***Official**** Sri Lanka in New Zealand 2014/2015

[Prince EWS]

And Sanga doesn't allow McCullum to bash him by coming up to the stumps.

 

[hendrix]

Setting aside the contestable notion that 350 from 165/2 after 30 would've been easy for any team with a strong lower-order, it's worth acknowledging very few teams have as strong a top-order as SRL have. Only South Africa and India can rival them in terms of top 5 run-making potential, both of whom also have shakey lower-orders (and we've already show-cased our ability to manage India's batting in home conditions with more or less the same side in the past 12 months). All in all, I continue to be very encouraged by the bowling's efforts. Milne's injury is a blow, he seemed keen to keep on fielding so fingers crossed that it's not that serious and Brendon is just taking precautions. But the real problem remains the batting, so it will be interesting to see how things look now that Kane is back in the side with a challenging total to chase.

So not only do I have to do your job but I have to justify it too...

- India 's lineup is much more experienced now
- a side strain is a big deal for a fast bowler.

 

[Flem274*]

I think it's time to admit we're not as good a bowling team as we think we are.

Nah we're missing Mills due to injury comeback and are saddled with Boult instead of Henry due to bias towards players who play for that crappy pink team. Southee, Mills, Henry, Mitch and Milne is fine. When the least proven bowler in your group can swing the ball both ways at 150 and is improving all the time you know you have a solid unit. There are concerns due to the pecking order and injury issues but we've got the goods.

I hope Milne's injury isn't too serious. All the stats-tards banging on about his average have both not watched him bowl recently and conveniently forget Boult's poor record. Milne has bowled pretty bloody well in the UAE and in this series.

Honestly I'm more concerned about Guptill's form, Ross' sudden loss of form and Kane missing a few games. That #5 spot is still a gaping hole too. Bloody Ryder.

Damn, Baz out.

 

[Zinzan]

I don't mind the Baz dismissal tbh. We know he's in form & we can't afford to keep overly relying on one batsman come the WC proper. Great chance to see if the others can get us there.

 

[Zinzan]

Meanwhile.....lovely stroke Guptill

 

[Prince EWS]

Such Guptill.

 

[Flem274*]

Guppy's back baby

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

Say what you want about Guptill but he has arguably the most beautiful lofted drive in the game.

 

[BeeGee]

That's what I was waiting for.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

all in favour of renaming the lofted straight drive "the Guptill" say I

 

[Flem274*]

Guptill won the World Cup quarter and final for me in 2019 World Cup on ICC the other day.

It's a sign.

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

To wait four years?

 

[dfrinku]

that might be one of the shots I submit for cricket's entry in the most aesthetically pleasing sports. god damn.

 

[hendrix]

Is there another team in world cricket that would have their keeper back to Elliott in ODIs? Or even Anderson? Just basic cricket really.

BJ was up to the stumps to Boult. In Tests ffs. It's infuriating not having a keeper capable of that in this team. It's not good enough.

 

[jonbrooks]

Guppy cheated! He didn't keep his head down. ;-)

 

[Bahnz]

So not only do I have to do your job but I have to justify it too...

- India 's lineup is much more experienced now
- a side strain is a big deal for a fast bowler.

While India's lineup is somewhat more experienced (worth noting the ODI side was always more experienced and settled then their test side), they're still showing the same vulnerabilities against swing and bounce that were on display last summer.
Yes, I know a side strain is a big deal for a fast bowler, but until the injury, and it's seriousness, is confirmed I think it's pointless to speculate. Also, it's worth noting that Henry makes a ****ing awesome replacement if Milne is unavailable.

 

[jonbrooks]

Is there another team in world cricket that would have their keeper back to Elliott in ODIs? Or even Anderson? Just basic cricket really.

BJ was up to the stumps to Boult. In Tests ffs. It's infuriating not having a keeper capable of that in this team. It's not good enough.

I think the captain might have a say in such matters.

 

[Flem274*]

If we make a condition that Guptill has to go back to his YOLO days and play shots like that, I'm all for recalling him to the test team ahead of Rutherford. Even if he doesn't score many it will be ***ier than poor old Rudds, and YOLO Guptill made lots of arse saving once a series 50s anyway which is more than we're getting right now.

Plus he's a wicket taker in the field.

 

[Athlai]

Guppy's back baby

I declared him back last game. It's not my fault you weren't around.

 

[Flem274*]

Is there another team in world cricket that would have their keeper back to Elliott in ODIs? Or even Anderson? Just basic cricket really.

BJ was up to the stumps to Boult. In Tests ffs. It's infuriating not having a keeper capable of that in this team. It's not good enough.

Stop offering chances for me to bang on about Watling the ODI #5.