NZ's Best Captain

Hello and welcome back to my blog

Sky Television recently featured an episode of their series 'The Chosen Ones' featuring former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and watching the very in depth interview with Ian Smith convinced me to do a blog entry devoted to one of that country's best cricketers and least lorded.

Stephen Fleming debuted in Hamilton in March 1994 in a New Zealand side that was a shadow of the strong team of the 1980s. Hadlee, Cairns, Wright and Bracewell were gone and Martin Crowe was at the end of his career. The test in question against India and was drawn but not before the young debutant impressed with an elegant 92 (177) in the second innings.

Although not apparent to any at the time, this innings sums up the man's career:

• Ability to bat for long periods
• Excellence at driving and playing the pull/hook sho
• Habit of getting out just short of a century

Fleming, like the team itself, struggled after this to get consistency and put results on the board. Nearly 3 years later he scored his maiden test century, 129 (254) against England in Auckland. That series was important for him for another reason, after the team was thrashed by an innings in the second test Fleming was chosen to be captain in the third. He was just 1 month short of his 24 birthday and the youngest New Zealand had ever appointed. By his own admission he wasn't ready but the did score 62 important runs and although the test was lost, the margin was by just 4 wickets

In November of that year he faced a tough lesson in captaincy as Mark Taylor's Australian team beat New Zealand comfortably and Fleming's own form was poor (3 ducks in the series). However he lifted his game during the ODIs that followed scoring match-winning hundreds in Melbourne (116*) and Napier (111*)

One skill set in cricket that he excelled at was batting in the sub-continent. Fleming proved this for the first time in May of 1998 with his highest score (to that point) of 174* (333) in Colombo. For the next 3 years his captaincy flourished and the core group of players in the team reached their prime - the likes of Chris Cairns, Nathan Astle, Dion Nash and Craig McMillan. His own form was patchy but his tactics and plans for every player in each series pushed New Zealand's results and the ranking. The highlight for him and most of the country was a surprise series win in England in 1999 (after a very good showing in the World Cup)


Although that series represented a personal challenge for a team from a former colony, the real test was to compete with Australia - now under Steve Waugh - the best team in the world. Beaten 3-0 at home, the expectation was not great for the 2001 series IN Australia. However Fleming out thought his rival and drew the series 0-0 (could have been a 2-0 victory if certain things had gone the Kiwis' way). For himself the hundred (105 off 222 balls) in Perth was a welcome return to form and his reputation as the best captain in the world was secured. He had taken an out-gunned team to the belly of the beast and survived

The fortunes of the team under Fleming continued to shine as 7 months later they won their first series in the West Indies in which he led from the front with 130 (230) in Bridgetown. Possibly Stephen's best innings, technically and as a captain, came against South Africa in the 2003 World cup where, after Gibbs had bashed the bowlers around, he made 134* in a rain affected match to win an unlikely victory.

One of the main criticisms of his game and particularly his batting record was the failure to convert 50s into 100s. Before 2000 he scored only 2 centuries and even after his retirement it remains a mystery as to this blight on his career. Martin Crowe suggested during his final series in 2008 that the role of captaincy robbed Fleming of important development of batting temperament in his mid-twenties. Indeed his technique had faults, a tendency to get out LBW when out of form was an obvious one (particularly exposed in 2005 against Australia)

While in England Fleming re-looked at his technique and as a result his run scoring increased after 2000. In 2003 he reached the peak of his powers with 274*(476) and 69*(234) in Colombo, once again proving his ability in the sub-continent. This effort, against Murali and all, should also be noted for his declaration on a flat wicket where he was certain to be the first New Zealand player to get 300; the chance for victory was more important. Returning to New Zealand, he made 192 (332) against Pakistan before being named New Zealand's player of the year after ODI hundreds against Pakistan and South Africa (both series were won against opposition renowned for thrashing the Black Caps)

Sadly after 2003 the team's results began to fall away as injury to players like Cairns and Bond weakened the side's ability to get 20 wickets. Some also attribute this trend to the appointment of John Bracewell as coach, a hard man brought in as a friend of Martin Snedden as much as for his skill. The ODI side continued to improve but the fortunes of the test side were summed up by a 3-0 beating in England just 5 years after victory there in 1999. Fleming continued to score runs though with 117 at Nottingham (his home away from home)

In Chittagong during October 2004 he secured 3 New Zealand records during a brilliant innings of 202 (318):

• Most capped player (87)
• Most innings played (150)
• Highest run scorer (passing Crowe)

The rest of the summer was not so pleasing for him or the team as Australia beat them easily 4-0 across 5 matches. In between Fleming scored my personal favourite innings of his, 106 (57) against a FICA XI in a charity match. The ease with which he stuck (not slogged) Murali and Warne for six during this game is a sight I will never forget.

In April 2006 he scored his New Zealand record 3rd double-century in South Africa (262 off 423 balls) but the team lost that series 2-0. In 2007 he led the team to his 4th World Cup (3rd as captain) and they performed well until a tough loss to Sri Lanka in the semi-final. He announced his retirement from the ODI captaincy after this match (and eventually from ODIs altogether. The feeling at the time, and this was expressed during the SKY interview with Ian Smith, was the ODI team needed to prepare for 2011 without him and he wanted to lift the TEST team before he retired. For unknown reasons he lost the captaincy in both forms and I don't blame him for a second for feeling angry at this betrayal (delivered over the phone no less)


Thus Fleming announced that the home series against England in 2008 would be his last. Under the new captain Daniel Vettori he found good form despite a disappointing 2-1 result, scoring 59 and 66 in the final match keeping his average above 40.



In terms of legacy, I believe Stephen Fleming was comparable to Richard Hadlee's influence during the 1980s. His captaincy and occasionally his run scoring returned the side to respectability between 1999 and 2004. He was the ultimate team man and served his country for 11 years as captain of a weaker team than Hadlee's era. As a batsman we will remember our elegant left-hander in the mold of David Gower, wonderful to watch if occasionally frustrating. New Zealanders should take pride in the fact that we witnessed one of the best captains of our history if not the entire history of the game. Current captain Vettori could do a lot worse than follow his example

Stephen Paul Fleming (1994 - 2008)

• 111 matches 189 innings (10 not outs)
• 7172 runs @ 40.06 with 9 hundreds and 46 fifties
• High Score: 274*
• 171 catches
  

Records:

• Most matches, innings, runs and catches by a New Zealand player
• Most successful New Zealand captain
• Second most test matches as captain (80)
• Most ODIs captain (218)
  
  

Please comment as to your memories of his career as my memory of him begins in just 2003/4 - basically at the end of his best years

Well that's it from here and I hope you join me again
It's good bye for now

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(END OF DAY FIVE)
PAK 223
NZ 471
PAK 455
NZ 90-0

The rain ruined what should have been victory for NZ

Watling played very well though and finished 60* after some very audacious shots

OBSERVATIONS

• Vettori received Man of the Match. I always believe that the award should go to the player who influenced the result most (except on occasions of amazing individual achievement). Thus the Groundsman and perhaps the Weatherman are deserving here, both collaborated to inflict a draw on the viewers

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(TEA DAY FIVE)
NZ 46-0 chasing 208

PAK were bowled out eventually for 455 with Southee, O'Brien and Vettori each getting 2 wickets. The surprise effort was Guptill who finished with 3 for 37

McCullum took a NZ record 9 dismissals in the match

The match is set up beautifully for a final session show down

OBSERTVATIONS

• The question was whether NZ could bowl PAK out and have time to chase a target. They appear to have done that but the next point of interest was who to open with? They opted for the same batsmen and so far they have kept the required runrate at a reasonable level
• Kaneria will be the bowler to watch in the final overs
• PAK need quick wickets - the aggressive Guptil, Taylor and McCullum in particular - if they want to save the game (or win it)
• They offered 1500 to 1 on the tie yesterday - may cost the TAB some money yet
• A sensational way to finish a good, tight series I plan to sit back and enjoy it. I just hope that NZ lose by attempting a win rather than lose in trying to draw the game (unless 7 wickets of fallen with 100 runs still to get of course)

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(LUNCH DAY FIVE)
PAK 421-7 (lead of 173)

A wicket in the last over before lunch will give hope to those of us yearning for a result this afternoon

Vettori picked up two easy wickets during the session (from bad strokes) but IS bowling very well

OBSERVATIONS

• The lead is approaching 200 and if it crosses that mark then victory will be tough. The worst case will be if NZ have to chase in an ODI style, at 4-5 runs per over - possible but anymore than that would be too ambitious
• Vettori MUST attack straight after LUNCH with 2+ slips and O'Brien and himself to bowl. A chance was missed early as the slips-cordon was empty and Vettori's use of a deep point speaks of defensive mindset; as Martin Crowe said during commentary 'you must risk defeat to win test matches'

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(STUMPS DAY FOUR)
PAK 347-4 (lead of 99)

A rain-affected day proceeded slowly (at one point Vettori had figures of 24 overs for just 25 runs!) and PAK passed the deficit and built a small lead

This was led by their captain Yousuf who grafted out a good 89 (212). He was eventually dismissed by a very good ball from O'Brien

With just one day to go the draw seems the obvious result. However if Umar Akmal can survive the early overs tomorrow he has the skill and power to gain a 200+ lead and allow Kaneria to bowl at NZ in the last sessions.
On the other hand if NZ can run through PAK in the morning session they will have time to win the match

OBSERVATIONS

• It surprised me just as much as everyone else when Guptill took 2 wickets in the morning session but to be honest by late afternoon he was proving dangerous with some really good drift and turn. If he can eradicate the odd full toss he could be a useful part-timer in future (my apologies to Jeetan Patel)
• The NELSON struck again today as Yousuf was dismissed with the score at 333-3
• O'Brien looked really good late in the day, he injected some life into proceedings with a hostile spell at Akmal that was better drama than (in Ian Smith's words) Shortland Street
• A worrying sign for NZ long-term is the lack of form for Chris Martin who has struggled during this series

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(LUNCH DAY FOUR)
PAK 192-2

Vettori ignored the convention of beginning a day's play with pace and instead got Guptill to bowl. The result was two quick wickets from the young man's off-spin (both c&b)

The other bowlers kept things really tight until the break

OBSERVATIONS

• The PAK openers should feel very embarrassed about getting out to Guptill although the early use of spin may have been unexpected
• Southee and Martin were getting some good swing, outswing and inswing respectively, due to the cloud cover. If they can pitch the ball up for 4-5 balls an over they should get wickets
• There is rain Napier this afternoon so expect some time to be lost

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(STUMPS DAY THREE)
PAK 223
NZ 471
PAK 128-0

After Tuffey's entertaining innigs (80*) and Chris Martin's 27th duck, the PAK openers batted out 56 overs on what is now a very dead pitch

OBSERVATIONS

• This is why we need greener pitches! The last two sessions were extremely dull and the commentators were struggling to conjure topics to keep themselves awake. This kind of pitch will kill test cricket and belongs in the subcontinent
• NZ still lead by 120 but the prospect of having to take 10 wickets tomorrow will sap the energy from the bowlers (and the viewers)
• Kaneria will be deadly in the 4th innings - even on this wicket - so NZ don't want to have to chase more than 200

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(LUNCH DAY THREE)
NZ 466-8 (Vettori 134)

If PAK wanted to compete in this game they needed to knock over NZ quickly this morning. NZ needed to crush their opponent's spirits.

Vettori proceeded on his merry way, infuriating the opposition with his movements around the crease and that late cut of his. He was finally dismissed by a very fine catch from Umar Akmal diving to his left

Then came the real salt in the wound for PAK as hope was provided by the quick dismissal of Southee (0) before Tuffey smacked it out of their hands with 76*

OBSERVATIONS

• For an NZ supporter it is always fun to see the bowlers getting runs and with a substantial score from Tuffey, some commentators may be tempted to take a shot at the batsmen - surely if High Tower can get runs they can!
• I would stamp on such delusion right now. The pitch is flatter, the bowlers are exhausted, the ball is also 30+ overs old. His half century should be enjoyed but only a fool would use it to bash the top-order
• The lead is over 200 now and Vettori should crush PAK into the ground. For years they have been beating us comprehensively and now it could be our turn, if NZ can bat another session we should
• As for the illness hampering Aamer, for him it is a shame but on principle I don't care too much. Every team that tours Pakistan seems to lose their players to stomach bugs so there is some poetic justice here

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(STUMPS DAY TWO)
PAK 223
NZ 346-6 (Vettori 100*, McCullum 89)

NZ's top players went on the counter attack after TEA and as the PAK bowlers became more exhausted the runs flowed: 180 in just 35 overs with just 1 wicket lost

McCullum and Vettori batted beautifully, showing how good this pitch really is, and McCullum was only undone by a really sharp delivery from Gul

OBSERVATIONS

• The last session really destroyed the PAK bowlers, Kaneria and Aamer both have injuries/niggles and if Vettori can manipulate the total past 400 tomorrow then victory could be on the cards
• Vettori now has 5 test centuries, his average is 30, plus he and McCullum set a new record 6th wicket partnership against PAK
• What an amazing turn around, before the TEA break NZ were in huge trouble and were in danger of conceeding a lead but the two most senior players came together in one of the best partnerhips you are likely to see

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(TEA DAY TWO)
166-5

After a terrible batting performance yesterday the PAK bowlers have bowled very well to keep the run-rate down and let the leg-spinner do the wicket taking

The bowlers have been accurate and patient - qualities not on show from the batsmen who have got out to poor strokes

Kaneria has bowled as brilliantly on a flat wicket and has 4/5 wickets

OBSERVATIONS

• In two sessions, NZ made just 119 runs for the loss of 5 wickets - the lack of the former resulting in the high number of the latter
• Vettori and McCullum are at the crease and represent the last decent partnership
• McIntosh did find some form (74 off 187 balls) after changing his guard from middle to leg
• Again I remind readers that the pitch is very good for batting, it is a mixture of very good bowling and some poor shot selection that is preventing big scores

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(STUMPS DAY ONE)
PAK 223 all out (Farhat 117*)
NZ 47-0

Tuffey accounted for the tail (eventually) and ended with 4 wickets, McCullum took five catches as well

The NZ openers were troubled through out and McIntosh was given out at 1-0 but on review the ball was going over the stumps

OBSERVATIONS

• a great day for NZ, bouncing back after defeat in Wellington, they look up for a really fight epitomised by O'Brien's aggressive spell before lunch. The batsmen must do their part now and fight like the openers did before stumps
• However the technical problems may still remain. McIntosh has a horrible technique and it really is just his mental fortitude that prevents him from getting out cheaply
• NZ must aim to bat for all of tomorrow! This way they should have about 300, their bowlers will have got a rest and can bowl PAK out later, and the mental advantage will be with NZ

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(TEA DAY ONE)
180-7

Imran Farhat's unbeaten hundred lifted PAK to the plain of respectability during this session

The NZ bowlers struck just after LUNCH and just before TEA but the rest was absorbed by a very peculiar innings. Farhat's runs were as scratchy as you're ever likely to see but he is still there and represents PAK best hope after the break

OBSERVATIONS

• NZ struggled to bowl out the tail yet again (a problem I highlighted in the last test) and the commentators mentioned the absence of Bond. They suggested that you need a bowler like him, McGrath, Steyn or Cairns to trouble the tail-enders. For me the best was always Warne, his spin and variations were too much for most batsmen and the bowlers were more hopeless
• NZ must take the last 3 wickets quickly and get an hour to bat tonight - a short 10 minute period could be disastrous with such inexperience at the top. Either bowl them out in the first hour or leave it tomorrow - sounds strange but may just be required

Pakistan vs New Zealand 3rd TEST

Running Commentary
(LUNCH DAY ONE)
83-5

A surge of boundaries made the pitch look good and the chance of NZ victory look slim after PAK won the toss and batted

The woeful Shoaib Malik, Peter Fulton and Grant Elliot were missing from the line-ups

Tim Southee returned (21st birthday today) and got an in-swinger through Salman Butt early

Ian O'Brien, retiring after this game, proceeded to extract the little assistence there was in the pitch and edged out 4 wickets for just 3 runs in an amazing spell of aggressive, accurate bowling. He was good enough to get captain Yousuf, Imran Akmal and Misbah-ul-Haq for ducks

the rest of the session included a panicked batting display

OBSERVATIONS

• The pitch is VERY GOOD, there is some bounce yes but it is pretty flat and looks a beauty to bat on
• The tumble of wickets was due to pressure and VERY POOR shot selection
• The chaos extended to the commentary box as well. Martin Crowe and Simon Doull were very hit-and-miss with their analysis. Crowe tried to explain away Yousuf's dismissal (poor cut shot) as due to age - PLEASE if anything that should have been why he wouldn't play such a bad stroke
• The problem seemed to be of the mind for PAK, with the reputation of Napier as a batting paradise they tried to hit far too many boundaries and paid the price

Disappointment

Hello and welcome back to my blog

Today I want to take issue with the reporting of the PAK vs NZ result from Sunday. The NZ Herald featured an article that included factual and analytical errors as well as blatant plagarism of the TV commentary during the game

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10613812&pnum=2

Those of us with any knowledged of the game's history will know that the largest 4th innings chase was completed by West Indies against Australia when 418 was achieved (May 2003) not 405 as stated in the second paragraph. There is also the suggestion that this was a 'lopsided contest' which ignores the fact that apart from the freak score of 99, this test was very even, there was no large turn around in fortune for Pakistan, just one terrible 37-over period on DAY TWO for New Zealand

The statistics about Ross Taylor scoring more runs than the other 5 top-order batsmen was taken from the TV commentary during Sunday's play, as was the section about Kaneria's bowling stats; it would be nice if the article gave credit for this analysis to anyone but itself

The only point that was insightful was the comparison of this series to the 2-1 loss to England in 2008 when New Zealand lost in Wellington and Napier after leading 1-0. However England were the dominant team in that series where as Pakistan are still fragile in their batting and woeful in their fielding - the article said very little about the catches that went down in this test - the deciding game is for either team to win if they lift their performance.

Naturally after reading this second-rate article I looked to other sources for better analysis but Stuff.co.nz provided the EXACT same article (provided by NZPA I'm told)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/3130729/Pakistan-downs-Black-Caps
A disappointing Sunday all round really

Well that's it from here and I hope you join me again
It's good bye for now

Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd TEST

CONCLUSION

The weather turned to rain in Wellington, but not before Pakistan bowled out New Zealand for 263 and won this test to go level (the decider will begin in Napier on Friday 11th of December). Chasing 405 to win was never really on the cards, on a wicket where no one could get 100 and no team could get 275+. New Zealand effectively lost this game on DAY TWO when they were shot out for just 99. The media will focus on that disaster but I think allowing Pakistan to get from 161-6 to 264 was a problem too - the last 4 of their batsmen/tailenders scored more runs than all of New Zealand's 10!

If the first test will be remembered as a tight contest between two, talented if not polished, even teams then this one will go down as a race to the bottom in terms of skill. New Zealand's batting and Pakistan's fielding - the latter could have dismissed the opposition 3 times if catches were held. The first test was a perfect model for the game while the second was a nightmare - neither team can possibly be satisfied with how they performed (NZ in particular).
The captaincy of Yousuf was terrible as well - giving singles to a number 10 to get at the number 11! On the other hand Vettori's choice to bowl Elliot proved to be spot on and could have won the test if they had scored even 200 in the first innings

Unfortunately the third test will be played in Napier - a bowler's graveyard to match the most dry wicket in India or Pakistan - and a result may be hard to come by. Pakistan need to work on their fielding for about a week I would say while New Zealand have selection issues once again. Here are some ideas/points:

• Patel may be needed as a second spin option instead of Tuffey whose skills are better suited to greener wickets
• Elliot and Fulton NEED to go, neither are in any kind of form nor appear to have the right technique or will power for Test Cricket
• With two hundreds in his last two games, Neil Broom should debut at 5 and Vettori MUST rise to 6 - if just for this deciding game
• Tim Southee debuted with success at this ground and the temptation will be to bring him back at 8
• Flynn and Guptill should trade places

The emphasis should be on getting 20 wickets to win - the pitch should allow the batsmen to get runs (although 99 would leaves me with some doubt)

Well that's it from here and I hope you join me again
It's good bye for now

Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd TEST

Running Commentary
(END OF DAY ONE)

Bad light ended play early with PAK really in trouble at 161-6

Tuffey grabbed two wickets after TEA in his come back match with persistent, accurate bowling

Vettori took his third wicket to remove the last recognised batsman

OBSERVATIONS

• The batting of PAK looked more and more desparate as wickets fell and should feel lucky that bad light stopped play or they could well have suffered more damage
• Hopefully the weather will improve over the next 4 days so NZ can press the advantage but there is still the matter of how their batsmen will play

Pakistan vs New Zealand 2nd TEST

Running Commentary
(TEA DAY ONE)

Appropriately the 50th test at the Basin Reserve was delayed by rain so that the entire first session was not played. Equally appropriate were the conditions when play started - windy and cold

The ball moved around but the bowlers did not have the control of line and length required to exploit it - Chris Martin in particular struggled

The openers got through the first spells and began to look very secure until O'Brien got the breakthrough 60-1

This became 66-3 as Vettori struck twice and importantly dismissed Yousuf for a duck with an arm ball that trapped the PAK captain on the crease

OBSERVATIONS

• Umar Akmal, after scoring a debut century last week, was shifted to no. 3 in the batting in a odd decision given the conditions, but he is still there at TEA and his wicket will be required quickly if NZ wish take the advantage
• Vettori is bowling very well, his variation of pace and flight was very good but the field placements for his own bowling are very defensive
• Simon Doull in commentary noted that bowlers must be prepared 'to be driven at the Basin' and I didn't see enough of this till the last 20 minutes

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(END OF DAY FIVE)

Umar Akmal and Malik took PAK close but Bond dimissed Akmal with a good slower ball and O'Brien took wickets in a long spell

Vettori took the last two wickets to wrap up the 32 run victory - one of NZ's best

OBSERVATIONS

• The match was a brilliant example of Test Match cricket. There were runs, wickets, great catches, great heart shown by the 19-year old debutant, O'Brien continuing after a dislocated finger and there was a 99 from Vettori
• Most importantly the advantage changed from side to side at times due to luck, skill and will power
• Bond's influence was the difference for me, he had the extra pace and experience to lead the attack - his c&b of Yousuf in the first innings was one of the best.
• The chase of 251 was similar to a game at Old Trafford last year where NZ didn't have the fire power to win (that game also featured a 4th day collapse by NZ)
• As I write this Bond has been announced as Man of the Match. Lets not forget that Taylor's twin 50s were also crucial to giving NZ a lead and then something to defend, he really is rising to challenge of senior batsman
• The review system was used in this match and will provide writers/commentators with plenty to talk about over the next week. I think it is the right direction

The next game is in Wellington (Thursday) and either Elliot or Fulton should be dropped - there just isn't room for two defensive players in the middle order. Also I would suggest that Flynn and Guptill might trade places in the order but that discussion can be left for another day.
The pitch should be a little faster and there will be more wind. A place may be offered to Tim Southee in that game for his 8-27 the other day, but then who wants to break up a winning team
I should be attending that game in person so won't be able to blog after each session but being there could give a different perspective to my analysis

Keep an eye out for my thoughts on the AUS v WI game playing at the moment (as I finish this post, 19-year old debutant Barath has scored a hundred!)

Well that's it from here and I hope you join me again
It's good bye for now

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(TEA DAY FIVE)

Bond and Martin inflicted 3 wickets of damage on the PAK batting effort this morning as NZ defended 251

Umar Akmal is playing a blinder though, he took the attack to NZ in the first innings and is leading the chase in the second

OBSERVATIONS

• NZ have let several chances go - a c&b, tough catches. But the worst is a slight defensive nature to Vettori's captaincy. Craig McMillan pointed out how a boundary through 3rd Man was countered by Vettori by moving a fielder there and NOT into the slips. An edge went at catching height through there soon after and a chance was missed
• O'Brien getting Malik just before TEA maybe useful but getting the brothers Akmal ASAP will determine the result
• NZ have not won a Test in 16 instances (discounting 1 win vs BAN) and the ability to go for the throat seems to be lacking. They NEED to win this game plain and simple
• The test has been interesting, thought provoking and a great example of Test Cricket - hopefully the final session will be no different

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(END OF DAY FOUR)

NZ struggled to 147-8 on a day affected by rain and bad light

Asif and Aamer both bowled very well on a good pitch.

The lead is just 244 which will need to be extended if NZ wish to win or draw the game

OBSERVATIONS

• Peter Fulton may not get another test this series after some average batting but possibly due to his brain melt when he edged an LBW that he could have had reviewed
• Speaking of the review system, this test and that between AUS and WI are providing much in the way of discussion on the limits of the 'review'
• The best example so far was Vettori's dismissal of a tail-ender last night. A ball pitching and hitting the pad in line but only just clipping the leg stump was given out.
• Under review the ball had to be completely missing the stumps to be reversed, but if it had been given not out initially and reviewed by Vettori, most of the ball would have had to hit the stumps (thus either way the decision would have stood)
• This illustrates the point of the review system, to avoid the shocking decisions but give benefit of the doubt to umpires
• In this case it was a close call so either decision would have been understandable. This method should prove popular with both umpires and players - and the public once we get used to it

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(LUNCH DAY FOUR)

Bond and Martin cleaned up the PAK tail to give NZ a 97 run lead

This was quickly overshadowed as both Guptill and Flynn were removed for ducks to have the score 0-2

Taylor and McIntosh rebuilt from there with contrasting styles of attack and defense

OBSERVATIONS

• In the past DAY 4 of a test match has always been the worst for NZ teams and at 0-2 it looked a bit that way in this session. It is important that the batsmen avoid this trap now or risk continuing a regrettable tradition

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(END OF DAY THREE)

The last session saw Umar Akmal score a brilliant, debut century (129)alongside his brother (82) as 147 runs were added in 40 overs

Vettori and Bond fought back late in the day to reduce PAK to 307-8

OBSERVATIONS

• NZ take the advantage as 8 wickets were taken. They would have liked to knock them over earlier after Bond had them in trouble at 85-5 but the Akmal counter attack was very affective.
• Vettori's reluctance to have a 3rd slip in place proved to be in error as several edges went through the slips
• If NZ can take the remaining two wickets early they will have time to set up a total of about 300-350 for PAK to chase/survive on DAY 5

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(TEA DAY THREE)

Bond ripped out 3 quick wickets after lunch with pace and skill before the debutant Umar Akmal counter attacked with some thrilling strokes

Score is 160-5

OBSERVATIONS

• Bond's c&b to remove Yousuf was the equal of one he took in an ODI against AUS in 2007
• PAK scored over a 100 runs in the session but NZ will feel they bowled very well
• Vettori's captaincy got a little defensive part way through as the Akmal brothers attacked, PAK were still way behind and the fielders did not need to be pushed back so quickly
• Umar Akmal's innings was not just slogging but filled with some very good strokes, his first ball was a length ball from bond and he cut it for 4!

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(LUNCH DAY THREE)

PAK reached 54-2 at lunch

NZ bowlers bowled accurately and the PAK batsmen looked in some trouble except when they hit boundaries which were well done

OBSERVATIONS

• Ironically Martin was probably the least consistent bowler but picked up both wickets
• Bond is bowling very quickly with most deliveries in the mid 140s

Australia vs West Indies 1st TEST

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While the 'test of the year' - as cricinfo dubbed it - played out in Dunedin, Australia destroyed the West Indies by an innings in Brisbane. Predictably, once Ponting won the toss and chose to bat, a total of 400+ was racked up on the reliable Gabba wicket. Although I think West Indies bowled well at times, the conditions and their own inexperience prevented them from restraining the flow of runs. After a day and a half in the field the patience and will power required to counter such a total was never on the cards and the game was wrapped up inside 3 days - a result one-sided in equal measure to the even contest across the Tasman

OBSERVATIONS:

• Shane Watson remained as opener despite whispers of Mike Hussey but after his dismissal for a duck - LBW for the 10th time (of 19 innings) - questions may be more vehemently raised as to his future there
• The coverage of the cricket this summer includes a new piece of technology called Gatorade which measures heart-rates of players. No doubt the commentators will enjoy showing us the rates throughout the tests/ODIs/2020s - although I agree with Slater, that it should be used in Bill Lawry while he commentates
• The review system appeared in this game also and highlighted a potential flaw in regard to emotional appeals from batsmen. Chris Gayle appealed unsuccessfully in both innings over his own (plumb!) LBW dismissal and captains and players will learn from his foolishness. No doubt some of his team mates may have been displeased for their own captain to use up their appeals

Australia should proceed to sweep this series in all fairness but then I do hope to be proven wrong for we saw in Dunedin how good an even Test match can be

Well that's if from here and I hope to see you again
It's good bye for now

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(END OF NZ 1st INNINGS)

Vettori missed out on his 5th century yesterday, sadly dismissed for 99 and rain prevented the innings from ending last night.

PAK bowled NZ out early this morning for 429 after some fun from Bond and O'Brien

Chris Martin registered another duck for his 'unique' batting career

OBSERVATIONS

• It will be interesting to see how much the rain on DAY 2 affects the pitch when the NZ bowlers begin this morning - Bond could be a handful if he can get swing or seam movement to an inexperienced batting line up

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(LUNCH BREAK)
Day TWO began with a good contest between the PAK bowlers bowling short (and accurately) at Vettori and McCullum

This strategy began to work but the bowlers failed to then bowl good length balls to capitalise on the batsmen sitting on the back foot (one G. Boycott would have been vocal on this point)

After getting through the first 30 minutes the two expanded their shots and their 150+ partnership was not broken till the last over before lunch

OBSERVATIONS

• 375-7 at LUNCH is a strong position but PAK will take heart from the final delivery of the session when Umar Gul produced a beautiful, inswinging yorker to remove McCullum. Vettori will need to take most of the strike if the ball is going to reverse-swing

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(END OF DAY ONE)
NZ end a fascinating days cricket on 276 for 6 having recovered well from 211-6.

After Guptill's dismissal, Taylor continued to play well until - right after Ian 'deep extra cover' Smith suggested bowling wide of the off-stump to him - he edged to slip on 94 (174)

Fulton and Elliot fought hard but fell to poor stokes during a PAK fight back after TEA

Vettori, in what may prove to be a turning point in the game, was dropped first ball at slip and with McCullum they scored 65 runs to bring the game back into ballance

OBSERVATIONS

• Pakistan should be disappointed with 3 dropped chances but bowled quite well otherwise
• A moment of interest occured with the 2nd to last ball of the day when McCullum was dismissed LBW only to appeal for a review and be given not out by way of 'hit outside off'. In the past PAK would have celebrated 7 wickets in the day - instead the new system allows NZ to resume on DAY TWO with their most experienced players in tact
• The first 30 minutes tomorrow will be crucial - 350+ and NZ are in the game, if they are bowled out quickly they will be in trouble

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(TEA BREAK)
171-3 at the break after a 100 run partnership between Guptill and Taylor.

Taylor is not out on 85 and has played well

Guptill played some very good strokes, the cover drive to bring up his (maiden) 50 was of the highest class. A pity that he was dismissed hooking once again - he really needs to work on that.

Fulton looks in all sorts of trouble early on and the test will be if PAK can dismiss him and Elliot quickly after the break

OBERSERVATIONS
The first review was conducted and Taylor was not given out from a ball not quite hitting in line with off stump. The system is supposed to erase poor decisions and this was not one of those
I will enjoy having Craig McMillan in the commentary box all summer and the reformed Dilmah Tea Party should be interesting as well

Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st TEST

Running Commentary
(LUNCH BREAK)
Pakistan put New Zealand in to bat on a grass covered wicket. Cool, windy conditions suggested little swing would be available but PAK backed their talented bowling line-up against an inexperienced NZ one

McIntosh was undone first ball to a good yorker but after 4 overs the score was already 20-1

Flynn fell victim to an inside edge after a bit of seam movement

Guptil and Taylor played carefully for the first hour before lifting the total to 75-2 at Lunch. Note that Guptil has been dropped twice

OBSERVATIONS
The review system has returned and ANY technology is now available! Even the predicted path of Hawkeeye and Hot Spot. Only TWO unsuccessful reviews available
Mark Richardson is filling the post of 'Deep Extra Cover' the equal of England's 'Third Man' commentary position

Just a Note

I neglected to mention the fact that Hasan is also the current captain of Bangladesh. If I didn't know better I would have thought that Daniel Vettori was receiving pay cheques from two different countries given the similarities

One to Watch and One to Remember

Hello and welcome back to my blog

Just in between my posts about the future of the game I would like to comment about two things.

First, the talented Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. 22 years of age and last night scored his 4th ODI hundred (off just 69 balls) to guide his team home against Zimbabwe after taking 9-1-24-1. This lad is really good. Even if you want to scoff at the thought of scoring runs against Zimbabwe, he scored 108 against Pakistan while the rest crumbled around him. I found footage of that innings and his back-foot play is very assured, he has quick hands, the advantage of being a left-hander and great placement.
He now has 2000 runs @ 36 in ODIs plus 77 wickets @ 31 (econ of 4.08!)
In tests his stats are beginning to grow: 715 runs @ 29.79 and 48 wickets @ 28 (including 5 5WHs already!). A friend of mine suggested that he could be the NEXT man to enter the 3000 run 300 wicket club and that might be possible. Besides his own stats and ability, the value of such a player to Bangladesh will be great - a Hadlee type boost.
I first noticed him last year against New Zealand when he took 7-36 and batted well (out done by Vettori on that occasion but impressive none the less) and I really do hope he continues to succeed

On a sadder note, my favourite umpire David Shepherd passed away from cancer the other day. When I first began taking an interest in Test Cricket (2004) he was a memorable part of those games and in particular his hopping when a score reached a Nelson or multiple of that (111, 222, 333 etc); I fondly remember a commentator posing the question 'what if a batsmen were 111 over night? Would he spend the night hopping in his sleep?'
Indeed, at 1.11pm yesterday I stood on one leg as a sign of respect (or I tried to - honestly it turned out I was a minute off).
He will be remembered as a very good umpire, liked by the players and spectators because he included just the right amount of eccentric behaviour that permeates cricket and that we so enjoy

Rest In Peace

The Future of Cricket Part 1

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Over the next few days I will post my analysis of the question of the year: what is the future of cricket? This refers to all three forms of the game and I have been working towards this since June. I thought it wise to wait and allow the topic to develop before commenting (in order to avoid the mistake of writing off tests or ODIs before they had a chance to prove themselves). I'm glad I did because both showed their value in the last 5 months and a few commentators/writers have appeared foolish as a result.

Today Part 1 deals with the future of Test Cricket:

The history of what we call Test Cricket stretches back to 1877 when England and Australia played at the MCG and grew to include 3 teams by the turn of the century, 6 at the out break of the Second World War and now 10 in the 21st Century. The rules have hardly changed beyond new LBW laws, field restrictions (to combat body line) and no-ball rules; the game is played in the same structure. Only now in 2009 does it face a real threat from a three-hour, carnival version of itself. In the face of that history, I think not

However, in 2009 there are issues that need to be addressed if Test Cricket is to continue in anything like its present form:

• With 10 teams playing each other according to the ICC Future Tours programme an inevitable wedge has formed between the top teams and the bottom teams - a difference in skill and funding that is growing. England, Australia, India and South Africa play each other in long, tough series and collect the sales and hardening of skills inherent to such match-ups while the rest struggle to catchup.
• On the other hand the top nations are also becoming the most defensive and least flamboyant with fewer risks taken and none of Strauss, Ponting, Dhoni and Smith will appear in the Top 20 Captains of All time. The energy of a competitive West Indies, a talented AND consistent Pakistan, the unique Sri Lanka or the underdog achievers New Zealand are missing from the mix of competitive Test Cricket. F0r the longest form of the game to survive there must be more of a balance between the teams.
• A large part of the problem is the Future Tours Programme itself. With 10 teams to fit into a 12 month period, the year has become full of meaningless series and one tour on the back of another; two tests here and three ODIs there. The advent of 20/20 has filled the international calendar to its limits. There is no pattern, no progression and no real sense to any of it - just a filler between World Cups. It is difficult for the public to follow their team when there is no end goal or point to it all

The issue is relevance. What role do we want Test Cricket to fill in the 21st Century so that people can identify with and find/make time to watch it. With the success of the IPL and 20/20 World Cup this year, the question needs answering NOW. Suggestions and possible solutions have been expressed across the globe - some more realistic than others - it is useful to discuss some of the more common ones:

After the success of day-night ODIs some feel that Test Cricket could also benefit from playing it when people aren't at work. This could encourage more people to attend the matches but would not solve the other problems mentioned above. Other issues include the way the air changes as night and how this might affect the ball (personally I don't have a problem with this because it gives power back to the bowlers) also the colour of the ball itself would need to change to be seen at night.
I would advise against this idea because Test Cricket, for me, is a sport to be enjoyed during a hot sunny day - a lethargic experience rather than a chance to be crammed into a seat for SEVEN hours. Thus I support New Zealand Cricket's move to hold tests at smaller grounds rather than stadiums; the atmosphere is better and much more comfortable for enjoying Test Cricket's slower nature.

Splitting the test nations into two tiers has also been suggested in order to avoid one-sided contests. Thus the likes of Australia, South Africa, India and one other nation would play each other while West Indies, New Zealand and Bangladesh would play each other (the place of England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe would depend on their performances when the split occurs. It is suggested that the new structure could function similar to the English County system with relegation and advancement.
However the obvious problem is that each nation does not have the same pool of potential players or resources to draw on. The top nations will improve through competition with each other far further than the bottom nations could (aided by the large resources available through the inevitable ticket sales and advertising etc). In the end it would simply make the top teams better and the bottom teams would almost stagnate. And that is just if Test Cricket were a stand alone form of the game, the lure of 20/20 competitions would surely suck the players away from the bottom nations more than ever before (more about this in Part 3).

There is a much better way to structure Test Cricket to improve its appeal and that is to create a proper Test Championship. This would involve a re-imagining of the Future Tours Programme in a way that across one year a top Test nation could be crowned. This gives a goal and purpose to each series as points are accumulated and semi-finals and finals decided before the tally is wiped clean for a new year.
The idea floated around for a few years and gained momentum this winter (summer in England) with the likes of Ian Chappell and Adam Gilchrist supporting it. Martin Crowe even organised a presentation to the ICC that would have had a championship set up beginning in October (when there are 4 series being played involving the top 8 nations) as a trial.
The only major issue that concerns me with this system is the role of key series like The Ashes, Border-Gavaskar and Frank Worrell Trophies etc, which still draw large crowds and prove to be profitable. Any championship would need to accommodate these before it could find votes to pass.

During the winter the idea of 4-day test matches gained great attention and every commentator/writer/blogger/player had something to say about it.

• Javed Miandad suggested 4-day tests as a good way for minor nations (Ireland, Kenya etc) to play - which is how New Zealand entered test cricket - but to shorten tests for the top nations may hurt the standard of that form of the game.
• The Indian Express asked 'would 4 days really be more exciting than 5 or would it just feel like a domestic game'
• A Daily Mail cynic sarcastically suggested that we should just shorten tests to 20 overs each

This hits the nail on the head really, Test cricket is a long game and to shorten it would hurt the fundamentals. During his Cowdrey Lecture this year, Adam Gilchrist expressed doubts over this idea too. One Geoffrey Boycott though, pointed out that you could have the same NUMBER of overs in 4 days instead of 5 thus increasing the over-rate per day and speeding up the game (although I'm not sure every captain would be pleased with that threat)

Conclusion
For me Test Cricket is still the best form of cricket and its popularity is somewhat explained by the recent Ashes contests:

• In 2005 we witnessed the best test series in decades: competitive, played in the right nature, great atmosphere, a close result and involving the best players and teams of the time. However this standard was unrealistic and proved a false rebirth for test cricket (except in England)
• In 2006/7 Australia thrashed England 5-0 in a display that was brilliant but ultimately lacking in drama due to the scoreline
• In 2009 two teams of less quality than those before, fought a tough battle for the urn and in doing so set a far better standard for others to follow

For me Test Cricket involves bringing balance back into the game. The contest of wills, player to player, bowl and bat must be as equal as possible for this is what drives the sport. Less is more in a test match, scores of 500 should be urned not a natural event on a flat pitch, therefore pitches must become greener. I agree with Ian Chappell who said the number of test matches in a summer should be reduced (to one good series if possible). This way a cricketer could play 50 tests instead of 150 a goal expressed by Adam Gilchrist during his lecture.

The question over the future of Test Cricket will not be answered in this blog, nor by any other. A sport must continually adapt to maintain its appeal and relevance. That task falls to the players, officials, administrators and even the fans, just as Sir. Richard Hadlee said 'we are all custodians of the game'

Keep an eye out for Part 2 which I shall post in a few days time

Moles Gate

Hello and welcome back to my blog

I apologise about the change of topics this week but I am forced to delay my posts about Tests, ODIs and 20/20s in order to cover the Black Caps coach issue. I will endeavour to post these in the coming days.

Recently the Dominion Post broke the story that a complaint was made by senior players in the New Zealand team regarding the coach Andy Moles. There are concerns that he isn't doing enough and thus putting much of the burden on Daniel Vettori - already captain, bowler and lower-order batsman. Just one year after appointment, the Moles era has included no test wins and a 50/50 ODI winning record culminating in a finals spot during the recent Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Today the leading newspapers have jumped all over this as if he were an All Blacks coach after a World Cup. Sadly Andy Moles has had nothing to do with either and the treatment is regrettable. The Herald started posting the most ridiculous opinions ranging from blaming the coach, the players and even one fool who suggested dropping Brendon McCullum whose skills with bat and gloves have been poor for years. While that last comment suggests that even idiots can use email, there were some good points that ARE worth noting:

• Moles is the natural opposite to the Bracewell style of control and these developments should not be too surprising
• Furthermore, was it not this laid back approach that senior players wanted before (the lack of which lead to Nathan Astle's retirement and perhaps Craig McMillan as well)

Stuff.co.nz featured a poll asking if Moles should be sacked and provided three possible answers:

• Yes the players are right
• No he needs more time to prove his worth
• No the problem is with the players not the coach

The issue I have is that there is so much nonsense being discussed and printed/reported from just one article that didn't name anyone! Not even whether batsmen or bowlers - which makes it hard to judge the merit of the complaint

TV3 News reported tonight that concerns over the situation had been growing for sometime but again failed to give any proof or provide official statement. They simply used the 'some people say...' device which is exploited to stir up a story.

I would advise patience. We must wait until New Zealand Cricket meets with Moles ahead of the ODI series against Pakistan, not jump to conclusions and perform a public execution of the man's career through newspapers and talk back radio.

Well that's it from here and I hope you join me again
It's good bye for now

Update

Just a couple of things:

• Congratulations to Ross Taylor for his continued success at the Champions League
• Look out this week for several consecutive posts about the state of the game. These will encompass opinions collected over the last 6 months or so and include my own commentary

Playing with the Big Boys

Hello and welcome back to my blog

Last night I watched my first game of the Champions League 2009 and what occurred to me very quickly is the difference in skill between the different domestic teams of the world. The IPL teams will do fine because they will be loaded with international talents like Adam Gilchrist and others but for the likes of the Otago Volts this competition will be a steep learning curve and that is a GOOD thing

The only New Zealand team in the competition went down to the Cape Cobras (of South Africa) by 54 runs and the difference in performance was clear in every department and facet of the game. The highly-regarded Neil Wagner (first class bowling average of 21) bowled two deliveries outside off-stump before reverting to leg-stump half volleys that century maker Puttick duly bashed to the boundary. Ian Butler couldn't help but bowl length deliveries at the death which ended in the stands. Nathan McCullum, a spinner that has good potential in my view, did not change his game plan when bowling to batsmen who are skilled at slogging to the leg-side.
When it came to chasing the 194 for victory (20 runs too many to be fair) the writing was on the wall when Brendon McCullum underestimated the out fielding of the opposition and was run out attempting a risky second run. Too more run outs followed in the middle order and the opportunity to have a real go at chasing a large target, on a flat wicket, against less-than-threatening bowling was gone.

The problem was the clear lift in intensity required to beat these other teams. I had always wondered how our domestic teams would handle playing Australian, South African or English opposition and now my fears are realised. Each skill in the game is a little better; better developed, more experienced and consistent.
However this is exactly what New Zealand needs. We don't have enough domestic cricket at the moment and, by their own admission, the players are too friendly with each other to foster the competitive edge so apparent in the other teams. This experience should help to rectify this problem and continue to do so if this tournament continues.

I look forward to watching the Otago Volts improve and learn some new lessons to then take back to our domestic scene and encourage the others

Well that's it from here and I hope to see you again
It's good bye for now

Humble Pie

Hello and welcome back to my blog

THEY DID IT!

The New Zealand Black Caps have booked a spot in the final of the 2009 Champions Trophy with a professional victory over Pakistan. Forced to field on a flat, if slow, track they showed patience and accuracy in keeping the unpredictable Pakistan batting line-up to a modest 233 for 9 (50 overs) before Elliott and Vettori guided them to the target with 13 balls to spare.

Although I was unable to witness the entire match, the first 30 overs of the New Zealand bowling effort impressed me. Daniel Vettori controlled the match beautifully and deserved his man of the match award for his captaincy as well as his 3 wickets and 41 runs. The whole team appeared to lift their game slightly - particularly in the field where their energy resulted in numerous run out chances. The only blemish would be the dismissal of Martin Guptil who has batted really well in this tournament so far, but once again was tempted by the success of one pull-shot and played another only to top edge for what seems the hundredth time. I have complained about this issue before and surely someone in the NZ camp notices it too

However, my post today is about a number of people who need to eat some humble pie. For those who say that we need Shane Bond to succeed, an opinion mentioned several times during the commentary, the other bowlers are not the worst in the world. Those who continue to dismiss the abilities of Grant Elliott as a stop gap measure while the likes of Oram are injured, must soon bend under the mountain of evidence to the contrary. He is urning the respect of teams around the world: Australia, England and now Pakistan - with a top order as aggressive as McCullum, Ryder and Taylor, the cool head of Elliott is a brilliant balancing measure and insurance policy.

Finally, I must eat my slice and admit my mistake. Months ago I posted a piece about the hold Pakistan has over the Black Caps - particularly in semi-finals - and I admit dismissing the idea of victory in this match in the face of that record. Firstly I was proven dead wrong on that prediction and secondly my stats were not correct. New Zealand in fact beat Pakistan in the 2000 semi-final (the one ODI tournament victory to their name) and I failed to notice this until recently.

I congratulate the team on the fine victory played with the intensity required in finals. Now they must beat their other rival, the Australians led by an in-form Ricky Ponting. It could be a classic, the Black Caps will be the underdogs and that is exactly where they are most comfortable.

Well that's it from here and I hope to see you again
It's good bye for now