Only Test: New Zealand v Zimbabwe at Napier Jan 26-30, 2012

[Meth]

The batting today was a lot better from the New Zealanders.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-zimbabwe-2012/engine/current/match/534803.html

 

[African Monkey]

BJ Watling retiring on 20 suggests he's a shoe in for the test.

 

[JJ]

and he should be... tbh I'd hate to see can Wyk play a test for NZ

But Watling is limited with the bat, he should be able to contribute at 6 or 7 though... problems remain above him, serious talent, pre-school levels of application and concentration

 

[African Monkey]

He can barely hit the ball off the square. Him batting at 7 will make no difference to when Reece Young was in the side.

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

Is this battle of the minnows on fox?

 

[Horrie Is God]

Is this battle of the minnows on fox?

A couple of days are..Don't know about tomorrow..

 

[African Monkey]

Is this battle of the minnows on fox?

It started today

 

[JJ]

He can barely hit the ball off the square. Him batting at 7 will make no difference to when Reece Young was in the side.

You're being a bit harsh...

But I am not clear on what Young did wrong - clearly a world-class gloveman (and the best in NZ), struggled with the bat but not the Lone Ranger there

 

[African Monkey]

Don't rate Watling at all with the bat.

Young dropped a catch in Brisbane which put a black mark against his name and was made a scapegoat for not scoring any runs in Hobart along with everyone else. I agree, his dropping really makes little sense.

 

[Meth]

You're being a bit harsh...

But I am not clear on what Young did wrong - clearly a world-class gloveman (and the best in NZ), struggled with the bat but not the Lone Ranger there

Really?

Best in NZ maybe.

BTW- who is regarded as the best keeper in the world these days? Pickings seem comparatively slim at the moment.

 

[JJ]

Really?

Best in NZ maybe.

BTW- who is regarded as the best keeper in the world these days? Pickings seem comparatively slim at the moment.

Best in NZ. I guess Prior is the #1 but that's because of his batting - I don't see any that are particularly special, so I think Young stacks up well - I know he made a glaring mistake in Aust, but that was unusual, and with the bat I am not sure the alternatives offer more...

 

[JJ]

Lost the toss and we're batting - I am quite pleased actually, I want to see application from the batters

 

[Twizzle]

0/32 so far, its on Fox 3 in Oz

 

[aussies1st]

Looks like a bad decision to bowl first.

 

[JJ]

Napier's always a good deck, it was always going to be useful for a bit, but surprised they were both so keen to bowl first - need an Australian to explain the merits of hardening up and batting first!

 

[typicalfan]

I remember Ian Smith saying a while ago NZ preferred to bowl first on most occasions. It was an ODI at the time and said they preferred chasing because they knew how many they needed. I don't know if it is something they do in all forms but it seems a little defensive, all it allows the other team to do is take the initiative.

 

[Twizzle]

these bowlers look like plodders, both around 130ks

 

[African Monkey]

these bowlers look like plodders, both around 130ks

Yes that's what they are.

 

[hineyrulz]

Gee the Zimbots bowling is very limited.

 

[JJ]

maybe, but I think the Hobart win will have done a lot for the NZ team - Wright's probably the best in the world, and I am liking the direction we're taking...

We should win this, and win well, and then hope to put pressure on the scum (Kallis aside) touring next