*Official* New Zealand vs Pakistan 2022/23

[Howe_zat]

So odd to see the scoring rate plummet after a batsman reaches a hundred. Usually at least requires a break between days.

 

[straw man]

Sodhi the spider strings his web, strand by strand, diligently, ominously. He spans every escape, covers every thoroughfare, the silky threads offering what feels like a comforting blanket to the passing prey until... DEATH.

 

[Flem274*]

I don't want to condone either pitch in this series (which are true throwbacks to the 00s) but this is a prime example of our non-investment in Lockie Ferguson's test game coming back to bite us again.

If you can't find the 35th over reverse that Pakistan found until the umpires changed the ball, you need to bowl 150kph or bowl leggies to remotely have a chance against good batsmen on these decks. Ferguson has looked worryingly flat since his return from injury but he should be in this squad ahead of Tickner - he's more talented and averages 10 less runs domestically.

In saying that, you shouldn't need to be an insanely talented fast twitch athlete or spinner to win a game of test cricket. Pitches that remove all hope for the fast medium bowler or finger spinner are stupid and also reduce the value of a Steve Smith or fab 4 relative to the average player.

 

[thierry henry]

Shakeel scored 10 off 60 moving from 100 to 110. Odd.

 

[Moss]

Agree with @Flem274* - easy to curse Latham for that drop or Southee for burning reviews needlessly but NZ haven't selected for the conditions, or are unable to because they haven't really thought beyond the next game when it comes to planning. We saw in the last game even when Sodhi was delivering the goods it was so hard for the attack to pick up 20 wickets.

 

[thierry henry]

Between Ajaz and Sodhi we leak a few runs in the field

 

[thierry henry]

Even as a fan of relentless blocking I gotta say this has been inexplicable from Shakeel

 

[thierry henry]

And there I go again

 

[trundler]

Why is Hassan Ali?

Might be time to up the ante, Shakeel.

 

[thierry henry]

Shame on us for this over rate

 

[thierry henry]

Weird how exactly 2 balls in the whole test have kept ridiculously low and everything else has been fine

 

[thierry henry]

This is the best chance you’ll ever have for a hattrick

 

[Flem274*]

Why is Hassan Ali?

Might be time to up the ante, Shakeel.

idk why the idea he can bat keeps getting pushed*, it must be enormously frustrating as a fan. The bloke bats like a moron. I'm a big fan of him in general but he's a #10.

*he'll ton up and win the game for Pakistan on Day 5 now I've said this.

 

[trundler]

Get a move on ffs. Hamza can block and Abrar can slog. Enough in there to scrape the lead if Shakeel gets going

 

[trundler]

Oh

 

[Athlai]

Wrestlings over, innings should be too

 

[Burgey]

Once again my man Daryl Mitchell with a substantial contribution

 

[thierry henry]

After 3 balls I’m already convinced Abrar is better than #11 in this line-up

 

[ashley bach]

Once again my man Daryl Mitchell with a substantial contribution

Seriously unlucky not to get a wicket off his first ball as well, was given LB but eventually overturned.

 

[Burgey]

Seriously unlucky not to get a wicket off his first ball as well, was given LB but eventually overturned.

Best since Sobers. Get him up here.