*Official* Pakistan v New Zealand in the UAE 2018

[The Hutt Rec]

Sad to hear on both counts. His and Tastle's prospects of playing more test cricket took a massive dive with Ajaz's performance in the first test anyway. Now, between Santner as the containing-spinner-plus-batsman, and Ajaz as the wicket-taking option, it's hard to see either legspinner getting a look-in in test cricket. Only exception on the rare tour to the subcontinent when we pick two spinners.

I think Astle will get another shot before too long (if he’s ever not injured again). He was impressive against England in the first test last year.

 

[mr_mister]

His daddy Nathan Astle would be rolling in his grave if he knew how Todd's being treated by the selectors

 

[nzfan]

Only time will tell but I'm not so convinced about Pakistan declaring at just about 400. Are they expecting BCs to fold under 200 twice with follow on? Or are they expecting BCs to get bowled under 200 so that Pakistan can bat again score another 150 and declare setting 350 target? What if NZ gets 250 in 1 1/2 days? Will Pakistan go for the broke still and risk getting bowled out for under 100 depending on the pitch to set NZ 250? The thought process of Pakistan coaching and management is a bit confusing.

I think despite Pakistan dominating with the bat they have left the game way too open for both sides to be in the game.

 

[The Hutt Rec]

It’s not the Pakistan cricket team if it makes sense.

 

[Bahnz]

Haha, that's a great pic.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Rain.

I wonder if days 4 and 5 will start earlier

 

[Bahnz]

Rain.

I wonder if days 4 and 5 will start earlier

Doubt much time will be lost either way. The covers are already off, so I imagine the cricket will be starting in the next half hour or so.

 

[nzfan]

We are so bereft of watching BC test cricket I'm fine to watch it even if we aren't going well

 

[nzfan]

Latham and Taylor are due for a big score. I'm banking on both to get decent knocks if not 100s.

 

[Bahnz]

Need to start gapping it better if that's to be the case. So many confident shots hit straight to fielders this morning.

 

[Bahnz]

Argh look at the regularity with which Yasir is hitting the footmarks. It makes Ish's bowling look even worse.

 

[Bahnz]

Bad luck for Raval, though that was completely the wrong length for the shot, so sorta serves him right to an extent.

 

[straw man]

Very unlucky, even if reverse sweep was a risk. I thought he was playing the conditions really well up to that point.

 

[The Hutt Rec]

Damn Raval ... fighting so hard, why you got to pull that out of the random shot book.

 

[Howsie]

Honestly there was nothing wrong with him playing that shot if he’s comfortable with it. Easy runs.

 

[Bahnz]

Such a typical Latham get out shot there, damn lucky.

 

[Bahnz]

Urgh, wish we could magic Latham back to his 2014 incarnation, he was a better player as a brat.

 

[Bahnz]

Latham and Taylor are due for a big score. I'm banking on both to get decent knocks if not 100s.

So much for that.

EDIT: Ross looks totally out of touch atm. Very good ball, but the angle his bat came through there was heinous.

 

[Howsie]

Damn Taylor showing his age there, that was terrible missed it by a mile.

 

[Bahnz]

Game over today?

Bwahaha, Hairy nips missed that by a ****ing parsec!