So I didn't see much of the series myself (was mostly on when I'm at work) - but from what I heard, Southee was looking like a shell of his usual self?
Certainly his stats suggested as much (9 wickets in the series at 59, and an economy rate of 4.3).
Boult aside it has been a rather limited bowling attack. Think this has been slightly overlooked. They could be in for a shock against India?
Has been a fantastic series. Shame it isn’t 5 matches.
I meant in regard to this series specifically.That limited bowling attack won NZ the World Test Championship in the main.
86 for 4.
2 wickets for Potts.
How good could this bowler be? The test will be abroad. I reckon he could work out pretty well in India, Sri Lanka.
Thoughts?
fixed ^^England going well hopefully when they bat they get a good lead. Potts going good and Anderson doing what he does in England especially.
A moan from me now unfortunately about the scheduling regarding county cricket. The ECB have thirteen I think it is England matches in July , also they have the quarters and finals day of the t20. This is fine for some teams but mine( provided they win either tonight or Sunday) will miss Root Bairstow Malan Brook and Wiley to the England squads plus Rashid to granted leave.
The hundred is ruiningthe county season!!cricket
hes doing exactly thatPant would adore playing in this England side. Imagine him and Bairstow together.
He really can haul a game away from you.
It's the balls. They are going soft and losing their shine very quickly - so once the lacquer has worn off, it doesn't swing or bounce as much. The openers and early middle order have to face difficult conditions and the middle order much less so. Hence the bowling side repeatedly trying to get the balls changed later in the innings, and the batting side looking as if they are facing a partially deflated tennis ball! We've done the same more than once this summer, being 5 down for 50 and them making a decent score.What is it this summer about sixth wicket partnerships against England this summer!! We finally see the back of the New Zealand pair then get two more from India.
agree 100% ^^It's the balls. They are going soft and losing their shine very quickly - so once the lacquer has worn off, it doesn't swing or bounce as much. The openers and early middle order have to face difficult conditions and the middle order much less so. Hence the bowling side repeatedly trying to get the balls changed later in the innings, and the batting side looking as if they are facing a partially deflated tennis ball! We've done the same more than once this summer, being 5 down for 50 and them making a decent score.
The England run chase has started, 378 to win, although I don't think anyone has told the batsmen that we don't have to get them today. Currently 30/0 off the first 6 overs.