2nd Test-NZ vs Pakistan

[African Monkey]

Pakistan have received some shocking calls during this test.

 

[Meth]

To be fair to the umpires, the conditions are far from ideal. That wind would make it very, very difficult to pick up and edge, or distinguish between noises, or whatever. If ever there was a test that warranted the full use of technology available, it would be this one. I have no idea why a test between New Zealand and Pakistan in New Zealand is denied the UDRS because of India.

 

[African Monkey]

Yet another call that goes against Pakistan. Younis Khan got nowhere near that.

 

[Meth]

Good comeback here from NZ. Would be good to get the wicket of Misbah and dismiss Pakistan for 360 or so, ending up with more or less no deficit. I hope we then come out and look to score runs quickly...we have nothing to lose.

 

[Red Bear]

Well Paki's rolled for 376 in the end, NZ 0/8 with one and a half overs left in the day, pretty good day of test cricket really. Vettori having a helluva game and Martin chipping in with a few wickets, will he get the 200 wickets/100 runs double?

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

If NZ are going to square the series they'll need to score quickly, build a good lead and then bowl out Pakistan on the last day.

This could be the innings that Guptil needs. His ability to go from an attacking one day batsman to the most boring defensive test batsman is almost predetermined. A test innings where he's required to play freely if the balls there to hit is the sort of thing he needs to shift his mindset.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Holy sh*t I'm over Martin Guptill right now. We're 118 without loss needing to build a lead quick lead and he is dawdling along with nothing against the spinner. You have to be going at a strike rate of 50-60 in this situation surely and it's not like he is just getting himself in, he's been batting for 3 hours. Play some shots you muppet or get out.

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

It's always been Guptil's problem. It's more a mental habit he can't get out of.

Now we've got Williamson and Guptil batting together. This is going to be slllooowww.

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

Pakistan have put down 2 chances? Learn to count Smithy. At least 4. Keeper dropped one, a tough caught and bowled was dropped, a one handed one at point dropped, and another at silly point/short cover/whatever that position is called.

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

NZ have no intention of trying to win this game. That mentality is very sad. 28 runs in the 12 overs after lunch.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Yup any chance of winning the game is pretty much left when McCullum got out.. Guptill is a deadset muppet.

 

[Red Bear]

Muppet? Would've though NZ would be happy with a batsmen that actually digs in. With McCullem, Ryder and Taylor around him a player like McCullem (and to an extent Williamson) is priceless.

Still a solid looking batting lineup going forwards (even if Ryder has had a 'mare of a series). Be interesting how Franklin goes at 6, maybe Vettori would be the better option there and strengthen the bowling lineup.

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

Did the Paki 'keeper laugh at Ryder when he was bowled?

 

[Red Bear]

Also, Alan Donald just confirmed as bowling coach for the NZ side, which has to be a good appointment (at least till the end of world cup).

Doesnt look to be too many demons in the Basin pitch watching the stream.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Muppet? Would've though NZ would be happy with a batsmen that actually digs in. With McCullem, Ryder and Taylor around him a player like McCullem (and to an extent Williamson) is priceless.

Still a solid looking batting lineup going forwards (even if Ryder has had a 'mare of a series). Be interesting how Franklin goes at 6, maybe Vettori would be the better option there and strengthen the bowling lineup.

Not when we're 100 with out loss and needing quick runs and he is blocking out maidens and showing absolutely nothing against spin. He's actually a quick scorer in ODI's and Twenty/20's but in Test he just completely changes and doesn't have the ability to pick up runs outside of a boundary every 5-6 overs. Just checks balls to fielders to much and doesn't tick the strike over which is exactly what we needed. Couldn't believe it when we were 118/0 and he had been batting for 3 hours at a strike rate in the 30's and left 4 harmless balls by Gul go by and saw out a maiden.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Also, Alan Donald just confirmed as bowling coach for the NZ side, which has to be a good appointment (at least till the end of world cup).

Doesnt look to be too many demons in the Basin pitch watching the stream.

It's turning quite a lot. So the only small chance we have is Vettori running through them which is unlikely.

 

[ANTiLAG]

Guptill is no muppet. He has enough shots to qualify for Indian citizenship - he just lacks the average. A free scorer in the shorter games, he is still finding and developing his way of playing test cricket. I would persist with him for a while longer. Do not need McCullum, Taylor and then Guptill as well to get out all the time slogging in tests.

 

[ANTiLAG]

With 7 Mark Richardson's you'd hardly ever lose a test. Of course the stands would be empty and the ratings drop - and punters would get no money for a draw - but you'd hardly lose.

 

[Fast Eddie]

I wouldn't be ragging on him if it was the first dig or a normal batting situation but I thought his innings was very average for the situation we were in.

 

[aussies1st]

Good start by Southee, getting some late swing something Hilfy could use.