***Official** Sri Lanka in New Zealand

[Magrat Garlick]

I'm not 100% on the timing, but I think India and Bangladesh were both originally supposed to be touring here this season. I'm not sure why the Banglas didn't come, but India piked out because of the proximity to the World Cup.

So, we could have had a decent season with a few more tests.

My guess is Snedden didn't want them.

 

[Dick Rockett]

My guess is Snedden didn't want them.

Maybe. I'm always interested to see how the Banglas are progressing. They'll be a force one day.

 

[Jungle Jumbo]

With another capacity crowd in today, would it not make sense for New Zealand to play at smaller outgrounds? They're using a drop-in pitch anyway (I think), so that wouldn't be an issue.

 

[kevbroughton]

been searching all over the internet to try and find somewhere streaming this game and i think i have finally got a good one.

www.cricketweb.net

does anyone know if this site is any good to watch the cricket live?

 

[Dick Rockett]

Cumming's been bowled by Murali. Not a big innings, but he did his opening job well.

Kev: That had better not be spam.

 

[superkingdave]

2 in an over, shame the batsmen didn't do a good enough job, there could have been a really close.

still could mind

 

[superkingdave]

ooh, pretty poor dismissal from Oram, 5 down now. Lucky NZ bat deep

6 down now, trouble for NZ

 

[Macka]

Ah, now it's officially summer. It just wouldn't be summer without the ubiquitous New Zealand batting clapse.

 

[superkingdave]

looked to be an extremely close lb shout on vettori in that last over, would like to see that on hawkeye

 

[Perm]

Absolutely pathetic and gutless display by New Zealand's middle order today, the ball that got Cumming was a very good one and he did his job but will be disappointed with not reaching the half century. Oram, Astle and McCullum all played very poor shots to regulation balls and in Oram's case he should've dispatched that to the boundary. Good to see Fleming and Vettori standing tall but it really is pathetic by the Black Caps, if we could've made 400 or so which we looked capable of doing when Cumming and Sinclair were together then we may have only had to bat once. Now we run the risk of losing this game becuase we have to face Muralitharan in the 4th innings.

 

[Dick Rockett]

Absolutely pathetic and gutless display by New Zealand's middle order today, the ball that got Cumming was a very good one and he did his job but will be disappointed with not reaching the half century. Oram, Astle and McCullum all played very poor shots to regulation balls and in Oram's case he should've dispatched that to the boundary. Good to see Fleming and Vettori standing tall but it really is pathetic by the Black Caps, if we could've made 400 or so which we looked capable of doing when Cumming and Sinclair were together then we may have only had to bat once. Now we run the risk of losing this game becuase we have to face Muralitharan in the 4th innings.

Jesus dude, relax. We've still got two quality batsmen at the crease

Also, Franklin to follow, who has a test century, and Bond after him, who's hit a FC hundred.

 

[Matt52]

Absolutely pathetic and gutless display by New Zealand's middle order today, the ball that got Cumming was a very good one and he did his job but will be disappointed with not reaching the half century. Oram, Astle and McCullum all played very poor shots to regulation balls and in Oram's case he should've dispatched that to the boundary. Good to see Fleming and Vettori standing tall but it really is pathetic by the Black Caps, if we could've made 400 or so which we looked capable of doing when Cumming and Sinclair were together then we may have only had to bat once. Now we run the risk of losing this game becuase we have to face Muralitharan in the 4th innings.

Vettori has been in really good form with the bat though so far this season, Im expecting big things today from him, and Fleming hasnt scored much domestically but is our best batsman and has a good record against the Lankans. This is probably our strongest batting partnership, no4 and no8. Prediction, .....both fleming and Vettori get hundreds and Franklin a 50, Nz bowled out for 380

 

[Perm]

I would hardly refer to Vettori as "quality" at test level, sure he makes runs and helps out the top order but he's definately not quality and both him and Fleming have looked a little unsettled on occasion. The Black Caps must've thought they would make the game interesting so they had a big collapse in order to make more of a game of it, no wonder I support Australia most of the time.

 

[NZTailender]

We're in front of their total (by one) with a few wickets in hand. I can see this partnership going on for a bit so we should be okay. This test looks to be a cracker because it separates the men from the boys, batting wise.

Good innings by Cumming. Hopefully he'll back up in the second dig and we'll finally have a decent opener again!

 

[NZTailender]

Radio Sport provide online audio

Looking around the site - can't find it. Anyone help me out here?

Edit: nevermind. It was right in front of me.

 

[Matt52]

I would hardly refer to Vettori as "quality" at test level, sure he makes runs and helps out the top order but he's definately not quality and both him and Fleming have looked a little unsettled on occasion. The Black Caps must've thought they would make the game interesting so they had a big collapse in order to make more of a game of it, no wonder I support Australia most of the time.

I think Vettori is quality at international level. Hes one of the best no 8s going around, He got our our best score against the Aussies in the Champions trophy and he has been smashing domestic attacks around.

And thats the great thing about being an NZ supporter , the drama of it all......the batting collapses that could come at any minute, the selection intrigues because no-one is really good enough, thats why we are on this site in the first place.

 

[JASON]

Fleming, Vettori, Cumming all given few lives by the Umps.

Murali, Malinga and Vaas unlucky more than a few times.

If NZ get a significant lead , they have to thank Taufel and Jerling for their generosity.

I will have no problem as long as they do the same when SL bat.

 

[JASON]

I just wonder if SL are so obssesed with Murali in the 4th innings that they bat first regardless of conditions (they did the same at Edgbaston in May and Murali got the 4th innings - and bowled well - shame England only needed 78!) This Test might be similar. NZ's top order is vulnerable - four opening partnerships in four Tests - and SL should have trusted Vass and Malinga to do the damage.As an outsider I can't fathom out SL's team - Attpatu not even in the country, no Dilshan, Sangakarra not 'keeping - they are making D Fketcher look like a selectorial genius (OK maybe not!)

Agree with you, Neither can I .

 

[Bahnz]

Vettori's an excellent batsmen. In fact I'd say his batting is a bigger asset to the side than his bowling at the moment. He's averaged about 40 over the past couple of years.

 

[JASON]

In a low scoring game such as this even a lead of 50 would be a match winning one, and NZ well on their way to that despite SL getting some wickets.