I missed yesterday, as was at the Drags, at Meremere. Oh, it was heaven!!! The noise!!!! And a 6.50 rail!!!!
Well we lead by 120 after 3 days. Its hard to see a result, even with both shakey batting lineups. I still believe there is little between the two teams, just proving the differance Bond would make.
We made 470, Vettori 134, Tuffey 80no, McCullum 89. Kaniera 53-10-168-7.
Pak 0/128 Farhat 55no (hes been on field the whole test so far), Butt 66no.
Its a perfect batting wicket, more than likely the test will be a draw.
Good performances in the Plunket Shield, Bates 5/83, Raval 99no (hes very promising), Myburgh 102no, Woodcock 220no (another player who has always looked good eg Nicol, Todd etc.), Tugaga 103, and the work horse still bowling well, Mason 28-9-46-3. And Harry watch!!!! 16-9-19-0, 30no.
Its great to have the Shield on, and so many players to keep the test players on notice.
Player of the day, Vettori, but mention of Woodcock and Tuffey. Its great to see Tuffey back and we hope another 4 or 5 years left yet.
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I have just read a good article by Simon Doull on the Stuff website. His point is very good. With O’Brien retired from test cricket, Bond injured again and Martin near retirement the stocks again look thin. Also Oram has retired from test matches.
He wasn’t saying we dont have good soild bowlers, he stated we don’t have anyone quick. Over the years the quick bowlers have either been so wayward as to not be an option or so injury prone.
The best of the Plunket Shield bowlers or the most promising could be playing against Australia.
The Test is still on. For Pakistan: if the Akmal brothers fire again they could have 220+ lead by lunch then declare for Kaneria to have a go.
For New Zealand: All it takes is a couple of quick wickets tomorrow and it’s game on. A chase of 180-200 off 55 overs is still possible and on a good pitch very gettable.
Still I agree a draw is most likely. Pakistan can’t attack from the start and if Tuffey can get 80 then their tailenders could hang around well into the 2nd session. Both sides will be reluctant to give it away for a much less then 50-50 chance.
I don’t agree with you guys…we have plenty of potential opening bowlers, and we still have a chance of a Bond, Tuffey and Southee attack against Australia. Which I am more than happy with. The two Northern quicks, Wagner, who’s available in the next 12 months, Wells, who has pace, and the forgottan man Bennett, if he can stay fit.
These guys can step up, Martin and O”Brien did. So stop being negative!!!!
Test comments to come…