I still don't understand why NZ axed Harris. The way they're going, surely the last thing they need is to forcibly exclude decent players.
I don't understand why we axe any players or put pressure on the senior ones. But we do.
Pretty disgraceful performance. I went to the game and the stand on the other side of the ground was missing so it was pretty cold sitting in the wind. Crowd was alright, but it's hard to get any atmosphere with half the stadium missing.
I was disappointed really. Though we've been spoilt in the past with record run-chases, big hundreds, fastest test double centuries and stuff at the ground in the past. This game just seemed a little bit boring. Not just because we lost and got thrashed, I just expected more from it. I think you lose a lot of quality due to players not being able to build and innings before they launch.
I was hoping we'd bat first this time, but it wasn't to be. I think with a young side it takes the pressure off them a lot when they don't have run-rates to think about. Again Fulton was hopeless, shouldn't be in the squad. He's the kind of guy who builds his innings. How is a bit the same, but he should be opening as that's his usual position. They seem to change the batting order around every game, but every time it gets worse.
Sidebottom and Mascaranas and Collingwood again were the ones who won the game for England.
Southee bowled exceptionally. He really pulled England back. He's going to be one for the future.
Apparently Vettori (who I walked past at the match infact) and Oram are going to play the first ODI, which will be good. We can't afford to be missing our two best players, especially when they can both contribute well in both bowling and batting.
I reckon we can pull things back. ODI cricket is our strength without doubt.