West Indies in New Zealand

[James219]

And the selectors were saying Astle wasn't in their plans for 2007 WC when his position was in trouble. If he wasn't, then who is? Anyway a great fight from him, a class player. WI have the advantage in a way but they are a very up and down side as everyone knows, if Bond and co. put pressure on their top-order with quick wickets and tight bowling then who knows how terrible their collapse could be. On the other hand if Gayle, Sarwan, etc become comfortable at the crease and refuse to allow NZ to execute thier plans then they will be firm favourites.

 

[cricket_lover]

Three sixes to end the innings. Fabulous one from Astle, the best NZ batsman for a while now.
Gayle looks to attack, interesting to see how he performs against Bond.

 

[genghis_khan]

Windies really making a go of it here.

Morton and Ramdin batting quite aggressively.

 

[aussie1st]

Interesting move promoting Ramdin up the order. Why is Sarwan listed so low? He is perfect for this situation.

 

[genghis_khan]

NZ now well in control at 7/153

i knew the windies would find a way to lose, they were cruising with Morton and Ramdin.

this is just sad.

 

[aussie1st]

If they had Bravo things may have been different. He would be in right now. The Windies could still win it from here but as you have said they always seem to find a way to lose it.

Edit: Good fightback by the Windies to get it as close as they did. Sarwan did a good job but he had too much to do in the end. Also good batting by Bradshaw. All up NZ win the series with 2 games remaining.

 

[kodos]

The double strike by Vetorri was the difference. Good captaincy to bring him on during a vital stage of the game and great bowling by Vetorri as well. Undoubtebly the 3rd best spinner in the world. Also very impressed with Jeetan Patel. He has done pretty well since he has arrived onto the international stage. A lot better than Paul Wiseman who is NZ's version of Shaun Udal

 

[aussie1st]

Wiseman is better than Udal Patel is better than Giles
I would like to see how Patel would go in the test arena as he seems to be more of a ODI bowler from the type of balls he bowls.

 

[irottev]

Currently, Vettori is the best ODI spinner. Murili has the record, but hasn't had a great year. Warne of course is retired.

First off, one of the best catches you will ever see was taken by Nathan Astle. I will upload it and send it to anyone who wants it. Man it was fantastic.

Vettori bowled superb, WI were totally dominating until he came in. Patel was also fantastic and Bond, well hes just number one. They got a few lucky boundaries off him but the rest was fantastic. An absolute perfect yorker in his first over.

Astles 100 was brilliant! He started really well which got us off to a good start but then had to slow down when he wasn't getting muich strike and wickets were falling around him. But he made sure to bat through the innings and he did and got 100. Those three sixes off Gayle were big blows. Really great stuff. He is class! Hes had a fantastic last 6 or so innings with a few 90's and a hundred. plus other good contributions. Very, very well played hundred.

The pitch like usual was a belter. I think we probably could of gotten over 300. We went though a troubled patch where the run rate was dropping and the wickets were falling. Marshall put on a great partnership with Astle.

But wow. That catch, the crowd went nuts. For about a few minutes.

The crowd were well behaved. There was a good turnout considering there was also rugby in a nearby town. I had a good time. The West Indies are improving. They got a sniff near the end but Bond and Mason were just too good.

Franklin was dissapointing. Thats what happens though. He goes for the few boundaries and he loses all conferdance. No swing for him either.

I had a great time. Thats three good matches in a row down here in Christchurch. And we arn't getting a test

If they had Bravo things may have been different.

True, but then again, if we had Oram, Mills and Adams (mabee) then a lot would be different for us too.

 

[James219]

Currently, Vettori is the best ODI spinner. Murili has the record, but hasn't had a great year. Warne of course is retired

You're pretty much right there, he's very underated and not supported well by his pace bowlers, often thrown into the attack with the pressure on. However when Bond is present it really assists him. He's got a brilliant quicker ball, very deceptive with just the slight change of pace but also effective as it's not easy picking. He's not a huge turner of the ball but has however got that ability, as has been shown by him on a few occasions. He would have had an even more succesful career if in a better side, but is still pretty young and NZ's pace attack is coming along with the guidance on Bond, so has got plenty of brilliance in store. Hopefullly he doesn't get too many reoccurences of his back problems in future years.

 

[genghis_khan]

there will always be ifs and buts...but the kiwis played well and deserved their win.

its just sad to see the windies like this...they're developing a losing culture.

 

[irottev]

Vettori is consistantly economical. Hes not as wicket taking but he forces the run rate up so that pressure is put on the batsmen. Today, him and Patel in tandom, building up pressure and got 5 between them. Styris bowled very well also. His cheap overs were gold.

Today, we may not of won without Vettori. His two wickets were crucial and while he was bowling, it was forcing the run rate needed up. I was watching it. I was really worried when that batsman ran into his ankle. No damage done I don't think.

Wow, that Astle catch was great. I wasn't too far from it. Very special.

 

[kodos]

It couldn't possibly be better than the Sinclair catch at the Telstra Dome a few year's back

 

[ZexyZahid]

Great innings by Astle. Not a while Astle was ditched by the New Zealand selectors and played a great innings against Sri Lanka. I think by now the selectors will think twice of kicking him out of the team.

Here are some pictures of that catch.

Nathan Astle gets ready to pull off a spectacular catch at the boundary, New Zealand v West Indies, 3rd ODI, Christchurch, February 25 2006

Nathan Astle is airborne with the ball in hand inches from the boundary, New Zealand v West Indies, 3rd ODI, Christchurch, February 25 2006

 

[irottev]

It couldn't possibly be better than the Sinclair catch at the Telstra Dome a few year's back

Ohhh, well its right up there with it. Different type of catch as this one was Astle jumping at full stretch back over his head over the boundary rope and landing right on the edge and keeping his balance.