1st Test: New Zealand v England at Eden Park, Auckland, March 22-26, 2018

[ANTiLAG]

I said he's in the debate - that's all - like many of our earlier cricketers (albeit for different reasons) his test career was limited (Donnelly, Dempster, Cowie) or in Grimmett's case not for NZ... So I think we need to look at the #1 ranking, the 100 first class centuries, and actually just have a look at him bat, plus regardless of who the bowlers were he scored runs in events that were very important to us - there is not a doubt in my mind he was a great batsman, it's a great shame he didn't continue his test career because then this wouldn't be a discussion - like Crowe he was technically correct, like Williamson insatiable for runs - he ends at #3 for me (with Donnelly), but I prefer the idea that there is a group, none of them are head and shoulders above the rest (as I said this is the case in most countries), and Williamson is the one that will be able to separate himself satistically through weight of runs and centuries, like Hadlee has done... I guess I like to weight people from the previous generations more highly, Cowie for me is likely the second best pace bowler, and his record is incredible but a short career

I'd be surprised if Turner even has let alone clearly a better first class record than Crowe whose career was cut short by injury, but seeing you rank Turner 3, I won't continue the argument. I'll note that even analysing Turner's impressive career odi record, it just doesn't look as good when scrutinising the scorecards of his successes, be it simply weak opposition bowling, or playing Asian teams with good spinners outside of Asia leaving their spin threat largely nullified.

I have no issue with people merely grouping KW and Crowe together until if and when KW just has such sheer weight of runs at a higher average as to usurp Crowe. But I don't think Turner belongs in this group based on his own red ball career.

And I understand your point regards the best bowler after Hadlee. You prefer Cowie, I prefer Bond, but their careers are much shorter than what we hope for Boult or even Wagner who will not, barring an extroardinary change in cricket performances, ever compete with Cowie or Bond's average.

 

[Iafeta]

Declare immediately. Weather forecast is poor. No point batting on at all.

 

[JJ]

I'm not sure we're quite at that stage yet - I doubt there'll be much more (any) play today, but close - weather improving next few days - ironically if this had been a normal day test we'd have had a lot more play.

They should be considering the declaration, would be nice to have a half an hour flog, but they really just need to try and ensure they have enough time to bowl the Poms out again

 

[TheParraboy]

Weather seems to look good from about 8am tomorrow

I guess they will need some time to get the outfield right?

So could get the final 2 days in
Id imagine if that was the case kiwis bat for an hour or 75min tomorrow morning, be a bit aggressive and try get a 240-270+ run lead. Poms will then need to about out 4 sessions minimum to draw the match

 

[ANTiLAG]

Still grey skies and constant drizzle which is getting heavier in Auckland. 4pm light looks more like 7pm light and its still daylight savings here. There's that many grey clouds.

Not looking good for more play at this stage unless some wind blows it over.

 

[TheParraboy]

They should have a 6th day (for every test) activated when you lose a days play due to weather.

But it might not be needed, get close to 300 ahead, 4 plus sessions should be enough to bowl the poms out hopefully

 

[JJ]

Weather seems to look good from about 8am tomorrow

I guess they will need some time to get the outfield right?

So could get the final 2 days in
Id imagine if that was the case kiwis bat for an hour or 75min tomorrow morning, be a bit aggressive and try get a 240-270+ run lead. Poms will then need to about out 4 sessions minimum to draw the match

Thant's kind of my feeling - be a real shame if we don't get the chance to have a crack at them

Don't think the field will be an issue, Eden Park pretty good for the most part

But too late in the year for test cricket though, should have played this big boy stuff first and then had the hit and giggle now

 

[JJ]

I'd be surprised if Turner even has let alone clearly a better first class record than Crowe whose career was cut short by injury, but seeing you rank Turner 3, I won't continue the argument. I'll note that even analysing Turner's impressive career odi record, it just doesn't look as good when scrutinising the scorecards of his successes, be it simply weak opposition bowling, or playing Asian teams with good spinners outside of Asia leaving their spin threat largely nullified.

I have no issue with people merely grouping KW and Crowe together until if and when KW just has such sheer weight of runs at a higher average as to usurp Crowe. But I don't think Turner belongs in this group based on his own red ball career.

And I understand your point regards the best bowler after Hadlee. You prefer Cowie, I prefer Bond, but their careers are much shorter than what we hope for Boult or even Wagner who will not, barring an extroardinary change in cricket performances, ever compete with Cowie or Bond's average.

Yeah, I think Bond and Cowie's stats are pretty close - the difference for me is that Bond simply couldn't stay fit - Cowie could but the only tests we had were against England as for whatever reasons the Australians ignored us

 

[ANTiLAG]

Yeah, I think Bond and Cowie's stats are pretty close - the difference for me is that Bond simply couldn't stay fit - Cowie could but the only tests we had were against England as for whatever reasons the Australians ignored us

Bond wasn't just fitness. There was the unexpected ICL suspension and then after tearing up his contract, BCCI making sure he was further suspended for it.

 

[JJ]

This sucks - I am going to have to watch the Warriors... could be worse, I could be an Eels fan

 

[ANTiLAG]

Weather has improved. How good is the outfield at Eden Park?

 

[TheParraboy]

This sucks - I am going to have to watch the Warriors... could be worse, I could be an Eels fan

I tipped the Warriors 13+

nothing surer...

 

[Iafeta]

Settle in for half an hour. And then go on the charge. Batting needs to be intent and push away from a draw and towards a win.

 

[JJ]

Nicholls is (again) starting to look like he can do a job in tests - credit to him, he has played a few good test innings now

 

[ANTiLAG]

Showtime now - CDG batting - I've waited since Friday for this.

 

[Iafeta]

CDG hit the cover off that. But England have no reviews. This could hurt them hard.

 

[ANTiLAG]

Nicholls is (again) starting to look like he can do a job in tests - credit to him, he has played a few good test innings now

First time I've seen him drive straight down the ground with total control and not look like he was shovelling the ball. He has definitely been working hard in the nets at his technique and batting approach.

But its not exactly a tough ask for batting given the match conditions and team position.

I want to see him make some runs in far more difficult circumstances before I'm a fan of his.

 

[ANTiLAG]

Well I'm keen for some Timmy 6thee action, Nicholls is crawling to his ton.

 

[Iafeta]

Outstanding test century from Nicholls. Well batted young man.

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

aaanndd we carry on batting....

Weather supposed to be good tomorrow?