NZ v Australia Test #1

ACT Crusader

It's February, clearly it's rugby season and the BCs have their eye on watching the Super 623 start....

dogmeat

So among the BC's get a pass mark?
 
Openers delivered down to expectation.
 
Nicholls was OK on debut I guess
 
Craig batted well but leaked 150 runs.
 
Southee was Southee
 
Bracewell was the medium pace version of Craig but slightly better with ball and slightly worse with bat
 
Corey isn't a 6 on this form.
 
Boult's still broken
 
Kane's form has dipped just when we need him most.
 
BJ ditto
 
Baz - looks like the right time to retire from the longer version

Crazy Horse

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="558828" data-time="1455499179">
Weak and pathetic. 
I reckon Henry must come in for Bracewell next game... 
I'm sick of hearing that Doug "bowled much better than his figures suggest" ..... He spent most of the match bowling far too short for a bloke who only bowls 130km. Henry can bowl 145 and hurried up a number of the aussies in the ODIs.</blockquote>
 
Henry will bowl mid one thirties if he gets a go so don't expect a speed demon. 
And we are also hearing Dougie is a much better batter than his figures suggest. If only Mrs Crazy believes me when I tell her I can go longer than my results to date suggest. I'd get a consistent start too.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="dogmeat" data-cid="558834" data-time="1455500334">
<div>
So among the BC's get a pass mark?
 
Openers delivered down to expectation.
 
Nicholls was OK on debut I guess
 
Craig batted well but leaked 150 runs.
 
Southee was Southee
 
Bracewell was the medium pace version of Craig but slightly better with ball and slightly worse with bat
 
Corey isn't a 6 on this form.
 
Boult's still broken
 
Kane's form has dipped just when we need him most.
 
BJ ditto
 
Baz - looks like the right time to retire from the longer version
</div>
</blockquote>
 
I think that sums things up rather well. Really hard to argue with any of that but what's the go from here ?
 
Swings and roundabouts suggest at least one ( hopefully more ) of Williamson, McCullum and Watling get a big score next dig. Cricket is just like that. Bracewell didn't cover himself in glory so surely his place is under threat from Henry or Wagner. Earlier I tried to point out Taylor not being there wasn't an issue but it was as SURELY he would have stood up when the aforementioned three didn't. Anderson got a fighting 38 but also a shitty duck so not really what you want but he was hardly one of the worst especially when his bowling was taken into account. I think he is safe.
 
Realistically can we expect any changes apart from maybe Bracewell ? ( Given Santner and Taylor won't be ready )

KiwiPie

The Australians seem to learn when a batsman takes them for a big score - and learn how to restrict their scoring by not dishing up too many buffet balls is a good start and then start probing their weaknesses.
 
In the last few months
 
Khawaja v NZ 174, 9*, 121, 140 = Average of 148
Voges v NZ 83, 1*, 41, 119, 13, 28, 239 = Average of 87.33
 
NZ bowlers need to start learning fast.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiPie" data-cid="558839" data-time="1455508202">
<div>
The Australians seem to learn when a batsman takes them for a big score - and learn how to restrict their scoring by not dishing up too many buffet balls is a good start and then start probing their weaknesses.
 
In the last few months
 
Khawaja v NZ 174, 9*, 121, 140 = Average of 148
Voges v NZ 83, 1*, 41, 119, 13, 28, 239 = Average of 87.33
 
NZ bowlers need to start learning fast.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="KiwiPie" data-cid="558839" data-time="1455508202">
<div>
The Australians seem to learn when a batsman takes them for a big score - and learn how to restrict their scoring by not dishing up too many buffet balls is a good start and then start probing their weaknesses.
 
In the last few months
 
Khawaja v NZ 174, 9*, 121, 140 = Average of 148
Voges v NZ 83, 1*, 41, 119, 13, 28, 239 = Average of 87.33
 
NZ bowlers need to start learning fast.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Ah, so Voges has underachieved against us. That's encouraging.

dogmeat

Subtle message by MN5 to NZ bowlers
 
Repetition repetition
 
Subtle message by MN5 to NZ bowlers
 
Repetition repetition

KiwiPie

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="558841" data-time="1455508908">
<div>
Ah, so Voges has underachieved against us. That's encouraging.
</div>
</blockquote>
Actually I made an error - that first 83 was not out - he's 104.80
 
But he averages 542 v the West Indies ...

NTA

It was noticeable, having to follow on cricinfo, that the BC overs had a lot of bold in them e.g. bad balls disposed of for 4. The first innings, after an initial flurry, guys like Hazlewood got into a rhythm and tightened up. Pressure = wickets.
 
Easier as a batsman to come out and do your thing when you're looking to beat a sub-200 total to get a first innings lead.

Siam

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="558844" data-time="1455509766">
<div>
It was noticeable, having to follow on cricinfo, that the BC overs had a lot of bold in them e.g. bad balls disposed of for 4. The first innings, after an initial flurry, guys like Hazlewood got into a rhythm and tightened up. Pressure = wickets.
 
Easier as a batsman to come out and do your thing when you're looking to beat a sub-200 total to get a first innings lead.
</div>
</blockquote>
 
All true
luckily the blueprint for improvement was clearly demonstrated in the same game

NTA

Yep. 2nd innings definitely better from the BCs, even thought the pitch was offering slightly less.
 
The top order will have a good, hard look at themselves, and adjust their technique if they're serious. Guppy especially - all well and good to punish the bad ball, but then bloody well rein yourself in as you know there are more good balls to come.
 
Next question: will the game still happen in ChCh, recent earthquakes considered?

nzzp

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="558846" data-time="1455511391">
<div>
Next question: will the game still happen in ChCh, recent earthquakes considered?
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Yes. They don't seem to have any major effects from the earthquakes ... certainly nothing near the oval.

Godder

The quakes' epicentres are east of the city - central city, including Hagley Park and Oval is fine.

NTA

Cool. When we were there a year or so ago, they explained where the existing troublezones are to the east and that the west was safer.
 
Nice oval that one, too. Got a look at it while out for a walk.

SammyC

Earthquake was very minor compared to previous ones. No doubt the cricket is going ahead. 
I have tickets for all 5 days. My major concern is that the test will finish inside 4 days and I'll have to go back to work a day early.

taniwharugby

as a groundsman, why would you prepare a picth that is supposedly so hard to bat on for the 1st few hours of play that then pretty much flattens out and offers f-all, which then makes the winning or losing of the coin toss actually quite important.

NTA

As a groundsman, why the hell would you prepare that pitch when you KNOW your home captain is incapable of winning the toss?

Gunner

Pretty fecking disappointing after all the pre match build up/hype/expectation (is this a Warriors thread?). 
I don't think there will be any major changes, it's a pretty settled team who have done well over the last 18 months, so they'll get an opportunity to redeem themselves. 
I agree with the call to give Henry a run. Bracewell & Wagner have had their chances with mixed success, so I think the time is right (while he's in good form) to bring Henry in and see what he can do. 
IMO Corey is safe for now as there are no fit alternatives. 
Kane will be furious with himself, so I'm sure he'll be extra motivated to do well in Chch. 
BMac surely can't go out with a whimper...... can he???? 
And bloody BJ is waaaaaaay overdue.

Frye

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Gunner" data-cid="558880" data-time="1455528585">
<div>

BMac surely can't go out with a whimper...... can he???? 

</div>
</blockquote>
 
Oh he is more than capable.

MN5

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Gunner" data-cid="558880" data-time="1455528585">
<div>
Pretty fecking disappointing after all the pre match build up/hype/expectation (is this a Warriors thread?). 
I don't think there will be any major changes, it's a pretty settled team who have done well over the last 18 months, so they'll get an opportunity to redeem themselves. 
I agree with the call to give Henry a run. Bracewell & Wagner have had their chances with mixed success, so I think the time is right (while he's in good form) to bring Henry in and see what he can do. 
IMO Corey is safe for now as there are no fit alternatives. 
Kane will be furious with himself, so I'm sure he'll be extra motivated to do well in Chch. 
BMac surely can't go out with a whimper...... can he???? 
And bloody BJ is waaaaaaay overdue.
</div>
</blockquote>
Even though it was Valentines Day yesterday ? stink dude.......

The Silver Fern

NZ v Australia Test #1