Beamer
International Vice-Captain
Agreed. Apart from Days 1 and 2 at Sabina the pitches have been reasonably tricky to bat on. Flawed techniques have therefore been cruelly exposed, especially at the top of the order.
-
Welcome to the Cricket Web forums, one of the biggest forums in the world dedicated to cricket.
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join the Cricket Web community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.
***Official*** New Zealand in the West Indies 2014
- Thread starter Hurricane
- Start date
Beamer
International Vice-Captain
Also, for the first and last time during this test, let me indulge in some what if speculation. Having Benn bowling instead of Narine or Shilly is a massive reduction in quality. Benn is a decent enough option as a 2nd spinner on helpful pitches but he's not frontline at test level.
Now an attack of Taylor, Roach, Holder and Narine is serious business IMHO. Instead I rather fear we might struggle to bowl New Zealand out in the first innings, thus being left with a deteriorating pitch. It's definitely a winning formula for NZ. Win toss when pitch is at it's best, bat for 2 days, use strong bowling attack to win test. I just think Gabriel will leak too many runs to keep up the pressure.
Now an attack of Taylor, Roach, Holder and Narine is serious business IMHO. Instead I rather fear we might struggle to bowl New Zealand out in the first innings, thus being left with a deteriorating pitch. It's definitely a winning formula for NZ. Win toss when pitch is at it's best, bat for 2 days, use strong bowling attack to win test. I just think Gabriel will leak too many runs to keep up the pressure.
hendrix
Hall of Fame Member
Yeah, it's why I just completely disagree with Blocky.
The difference between a good attack and a poor one can be just one bowler. We don't actually know whether Holder will be test standard (I suspect he will be), but Narine in there would add so much more pressure - at least psychologically - as then there wouldn't be a release of pressure in knowing you just need to see out the opening bowlers.
The difference between a good attack and a poor one can be just one bowler. We don't actually know whether Holder will be test standard (I suspect he will be), but Narine in there would add so much more pressure - at least psychologically - as then there wouldn't be a release of pressure in knowing you just need to see out the opening bowlers.
Beamer
International Vice-Captain
Well played new Zealand, definitely their session. Latham looks in no trouble at all, I think he's out-batting Kane quite comfortably. Very impressed thus far.
Not looking good for us, we've shot ourselves in the foot with this bowling attack. Once the batsman get through Taylor and Roach we've just got nothing to throw at them. Gabriel is dire, I'm still in shock that he got the nod ahead of Holder, Braithwaite, Cummins and Cotterell who can all at least present a half decent seam position.
I was just thinking about some of the amazing selection blunders over the last 2 years. Captains have changed, selectors have changed policies, WICB president and CEO have changed. What's the one constant? Otis Gibson. I'll bite my tongue until the end of this test, but he has certainly lost my support unless something very surprising happens over the next 4 days.
Not looking good for us, we've shot ourselves in the foot with this bowling attack. Once the batsman get through Taylor and Roach we've just got nothing to throw at them. Gabriel is dire, I'm still in shock that he got the nod ahead of Holder, Braithwaite, Cummins and Cotterell who can all at least present a half decent seam position.
I was just thinking about some of the amazing selection blunders over the last 2 years. Captains have changed, selectors have changed policies, WICB president and CEO have changed. What's the one constant? Otis Gibson. I'll bite my tongue until the end of this test, but he has certainly lost my support unless something very surprising happens over the next 4 days.
hendrix
Hall of Fame Member
I suppose with Gabriel, a) he's the incumbent and b) you want to give him a proper go in home conditions with the Duke.
It was the wrong decision, but it's not unjustifiable.
What's horrible is seeing the likes of Gayle hobble around, clearly not fit for test cricket, when Narine is being barred from playing.
It was the wrong decision, but it's not unjustifiable.
What's horrible is seeing the likes of Gayle hobble around, clearly not fit for test cricket, when Narine is being barred from playing.
Beamer
International Vice-Captain
Yep Gayle should not be playing this series. He's never going to recover his fitness at this rate. The Narine stuff is nonsensical, but that is the WICB for you. I guess they've taken a decision and they're sticking to it.
I think the people who have looked at Gabriel versus the other prospects and have chosen him should have their cricketing IQ checked. That sort of bowling will not get wickets at test level. The basics just aren't there. It's not as if he's bowling that quickly either. It's 140kph, hardly lightening.
hendrix
Hall of Fame Member
the one problem here is that if we lose a wicket now, despite having blunted the attack very well, we're not in a dominant position because we haven't scored enough runs. I know that's exactly what happened in the first test, but we can't be relying on that many runs from our lower order. Really need runs from Taylor or McCullum, preferably both.
flibbertyjibber
Request Your Custom Title Now!
Solid if unspectacular start by NZ. Liking the look of Latham, seems to know his game and what shots not to try, impressive for someone so young.