Print

[edge]

Precisely that.

People prefer traditional old school test match cricket, or they enjoy the new aggressive approach. Both viewed positively or negatively depending on your own view point and preference

Nothing new about aggressive test cricket, Australian and West Indies sides in particular were playing it many years ago! Difference is they were good enough to dig in and bat out sessions when the opposition bowlers were on top. That's what the best players do, hit bowlers out of the game when it's their time but sit in and bat time when necessary, or counterattack if needed. That's why a test match lasts 5 days, so you can do both!

[StillNotOut]

Loved the field set up towards the end!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ProCricketer1982]

Nothing new about aggressive test cricket, Australian and West Indies sides in particular were playing it many years ago! Difference is they were good enough to dig in and bat out sessions when the opposition bowlers were on top. That's what the best players do, hit bowlers out of the game when it's their time but sit in and bat time when necessary, or counterattack if needed. That's why a test match lasts 5 days, so you can do both!

But generally we know he modern player can't generally dig in etc, just attack. Tests as you say give you the time to do all disciplines, hence why it's reserved as the pinnacle of cricket.

[sanredrose]

But generally we know he modern player can't generally dig in etc, just attack. Tests as you say give you the time to do all disciplines, hence why it's reserved as the pinnacle of cricket.

Current generation of test players are pretty much operating in T20/ODI mode most of the times. NZ could have easily set a target of 250 or more for Aussies if Guptill/Taylor didn't get out trying to attack. Lack of patience ! Chasing something bowled outside off-stump and getting out ... NZ bowlers lost the plot between the australian score range of 35 to 125. After getting warner and smith - back to back NZ bowlers failed to sustain the pressure. Southee and Craig leaked runs which weakened the pressure built up by Boult at the other end. S Marsh & M Marsh respected Boult and didn't attempt to attack him rather they attacked southee/craig to build a solid partnership. There was some patience and sensible thinking in their innings.

[edge]

But generally we know he modern player can't generally dig in etc, just attack. Tests as you say give you the time to do all disciplines, hence why it's reserved as the pinnacle of cricket.

Yeah that's true, dont think it's fair to blame it solely on ODI/t20 cricket though, years of overly flat pitches in tests have led to the skills needed declining. Spice the pitches up and get the ball moving more and the players will adapt. The very best can still do it, Williamson and AB particularly are capable of batting at whatever pace they choose or the game dictates.

[Stuey]

It's interesting that the Ind v sa match and aus v nz match both ended in 3 days one drawing negative comments about and one positive.

McCullum is pure class as a player and captain, he could understandably voice the odd gripe with decisions but never does. Both on and off the field to appears to be a great leader.