Pakistani Tour of New Zealand, Dec-Feb 2010/11

[CG123]

Franklin's batting average at six is only 25 in eight innings, which for a batting all-rounder/batsman who bowls really isn't good enough.

He's had enough chances in pretty much every role, opening bowler, bowling all-rounder, genuine all-rounder, batting all-rounder, so I just think its time that they stop persisting with him in the test game.

Even more so because we don't have a test for a while, so I think they should get someone fresh in there.

 

[Chewie]

Astle's batting > Beard's batting by quite a bit as well. And Beard bowls the same types as Vettori so I can't see them playing in the same team.

Arnel is a solid domestic player. Lots of players around his speed do well in domestic level, but aren't really up to it internationally.

 

[ferg512]

Yeah I think it is the same case with guys like Mason and Aldridge. I think it is good though that most of those medium pacers are the older guys and the newer younger players are understanding you must have a bit of pace to compete once you get to higher levels. I don't mean they need to be 145ks but seeing guys like Arnel and Franklin bowling low 120s with the wind wasn't encouraging.

 

[Chewie]

Martin's not much faster to be perfectly honest

 

[ferg512]

Martin's not much faster to be perfectly honest

Dont be too harsh he was in the high 120s

But seriously, is it time for Martin to retire?? I'm pretty disappointed he couldn't get the 200 because thats probably why he keeps going. I heard Smithy say he could keep going till the home series against SA but that is way too far off. Hes not bowling great but who else would come in for him? Wagner isn't available for like another year I think...

 

[Chewie]

Trent Boult

I don't mind Martin staying on a bit longer, if Arnel goes.

 

[CG123]

Martin wasn't that bad, with the new ball he was impressive, but he seemed to struggle with the older ball. The same can be said about Southee.

 

[Chewie]

Southee was just plain unlucky I feel. He was the best bowler for us, though Martin continued his trend of playing well in Wellington.

 

[ferg512]

I'm kind of hoping he doesn't go. I don't think our batting order would ever be the same

Trent Boult definitely, but I would like him to have maybe another year of 4 day cricket. Although, there is like 7 four day games left this season I think, which is pretty much a full season anyway.

 

[AkshayS]

Pakistani batsman can really bat, good work Misbah.

 

[Chewie]

I love watching Martin bat because it's just so hilarious. Two of my favourite players to watch bat play at 9 and 11 for NZ :/

 

[ferg512]

The thing i love about it is that it doesn't matter if we are 90-9 when Martin comes in it cheers everybody up. Its a crack up how hes always got that same smirk on his face every time he bats.

 

[-D-S-B-]

Admittedly I was calling for Martin to be shown the door/retire after the Australia test series I think it was. If he can keep bowling how he did in this series in domestic cricket I'd be happy for him to play another series. He deserves that 200th wicket and really there isn't anyone better going around right now, a long time between now and our next test series though.

Well Dan's stepped down from test captaincy...

 

[Iridium]

Indeed he has:

Talisman Vettori steps down from captaincy | Cricket News | New Zealand v Pakistan | ESPN Cricinfo

Well he said he was always going to quit the captaincy after the WC. Guess he's following through.

 

[AkshayS]

Dan has stepped down from captaincy, but nobody seems to be ready to take the job from NZ.