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[Number4]

As for Number 4. England are batting poorly, ball is not swinging any more than a new ball should so I'd blame the batsmen before I start saying how good the bowling has been. (It has been better in this innings than Englands was though, barring Wagner who looks like cannon fodder)

Clearly the commentators disagree about the ball not swinging considering they just mentioned how well NZ have the ball swinging haha

[ProCricketer1982]

Clearly the commentators disagree about the ball not swinging considering they just mentioned how well NZ have the ball swinging haha

Read it again please. At no point does it say 'the ball isn't swinging'.. It say's it's not swinging any more than you'd expect a new ball to swing.

[WalkingWicket37]

Brennan never really got his rhythm back after his op so didn't look the same player. Lets hope he finds form again when he recovers this time and replaces Broad in the side.
Am I the only one who wants to see Treadwell play ahead of Monty until Swanny returns?

[Number4]

It's not like these are things people are saying on the back of a bad show. People have been saying Bottle Job Bell needs to go for ages.
And on England bowling poorly that is the case no doubt. Monty was ineffective and I personally think Broad and Finn bowl too similarly, meaning the attack looked blunt and, dare I say it, unbalanced.

Cameron I was more making the point that everyone was blaming the kookaburra ball for NZ scoring runs which clearly this isn't the case

[Twelfth Man]

Run rate of under 2.00, game not really going anywhere... Zzzz!

[Twelfth Man]

Not for England at the moment anyway

[WalkingWicket37]

Cameron I was more making the point that everyone was blaming the kookaburra ball for NZ scoring runs which clearly this isn't the case

Sorry if I misinterpreted your post mate, I got carried away when I saw the words "complete reselection of the team" 

[ProCricketer1982]

Run rate of under 2.00

It's a test match and we are fighting to stay in the game. Although it is boring to watch I'd rather they continue at that pace and bat for another 3 sessions than fall over in 1 session going at 4 an over and then end up with 2+ days to bat it out for the draw.

[Number4]

Martin is bowling well

[ProCricketer1982]

Martin is bowling well

He has been impressive. Flight, guile and control. Showing up Panasar that's for sure. A little batting question on left arm spin from around the wicket... I've decided this winter that when I come up against a leftie spinner going around the wicket I'm going to bat on off stump. The idea being it means anything just outside off stump is a drive and anything on middle to off is a drive also. Anything wider down towards leg is easy pickings off my legs.

Anyone know or think there will be a obvious flaw with that compared to just staying on middle stump guard?? Any left arm spinners in the house???

[SOULMAN1012]

Prior replacement is well that another thing I think bairstow is the possibility along with a few notable others alex Davies,Buttler, and so on

If bairstow does not don the glove I see no test future for him I really don't.

I'm going to throw Sam Billings from Kent as a possible replacement for Prior. Partof me says that as a Kent fan, but mainly asi think he is class especially for his age. Mike Atherton really rates the kid and seeing him quite a few times last year the boy is a real talent.

[SOULMAN1012]

Back to the present rubbish I am watching, as rubbish as England have beenNZ bowling department has generally been very good all tour and I would say have matched our star studded bowling line up very very well.

[procricket]

Pro

If your batting on off stump look out for the arm ball mate and drift mate

[Tumo]

He has been impressive. Flight, guile and control. Showing up Panasar that's for sure. A little batting question on left arm spin from around the wicket... I've decided this winter that when I come up against a leftie spinner going around the wicket I'm going to bat on off stump. The idea being it means anything just outside off stump is a drive and anything on middle to off is a drive also. Anything wider down towards leg is easy pickings off my legs.

Anyone know or think there will be a obvious flaw with that compared to just staying on middle stump guard?? Any left arm spinners in the house???

I'd be looking to york you as quick as I could on middle + off, or working on the arm ball as Dave says, dragging you across and then putting one quick full and straight. I've had people do it to me before, just means you have to stick it on a good length and vary your line, or try and drag people out of the crease.

EDIT: Of course no matter where you'd be batting, I'd try and work out a plan for you, and sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, you should try a few things and see if they suit you, and if so stick to them

[alba caerulea]

Excellent session from NZ, good bowling and very impressive captaincy regarding the field settings. Makes a refreshing change to see some imagination after the generic 2 slips 1 gully that England use regardless of the situation

Maybe this Hesson chap has got the right man after all

England massive underdogs now. Big turn around from a month ago when most were predicting a 3-0 England series win. Hats off to NZ