Australia tour of New Zealand 2010

[aussie1st]

Well, in the past 2 tous to NZ our batting hasnt done all that well. In 05 we struggled in all 3 tests, Gilly bailed us out every time. The NZ bowlers had our top 6 in tatters many times, even in 2000 we were 5/29 in one test, then Gilly bailed us out, AGAIN. So our batsmen will more than likely struggle, my predcition.

in 2005- 1st test we were 5/160, 2nd test 4/163, 3rd test 4/200 odd, 2nd inn 5/220

in 2000 - 1st test we were 5/138 2nd inn 5/107, 2nd test 4/51, 3rd test 5/29.

So you can see the top order havent batted that well, 1993 tour was pretty bad too.

Sounds like North will have a chance to improve on his stats when he comes in under 150 where his top score is 10. Hopefully Hughes is ready as he like a few of the Test players, haven't had a game to get use to the conditions.

 

[Howsie]

This should be interesting to say the least. It's a shame we don't have someone like Bond in the team to exploit the pace in this pitch. Reckon Southee should go alright on it though, he seems to get very good carry and bounce when bowling on decent wickets.

 

[sifter132]

I think the main concern now is that if they try to force Harris into the team there is a risk of problems with the bowling depth. With no Watson and Harris less fit that usual. Even if Watson ends up being passed fit, he probably won't bowl much. But I guess the Kiwis won't be batting for long so it mighn't matter

 

[aussie1st]

Batting first well Hughes thrown straight into it then. I guess one reason he didn't bowl first was to let Harris have 1 more day to recover. Good to have some new guys in the side to keep an eye out on.

 

[Iridium]

Well another chance for Hughes, if he does well and if North continues his poor form, he might just be able to push into the team and cement a place for himself.

 

[Robelinda]

Thinking of past NZ has me thinking- that Slater 143 in 2000 was magnificent, his last test ton and what a cracker, hammered the ball. Gilchrist in his first overseas test our was awesome, came in in every test and slammed the bowling, didnt get any tons but got hugely valuable runs and at great pace. Langer in the last test was pure class too, that is one innings which has been completely forgotten- 122 off 122 balls chasing a decent target, he drove powerfully and was in top form.

 

[aussie1st]

Hughes might not have the prettiest drives but they are effective.

 

[TumTum]

Hughes cracks 2 boundaries and my stream has gone down

 

[aussie1st]

First proper short ball to Hughes and he did not look comfortable. There was a ball before where he nudged it like Waugh use to do but clearly wasn't as short.

 

[TumTum]

Dayum

 

[Ari]

What a start for Arnel bye bye Hughes.

 

[pcfan123]

:rtfl That shot was hideous, even uglier than some of the Twenty20 slogs.

 

[Howsie]

Arnel

Can't get much better then that in your first over of test cricket.

 

[-D-S-B-]

Yeeah boi, great line and length from Arnel, just what Martin hasn't been doing.

Southee should come on from the other end...

 

[aussie1st]

Should have left it, clearly he wasn't right going by the previous ball where he was flirting at one.