Stage 2
Kiwi Test 2
Stage 2
By Bagpuss March 15 2008
Baggy moves on to the Reserve Basin and hopefully a better performance than last week. Savour the local flavour as the Baggy one gives us the day by day, blow by blow, session by session return to form of the English Lions. Just like a pheonix rising from the ashes ...we hope
Stage 2
Baggy moves on to the Reserve Basin and hopefully a better performance than last week. Savour the local flavour as the Baggy one gives us the day by day, blow by blow, session by session return to form of the English Lions. Just like a pheonix rising from the ashes ...we hope
NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND SECOND TEST
BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON 13 – 17 MARCH 2007
DAY 1
The Basin Reserve may not be the only Test match ground in the middle of a roundabout – Galle springs to mind as another – but it is the only one I can think of that is named after an item of bathroom furniture. It is also, depending on whether you believe the local radio coverage or the announcer in the ground, the fourth, or third, oldest test match venue in the world.
The pitch didn't look that old when the teams looked at it yesterday. In fact, it looked a bit on the fresh side. That would be fresh, as in green. The Kiwis were obviously a little disturbed by this and announced they would be dropping spinner Jeetan Patel for Mark Gillespie. The England camp responded by axing both Harmison and Hoggard, to be replaced by young buck Stuart Broad and slightly less young buck and temporary Auckland player James Anderson.
Harmison's omission was no surprise but I feel a bit sorry for Hoggard, who on so many occasions has been the man most likely with the ball in his hand and the three lions on his chest, going the extra mile in the England cause. Surely he is allowed one bad match? But I can't help wondering if all those extra miles are beginning to add up and maybe he's carrying an injury too.
The first morning of the match dawns cloudy with, unusually for Wellington, virtually no breeze at all. Vettori wins his second toss of the series but on this occasion, with moisture in his mind at least, invites England to have a bat. I haven't looked at the stats but would suggest that most wins have come at this ground from a team batting first.
By lunch Vettori would have been regretting his decision. Cook and Vaughan, looking pretty untroubled by bowling which was pretty accurate but without the zip and movement seen in Hamilton, put on 79 in the 27 overs before lunch.
During this session Alistair Cook passed 2000th Test runs – the youngest England player to do so. The only bowler to give any trouble was Oram, brought on in the last 45 minutes, who bowled 5 overs for just 2 runs.
England should have lunched in better spirits than the home side. The wind direction changed during the interval and, for no apparent reason, England's fortunes did the same. Vaughan loses his wicket to a peach of a ball from Oram in the first over after lunch – sort of a fast leg cutter. 79-1. Cook goes fishing outside off stump in Oram's next over getting a thinnish edge. 82-2. Strauss is fooled by a slower ball from Mills, getting through the shot early and giving Sinclair at extra cover an easy catch. 94-3. Bell was lucky to survive his first ball, an attempted pull top edged and falling just short of Gillespie, and gets a second life when Fleming misses him at slip when he is on just 1. In the end, after a tortuous advance to 11, he falls to an excellent diving catch by McCullam off Martin. Pietersen is the last to go in an England upper order collapse of 5-77 in less than 24 overs. England are 136-5, Kiwi tails (do kiwis have tails?) are well and truly up and the odds are on us seeing the home side batting before close of play.
But Collingwood and Ambrose, England's last pair of recognised batters, ride out the storm. They go to tea with England on 156-5 off 53 overs. After the interval they succeed where the opening pair failed by continuing where they left off. A fifty partnership, then a hundred – Ambrose is playing the more attacking shots but Collingwood acts as an ideal foil Ambrose reaches his second half century of his two-match test career (68; 8/1). Vettori has waited until the innings is 54 overs old before bringing himself on to bowl but the canny Harry Potter lookey-likey can't magic up a wicket. The new ball is taken immediately at 80 overs but this too fails to make the breakthrough. A six by Ambrose in the penultimate over brings up the 150 partnership – of which Ambrose has contributed 94. Collingwood has made about half this number of runs but I suspect added many wise and calming words to the keeper. These words didn't get through to Ambrose in the final over of the day as with a hundred in sight he swooshed and swiped at Oram. Luckily the ball made contact with neither bat nor stumps and Ambrose survived.
At close of play the score is 291-5 off the 90 overs. England have added 135 runs off 37 overs in the final session. Collingwood is two runs short of a valuable half century, Ambrose needs just three for a maiden century in only his second test. Reason enough for this pair to be fully focussed at the start of play tomorrow.
England still have a way to go to make Vettori truly regret his decision to have a bowl
NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND SECOND TEST
BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON 13 – 17 MARCH 2008
DAY 3
The more astute amongst you may have noticed there is something missing. Day 2, to be precise. Reporting on day 2 was somewhat interrupted by the fire alarm going off in my hotel not long after I returned at close of play. Although this gave me ample opportunities to indulge any latent fireman fantasies (5 tenders turning up for what turned out to be an argument between a guest and the sprinkler system) it did rather put a halt to any constructive report writing. By the time we were allowed back in the building an hour and a quarter later the Curry Club was calling. And my usual contingency time for catching up – before breakfast – was out thanks to today being Barmy Army Dawn Patrol – where we dress up a bit, eat a little breakfast and partake of one or three G and Ts. So – you can have day 2 sometime in the future if you really want, but I'm guessing you already know what happened. Hands up all those who thought bringing Anderson in for Hoggard was a mistake . . . .
Cook is lucky to survive early in the morning session when he edges and McCullam comes across Fleming at slip but fails to hold the catch. He celebrates by later scoring his first 6 in international cricket – after more than 2 years and 2000 runs. The shot certainly wasn't planned – a top edged hook going high over the keeper's head. It was a long wait until the 3rd umpire decided the ball had carried the rope for a maximum.
Vaughan is first to go, edging Mills to McCullam. It is the only success during the morning session for New Zealand as England go to lunch 106-1 off 33 overs. Cook has brought up his 50 off the last ball before lunch (104; 5/1) whilst Strauss is starting to get forward out of the crease and looking a bit more confident on 31.
After lunch the pair continue as far as their 100 partnership but not for much longer as Cook wafts outside off stump and edges to Fleming at first slip. One begets two as Strauss goes lbw to Oram. Replays may have shown him unlucky with the ball pitching maybe just outside the line but he was probably lucky to survive another shout in Oram's previous over. There is a bit of luck for the Kiwis when Pietersen, who is starting to play a few shots, is left stranded backing up when Martin deflects a straight drive from Bell onto the stumps at the non-striker's end. KP is walking even before the third umpire's decision is relayed to the crowd. At tea England are 176-4 of 62 overs with Bell 22 and Collingwood 6.
After tea the pair reach their 50 partnership before Bell, who has accumulated 41 runs with some style but little sense of urgency, plays a lazy looking shot and is easily caught by Sinclair at point. Ambrose is unable to repeat his first innings success and is bowled by Oram. Broad looks a reasonable number 8 and seems to be wanting to push the score along a little when he is out edging martin to the keeper for 16. Sidebottom gets one from Gillespie (generally thought of as a skiddy type, rather like Gough but a few mph slower) which bounces surprisingly. All he can do is fend it off and How takes the catch.
Collingwood is on 48 and in danger of running out of partners before he gets his second half century of the match. But he finds a willing if not entirely able foil in Panesar, relishing his newly elevated position of number 10 and, apparently, nightwatchman-in-waiting. He bustles about, keeps the new ball (taken after 80 overs) somehow off his stumps and gets Collingwood on strike when he can. Collingwood gets his 50 (107; 8) but falls lbw to Gillespie with just five balls remaining in the day.
England are 277-9 overnight, Panesar on 6 and Anderson due to join him. But I would hope, with the record 4th innings run chase at the basin reserve being 277 by Pakistan in 2003, that England will not waste Anderson's time padding up in the morning. England's lead is 421.
BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON 13 – 17 MARCH 2008
DAY 3
The more astute amongst you may have noticed there is something missing. Day 2, to be precise. Reporting on day 2 was somewhat interrupted by the fire alarm going off in my hotel not long after I returned at close of play. Although this gave me ample opportunities to indulge any latent fireman fantasies (5 tenders turning up for what turned out to be an argument between a guest and the sprinkler system) it did rather put a halt to any constructive report writing. By the time we were allowed back in the building an hour and a quarter later the Curry Club was calling. And my usual contingency time for catching up – before breakfast – was out thanks to today being Barmy Army Dawn Patrol – where we dress up a bit, eat a little breakfast and partake of one or three G and Ts. So – you can have day 2 sometime in the future if you really want, but I'm guessing you already know what happened. Hands up all those who thought bringing Anderson in for Hoggard was a mistake . . . .
Cook is lucky to survive early in the morning session when he edges and McCullam comes across Fleming at slip but fails to hold the catch. He celebrates by later scoring his first 6 in international cricket – after more than 2 years and 2000 runs. The shot certainly wasn't planned – a top edged hook going high over the keeper's head. It was a long wait until the 3rd umpire decided the ball had carried the rope for a maximum.
Vaughan is first to go, edging Mills to McCullam. It is the only success during the morning session for New Zealand as England go to lunch 106-1 off 33 overs. Cook has brought up his 50 off the last ball before lunch (104; 5/1) whilst Strauss is starting to get forward out of the crease and looking a bit more confident on 31.
After lunch the pair continue as far as their 100 partnership but not for much longer as Cook wafts outside off stump and edges to Fleming at first slip. One begets two as Strauss goes lbw to Oram. Replays may have shown him unlucky with the ball pitching maybe just outside the line but he was probably lucky to survive another shout in Oram's previous over. There is a bit of luck for the Kiwis when Pietersen, who is starting to play a few shots, is left stranded backing up when Martin deflects a straight drive from Bell onto the stumps at the non-striker's end. KP is walking even before the third umpire's decision is relayed to the crowd. At tea England are 176-4 of 62 overs with Bell 22 and Collingwood 6.
After tea the pair reach their 50 partnership before Bell, who has accumulated 41 runs with some style but little sense of urgency, plays a lazy looking shot and is easily caught by Sinclair at point. Ambrose is unable to repeat his first innings success and is bowled by Oram. Broad looks a reasonable number 8 and seems to be wanting to push the score along a little when he is out edging martin to the keeper for 16. Sidebottom gets one from Gillespie (generally thought of as a skiddy type, rather like Gough but a few mph slower) which bounces surprisingly. All he can do is fend it off and How takes the catch.
Collingwood is on 48 and in danger of running out of partners before he gets his second half century of the match. But he finds a willing if not entirely able foil in Panesar, relishing his newly elevated position of number 10 and, apparently, nightwatchman-in-waiting. He bustles about, keeps the new ball (taken after 80 overs) somehow off his stumps and gets Collingwood on strike when he can. Collingwood gets his 50 (107; 8) but falls lbw to Gillespie with just five balls remaining in the day.
England are 277-9 overnight, Panesar on 6 and Anderson due to join him. But I would hope, with the record 4th innings run chase at the basin reserve being 277 by Pakistan in 2003, that England will not waste Anderson's time padding up in the morning. England's lead is 421.
Careful pacing has seen me survive through to 1.30am.
Not so Anderson, who has turned his ankle in the post-play kickabout aka 'warm down'. What he had to warm down from goodness only knows - he's been sat in the pavilion all day. An Australian survey of injuries amongst professional cricketers a few years back showed that a not insignificant percentage occurred not in the midst of play, but during pre/post match games of footie - be it with the round or oval ball - if I remeber rightly something between 5% and 10%
You'd think with all the back room staff that travel with the team there would be someone responsible for general common sense. Did Glenn McGrath teach us nothing?
Not so Anderson, who has turned his ankle in the post-play kickabout aka 'warm down'. What he had to warm down from goodness only knows - he's been sat in the pavilion all day. An Australian survey of injuries amongst professional cricketers a few years back showed that a not insignificant percentage occurred not in the midst of play, but during pre/post match games of footie - be it with the round or oval ball - if I remeber rightly something between 5% and 10%
You'd think with all the back room staff that travel with the team there would be someone responsible for general common sense. Did Glenn McGrath teach us nothing?
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Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2008 17:31
I found out that if I do this I can have all Baggy's reports on one thread without effort so I've moved everything and deleted the original. Hope it works.
From Big Jim
Cheers Baggers,the usual excellent stuff.I left it last night with KP and Bell at the crease,no need to go to Cricinfo now.
Be wary of drinking in the morning in that heat,it has been known to make pasty Englanders fall asleep in mid afternoon and wake up looking like a roasted beetroot.
Didn't seem to be stopping Batman and Robin last night though.
Excellent point (about) a needless injury.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:15:17:33:25 by Grockle.
From Big Jim
Cheers Baggers,the usual excellent stuff.I left it last night with KP and Bell at the crease,no need to go to Cricinfo now.
Be wary of drinking in the morning in that heat,it has been known to make pasty Englanders fall asleep in mid afternoon and wake up looking like a roasted beetroot.
Didn't seem to be stopping Batman and Robin last night though.
Excellent point (about) a needless injury.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:15:17:33:25 by Grockle.
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2008 17:34
Agreed. It always seems very strange to me that our lot 'warm down' playing rugby sometimes. Makes no sense to me!
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 15/03/2008 20:24
I was a bit confused about hearing reference to the Basin Reserve as the third oldest Test cricket ground until I decided that what was probably meant is that it is the third oldest ground on which Test cricket is played. That I cannot verify, but I can say that the first three grounds to be used for Test Matches were MCG, the Oval and SCG. Wellington comes 19th in the list and is not even the first NZ ground, which was Jade Stadium Christchurch, these matches taking place some 53 after the first Test between England and Australia.
LoL
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:15:20:33:03 by Loyal of Lhasa..
LoL
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:15:20:33:03 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Big Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2008 00:27
We're dropping catches for fun,there can be no excuse for spilling those.
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Big Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2008 01:04
Broad looking good,Fleming gone.
Time for the radio I think.
Enjoy the day Baggy.
Time for the radio I think.
Enjoy the day Baggy.
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Bagpuss (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2008 06:55
NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND SECOND TEST
BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON 13 – 17 MARCH 2008
DAY 4
The sky may have been grey but spirits are light when we arrive at the Basin to see Anderson warming up with the rest of the England squad. His twisted ankle has passed whatever tests it was put through and he is fit to . . . bat.
England obviously didn't think 421 was a big enough lead with two full days to play so out come Panesar and Anderson to add what they can to the England total. They can add 16 runs in 21 balls over about 14 minutes. Was it really worth it? New Zealand need an unlikely and record-breaking 438 to win with 85 overs left to play today – England may have liked more than 5 overs with the new ball at the end of the day to finish things off and give themselves an extra day off – something that would be appreciated by their thousands of travelling supporters too.
Panesar edges to Taylor at slip, leaving Anderson on 12 not out. Ten minutes later he is back opening the bowling with Sidebottom. His success in the first innings carries no weight with the captain however and he gets the privilege of running into an almost gale-force wind, the like of which Wellington is famous for. There doesn't seem to be the helpful seam movement of the first innings, and as the heavy clouds roll away I wonder again if England have missed out by batting on this morning. Bell survives a very good lbw appeal by Sidebottom in his second over. But his opening partner How compensates a couple of overs later, nudging him to Bell at short leg. 18-1.
It is England's only success of the morning though Collingwood was unlucky not to snare Fleming, batting for the last time on his home ground. He edged his first ball but Ambrose, standing up to the wicket, misses. New Zealand go to lunch 42-1 off 21 overs. During the lunch interval we see the final of a national under – 18 fast bowling competition. Names to look out for for the future are winner Jimmy Needham (17) and runner up Lachlan Ferguson (16) both from Auckland, They both exceeded 130 kph – only a couple3 of kph slower than Harmison was managing at Hamilton.
After lunch Collingwood and Panesar continue and New Zealand pass 50. Bell is dropped by Collingwood at second slip – a fairly easy chance off the bowling of Broad. The youngster copes well with the disappointment – his early afternoon spell is more hostile than those overs before lunch and he gets his man – Bell edging to the keeper. Sinclair joins Fleming and anxious to get off the mark calls him through for a single that isn't there. The ex captain is only saved by the inaccuracy of Vaughan's throw – a direct hit would have seen him well stranded. He aims a steely glare at his batting partner and leaves the next ball from Broad – which nips back a little and just hits the top of off stump. Broad should buy Sinclair a drink at the end of this match. 70-3.
These runs have been scored over about 33 overs – hardly a run rate to cause any anxieties in the England camp. But Sinclair, joined by Taylor, ups the ante a bit. Their 50 partnership comes in just 68 balls, in comparison to the Bell/Fleming second wicket 50 off 148 balls. Maybe there is a little anxiety creeping in now – Cook misses a difficult chance off Sinclair, then in the next over Pietersen drops a sitter (albeit one which swirled in the blustery conditions for a while) after a Taylor miscued hook. At tea New Zealand are 145-3 off 49 overs, Sinclair 39 and Taylor 35.
After tea Monty continues from the city end whilst Anderson gets the luxury, for the first time in the innings, of the wind at his back. He rewards his captain by getting Sinclair with his first ball – a ball exceeded in its horribleness by the horrible shot. Bell has not yet been afflicted by the dropped catch gremlins. 151-4. Vaughan brings Sidebottom on immediately from the City end. Whether it is Taylor reaching his 50 (65; 8) or the effect of running into the wind on his hair I don't know, but the spell lasts a single over and Panesar is back into the wind and Sidebottom gets the wind at his back gain from the Adelaide Road end. It works – he gets Taylor lbw in the 57th. 173-5.
Ambrose makes his second mistake in the 62nd, failing to stump Oram off Panesar. The gremlins finally seek out bell in the 66th when he misses Oram at short mid wicket, Panesar again frustrated. The clouds have been gathering and eventually the umpires offer the light, gratefully received by Oram and McCullam. But their respite lasts only five or so minutes before things brighten up and they are called out. Broad is on as soon as they come out, but Vaughan is missing – rumours of a tight hamstring. He is back on again as conditions are darkening and with only a couple of overs to go until the new ball he brings on Pietersen for Broad. It is enough to get the last two overs completed with the old ball before the skies darken enough to send them off. The new ball is called for and Sidebottom steams in with the full force of the wind and the full voice of the Barmy Army behind him on the hill. Fifth ball he gets his man – Oram caught by Pietersen, easily taken once he had a reaction catch rather than one to think about.
Only one more ball is possible, New Zealand finish the day 242-6 off 81 overs. McCullam is still there on 43, Vettori is yet to score. They need 196 to win. But that final wicket will have settled a few nerves amongst those England players and supporters who watched Nathan Astle bat new Zealand to within 100 runs of an improbable run chase in Christchurch 6 years ago.
BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON 13 – 17 MARCH 2008
DAY 4
The sky may have been grey but spirits are light when we arrive at the Basin to see Anderson warming up with the rest of the England squad. His twisted ankle has passed whatever tests it was put through and he is fit to . . . bat.
England obviously didn't think 421 was a big enough lead with two full days to play so out come Panesar and Anderson to add what they can to the England total. They can add 16 runs in 21 balls over about 14 minutes. Was it really worth it? New Zealand need an unlikely and record-breaking 438 to win with 85 overs left to play today – England may have liked more than 5 overs with the new ball at the end of the day to finish things off and give themselves an extra day off – something that would be appreciated by their thousands of travelling supporters too.
Panesar edges to Taylor at slip, leaving Anderson on 12 not out. Ten minutes later he is back opening the bowling with Sidebottom. His success in the first innings carries no weight with the captain however and he gets the privilege of running into an almost gale-force wind, the like of which Wellington is famous for. There doesn't seem to be the helpful seam movement of the first innings, and as the heavy clouds roll away I wonder again if England have missed out by batting on this morning. Bell survives a very good lbw appeal by Sidebottom in his second over. But his opening partner How compensates a couple of overs later, nudging him to Bell at short leg. 18-1.
It is England's only success of the morning though Collingwood was unlucky not to snare Fleming, batting for the last time on his home ground. He edged his first ball but Ambrose, standing up to the wicket, misses. New Zealand go to lunch 42-1 off 21 overs. During the lunch interval we see the final of a national under – 18 fast bowling competition. Names to look out for for the future are winner Jimmy Needham (17) and runner up Lachlan Ferguson (16) both from Auckland, They both exceeded 130 kph – only a couple3 of kph slower than Harmison was managing at Hamilton.
After lunch Collingwood and Panesar continue and New Zealand pass 50. Bell is dropped by Collingwood at second slip – a fairly easy chance off the bowling of Broad. The youngster copes well with the disappointment – his early afternoon spell is more hostile than those overs before lunch and he gets his man – Bell edging to the keeper. Sinclair joins Fleming and anxious to get off the mark calls him through for a single that isn't there. The ex captain is only saved by the inaccuracy of Vaughan's throw – a direct hit would have seen him well stranded. He aims a steely glare at his batting partner and leaves the next ball from Broad – which nips back a little and just hits the top of off stump. Broad should buy Sinclair a drink at the end of this match. 70-3.
These runs have been scored over about 33 overs – hardly a run rate to cause any anxieties in the England camp. But Sinclair, joined by Taylor, ups the ante a bit. Their 50 partnership comes in just 68 balls, in comparison to the Bell/Fleming second wicket 50 off 148 balls. Maybe there is a little anxiety creeping in now – Cook misses a difficult chance off Sinclair, then in the next over Pietersen drops a sitter (albeit one which swirled in the blustery conditions for a while) after a Taylor miscued hook. At tea New Zealand are 145-3 off 49 overs, Sinclair 39 and Taylor 35.
After tea Monty continues from the city end whilst Anderson gets the luxury, for the first time in the innings, of the wind at his back. He rewards his captain by getting Sinclair with his first ball – a ball exceeded in its horribleness by the horrible shot. Bell has not yet been afflicted by the dropped catch gremlins. 151-4. Vaughan brings Sidebottom on immediately from the City end. Whether it is Taylor reaching his 50 (65; 8) or the effect of running into the wind on his hair I don't know, but the spell lasts a single over and Panesar is back into the wind and Sidebottom gets the wind at his back gain from the Adelaide Road end. It works – he gets Taylor lbw in the 57th. 173-5.
Ambrose makes his second mistake in the 62nd, failing to stump Oram off Panesar. The gremlins finally seek out bell in the 66th when he misses Oram at short mid wicket, Panesar again frustrated. The clouds have been gathering and eventually the umpires offer the light, gratefully received by Oram and McCullam. But their respite lasts only five or so minutes before things brighten up and they are called out. Broad is on as soon as they come out, but Vaughan is missing – rumours of a tight hamstring. He is back on again as conditions are darkening and with only a couple of overs to go until the new ball he brings on Pietersen for Broad. It is enough to get the last two overs completed with the old ball before the skies darken enough to send them off. The new ball is called for and Sidebottom steams in with the full force of the wind and the full voice of the Barmy Army behind him on the hill. Fifth ball he gets his man – Oram caught by Pietersen, easily taken once he had a reaction catch rather than one to think about.
Only one more ball is possible, New Zealand finish the day 242-6 off 81 overs. McCullam is still there on 43, Vettori is yet to score. They need 196 to win. But that final wicket will have settled a few nerves amongst those England players and supporters who watched Nathan Astle bat new Zealand to within 100 runs of an improbable run chase in Christchurch 6 years ago.
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Loyal of Lhasa. (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2008 13:39
Thanks as ever Bagpuss. I hope for everybody's sake we can get this finished by lunchtime, so that we can get some sleep here and you can enjoy the delights of Wellington. Very nice botanical gardens and lovely Nineteenth Century architecture up on the hill.
I trust you are travelling by train whenever possible, for that is a fine way to see one of the world's liveliest countries.
LoL
I trust you are travelling by train whenever possible, for that is a fine way to see one of the world's liveliest countries.
LoL
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Grockle (IP Logged)
Date: 16/03/2008 23:12
Finally Thank heavens! Well done boys. A bit of credibility returns
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Big Jim (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2008 00:20
Agreed,a much better performance.
They appeared to play with much more energy and purpose this time,it was good to see.
Still not convinced about Ambrose behind the stumps but overall I thought he did pretty well and will get better.
Sidebottom was superb and Broad looked dangerous.
Bodes well for the future and skipper Hildreth.
They appeared to play with much more energy and purpose this time,it was good to see.
Still not convinced about Ambrose behind the stumps but overall I thought he did pretty well and will get better.
Sidebottom was superb and Broad looked dangerous.
Bodes well for the future and skipper Hildreth.
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Bagpuss (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2008 05:00
NEW ZEALAND v ENGLAND SECOND TEST
BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON 13 – 17 MARCH 2008
DAY 5
This time yesterday I hadn't envisaged being back at the Basin today but here we all are – all the England supporters, that is, the full house of Saturday and Sunday has thinned out to leave about 3-4 thousand England supporters and an occasional Kiwi. Yesterday's cloud cover and fierce winds have also disappeared leaving a bright sunny morning – better for the bowlers and the crowd on the Hill.
The ball is only one over old and Broad and Sidebottom get a bit of movement to help them. Anderson is on the field but I suspect the choice of Broad is more to do with resting the sore ankle than any snub. Sidebottom is the barmy Army's new favourite and is cheered and serenaded every over. He repays with the wicket of Vettori, caught by Cook for a duck, in the fourth over of the morning.
The last meaningful partnership is broken and everyone knows, be their allegiance red and white or black, that the fat lady is tuning up in the background. McCullam provides us all with some fun in the closing arias, reaching 50 (80; 5/2), before losing partner Mills, who is lbw to Sidebottom, giving him 5 in the innings. Gillespie stays with McCullam long enough to take the New Zealand total past 300. With lunch looming Vaughan throws the ball to Anderson who responds with the wicket of Gillespie, caught behind by Ambrose off the last ball of the over. McCullam, on 85, sees the long ears and fluffy bobbed tail of Chris Martin at the other end and decides its now or never if he's going to reach a century. Panesar is hoisted over wide long on, where Sidebottom takes he catch just in front of the Barmy Army. England have won by 126 runs to level the series.
Tonight there is Guinness to be drunk. If you are adventurous try adding a double shot of Tia Maria for a unique experience. Happy St Patrick's Day. Tomorrow the circus moves on to Napier.
BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON 13 – 17 MARCH 2008
DAY 5
This time yesterday I hadn't envisaged being back at the Basin today but here we all are – all the England supporters, that is, the full house of Saturday and Sunday has thinned out to leave about 3-4 thousand England supporters and an occasional Kiwi. Yesterday's cloud cover and fierce winds have also disappeared leaving a bright sunny morning – better for the bowlers and the crowd on the Hill.
The ball is only one over old and Broad and Sidebottom get a bit of movement to help them. Anderson is on the field but I suspect the choice of Broad is more to do with resting the sore ankle than any snub. Sidebottom is the barmy Army's new favourite and is cheered and serenaded every over. He repays with the wicket of Vettori, caught by Cook for a duck, in the fourth over of the morning.
The last meaningful partnership is broken and everyone knows, be their allegiance red and white or black, that the fat lady is tuning up in the background. McCullam provides us all with some fun in the closing arias, reaching 50 (80; 5/2), before losing partner Mills, who is lbw to Sidebottom, giving him 5 in the innings. Gillespie stays with McCullam long enough to take the New Zealand total past 300. With lunch looming Vaughan throws the ball to Anderson who responds with the wicket of Gillespie, caught behind by Ambrose off the last ball of the over. McCullam, on 85, sees the long ears and fluffy bobbed tail of Chris Martin at the other end and decides its now or never if he's going to reach a century. Panesar is hoisted over wide long on, where Sidebottom takes he catch just in front of the Barmy Army. England have won by 126 runs to level the series.
Tonight there is Guinness to be drunk. If you are adventurous try adding a double shot of Tia Maria for a unique experience. Happy St Patrick's Day. Tomorrow the circus moves on to Napier.
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: wurzel (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2008 07:17
In amongst the thousands, have you encountered anyone from Weymouth CC? My bridge patner is out there.
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Sloop John B (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2008 09:58
A far better performance but still far too many spilled catches - Strauss betting the habit.
Ambrose didn't look too secure behind the sticks. Is there a viewing problem at the Basin Reserve? Is the background an issue? Or were we just awful?? Collingwood is usually a very safe pair of hands but grassed an easy slip catch.
Things now set up well for the final Test and England should have the momentum.
Ambrose didn't look too secure behind the sticks. Is there a viewing problem at the Basin Reserve? Is the background an issue? Or were we just awful?? Collingwood is usually a very safe pair of hands but grassed an easy slip catch.
Things now set up well for the final Test and England should have the momentum.
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Bagpuss (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2008 11:46
Haven't managed any train journeys LoL - the passenger rail network has been run down until there are just the three main routes - Christchurch to greymouth or Picton in the south island and Wellington up to Auckland in the North. Very few seats on these and expensive when compared to other forms of travel - flights if booked early or bus. Plus with the tours being squeezed so much with back to back Tests there is little time to stand and stare, let alone see many of the wondrous sights this country has to offer.
I haven't knowingly met a bridge player from Weymouth, though have met up with a bridge playing doctor from Scotland, who I met in Palkistan and again in Sri Lanka before discovering his brother is a goo friend of my mother at Exeter bridge club. Small world.
On the local radio commentary they did say that the Basin reserve is a difficult ground for sighting catches - a combination of 2/3 of the ground surrounded by hill, with continuous milling around of people, and the frequent swirling winds I would have thought. There were two chances missed by Collingwood, one of which he obviously didnt see at all, both were when he was fielding at second slip in the over between those he was bowling himself. Relevant?
Ambrose did a good job ibn Hamilton - hardly noticed him which I think is always a good pointer. One missed catch standing up and a missed stumping. Time will tell but lets not get on his back yet. I think it helps having Strauss in at first slip.
Fact - the last time England won the first test in an away series was in Port Elizabeth, South Africa 2004/5. The victory came off the back of the most horrible loss in a three day practice match at Potchefstroom. The South African team they played in the first Test was criticised for (a) being selected along racio-political lines and (b) being hopelessly underprepared. An apparentlt equally unprepared England took advantage.
Since this match England have played 5 series away from home - including the current one. They have lost the first match of the Test series on each occasion.
Are they underprepared? Or do other nations always plan their itineries to play the first match at a favoured ground?
I haven't knowingly met a bridge player from Weymouth, though have met up with a bridge playing doctor from Scotland, who I met in Palkistan and again in Sri Lanka before discovering his brother is a goo friend of my mother at Exeter bridge club. Small world.
On the local radio commentary they did say that the Basin reserve is a difficult ground for sighting catches - a combination of 2/3 of the ground surrounded by hill, with continuous milling around of people, and the frequent swirling winds I would have thought. There were two chances missed by Collingwood, one of which he obviously didnt see at all, both were when he was fielding at second slip in the over between those he was bowling himself. Relevant?
Ambrose did a good job ibn Hamilton - hardly noticed him which I think is always a good pointer. One missed catch standing up and a missed stumping. Time will tell but lets not get on his back yet. I think it helps having Strauss in at first slip.
Fact - the last time England won the first test in an away series was in Port Elizabeth, South Africa 2004/5. The victory came off the back of the most horrible loss in a three day practice match at Potchefstroom. The South African team they played in the first Test was criticised for (a) being selected along racio-political lines and (b) being hopelessly underprepared. An apparentlt equally unprepared England took advantage.
Since this match England have played 5 series away from home - including the current one. They have lost the first match of the Test series on each occasion.
Are they underprepared? Or do other nations always plan their itineries to play the first match at a favoured ground?
Re: Kiwi Test 2
Posted by: Shepton Paul (IP Logged)
Date: 17/03/2008 13:58
That's now TWO Tests in a row which disprove the adage "Catches win Matches". Didn't stop Angus Fraser using the phrase on breakfast radio this morning.
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