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[Kulli]

is a bit odd to use a rugby ground, it's not like the need the capacity!

[ProCricketer1982]

The pitches around the world are what needs looking at more than the balls

I agree that decent wickets would have more effect than the ball.

[PedalsMcgrew]

Bearing in mind that the quality of pitches, despite the constant criticism of them, is actually getting worse and not better then possibly looking to change the ball to one that does stay hard for more than 5 overs and gives a little bit more back to the bowler is quite a sensible idea.

The pitches aren't going to change, all most groundsmen are worried about these days is ensuring a test lasts 5 days to maximise profits. Seeing that that is the case what other suggestions have people got for making tests more of a balance between bat and ball? Maybe a new ball at both ends like in ODI cricket?

[Kieron_BT]

Bearing in mind that the quality of pitches, despite the constant criticism of them, is actually getting worse and not better then possibly looking to change the ball to one that does stay hard for more than 5 overs and gives a little bit more back to the bowler is quite a sensible idea.

The pitches aren't going to change, all most groundsmen are worried about these days is ensuring a test lasts 5 days to maximise profits. Seeing that that is the case what other suggestions have people got for making tests more of a balance between bat and ball? Maybe a new ball at both ends like in ODI cricket?

Batsman have to run on the 4th ball if there is 3 dot balls in a row!

[alba caerulea]

Red sightscreen?

I would like there to be more involvement from the ICC into pitch preparation. Pitches like that one in Dunedin are terrible for the game.

Yes each country should have their own characteristics but there should be something for the bowler particularly as the game goes into days 4 and 5

[PedalsMcgrew]

Make the stumps 4 ft tall.....

[PedalsMcgrew]

Maybe the proposed day/night test matches with the pink ball will make a difference? Then again I think that's more about getting people outside of England to go and watch the matches....I doubt it has anything to do with actually giving them a watchable product!

[ProCricketer1982]

Bearing in mind that the quality of pitches, despite the constant criticism of them, is actually getting worse and not better then possibly looking to change the ball to one that does stay hard for more than 5 overs and gives a little bit more back to the bowler is quite a sensible idea.

The pitches aren't going to change, all most groundsmen are worried about these days is ensuring a test lasts 5 days to maximise profits. Seeing that that is the case what other suggestions have people got for making tests more of a balance between bat and ball? Maybe a new ball at both ends like in ODI cricket?

You could change balls every 40 overs instead of 80 maybe?

[joeylough]

is a bit odd to use a rugby ground, it's not like the need the capacity!

I agree, 54m to knock a 6 off the edge is well wow

[Steveo1000]

The thing about this ground is it makes you realise just how far they whack it and how big the really big grounds are.
Our club boundaries are 55m straight and 60m square which is generally regarded as a decent sized ground at a decent level of cricket.
These (Eden park) boundaries are similar and it is considered a postage stamp do a ground.

[The_Bird]

I like Jimmys boots, are they a new range? Never seen them before

[MD2812]

Got a pic of them?

David Lloyd marked out Bob Willis' run up earlier. It started 3 yards from the boundary rope.....

[Twelfth Man]

I like Jimmys boots, are they a new range? Never seen them before

I was wondering about this, I saw Southee in the same as well I think. Could be prototypes to see what they are like maybe?

[The_Bird]

They look like SL 22's but aren't as garish and don't have the silly strap thing.

[Rew162]

Looks like Piror has new keeping gloves as the Spartan symbol is dark blue instead of white. I did not notice yesterday so not sure if be had the on or not but certianly different to the last 2 tests.