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

[Woodster]

Didn't realise Mathews batting average was quite as good as it is. In excess of 52 is a serious effort after 45 Tests.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Bloody hell Doull. They didn't select Wagner just to make footmarks for Craig. Eesh.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Yeah that baffles me. Why not just put the Melbourne test on another channel instead of moving this one?

Has that happened? On my TV, the NZ test match has always been on Sky Sports 1.

 

[Pothas]

Yeah that baffles me. Why not just put the Melbourne test on another channel instead of moving this one?

Darts has it's own bloody channel right now.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Now what tripe they're talking. The only difference between the two sides is apparently Brendon McCullum's innings. Great though it was, I think NZ's top three did a great job at taking the shine off the ball giving McCullum a greater chance to pull off the innings he did. In contrast, Sri Lanka's top three didn't see off the new ball and have exposed the middle order early. Neesham and Williamson also made reasonable contributions on a moving wicket.

 

[Kippax]

Is Boult in NZ's WC plans? Just glanced at his ODI numbers and they don't look pretty.. seems a waste if he's not but I guess he doesn't handle no movement well?

Yeah Boult could be so good at say Eden Park though imo, where there's virtually always a lot of help through the air and you don't need to be overly tall to hit the splice at pace.

 

[Woodster]

The back-up bowlers have to ensure they keep the pressure on SL here. Admittedly it's going to be unlikely that they're going to threaten as much with the ball being slightly older, but they need to keep things tough for the visitors out there.

 

[Woodster]

Now what tripe they're talking. The only difference between the two sides is apparently Brendon McCullum's innings. Great though it was, I think NZ's top three did a great job at taking the shine off the ball giving McCullum a greater chance to pull off the innings he did. In contrast, Sri Lanka's top three didn't see off the new ball and have exposed the middle order early. Neesham and Williamson also made reasonable contributions on a moving wicket.

Yes would agree with all of that, would also highlight the difference in the new ball partnerships. Boult and Southee look so much more threatening with their extra pace and control and understanding of bowling in a partnership.

 

[Dick Rockett]

Has that happened? On my TV, the NZ test match has always been on Sky Sports 1.

I'm watching it by other means because I refuse to help perpetuate the Sky TV cartel

 

[Athlai]

Has that happened? On my TV, the NZ test match has always been on Sky Sports 1.

UK Sky I think, they said in the SA/WI game that people would have to press the redbutton after an hour of our game to keep watching it.

 

[Dick Rockett]

Now what tripe they're talking. The only difference between the two sides is apparently Brendon McCullum's innings. Great though it was, I think NZ's top three did a great job at taking the shine off the ball giving McCullum a greater chance to pull off the innings he did. In contrast, Sri Lanka's top three didn't see off the new ball and have exposed the middle order early. Neesham and Williamson also made reasonable contributions on a moving wicket.

I've never understood the argument that "but for your best player we were pretty even". The fact is that he's on our team, not yours, so suck it.

 

[viriya]

Now what tripe they're talking. The only difference between the two sides is apparently Brendon McCullum's innings. Great though it was, I think NZ's top three did a great job at taking the shine off the ball giving McCullum a greater chance to pull off the innings he did. In contrast, Sri Lanka's top three didn't see off the new ball and have exposed the middle order early. Neesham and Williamson also made reasonable contributions on a moving wicket.

tbf you can't really compare SL's new bowlers with NZ's.. That's doing Boult + Southee a great disservice. Just compare the records.. SL is completely unproven and all potential. Not even Ishant Sharma level.

 

[Woodster]

Must say that I think after England I'd have NZ as my next favourite Test side to watch. I think they have the nucleus of a fairly strong Test side and a real test even now for most teams in their own conditions. A middle order of Williamson, Taylor and McCullum is not only good to watch but has had real substance to it in recent times. Tom Latham and Jimmy Neesham are two players that are going the right way in nailing their spots down while Southee and Boult are a real handful. Yes they are short of a few top players in key positions but it's fascinating watching the players selected attempting to be the ones to take them up a further level. Exciting times for NZ.

 

[Flem274*]

Sri Lanka missed a trick not bringing Kulasekara. He bowls nice and full and in New Zealand you have to be full. Lakmal and Prasad sat on the good to back of a length so even though they beat the bat sometimes there was never any danger.

Tbf I don't think Prasad had much control of his areas yesterday which is criminal for a medium fast bowler.

 

[Athlai]

Sri Lanka missed a trick not bringing Kulasekara. He bowls nice and full and in New Zealand you have to be full. Lakmal and Prasad sat on the good to back of a length so even though they beat the bat sometimes there was never any danger.

Tbf I don't think Prasad had much control of his areas yesterday which is criminal for a medium fast bowler.

Sri Lanka bowled very poorly. Hopefully Vaas gives them a right kick up the pants for a better showing next time round.

This is a 320 par score pitch IMO.

 

[viriya]

Sri Lanka missed a trick not bringing Kulasekara. He bowls nice and full and in New Zealand you have to be full. Lakmal and Prasad sat on the good to back of a length so even though they beat the bat sometimes there was never any danger.

Tbf I don't think Prasad had much control of his areas yesterday which is criminal for a medium fast bowler.

Considering Kula can't even make the ODI team which is his preferred format - picking him for the Test side was just out of the question.. it's all hindsight, and I don't see how he would've stopped Baz yesterday anyway. If anything we missed the fatboi terribly.

 

[viriya]

Just checked the 2006 match scorecards.. only Sanga and McCullum survive from that.. what a difference 8 years makes.

 

[Flem274*]

Despite bowling at respectable pace Wagner looks a bit gentle here. Not really hitting the deck and any swing he gets moves too early, not nice and late.

 

[Dick Rockett]

Worryingly solid defence from both these batsmen.

 

[Howsie]

Wager looking and bowling garbage.