bowling from Martin. Now we can expect another spell like that from him around 2008...

Yep, just when he starts to feel a bit of selction pressure again.

 

[thedarkmullet]

Not the best way to end the session. Papps out to Kallis

 

[straw man]

they were doing alright too... time for a styris special

 

[thedarkmullet]

Either that or I'd settle for another captains knock.

 

[Blaze]

How is not up to it IMO. They should have given him the entire series though.

 

[Loony BoB]

Its obviously a conspiracy by the ICC to deflect criticism about the game becoming too batter friendly

I still think they should set it up so that the visiting side always gets to choose if they bat or bowl. I think the curators would then do everything they can to make sure the pitches are both as fair as possible and of good quality regardless of the time of the year, not to mention a country would be far more reluctant to play a test series at this stage of the year.

 

[Zinzan]

40/2 at lunch. NZ would take that session any day of the week. They are right back in the test.

Although 2 down and still 27 behind, we all know New Zealands strength is the middle and lower order - Martin aside. SA still have the advantage, but NZ are just one good partnership away from gaining an edge themselves.

Man, that Steyn is some prospect. Richard Hadlee would have been chuffed to bowl that spell this morning. So much depends whether he can still fine that swing as the ball gets older.

Crucial session to come

 

[straw man]

I still think they should set it up so that the visiting side always gets to choose if they bat or bowl. I think the curators would then do everything they can to make sure the pitches are both as fair as possible and of good quality regardless of the time of the year, not to mention a country would be far more reluctant to play a test series at this stage of the year.

That would definitely help make things fairer and would reduce the number of matches where the toss has too large an effect. However it might get a bit boring as teams are likely to choose to bat first whever there is a semi decent pitch (the Steve Waugh philosophy). So you could end up with whole series of the visitor batting first.

 

[straw man]

Either that or I'd settle for another captains knock.

Flems had his regulation bad umpiring decision for the match, so at least he has a chance.

 

[thedarkmullet]

Flems had his regulation bad umpiring decision for the match, so at least he has a chance.

He gets a few doesnt he, like that shocker in the first match.

Very apropriate avatar Straw Man

 

[shaka]

Martin got a fiver, looked his best of the series. obviously due to a helpful pitch. he has now had 8 tests v SA, nearest competition is 6 tests but not sure who. his tally and average v Sa is very good..

 

[straw man]

He gets a few doesnt he, like that shocker in the first match.

Very apropriate avatar Straw Man

Cheers

 

[thedarkmullet]

And NZ takes the lead.

 

[straw man]

Into positive territory

 

[thedarkmullet]

Nows the time when we make optimistic predictions for the NZ innings only to have it come crashing down.

 

[straw man]

Nows the time when we make optimistic predictions for the NZ innings only to have it come crashing down.

I wasn't posting for the exact reason that I didn't want to give them the kiss of death. Oh well... how bout... McCullum for 100.