Hallelujah; it's the start of the cricket season today! The Black Caps take the field at the 'Gabba in Brisbane early this afternoon for the first of two tests against a below-strength Australian team.
We're not going to get caught up in the hype; the depth of cricket in Australia is such that a below-strength Australian team is still not a bad outfit and players such as Ponting, Clark, Hussey and Haddin have plundered New Zealand bowling attacks in the past. But there is cause for guarded optimism; Australia's bowling attack is generally inexperienced, whilst New Zealand has possibly its strongest top six batting lineup in recent seasons. If the batsmen can prosper, pressure can be built upon the Aussies.
The pitch at the 'Gabba will be sporting, and warm, humid weather with some rain is expected for the duration of the match. In Tim Southee and Chris Martin, New Zealand has two genuine swing bowlers, and conditions should suit them.
This match marks the start of a busy summer for the Black Caps. There are two tests apiece against Australia (away) then Zimbabwe and South Africa (at home), and a tour to the West Indies at the end of the New Zealand summer. Add to that the usual plethora of ODI's and made-for-television T-20 matches, and there will be a feast of entertainment both for the cricket purist and for the casual watcher or those with abbreviated attention spans. We definitely include ourselves in the former category where we are joined by regular commenter Robert Winter, and as we discovered this week, Phil Goff's electorate chairman Michael Wood. Cricket transcends all boundaries; even political ones!
We wish Ross Taylor and his squad every success both for this match and the summer ahead. Hopefully the team will stay in better physical condition than today's opponent; consistency of selection has been a major problem in recent seasons. But with John Wright at the helm, some promising players emerging and a new captain, there is much to be positive about.
We don't like cricket; we love it!
8 comments:
Is Martin really a swing bowler? Most of the time he seems to bang it in short of a length and angle it across left handers. I will be interested to see Bracewell - he looked the goods in Zimbabwe but Assie is a different proposition.
Having two dashers opening is a risk but I like the look of Williamson at 3 and would bat Ryder ahead of Taylor if we lose a couple of quick wickets.
In favourable conditions, Martin swings the ball as well as anyone pdm, and conditions don't get much more favourable for swing bowlers than in Brisbane.
Will watch him with interest Inv.
My hopes and prayers are that The Black Caps finish them off early on day 4. This will allow sky to show the Phoenix Game live on SS1 instead of 3 hour delay. Win Win!
What are the best websites for cricket commentary? Who's televising all the matches? Are last seasons drunks back? Timely though, weathers even nice in Wellington, almost a dreadlock holiday.
@ Monique; the Cricinfo live updates are always good, otherwise you'll be able to get commentary from Radio Sport's website, or watch it live on Sky TV as I will be doing; converting the lounge into an office!
`converting te lounge into an office'
Mrs Inv must be very tolerent and understanding.
In two years nothings changed - McCullum, Guptilland Taylor all out to T/20 shots and in Taylors case absolutely irresponsible shot selection with only 10 minutes to lunch.
Why do the commentators think Ryder is a slogger who is going to hit NZ to a big score? Ridiculous.
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