1st Test: New Zealand v Australia at Wellington on Feb 12-16, 2016

[chigurh]

Keep playing at those wide ones Smith, what could go wrong

 

[ANTiLAG]

I think NZ may have to get used to Boult not being the bowler he was for 3 years.

No swing with the new ball for him. Unheard of. Especially if Doug can get some outswing.

 

[tomdl]

Smith going through one of those stupid shot brain fart phases. Lucky to not be out

 

[Pete Cash]

It happens with injuries. Its really hard to swing the ball. I wouldnt write him off yet but the problem is he has so much expectation on him.

 

[Mr Angry]

Not a good thing to drop a guy who averages 57.

 

[ANTiLAG]

It happens with injuries. Its really hard to swing the ball. I wouldnt write him off yet but the problem is he has so much expectation on him.

NZ produces heaps of swing bowlers. Most crap, but even Anderson gets swing in NZ. Boult could hoop it, and get late swing as well all at a fair clip. That made him different.

 

[mozza91]

Good effort so far. Did well with the ball particularly Hazelwood.
Burns unlucky and Warner moronic but hopefully these 2 can stick around.

 

[JJ]

Not a good thing to drop a guy who averages 57.

Indeed - worrying for us

Smith is bizarre though. One minute he looks like someone who averages 50+ and the next like he averages 20

Was going to say he looks focused and determined, then he has a brain fart - which hasn't cost him his wicket

 

[WaznTheGreat]

This thread is funny,both of these teams are trash

 

[Pete Cash]

Indeed - worrying for us

Smith is bizarre though. One minute he looks like someone who averages 50+ and the next like he averages 20

Was going to say he looks focused and determined, then he has a brain fart - which hasn't cost him his wicket

I "think" the plan was to do a small bit of counter attacking to maybe get McCullum to move back the field. Sound in theory. In practice it turned into the Steve Smith goes crazy for an over and was lucky to not get out.

 

[ANTiLAG]

Lovin' the John Wright yarns.

 

[JJ]

Shake is a legend

 

[ANTiLAG]

The commentators will be all over Steve Smith until or unless he gets a big score. His runs in Safrica will not be a topic of discussion until he succeeds. It won't be "what a treat it is to watch Steve Smith" like they do with Sangakarra and co when they tour. It will be - "this guy needs to prove himself away from home".

I expect some Ian Chappell like trolling by the commentators - but not quite as stern, hyperbolic or harsh as he is. The Aussie players best turn the volume off in the dressing room, because they will not like a lot of what they hear. Mark Richardson and Ian Smith appear emotionally invested in this series, unashamedly so. They'll give it to Smith if they can, and the crowd, if any, will look to give it to Warner.

45* When will Ian Smith leave Steve Smith alone?

 

[The Charlatan]

Match stat on cricinfo: 86 runs scored by the last three wickets in the Kiwi innings. 97 scored by the first seven.

Chuck the ball to Guptill and Latham.

 

[hineyrulz]

This thread is funny,both of these teams are trash

Its a Wazn Vs Ranwnaq, a plodfest for the ages over 3000m at Moonee Valley on a heavy 10.

 

[Twatface Magee]

Personally I think it's nice of Australia to give minnow nations like Afghanistan, Ireland and New Zealand a go.

 

[Pete Cash]

I think both these sides are pretty good. XD

 

[Pete Cash]

Would like to see Smith and Khawaja turn the strike over a little more but with the field up whenever they get it through its very likely a four

 

[The Charlatan]

12 wickets on one day certainly suggests the bowlers are in it.

 

[Pete Cash]

I didnt see the NZ innings but based on what you blokes said and what I have seen from our innings its just been great bowling. Right in the spot. NZ is losing a little bit of discipline now but they are still hitting the right areas a lot.