Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand

[irottev]

New Zealand Squad for the first test Named!!!


SP Fleming (captain)
CS Martin
NJ Astle
SE Bond
CD Cumming
JEC Franklin
JM How
BB McCullum (wicketkeeper)
MJ Mason
IE O'Brien
JDP Oram
MS Sinclair
DL Vettori


(I have no idea why Martin is second on the list.)

I am a little bit shocked. Iain O'Brian is an interesting one. He has been bowling pretty well so far in the season, but I really don't know whether he is international quality. I would see him being the last one in line for a spot anyway.

I am very happy to see Sinclair back. He deserves it. Has been in great form in Domestic cricket and is good enough.

Cumming is crap. Sorry. But I don't see anything special in him. I would much rather they took Vincent and I also hope that Cumming is only used as backup.

Mason isn't a surprise with Mills recovering. (Which is a jolly shame) Martin is one of our best test bowlers so he isn't a surprise either.

How being included is fair enough. He deserves it.

Now. I can't believe they left out Fulton and Hamish Marshall. Fulton especially because he did nothing wrong. He was put up to open and it didn't work out. It isn't his position. The guy has a domestic 300. He can bat! In his position.

And Marshall had a fantastic county season in England and just hit a great 150 today for Northen Districts. He seems to have been dumped due to bad ODI form. Again, he is better down the innings. I am dissapointed. He makes a good substitute fielder also.

Using that squad, my 11 in order would be.

CD Cumming
JM How
MS Sinclair
SP Fleming (captain)
NJ Astle
JDP Oram
BB McCullum (wicketkeeper)
DL Vettori
JEC Franklin
CS Martin
SE Bond


12th MJ Mason
IE O'Brien

Those top 2 look very vulnerable. Very inexperianced.

 

[aussie1st]

How come Taylor wasn't picked as he looks to be a decent player. Agree about the openers they aren't really going to strike much fear into SL. Fulton definitely was unlucky to be dropped as he had been solid.

 

[mattfb]

suprised Hamish Marshall wasn't picked, i was pretty sure he was a good young prospect for you guyz, hmmm and yes who is this o'brien dude, think i've heard of him or im thinking of the NSW Blues o'brien

 

[aussie1st]

Marshall is similar to Clarke, started of his career with a bang but lately he hasn't been as consistent but in his defence he was pushed to opening, number 3, number 5 so it's a bit hard for him to be consistent doing that.

This O'Brien is a bowler bowls about 140km/h (I think it was), he was in there side a few years ago I think it was against us.

 

[mattfb]

well if he bowls 140's that is what new zealand need unless bond bowls that fast, does bond bowl 140's?

 

[aussie1st]

Bond is more like 150 at his peak, but 140 is more than enough for him as hes so accurate and gets lethal swing that goes both ways as you saw in the Champions trophy. Big blow was losing Mills as he looks like he was finally making his mark.

 

[mattfb]

yea he was troubling Australia in the ICC champions trophey match i think, dont really remeber, LOL i might be thinking of another match

 

[aussie1st]

He troubles us everytime he plays us which hasn't been often as hes usually injured. SL are going to have some major problems against him as hes starting to regain full fitness.

 

[mattfb]

Do Sri Lanka still have that round arm bowler?

 

[aussie1st]

Malinga? I'm not really into my bowling type terms but I know hes a slinger like Tait. Yep he still around and should cause the Kiwis some problems.

 

[mattfb]

Yea he has confused many batsmen before

 

[Cricketman]

man, i love watching the kiwi's play. Its so sad that they don't get that many matches a year!! Is cricket even taht popular in the NZ?
I love seeing bond play-best pacer atm, as long as he doesn't get injured.

 

[aussie1st]

It's probably 2nd equal for sports watched with Rugby League. It's not that they don't play many matches they just seem to be playing more ODIs than test.

 

[surendar]

man, i love watching the kiwi's play. .

Me too... especially in those days when Astle was very aggressive ( he has lost touch in recent times )! Bond is my favourite too ... I still remebr the VB series where Bond made a huge impact ( i guess 20 wickets ) in throwing Aussies away from reaching finals!

NZ are my favourites here to win this tour!

 

[Cricketman]

I can't say they are the favorites. SL is a very strong side, it should be a good contest.