Story The ICC World Test Cricket Medal: ***Day Four Highlights***

[nipun]

1st questions answer: Yuvraj Singh's Father Yograj Singh

 

[just_cricket]

These extra side things are just amazing. :banana2 Unfortunately, I missed the quiz. " Better luck next time " to me.

There was still one question left!
Better luck next time

1st questions answer: Yuvraj Singh's Father Yograj Singh

That is the correct answer. I'll send you your vcash
The evening session will begin soon...

 

[OffCutters]

Another good update mate, its nice and clean, good writing and graphics. Keep it up, this is turning to be a very good story.

 

[just_cricket]

Day One, Evening Session

: Welcome back to the Basin Reserve for the final session's play on Day One of this test between New Zealand and India in the ICC Test Cricket World Medal. The situation is that India are 3 down for 172, with Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman not out on 71 and 78 respectively.

: After reducing India to 26/3, New Zealand bowled really well in the first hour, but have received little help from the pitch since and the batsmen have taken advantage of this and really prospered. But now, the umpires are making their way out, followed closely by the players... It looks like it's going to be Shane Bond to take the ball from the Don Neely End, and umpire Billy Doctrove has called 'play'.

Despite Bond's pace, Gambhir forced him off the back foot for a single comfortably, and Laxman looks untroubled, clipping him into the legside for a couple.
Ryder takes the ball from the other end- a surprise choice to some, although not necessarily given what Mark Richardson talked about in the Dilmah Tea Party. Nevertheless, Ryder can't keep it as tight as he'd like, as Laxman times a cover drive beautifully, caressing a wide half volley from Ryder to the fence.
Gambhir straight drives Bond for 4 in the next over, and the batsmen continue to score freely off both the pace of Bond and hittable nature of Ryder.
In a desperate attempt to take a wicket, Vettori bowls Wagner and Bond together, who were the pick of the bowlers in the morning. They do keep it a bit tighter, Wagner bowling the first maiden for 20 overs, and the batsmen only able to pick up 1 or 2 an over. Eventually, the pressure gets to one of the Indians:

: It's Wagner bowling to Laxman, it's full, going across Laxman and HE'S BOWLEDEM!

Laxman looks back in disbelief at his shattered castle, Wagner roars down the pitch, arms in the air. Well this delivery from Wagner may just have had a touch of reverse swing:

It was released with an inswinger's action, pitched on middle and leg, and Laxman, expecting it to swing onto his legs looked to clip it away, it just went straight on, perhaps moved away a touch, and knocked over VVS' off stump.

So Laxman departs for a well complied 89, it's 193/4.

Yuvraj Singh strides out to the centre, and cracks Shane Bond for four in the next over with a smashing cut shot. Gambhir keeps going, too, looking at ease against the bowling and just picking up runs as he pleases. Then Vettori replaces Bond from the Don Neely end.

Gambhir comes down to the wicket to Vettori's first ball, and smashes him into the crowd to six to bring his hundred!

: What a good innings this has been! That was a fantastic shot, which just shows how he has grown into this innings beautifully. From struggling, struggling, struggling against Bond and Wagner early on he has battled through the tough stages and been rewarded. After that shaky start he has batted superbly and really given the New Zealanders nothing. If he can continue his habit of going on and getting 150+ the he'll get his team into a really commanding position. New Zealand need to get rid of him now!

The next ball Gambhir faces is from Vettori. Although Ian Smith has made clear the need to dismiss Gambhir with tight bowling, Vettori has obviously not heard, as he delivers a ball that slides down leg from around the wicket. With huge confidence, Gambhir sweeps it for 4:

Ryder and Vettori continue for a few overs, with Yuvraj settling in at the crease comfortably, and Gambhir not looking any more like getting out. Ryder gets worked around by the pair with ease, Vettori gets hit for four, bowls a no ball- just nothing's going right for the Black Caps. Gambhir cover drives Ryder expertly for 4, but then...

: Ryder, running in to bowl to Gambhir who just smashed a brilliant cover drive for 4, it's full again BUT THIS TIME HE'S BOWLEDEM!

Well that's the way Ryder gets wickets. He's not been bowling that well today, but he's got a wicket with a straight one, that's all. When he attacks the stumps like that batsmen just seem to often get out. If he'd been bowling well all day I might suggest that that was a plan to bowl a wide one and then straighten up and get Gambhir to try to play it to square. That is what happened, but i'd say it came more through luck and bad judgment from Gambhir than a particular plan.

So Gambhir goes for a classy 112, with runs scored all around the ground, as you can see from his wagon wheel there. That's a good blow for Ryder and New Zealand, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the new batsman...

With only about 10 overs to go, captain Dhoni looks to shut up shop for the day, treating both Ryder and Vettori with respect for their good balls, leaving as much as he can and playing with soft hands. Yuvraj, however, clearly doesn't 'get' the idea of defence, and as Dhoni plays out two consecutive maidens from Vettori, he launches an onslaught, firstly against Ryder, and then Wagner:

However, he quietens down for the last over of the day, playing out a maiden from Bond to finish the day on 49 not out off just 64 balls.
Dhoni has looked very comfortable at the crease, although he is yet to face either Bond or Wagner- he finishes the day unbeaten on 10.

: So, that about wraps up what has been an absorbing first day here in Wellington at the Basin Reserve. The cricket has been of a fantastic quality, fought far harder, I think, than when the Indians were here last. Those players that have succeeded have had to work hard for their successes, which is exactly how it should be in Test match cricket.
Talking of successes, Gambhir and Laxman certainly enjoyed some today. In fact, they often seem to enjoy successes- often together. Just look at this graphic, which shows how they go in partnership:

A brilliant partnership today- still not anywhere near their best! That shows how good they are- an average partnership of over 90! Not bad. They are great cricketers and they surely showed that today.

: Undoubtedly, Smithy- in fact, Francis Payne, our statistician has just told me that Gambhir, in 3 innings, averages 100.67 at the Basin Reserve. That is quite remarkable. But it hasn't just been the cricket that's made today such a genuinely enjoyable day- the turnout of the crowd is excellent, and we've had a fantastic atmosphere throughout. The ground is just about full, with the Bank still swarming with spectators, the RA Vance stand absolutely chocker, and the Old stand almost full up at times today as well.
There have been almost as many Indian supporters, both from around New Zealand, and as well, flown over from India we here. But we expect that from such a cricket loving country, and the real shock has been the turnout of the New Zealand supporters- on a working day.

: Absolutely, Jerry, and credit goes partly to the players for playing so well, but also to the ICC Test Cricket World Medal. What a fabulous idea, I have to say- it's given test cricket a competitive meaning for those who aren't cricket purists, and it's made the Indians coming here a national occassion, rather than just a cricket tour. Really, we're hosting part of the World Cup! Just the test cricket version. This is as close as it'll get to the Ashes for these countries, and it's led to a great day's cricket! Join us again for the next day's play- it will have to be a cracker!

 

[Gary123]

After losing 3 Early wickets,India are in a good position.
Yuvraj is playing well and Dhoni is reliable.
Hoping for India to get some good score.
As usual Brilliant Presentation.
KIU.
Want to give reps but 'I have to spread first'.

 

[surendar]

The stats details which has been displayed is simply outstanding in presentation wise and also in efforts wise. Excellent, keep it up.:hpraise

 

[BKB1991]

The stats bring in a new dimension. great stuff, I believe India will get to 400 with ease, but two more wickets would peg the Indians back. KUTGW

 

[just_cricket]

Day Two: Morning Session

ggggggggggggggggggggggg

: Welcome to the Basin Reserve for Day Two of this historic test match between New Zealand and India. Yesterday fans from all around the world witnessed a brilliant day's cricket. How could today be any different?
The sun is shining, it's pleasantly hot- good old Kiwi summer. The ground is filling up once more, we are expecting slightly fewer people in today, but judging by how full the Basin Reserve is already, it will still be a very big crowd by New Zealand's standards. Let's hope the atmosphere can be almost as big as it was yesterday...
Now let's go to Ravi Shastri and Martin Crowe in the com box.

:Thanks very much, Smithy, good morning to all our viewers from around the world. Well the match is probably just swinging towards India at the moment, with two very accomplished and very able batsmen at the crease, but some good bowling this morning could change all that. The conditions are perfect, Martin Crowe...

: Good morning, Ravi. Actually no, as you say it's a brilliant morning. The sun is smiling down on us and the scene is set for cricket. It's a stereotypical 'cricket morning' in fact, with many of the crowd donning sun hats, sun cream, and even some with zinc. Just the sort of thing you dream about when watching cricket.

:Well, Hogan, it's not going to be too long until we actually start watching some cricket, because as I speak the umpires are making their way out to the middle, and I think I can see Dan Vettori and his New Zealanders following them.

: Dead right, Ravi, now here come the batsmen...
And the umpires are taking their places, the field is set, and Neil Wagner takes the ball from the Don Neely Scoreboard end...

Yuvraj stamps his authority immediately- after reluctantly ducking under a short ball from Wagner, he plays his distinct 'Yuvraj wristy flick' through the on side for 4, bringing up his 50 off just 66 balls...

Bond continues from the RA Vance Stand End, and Dhoni greets him with a nicely controlled hook for two. The runs continue to flow, Dhoni cutting a no ball from Wagner for 4, Yuvraj treating every delivery with 'wristy disdain' :laugh in the words of Martin Crowe. Most of his runs come through the leg side, whereas Dhoni scores all round the wicket, mostly in ones and twos though. Ryder replaces Wagner, but like yesterday he has little effect. It is starting to look like another Gambhir-Laxman partnership may be forming, as the score mounts to 329/5. Then...

: Bond, running in to bowl to Yuvraj, it's a good length ball, swing away from Yuvraj, Yuvrah looks to smash it into the leg side, he's hit it very hard... OH WAIT! HE"S BEEN CAUGHT! Oh dear, I was waiting to hear the ball smash into the advertising boards, he hit it that hard, and Wagner I think it was at mid wicket his flung himself to his left and taken an absolute screamer.

I just can't tell you how great a catch that was. Yuvraj can't believe it- he trudges off in dismay and disbelief for an entertaining 67 off 116 balls.
It's not often you're dismissed like that, so I guess he can count himself pretty unlucky really.

So that's a big wicket for New Zealand, but there are still good players to come. Irfan Pathan's the new batsmen he certainly is no mug with the bat.

With the dismissal of Yuvraj the run rate slows for a couple of overs, with Ryder and Bond bowling maidens to Dhoni and Pathan respectively. However, Ryder can't be economical for long, and Dhoni cuts him assertively for 4 next over. Pathan also eases into his innings, beginning to collect singles of Bond and looking relatively comfortable.
Vettori and Southee replace Bond and Ryder in a double change, and although they bowl fairly economically, in between maidens they just aren't penetrating enough. Pathan absolutely smashes Vettori for 6:

And Dhoni, not to be outdone, plays his favourite cut shot to perfection against Southee...

And once again the NZ bowlers just can't bottle the batsmen up let alone threaten to take a wicket. The runs continue to come for India, albeit more slowly than before, and it is only a lack of concentration and a rare shrewd piece of bowling that lead to wicket in the penultimate over before lunch...

: Vettori, to Dhoni, it's a full ball, just drifting in to Dhoni and he's rapt on the pad! Vettori roars an appeal, down on one knee at Billy Doctrove. And...
Well Doctrove is unmoved. But Vettori's going up stairs and we have our 2nd referral of the innings.

So as you can see there Hawkeye predicting the line will be OK, the height probably is as well, but I think the issue here is whether Dhoni is playing a shot. For me, his bat is well behind his pad and he has made no attempt to hit the ball- so even though it has pitched outside the line of off stump that should not be a factor in the decision. Now let's see whether the ball probably would have hit the stumps:

Hawkeye predicts that the ball will clip the top of the stumps, so it's now up to the 3rd Umpire to use his judgment as to whether the ball would have hit the stumps. He's having a few more looks at it...
He's sending a message out to Doctrove...
... AND HE'S GIVEN IT! So Dhoni has to go, lbw to Vettori, it was the arm ball from Vettori, almost swung in to Dhoni who had left it alone, and he's the paid the price.
The new batsman, to come out for fewer than 2 overs before lunch, is Harbhajan Singh. It's 360/7

In typical Harbhajan fashion, he announces his arrival at the crease with a huge swing, miscued over mid wicket for a couple. He then surprises all by playing the next Vettori over as a maiden, and the players walk off for lunch.

India 363/7

Irfan Pathan 12*
Harbhajan Singh 2*

Shane Bond 2-44
Neil Wagner 2-62

 

[hedger_14]

Hard decision to make for the third umpire. Hard to say whether he was playing a shot. A good catch in there by Wagner as well.

Great update, KIU.

 

[Punk_Sk8r]

What patch are you using mate?

 

[just_cricket]

I'm using Boss Coolgameplay v5 patch (or something like that).

But I am going away on a national hockey tournament today until Friday. So no updates for the rest of the week, but when I return I am determined to complete this. Thanks for the comments so far guys.

 

[just_cricket]

Day Two: Afternoon Session, India's Innings

: Welcome back to the Basin Reserve where India will resume their first innings after lunch at 363/7, with Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh at the crease. It looks like it's going to be young Tim Southee to resume from the RA Vance Stand end, and he'll be coming around the wicket to the left handed Irfan Pathan...

Pathan clips a single into the leg side off Southee to bring his score to 13, but it is the old unlucky 13 for Pathan, as in the next over Vettori is finally rewarded for 30 overs of toil...

: Vettori bowls to Pathan, and they're appealing for a catch at bat pad! The New Zealanders are up as one as Daniel Flynn holds the ball aloft, but Pathan doesn't move at all, just stands there on the crease.

I think the umpire has given it not out, but Dan Vettori immediately makes the 't' with his hands, signalling that he'd like to refer the decision.
So the third umpire will first have a look at snicko, to see if he can work out where the noise occurred:

It's not looking too good for Pathan, there obviously was a noise and the ball appears to have been squeezed between bat and pad. Now he's having a look at hot spot, sensibly. This should be conclusive...

Yes, well it looks like Pathan will have to go, Vettori should be rewarded for his 30 overs' toil. And yes, the decision has been brought back and Pathan is gone, caught Flynn bowled Vettori for 13, it's 364/8 and Zaheer Khan is the new batsman.

Harbhajan continues to swing at everything but with not much success- Southee swings the ball past his bat and Vettori manages to deceive him with varied pace and flight. So Harbhajan eventually decides to just defend- and defend he does. Zaheer Khan struggles to lay bat on ball against either bowler, but he manages to survive as Harbhajan and he block out six consecutive maidens. Harbhajan actually looks pretty solid on defense:

This is the story of the game for 10 overs after Pathan's dismissal- Defense

And although Vettori and Southee are giving nothing away, the innings is going nowhere and Vettori senses that they need to get rid of the batsmen in order to advance the game, and take a gamble to do so. He tries a double change, with Bond and Wagner returning to the bowling crease. It does the trick...

: Wagner, bowling to Zaheer Khan. It's a good ball, just short of a length and outside off stump, Zaheer prods at it, He's got the edge and IS CAUGHT BY MCCULLUM.

So New Zealand get a much needed breakthrough and after 10 overs of appallingly negative cricket from India, it is 371/8. The last batsman for India is Ishant Sharma.

Sharma annoys the Black Caps for a little longer, edging a few through the slips, but thankfully for New Zealand, the spectators, and the advancement of the match, Wagner snares the final wicket of the innings in the 126th over:

: Wagner, bowling to Sharma. It's full and fast, just outside off stump. And he's edged it to first slip, the slipper has taken the catch and that's the end of the innings for India.

So that wraps up the first innings of this test here at the Basin Reserve, India all out for 383 in 125.3 overs. Here are the bowling figures:

Shane Bondgggggggggggggg25-7-50-2
Neil Wagnerggggggggggggg30.3-10-76-4
Tim Southeeggggggggggggg22-1-83-1
Jesse Ryderggggggggggggg14-1-83-1
Daniel Vettorigggggggggggg34-13-85-2

And the batting card:

:So the Black Caps' opening batsmen will be coming out to the face the music for about 10 overs of the session before tea, so make sure you join us then for the rest of the Afternoon Session's play.

 

[Gary123]

Indian total is modest over here.
383 is alright,but they need to bowl well.
Yuvi played a good knock there.
Well i just love your graphics JC.
Especially the hotspot thing.
KUTA-wesomeW.:hpraise

 

[hedger_14]

That is another great update. KIU. This is one of the best stories that is going on at the moment. The graphics are just excellent and snicko and hotspot make it quality.

 

[BKB1991]

Agree with both Hedger and Gary. Great story going on and the technology used is just brilliant. 383 isnt a great score but considering where they were at one stage, I think it is good enough to cause some sort of pressure on NZ. Liked the point where you said the game wasnt going forward with the tail batting. I reckon when tailenders start defending it is time for the team captain to start declaring for the sake of the game .