(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
I doubt that they will bring in Southee, given that the bowling won them the match. Only way I see that happening is if they play five bowlers, which isn't going to happen given the second innings collapse.
ReplyDeleteWho comes in for Fulton or Elliott? Not a great deal of options at the moment, particularly if you're after a strokemaker. Maybe Broom, but that would be brave considering his ODI record.
How far away is Jesse from playing? He is exactly what we need in the middle order there. Perhaps look to debut someone like Kane Williamson? I'm not a fan of Broom, but I see he did just get a 196 against CD.
ReplyDeleteIf they are going to drop either of the 2, it will be Fulton. He was given a chance, and he didn't take it. Plus, Elliot provides a part time bowling option.
I agree with Sam, the bowlers won't change, they all contributed well
Well we know now that Tuffey will replace Bond. Broom deserves a chance - you have to reward 196! Elliot's technique is just too poor for tests at the moment, he doesn't even try and play straight which is a sign of his ODI ability. Ideally Ryder will fill the role (with bat and ball). Williamson is still too young - maybe later in the season
ReplyDeleteAs for other replacements, I see Harris scored a 100...