So, another day of exceptionally entertaining Test cricket is over, and the second test match is well and truly under way. Pleasingly today hasn’t been marred by any poor decisions (by umpires or players), but I was disgusted by the mistaken booing of Jimmy Anderson. I’ll talk a little more about that later, but first some predictions (admittedly a day late)… Read Full Article
Posts Tagged: Lords
0England vs New Zealand: First Test — England Claim the Honours
After such a slow start to the game the first test finished at break neck speed today – and what a performance by Stuart Broad to raise the chequered flag.
Not only did he club 20 odd important runs (not out) as England’s innings came to a quick and disappointing end but he followed that by a spell of supreme fast-medium bowling which decimated the New Zealand order.
When Broad is on-song like that he was today there is simply no stopping him and he can be virtually unplayable. The last time he delivered a performance like this was against the Old Enemy at the Oval in the 2009 Ashes clash. I recorded the highlights of that day’s play and kept them for a few years just so I could watch it again and again. That day he got a 5‑for, claiming the scalps of Watson, Ponting, Hussey, Clarke and Haddin – so pretty much the Australian top order.… Read Full Article
0England v New Zealand: First Test, Day 3 — Match Nicely Poised
What a topsy turvy match is proving to be! Three days gone and it’s still very unclear who is on top.
Until just before 6pm it was very much England’s day. The bowlers stepped up to the plate and managed to eek out a slight lead. And then the young pretender Root hit a steady half century well supported by the even steadier Trott.… Read Full Article
0England v New Zealand: First Test, Day 2 — Oh Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy Anderson…
Or so the song goes.
A review of the second day’s play would always be incomplete with a nod towards shining star James Anderson.
By dismissing Kiwi opener Peter Fulton (his second wicket of the innings) Jimmy became only the fourth member of England’s prestigious 300 club. Ian Botham, Bob Willis and Fiery Fred Trueman are the only other current custodians.… Read Full Article
0England vs New Zealand: First Test, Day 1
It was supposed to be oh so simple wasn’t it?
The Kiwis over as the apéritif for the forthcoming Ashes clash later on in the year. So one day in to a summer of antipodean cricket and with the home side winning the toss and electing to bat, surely England have raced away at 3+ an over against a second rate attack?
Not exactly. Steady progress during the 80 over of play. Hardly an A+ score but a reasonable C grade. England still have wickets in hand with the two Yorkshire boys (Tim Bresnan was left out from the final XI) at the crease.… Read Full Article
“The pink ball appears grey/blue in red/green deficient vision, depending on its severity. I did a simulation with colour blindness…”