They didn’t really have the answer to the combined heroics of Root (massive century and a couple of handy wickets), Bell (a very important first innings ton with a decent half century in the second (although he should have been out, caught, on 20-odd) and Swann (9 wickets). It has to be worrying for the visitors when their second best player, Watson, is having his technique exposed by the England attack in a big way – he was yet again aLBWvictim today.…Read Full Article
England wrapped up a convincing victory thus taking the series 2–0. It was all a little too easy. Only the weather could have saved New Zealand from certain defeat. It rained, but just not quite enough, and England stepped up to the plate and showed their true class.
They are a far better side than New Zealand and they proved it. The bowling attack in particular throughout the series have performed very well although the Kiwis’ attack hasn’t done too badly either.…Read Full Article
There are various topics I could have chosen to write about after the third day of the second test in the England vs New Zealand series.
The issues that immediately jump out are 1) another fantastic performance by England’s bowlers against a woeful Kiwi batting line up 2) a lovely return to form of the home side’s skipper and opening bat Alastair Cook 3) four wickets for Swann or 4) the highly debatable decision by England not to enforce the follow on (almost guaranteeing a series victory but greatly reducing the chances of a victory in the match with rain forecast). But today I am going to swerve a little left of centre and focus on something entirely different…
They say every day is a school day and today I learnt something new today… The great moustachioed former middle order Aussie slugger David Boon is match referee for this test. I like to think I have a good grasp of world cricket events but the promotion of the talismanic Tasmanian as a world referee in 2011 is something that passed me by but is something that also pleases me greatly.…Read Full Article
DCDavid CookonCan red-green colour-blind people play cricket? “The pink ball appears grey/blue in red/green deficient vision, depending on its severity. I did a simulation with colour blindness…”
GBGay BallonAll new England, without KP “we all miss you kp..but on positive side this is good opportunity for the young player of England cricket team…”
BSBrian smithonYorkshire CC Venues — Or Lack Of! “Totally agree with your sentiments, I only go to Scarborough, & have never seen York's play championship matches anywhere else.…”
“The pink ball appears grey/blue in red/green deficient vision, depending on its severity. I did a simulation with colour blindness…”