***Official*** West Indies in New Zealand

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

276, chase down that :P

Because it's such a HUGE total.

 

[James]

Agree with you there, was very surprised how Chanderpaul handled his bowling and the West Indies fielding was woeful, they probably gave away an extra 10-15 runs.

Surely it's time for Gayle to come right with the bat though?

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

If he can survive the first 10 overs. I don't care how many runs he has by then. The key is for him to survive the initial overs.

They say that Chanderpaul is a puppet captain and simply translates the orders of Bennett King, but I refuse to believe that all the bowler management is purely King's preset plan. For one, I don't Chanders has the capacity to remember such a detailed plan. I'm not saying he's stupid though, as I would have problems remembering it too.

 

[James]

Yes, getting through a classy Shane Bond will be the key, wickets in hand as they say. If the West Indies could be 35-0 after 10 overs, they'd be very pleased I would imagine.

Chanderpaul seems very much like Atapattu, both are slow, and give the impression that they're not really reading the game. Is Lara returning for the World Cup next year?

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Lara says his goal is to step back from ODIs to prolong his Test career, but he's also said he definitely wants to play in the 2007 World Cup. That suggests to me that he may be considering playing for a while after the tournament - in Tests.

He was asked when he plans to retire. He responded, "You tell me."

 

[Zinzan]

Great finish Astle !! For once I give credit to the NZ selectors for dropping him because he is looking more determined than ever.

 

[Blaze]

276, chase down that :P

Like Liam said, 276 is a good score but certainly not as much of a challenge as it once was.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Like Liam said, 276 is a good score but certainly not as much of a challenge as it once was.

Especially on that pitch according to the commentators. They seemed to be suggesting that it's a paradise for batsmen. Not sure how accurate that is though.

I also don't have much faith in the West Indies in chasing it down, but 276 is still very attainable.

 

[roseboy64]

Really should have been much less than that. Just have to go out there and chase it down now.

 

[MoxPearl]

what a bowl from bond!!!

 

[roseboy64]

Good ball.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Gayle trying to hit himself back into form. May the force be with him...

 

[Macka]

what a bowl from bond!!!

1.3 Bond to Ganga, OUT: you beauty! perfect in-swinging yorker, too
good a delivery for Ganga and the stumps are shattered - the name
is Bond, Shane Bond.

I really need to get Sky...

 

[BlackCap_Fan]

Especially on that pitch according to the commentators. They seemed to be suggesting that it's a paradise for batsmen. Not sure how accurate that is though.

I also don't have much faith in the West Indies in chasing it down, but 276 is still very attainable.

Of course it's an attainable total. What I meant was that it would be difficult to chase given the state of the Windies batting ATM. They are doing a good job as of the end of the 13th over.

I honestly hope the Windies win. Morton is playing well.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Of course it's an attainable total. What I meant was that it would be difficult to chase given the state of the Windies batting ATM. They are doing a good job as of the end of the 13th over.

I honestly hope the Windies win. Morton is playing well.

It may just be me, but the statement reeked with arrogance. I'd love for the West Indies to chase it comfortably if only to be able to quote it again for posterity.

 

[_Ed_]

Well bowled Vettori.

Crucial partnership now.

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Not sure that the Morton dismissal was good bowling really. There was no need to do anything other than tap the ball for a single.

 

[BlackCap_Fan]

It may just be me, but the statement reeked with arrogance. I'd love for the West Indies to chase it comfortably if only to be able to quote it again for posterity.

Yes, It was a bit of an arrogant remark. Maybe I was just happy after Astle hit 3 sixes off the last 3 balls.

 

[_Ed_]

Not sure that the Morton dismissal was good bowling really. There was no need to do anything other than tap the ball for a single.

True. Ramdin got two excellent deliveries in a row though.

Not sure if Chanderpaul should have been given out there, a bit of doubt as to whether it pitched in line. Although I don't think it was as clearly outside the line as Tony Cozier made it out to be, probably not Koetzen's best decision.

 

[_Ed_]

That is quite honestly one of the best catches I have ever seen.