NZ under GrahamB (story)

[GrahamB]

NZ Squad to visit England 2008

Opening Batsmen
P.Fulton (captain)
M.Bell
J.How

Other Batsmen
G.Hay
M.Sinclair
I.Robertson
T.Weston
R.Taylor

Keepers
C.Nevin
B.McCullum

Allrounders
J.Oram
G.Elliott
B.Hiini

Pace Bowlers
A.McKay
A.Adams
M.Mason
K.Mills

Spin Bowler
D.Vettori


In selecting the squad, I looked first at a test lineup with a backup player in each department.
I then looked at which of those players would fit into my ODI plans and selected the rest to fit the gaps.
Nobody over the age of 35 was considered for selection and last season's form had to justify selection. Second team averages helped also.

[aus5892]

Good luck, good to see our first story here!

[GrahamB]

Good luck, good to see our first story here!

Cheers mate. Will post during the week, but I've got to run the NZ Junior Chess Championship for the next four days.

[Blocky]

Well, I play as NZ too.

And one season in, despite getting something like 36-40 wickets at 25 and around 600 runs at 40, Vettori decides he's going to retire.

WTF?

[Themer]

Whats wrong with that many people retire after a very successful season thus going out on a high, E.g Hussain scored a century against NZ and quit mid series

[Blocky]

Howabout

A: The fact that he's only 29-30

B: The fact that he was supposedly captain (although the game thinks Jamie How is a better fit?)

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v Kent

The NZ playing eleven:

P.Fulton (capt)
M.Bell
G.Hay
M.Sinclair
I.Robertson
B.Hiini
C.Nevin (wk)
J.Oram
D.Vettori
A.Adams
A.McKay

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v Kent (Day 1)

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/1642/kentvnzday1tu0.png

Kent won the toss and elected to bat, but this was looking like a bad decision when we had them reeling at 74/7 before lunch, with Jacob Oram in devastating form with the ball.
Kent's long batting order saved them however, as Martin Van Jaarsveld found a staunch ally in fellow South African Ryan McLaren. These two added 145 runs for the 8th wicket as Kent battled through to 239 all out.
Jacob Oram finished with an impressive 6/41 and was easily the best of the bowlers.

In reply, NZ lost both Fulton and Bell late in the day to finish at 64/2.

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v Kent (Day 2)

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/8422/kentvnzday2fo6.png

Two of New Zealand's debutantes held sway on Day Two to put their team in control of the game.
Brandon Hiini smashed his way to a quick 50 before settling down to go on and make 146. In partnership with Iain Robertson, 228 runs were added for the 5th wicket.
Robertson was more circumspect in his knock, but ended the day unbeaten on 96.

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v Kent (Day 3)

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/3811/kentvnzday3iw9.png

Gone were the cloudy conditions from earlier in the match and the Kent side weren't going to capitulate again! After NZ declared with a lead of 200+, the home side batted out the rest of the day to secure a draw, despite losing Robert Key early on with a broken arm trying to fend off an Andre Adams bouncer.

Some good batting signs from the opening match, but only Oram impressed with the ball.

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v Essex (Day 1)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/7849/essexvnzday1eg6.png

We went into the second match of the tour with the same playing eleven as for the game v Kent. With it basically being an intended shadow test lineup, the aim was to give these players as tough a workout as possible before the first test.

Captain Peter Fulton led the way with a century before Robertson and Hiini again took centre stage with an unbeaten fourth wicket partnership of 169. Robertson now with two consecutive centuries in his first two innings for his country! Can Hiini follow suit on Day Two? :D

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v Essex (Day 2)

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/4148/essexvnzday2xf4.png

Robertson and Hiini continued on their merry way on the second morning and the declaration came just after lunch with both having gone past 150.

However, batting proved to be just as easy for the Essex batsmen as they go into Day Three looking well placed to gain a draw.

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v Essex (Day 3)

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9021/essexvnzday3tx9.png

Essex managed to avoid the follow on thanks to a useful innings of 39 from number nine Alex Tudor.
Andre Adams showed returning form with a three wicket haul, but Dan Vettori is still out of touch.

In our second innings, I changed the batting order to give some batting time to those that needed it. Greg Hay and Matt Sinclair didn't take advantage of that opportunity and I'll be hoping they get a good innings under their belt in the final warmup game against the MCC.

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v MCC

In form players were rested for this final warmup match in order to give those that needed extra game time a go.

M.Bell (capt)
J.How
G.Hay
M.Sinclair
T.Weston
R.Taylor
B.MacCullum (wk)
K.Mills
A.Adams
M.Mason
A.McKay

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v MCC (Day 1)

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/1093/mccvnzday1yg9.png

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the home side limped through to a paltry 134 all out.
Andre Adams continued his recent form, picking up 4/36 plus putting another batsman out of the match with a wicked rearing delivery that fractured his forearm.
Kyle Mills put in a late bid to make the test side ahead of Michael Mason and Andrew McKay with 3/21.

Both NZ openers fell cheaply, but Greg Hay and Matthew Sinclair righted the ship with a century stand. Both were looking good until Hay fell to an unfortunate runout.

NZ look to be on track for a morale boosting win heading into the first test.

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v MCC (Day 2)

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/4581/mccvnzday2os6.png

Sinclair played himself into form with a magnificent knock on Day 2 as NZ extended their first innings lead to over 300.
Adams and Mills were again the pick of the bowlers as they knocked off the top of the MCC batting order to leave their side in sight of victory.

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v MCC (Day 3)

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9799/mccvnzday3ey5.png

There was little further resistance on the final morning as the NZ pacemen were too good for the locals.
A crushing victory to put the boys in high spirits before the first test.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (1st Test)

ENGLAND
A.Cook
A.Strauss
K.Pietersen
I.Bell
M.Vaughan
M.Prior (wk)
A.Flintoff
P.Collingwood
R.Sidebottom
S.Harmison
M.Hoggard


NEW ZEALAND
P.Fulton (capt)
M.Bell
I.Robertson
B.Hiini
G.Hay
M.Sinclair
C.Nevin (wk)
J.Oram
K.Mills
D.Vettori
A.Adams

Interesting that we've opted to play a spinner whereas the English haven't.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (1st Test - Day 1)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/1813/englandvnz1sttestday1eg0.png

The picture says it all. Where would England be without Andrew Strauss?
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, England lost wickets regularly throughout the day as Strauss watched from the other end. It was a sublime innings from him as he never looked in trouble and dominated all the NZ bowlers.
It was the NZ medium pacers that did the damage, Oram particularly impressive with four scalps.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (1st Test - Day 2)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5563/englandvnz1sttestday2it3.png

One had to feel for Andrew Strauss being denied what would would have been a well deserved double century, but on the flip side, he did fall to NZ's most impressive bowler Jacob Oram.

Matthew Bell hadn't reached 50 in any innings on tour, so it was a bonus that he held the NZ top order together in a similar fashion to Strauss's effort for England.
NZ has an edge going into Day 3, but they'll be needing good contributions from their remaining batsmen.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (1st Test - Day 3)

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/9484/englandvnz1sttestday3xa5.png

23 year old Greg Hay showed why he's regarded as one of NZ's biggest talents for years as he batted through Day 3 to finish unbeaten on 158, guiding his side through to a big first innings lead.
The depth of the NZ batting lineup came to the fore as Hay and Vettori added 177 runs in an unbroken ninth wicket partnership, Vettori ending the day on 70.
Day Four is going to be crucial for England!

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (1st Test - Day 4)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2268/englandvnz1sttestday4aa4.png

England will require a miracle to wriggle out of this one now!
Cook and Strauss got England off to a great start in their second innings with a century opening partnership.
However, when Cook was run out with the score at 163/1, everything started turning to custard for the home side.
Vettori was posing big problems at one end, but it was the pace bowlers who reaped the benefits.
With the tail to follow, there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of Flintoff and Collingwood going into Day 5.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (1st Test - Day 5)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/3637/englandvnz1sttestday5jj0.png

To England's credit, the old bulldog spirit came through on the final day.
The tail wagged stubbornly to take the second innings into the afternoon session.
Then a determined and aggressive effort by the bowlers saw a collapse that saw NZ go from 133/2 to 161/6.
However, the NZ batsmen continued with their measured approach to take the victory in the penultimate over of the match.

NZ 1-0 up in the three test series! :D

[GrahamB]

No changes to the NZ side for the second test, but England have brought Panesar into their side in place of Collingwood.

Just to keep you updated on the three promising new batsmen that NZ have introduced on this tour:

Iain Robertson
25 year old batsman
13 first class games
Batting average 69 (3 100s 2 50s)

Brandon Hiini
26 year old allrounder RFM
18 first class games
Batting average 58 (4 100s 1 50)
Bowling average 30 (46 wickets)

Gregory Hay
23 year old batsman
17 first class games
Batting average 54 (3 100s 7 50s)

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (2nd Test - Day 1)

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5377/englandvnz2ndtestday1ft3.png

NZ egos came crashing back down to earth on the opening day of the second test as the English pacemen put on a superb exhibition.
The whole NZ top and middle order crumbled under the onslaught as they were left reeling at 46/6 before lunch! :eek:
It was left to the bowlers to salvage a little pride, but 172 all out was still a dismal score.

Oram struck to dismiss the two English openers cheaply, but Pietersen and Bell combined to ram home the advantage.
NZ will need quick wickets on Day Two to get back into the match, remembering that England have a long tail to their batting with Sidebottom coming at number 8.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (2nd Test - Day 2)

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2585/englandvnz2ndtestday2ph1.png

Although the NZ bowlers grabbed three quick wickets on the second morning, Prior and the tail managed to procure a 122 run first innings lead.

This pitch is proving to be a real minefield and the NZ batsmen again struggled to establish themselves.
Greg Hay will need to carry on with his dogged knock tomorrow and will again need a helping hand from the tail if NZ are going to set up a challenging fourth innings target for the home side.
However, with the lead currently at just 52, it's going to be a tall order to save this one! ;)

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (2nd Test - Day 3)

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6048/englandvnz2ndtestday3jv6.png

After all that, this test turned out to be a real nailbiter! :D
Greg Hay got good support from Oram to take the score through to 248/6, but once their partnership ended, the English bowlers wrapped things up fairly quickly.

Chasing a smallish total of 150 to win, England got the early jitters at 39/2 following Pietersen's second duck of the series.
However, Cook and Bell looked to be doing things comfortably until Vettori claimed Cook's wicket at 80/3.
All of a sudden, things began to get interesting as Vettori turned in an impressive spell on a turning pitch. Wickets fell at regular intervals with Michael Vaughan watching from the other end.
Fortunately for the home fans, he kept his composure to see England through to the narrowest of wins!

The series all square at 1-1.

[GrahamB]

Three Day Match v Northamptonshire

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6103/northamptonshirehe0.png

The three day match against Northamptonshire was a chance for some players to try and find some form.
The fact that the match was severely affected by rain delays meant that our bowlers in particular were denied much needed work.
Hopefully Iain Robertson and Brandon Hiini can carry over their excellent first class form into the crucial third test.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (3rd Test - Day 1)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/5828/englandvnz3rdtestday1ta9.png

Both sides were unchanged from the second test.
England won what could be a crucial toss and took full advantage of the excellent batting conditions to pile on 400 runs, spearheaded by a magnificent century from Andrew Cook and 90s from both Pietersen and Bell.
The only consolation for NZ is that Flintoff now only has the tailenders to support him going into Day Two. If the innings can be finished off quickly, NZ will still be in the game.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (3rd Test - Day 2)

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6720/englandvnz3rdtestday2ej0.png

Things went pretty much as NZ had hoped for on Day Two.
The bowlers polished off the English tailenders cheaply with Vettori picking up 5/120 and then the batsmen put together a solid response in reaching stumps at 257/3.
Brandon Hiini has yet to translate the promise he has shown at first class level into the test arena, and when he fell at 102/3, things could so easily have gone wrong for the Kiwis.
However, Iain Robertson with his maiden test century paired up with in form Greg Hay to put together an unbeaten 155 run partnership for the fourth wicket.
It became apparent why the Englishmen were so desperate to score big on the first day, with the pitch breaking up already. Day Three is going to be extremely important for the New Zealanders.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (3rd Test - Day 3)

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/5818/englandvnz3rdtestday3at8.png

Led by another fine century from Greg Hay plus a cameo of 49 from Jake Oram, the New Zealanders batted their way back into the match, ending up just 9 runs short of the English total.
Panesar was predictably the best of the English bowlers on this pitch, finishing with figures of 5/95.

The English opening batsmen, Cook and Strauss, have been their most well performed batsmen in the series.
With their unbroken century stand in the second innings, they could could well have set the foundation for victory.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (3rd Test - Day 4)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/3462/englandvnz3rdtestday4mp2.png

Captain Kevin Pietersen saw to it that England pretty much put victory out of New Zealand's reach with a battling knock of 142 on Day Four.
When Prior fell at 244/5, things hung in the balance when you take into account the long tail. However, Pietersen combined with his vice captain Flintoff to put on 130 runs for the sixth wicket.
NZ had been hoping for big things from Vettori on this wicket, but unfortunately he wasn't at his best, only taking 3/127.

Needing a huge 438 to win, NZ started badly when Matthew Bell was trapped in front for a duck in Harmison's first over. :eek:
Captain Peter Fulton has been sadly out of form in the series to date, with not an innings of note. Showing true grit, he knuckled down with Robertson to see out the remainder of the final session, NZ going in at 77/1.

With NZ requiring a further 361 runs on the final day to take victory, the most likely scenario is that they'll struggle bigtime against Panesar on a sharply turning wicket.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (3rd Test - Day 5)

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9726/englandvnz3rdtestday5xv9.png

The screenshot tells it all really! :D
Robertson posted his second century of the match and Hiini finally came good.
With more time available, we'd have most likely pulled off a famous victory.

Test series drawn 1-1.

[GrahamB]

WORCESTERSHIRE v NZ (One Dayer)

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1254/worcsvnzpw6.png

We warmed up for the OD series with a comfortable win.
Peter Fulton and Jamie How both impressed with the bat while Mason, Mills and Vettori put in good performances with the ball.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (20/20 International)

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3258/englandvnz2020ux3.png

NZ won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Only Pietersen and Prior constructed innings of note as England limped through to 108/6, all of the NZ bowlers playing their part in restricting the English batsmen.

Ross Taylor, with a man of the match performance, guided NZ through to victory with an unbeaten 60.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (1st ODI)

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2968/englandvnz1stodila8.png

A disappointing performance in the first ODI.
Batting first, out top order played rashly and paid the price as Sidebottom grabbed four wickets.
Jamie How and Matt Sinclair did their best to get things back on track, but it took a helping hand from Kyle Mills with 30 to get the side through to 199.
England had the early jitters at 31/3 in reply, but Ian Bell and Shah combined to put on a century partnership.
The home side were cruising before a late collapse saw them grateful to sneak through by two wickets! :(

England 1-0 up.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (2nd ODI)

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/6483/englandvnz2ndodizw2.png

We did everything right in this game except win! :eek:
After being put in to bat, we racked up a big total of 308/6, with Sinclair, McCullum and Weston all contributing with good knocks.
In reply, England looked dead and buried once Cook fell at 209/6 and falling behind the run rate.
However, the last two batsmen, Flintoff and Collingwood defied the odds in taking their side to what had seemed an unlikely victory with an unbeaten partnership of 100. :(

England now 2-0 up and NZ with it all to do!

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (3rd ODI)

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2620/englandvnz3rdodigq3.png

Alastair Cook has been the standout English batsman on our tour and he scored his second consecutive century as he led his side through to a competitive total of 257/5.
The pressure was on NZ with a win necessary to stay in the series.
Again the top order disappointed with only Ross Taylor building an innings. At 141/5, things were looking dicey for us, but big Jake Oram came out with a steely determined look on his face. Together with Taylor, they flayed the English bowlers to all corners of the ground as they took NZ to victory in the 41st over! :D

England leading the series 2-1 with two to play.

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (4th ODI)

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7624/englandvnz4thodihi4.png

We owe this one to Daniel Vettori.
After posting what we thought was a winning score under difficult conditions, England were looking comfortable until the latter part of Vettori's spell.
All of a sudden Vettori became unplayable and the English innings crumbled as he collected figures of 6/44! :)
Out of form Michael Mason picked up the two final tailenders to give his confidence a boost before the upcoming decider.

The series now level at 2-2! :D

[GrahamB]

ENGLAND v NZ (5th ODI)

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9315/englandvnz5thodial0.png

Captain Peter Fulton and allrounder Grant Elliott were the stars with the bat as we posted an imposing 322/8! Fulton was cruelly dismissed for 99.
This total was always going to be too much for the home side, and despite a fine century from opener Andrew Strauss, none of the other batsmen were able to establish themselves.
Fine spells of bowling from Vettori and Elliott in particular saw England dismissed for 230 in the 38th over. :)

NZ take the OD series 3-2 to finish off the tour on a successful note.

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (1st Test)

Next up we face the visiting Windies.
Our batting lineup remained unchanged from the English series, but there were wholesale changes elsewhere.
Brendan McCullum comes into the side to replace Chris Nevin who struggled on tour and is out of form.
Although Vettori and allrounder Jake Oram retain their places, the pace department has had a clean sweep, with Mark Gillespie and Lance Shaw getting a chance after continued impressive domestic form.

New Zealand

P.Fulton (capt)
M.Bell
I.Robertson
B.Hiini
G.Hay
M.Sinclair
J.Oram
B.McCullum (wk)
D.Vettori
M.Gillespie
L.Shaw

Windies

C.Gayle
D.Smith
S.Chanderpaul
R.Sarwan
D.Ganga
D.Bravo
A.Richards
D.Ramdin (wk)
D.Sammy
J.Taylor
C.Collymore

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (1st Test - Day 1)

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/367/nzvwindies1sttestd1vu0.png

Unfortunately we lost the toss and the pitch is an absolute belter!
Surprisingly, Brandon Hiini was the most impressive of the bowlers as they all toiled manfully for little reward. :(

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (1st Test - Day 2)

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/3488/nzvwindies1sttestd2sj3.png

Mark Gillespie stood out as he took 5/131 as NZ wrapped up the Windies innings on the second day.
In reply, Fulton's disappointing test season continued as he again fell cheaply, but Bell and Robertson looked untroubled in batting out the rest of the day.
A strong batting effort is required on Day 3 to avoid danger, but the pich shows no sign of breaking up and the forecast is again sunny weather.

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (1st Test - Day 3)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4196/nzvwindies1sttestd3qh8.png

Things were going along smoothly at 352/3, but the visiting bowlers put their side on top with a good third session.
Greg Hay ended the day on 69no, but has the two tailenders to support him as NZ go into Day 4 still 63 runs in arrears.

[acook]

get broomy in the team. hes a run machine bro.

[Themer]

Really good story mate. Nice progress.

[GrahamB]

Really good story mate. Nice progress.
Cheers mate. :)

[GrahamB]

get broomy in the team. hes a run machine bro.

Our batsmen our fine at present. It's the bowling attack that lacks penetration. ;)

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (1st Test - Day 4)

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/2025/nzvwindies1sttestd4la7.png

Hmmm - nothing much to say.
Opposition sides score too easily and too quickly and taking wickets is too difficult.
Not sure if this is just at test level in ICC2008, because the county play was different from test play in ICC3. I might start up a county game to find out. ;)

[acook]

How is it going? you been on it recently? looking forward to hearing the world cup reports.

[GrahamB]

How is it going? you been on it recently? looking forward to hearing the world cup reports.

Holiday has finished, so reports won't be as frequent. :(

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (1st Test Day 5)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4671/nzvwindies1sttestd5ox2.png

The Windies openers took their partnership past 300 before their captain called them in.
NZ were set a chase of 308 to take victory, but it was more a case of falling to defeat!
The first test a moral victory for the visitors.

[GrahamB]

We've gone into the second test with the same twelve players. Let's see if they can stamp their mark and cement their spots in the side. :D

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (2nd Test Day 1)

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6514/nzvwindies2ndtestd1lg3.png

The visiting openers again got their side off to a great start with a century partnership.
However, the NZ bowlers hit back in the final two sessions to roll the Windies for 275. Allrounder Jake Oram was particularly impressive, and it was good to see Lance Shaw rewarded with his first test wicket after having one of the openers dropped earlier on.
NZ lost Matthew Bell to a plumb LBW going into stumps to finish at 35/1.

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (2nd Test Day 2)

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/689/nzvwindies2ndtestd2lg9.png

This deciding test hangs in the balance after Day Two and a result definitely looks likely with the game so far advanced.

Nightwatchman Gillespie and out of form Peter Fulton didn't hang around too long at the start of the day. It was left to the stylish Ian Robertson and the more aggressive Brandon Hiini to get the NZ innings moving along.
These two took the score from 43/3 through to 120/4 with Hiini falling for 40.
Greg Hay has had a tremendous start to his international career, with three centuries so far. However, today was not his day and when he went, NZ were
158/5.
Matt Sinclair is possibly playing to keep a spot in the side in this game, and he knuckled down to start constructing a handy partnership with Robertson. A cruel runout saw his promising innings end at 31 and NZ were now 214/6.
Then when Robertson was brilliantly snapped up the outfield, just 10 runs shy of another century, it was left to the hard hitting Oram to garner his side a tiny first innings lead.

The Windies opening pair of Gayle and Smith again denied the NZ new ball attack in surviving through to stumps at 25/0.

With the pitch breaking up, NZ will need to get amongst the visiting batsmen early on Day Three in order to stop the game getting out of reach.

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (2nd Test Day 3)

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/6969/nzvwindies2ndtestd3vq5.png

Gillespie and Shaw got rid of the openers to have the Windies at 86/2, only for Sarwan to come in and play a masterful unbeaten 154 to leave the visitors in control by stumps at 362/7.
Chanderpaul and Ganga provided good support with half centuries, before the NZ bowlers hit back in the final session, with Gillespie snaring three wickets and Shaw two.

If we can claim the final three wickets cheaply on the fourth morning, we'll have plenty of time to chase 350+, but with the pitch already looking dicey, the Windies are firm favourites to take out the series.

[GrahamB]

NZ v WINDIES (2nd Test Day 4)

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/4186/nzvwindies2ndtestd4vg9.png

The first part of Day Four went according to plan as Vettori tied Sarwan down at one end while Gillespie ripped out the three remaining tailenders in quick succession. Gillespie finished with 6/92 and we would need 378 to win.

Fulton again struggled, but hung around with Bell to add 56 for the opening partnership.
Bell looked in fine touch, but then disaster struck as three wickets fell within the space of 20 runs to leave NZ in tatters at 95/4. :eek:
With Bell, Robertson and Hay all gone, it was now left to Hiini and Sinclair to rescue the chase. However, once Sinclair and Oram went at 128/5 and 131/6, the writing looked on the wall.
Hiini and McCullum seemed to be in no trouble as they added a further 40 runs for the seventh wicket, but Hiini wasn't able to build the big innings needed, falling to a smart slips catch on 59.
The end came at 206 all out and the Windies players were clearly ecstatic at claiming a comfortable win to take out the test series 1-0.

[GrahamB]

NZ One Day Squad v Windies

Opening Batsmen
Peter Fulton (capt)
James How
Samuel Fairley

Other Batsmen
Ross Taylor
Timothy Weston
Matthew Sinclair
Daniel Flynn

Keeper
Brendon McCullum

Allrounders
Dominic Rayner
Grant Elliott
Jesse Ryder
Tamahau Canning
Daniel Vettori
Scott Styris

Other Bowlers
Gregory Hegglun

The squad was selected purely on OD stats and form.
My policy is not to select batsmen that are defensive or very defensive, so this ruled out some of our well performed test batsmen.
Probably the biggest shock omission was that of allrounder Jake Oram, with promising youngster Dominic Rayner given a chance to show his wares.
Others brought in included opening batsman Samuel Fairley and the medium pacer Greg Hegglun.

[GrahamB]

1st ODI v Windies

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/4803/nzvwindies1stodi1ur1.png

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/2059/nzvwindies1stodi2kb2.png

Gayle and Chanderpaul set the visitors up for a big total with a scintillating partnership of 158 for the second wicket.
Ganga carried his side through to 301/5 after these two had gone.
Tama Canning was the most miserly of the NZ bowlers, with figures of 1/40 from his ten overs. In contrast, it was a miserable debut for Gre Hegglun as he was carted around the park by the ruthless Windies batsmen.

Once Sammy had dismissed both Fulton and How cheaply, it was always going to be an uphill battle for us. However, it was disappointing that only Matt Sinclair and Ross Taylor showed any fight against the tearaway Windies pacemen, as we crumbled to humiliating 114 run loss.

[GrahamB]

2nd ODI v Windies

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/8066/nzvwindies2ndodi1at9.png

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/3316/nzvwindies2ndodi2th3.png

After losing the toss yet again (both tests plus the first two ODIs), the Windies batsmen again took advantage of good batting conditions to rack up an imposing 280/4.

Fulton again fell cheaply, but Jamie How was looking good until he went at 51/2.
Taylor and Elliott then constructed a good partnership for the third wicket, bringing the required run rate down to five an over in doing so.
The introduction of the spinner Mohammad into the attack was a masterstroke, as he dismissed both Taylor and Elliott. Collymore then chimed in with some vicious unerring pace to spark a middle order collapse. At 164/6, things were looking dire for us.
McCullum and Canning gave us hope with a good rearguard action, but once they had both gone, the chase folded and we slumped to our second loss to concede the OD series. :(

[GrahamB]

3rd ODI v Windies

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/6506/nzvwindies3rdodi1pc7.png

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4103/nzvwindies3rdodi2fe2.png

Daniel Flynn got his chance in this game, replacing Tim Weston in the middle order, and boy was he about to take his chance!
We finally won a toss and took our usually preferred option of batting first.
Jamie How again got us off to a good start, but the other top order batsmen failed, and at 91/4, we were in trouble.
Matt Sinclair and Daniel Flynn then changed the course of the game, with a scuntillating partnership that took us to 217/5 with our run rate approaching seven per over! :)
After Sinclair got himself run out, Brendon McCullum joined the party as we posted a massive 336/9. Revenge was in sight already! :D

The Windies response was pitiful, with only Sarwan showing any spine. Our bowlers were determined to show that they should be persevered with, and they did so in fine style. In fact we only had to use the four pacemen as the Windies innings finished in the 26th over!
Dominic Rayner picked up three wickets and has shown that he could well be a useful inclusion in future OD squads. Time will tell.

So the Windies take the test series 1-0 and the ODI series 2-1.
They certainly deserved the spoils as they outclassed us. They're proving to be a tough outfit on the world scene at present, having come to our shores after an impressive effort against the Aussies, where they went down 2-1 in the tests and 3-2 in the OD series.

[GrahamB]

NZ SQUAD for AUSTRALIAN TOUR (2008)

Opening Batsmen
Peter Fulton
Samuel Fairley
Matthew Bell

Other Batsmen
Iain Robertson
Brandon Hiini (also a RFM bowler)
Gregory Hay
Timothy Weston
Ross Taylor
Matthew Sinclair

Keepers
Brendon McCullum (capt)
Benjamin Rae

Allrounders
Jacob Oram
Jesse Ryder

Pace Bowlers
Iain O'Brien
Mark Gillespie
Bradley Scott
Andrew McKay

Spin Bowler
Nathan McCullum

The squad was selected taking into account both the test series and ODIs.
Peter Fulton has been ditched as captain in favour of Brendon McCullum.
Opening batsman Sam Fairley earns his spot ahead of Jamie How, and is widely tipped to be earmarked for the test side ahead of Fulton.
The selection of the other batsmen contains no surprises.
22 year old keeper Ben Rae has had an extremely promising domestic season and has been brought on tour as McCullum's understudy.
The four pace bowlers selected have all had a very successful domestic season and there is good variety amongst them.
The biggest shock selection is probably that of Nathan McCullum as the sole spinner, ahead of both Dan Vettori and Bruce Martin. This was based purely on domestic form plus the fact that Vettori has been largely ineffective on the international front.

[GrahamB]

NSW v NZ (Three Day Friendly)

We put out our shadow test side in order to get some practice going into the first test.

NZ
S.Fairley
M.Bell
I.Robertson
B.Hiini
G.Hay
T.Weston
J.Oram
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
B.Scott
M.Gillespie
I.O'Brien

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6963/nswvnzya4.png

We almost gained a victory against a strongish Blues side.
O'Brien and Scott impressed as we rolled the home side for a paltry 222

Sam Fairley demonstrated why the selectors see him as a test player, with a fine century. This after a dangerous Brett Lee had removed both Bell and Robertson with the new ball.
Hay also posted a ton, while Hiini with 69 and Weston with 50 had useful time in the middle too.

NSW looked to be heading safely for a draw with Simmons and Katich putting together a big second wicket partnership. However, when Simmons fell at 148/2, the innings started to fold, with Gillespie the main destroyer.
Unfortunately we ran out of time to get what would have been certain victory. ;)

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/4764/batting1sttestoy2.png

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/8928/bowling1sttestlq3.png

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 1)

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/1097/austvnz1sttestd1ad2.png

Winning the toss was a good start and we elected to bat first.
Brett Lee came out with fire in his belly and trapped Matthew Bell in front early to the delight of the home fans.
Debutante Sam Fairley was looking comfortable and assured in his first test innings, but was undone on 17 by a Tait snorter that tore out his middle stump to leave NZ at 45/2.
Iain Robertson and Hiini then took centre stage as they carried the score through to 206 before Hiini was caught behind for 75.
Robertson brought up his third test century in the middle of the afternoon session as Greg Hay settled in with him.
Hay was deceived by a cleverly disguised slower ball from Lee, spooning the ball back to be caught and bowled for 31. NZ now 277/4.
When Robertson finally fell LBW to Tait at 300/5, Symonds then unexpectedly swung the day Aussie's way by snaring both Oram and McCullum in short order to see the scoreboard showing 311/7.
Our other two debutantes, Tim Weston and Bradley Scott, got us through to stumps at 344/7, but we'd hoped for so much better!

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day Two)

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7113/austvnz1sttestd2pd5.png

The day started off badly as the Aussie quicks ran through our tailenders to have us all out for 351.

However, the cocky Australian batsmen failed to curb their aggression despite wickets falling regularly, and at 115/6, they were in deep trouble. :D
The three specialist pace bowlers were all bowling impressively and now the Aussies had their last pair of batsmen, Watson and Haddin, at the crease.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man, and Shane Watson proceeded to show why he's considered such a talent as he took control of the situation.
Watson and Haddin put on 101 for the seventh wicket before Haddin was ajudged LBW to Scott for 45. The score now 216/7 and a lot of work still to be done.
With just the tailenders remaining, Watson farmed the strike beautifully as another 90 runs were added to leave Aussie only 45 runs in arrears! Watson was left stranded on 144no when Gillespie finally wrapped up the innings at 306 all out.
Gillespie finished with the magnificent figures of 5/80.

Fairley and Bell survived the short period through to stumps.
Day Three is again going to be crucial.

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 3)

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4985/austvnz1sttestd3ba5.png

What an incredible day's cricket with 19 wickets falling! :eek:
Although the pitch was already deteriorating by the end of the previous day's play, nobody would have predicted such carnage in one day.

Lee was again our nemesis with the new ball as the Aussies ripped out our top order to have us reeling at 32/4.
With a long tail, this was the last thing we needed!
Greg Hay and Tim Weston were starting to right the innings, but when Weston was plumb LBW to Clark, we were 75/5.
Oram failed again and then Hay's stubborn fightback ended on 41, caught behind off the rampant Lee. 119/7 with an overall lead of just 164 runs and it was all going pear shaped. :(
McCullum added a further 37 with the tail, but at 156 all out, the Aussies only required 202 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Brett Lee finished with the astonishing figures of 5/36.

However, batting was no easier for the home batsmen, as the NZ bowlers looked to emulate the efforts of their counterparts.
O'Brien and Gillespie were not only getting the ball to move about, but their accuracy was unerring and the Aussie batsmen couldn't cope.
At 86/6, they looked history, but Symonds had been the one batsman to look reasonably comfortable and he now found an ally in Haddin.
Together they took the score through to 145 before Haddin got a tickle to O'Brien to be caught behind.
145/7 was still looking interesting, but Lee fell one run later and then O'Brien delivered the decisive blow with a ball that deceived Symonds and had him LBW for 55.
At 146/9, the last wicket pair of Clark and Tait would need to score an improbable 56 runs to win the game. They survived through to stumps at 150/9.

NZ on the verge of victory!

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 4)

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/6466/austvnz1sttestd4td4.png

O'Brien ended it all in his first over of the day to better Lee's effort with figures of 6/34! :cool:

New Zealand take a 1-0 lead in the series! :D

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 1)

With the pitch expected to take turn early, we brought Nathan McCullum into the side in place of Oram.
Hiini can act as a fourth pacer, but our batting is slightly weakened, so the onus is really on our batsmen to perform.

In the Aussie side, MacGill comes in to replace Stuart Clark.

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/2779/austvnz2ndtestd1ki0.png

The Aussies had come under scathing attacks in the media following the first test, and they came out today with a quiet determination.
They won the toss and chose to make use of prime batting conditions. Needless to say, our bowling attack was put to the sword.
Hussey led the way with a fine century, but there were contributions from all of their batsmen. Hayden and Symonds were quite brutal on the tiring NZ bowlers late in the day.

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 2)

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6272/austvnz2ndtestd2zf3.png

The Aussies carried on to post a big score on Day Two, although they did lose Hayden to a broken forearm. He had just brought up his century when O'Brien pitched one in short. Hayden tried to pull the delivery, but it reared up and hit him. He was in obvious pain and had to go off. Xrays revealed the damage and he will miss the remaining tests plus the ODIs to follow.

Needing a solid start, the Kiwis were again undone by Brett Lee's pace, as he sent both openers on their way to have us at 29/2.
Robertson and Hiini looked to be getting things back on track until Michael Johnson got late movement off the pitch to have Robertson given out LBW at 78/3.
Then it was the turn of Tait to continue the pace barrage. Greg Hay and Tim Weston both fell cheaply to good fast Tait deliveries and then MacGill picked up captain Brendon McCullum late in the day to have the NZ innings in tatters.
Hiini and Nathan McCullum thankfully got us through to stumps with a handy partnership, but at 162/6 with just the tailenders to come, we're going to need a miracle in this test!

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 3)

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/397/austvnz2ndtestd3wb0.png

Nathan McCullum was disappointed to have remained wicketless in his debut test, and was determined to make amends with the bat. He made good on that promise with a confident innings of 65 as he supported Hiini in a partnership of 106 for the seventh wicket.
Then Bradley Scott dug in to allow Hiini to bring up his second test century, which he did in fine fashion with a magnificent lofted drive for six.
Hiini and Scott had added 71 for the eighth wicket and we were starting to dream about avoiding the follow on, but when Hiini was undone by MacGill for 109, the innings quickly folded.
All out for 293, a first innings deficit of 268 runs, and we were asked to follow on.
Tait finished with 5/53, and along with Lee forms a deadly pace attack for the Aussies.

Brett Lee continued his hoodoo over the NZ top order, picking up two early wickets as we slumped to 43/3. :mad:
Robertson and Hay then came together and some semblance of normality returned. They took the score through to 107 before Robertson fell to a slips catch off MacGill, having just brought up his 50.
Hay and Weston are the last pair of specialist batsmen and a lot is riding on their young shoulders as we go into Day Four on 141/4, still 127 runs shy of forcing the Aussies to bat again.

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 4)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/214/austvnz2ndtestd4so8.png

A magnificent fightback from NZ on Day Four to avoid embarrassment in this test match.
Greg Hay and Tim Weston added 158 runs for the fifth wicket to take us through to 265/5. Weston fell just short of what would have been a well deserved century in just his second test, trapped LBW for 93 by Shaun Tait.
This sparked a mini-collapse as Tait dismissed both of the McCullum brothers cheaply to leave us teetering at 285/7.
Fortunately Bradley Scott again showed grit to help Hay add a further 74 runs for the eighth wicket, with Hay bringing up his second century of the series in the process. Having gained a lead of close to 100, Andrew Symonds then picked up both Hay for 137 and Scott for 40.
The last wicket pair of Gillespie and O'Brien got us through to stumps at 376/9, a lead of 108 runs.
The test still looking lost, but at least we've salvaged some pride. ;)

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 5)

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5161/austvnz2ndtestd5oo4.png

The last wicket fell predictably early on the final morning, leaving Australia just 110 runs to chase for victory.
Despite the loss of Jaques to the third ball of the innings and also remembering the unavailability of Hayden, Australia were untroubled as Hussey led them safely through with an unbeaten 52.

The series now level with one test remaining.

[GrahamB]

3RD TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 1)

Two changes to the NZ side for the final test.
The first was predictable with Oram coming back in to replace Nathan McCullum as the pitch is similar to that for the first test.
The second change stunned fans back home as they heard on their radios that Ben Rae was going to be the keeper, meaning that captain Brendon McCullum wouldn't be playing! :eek:
Brandon Hiini would be taking over as skipper for this all important test.

For the Aussies, Stuart Clark came back in for MacGill, while Michael Clarke was brought in for the injured Matthew Hayden.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6474/austvnz3rdtestd1tk8.png

Aussie won the toss and elected to bat first.
We kept them honest throughout the day, with Gillespie and Oram sharing the six wickets to fall.
Only Watson with an unbeaten century and Clarke with a solid 74 stood out for the home side.
Honours even going into Day Two.

[GrahamB]

3RD TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 2)

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8623/austvnz3rdtestd2yc6.png

Gillespie knocked over Shane Watson early on Day Two and went on to bag another five wicket haul as Aussie were all out for 348.
Ben Rae had made an impressive debut, catching the two sharp chances that came his way and looking very tidy. :)

Fairley and Bell repaid the faith shown in them by the selectors with a good opening stand of 73 in the face of the hostile Aussie bowling.
However, their good work was undone when five wickets fell for 53 runs to have us looking rather sad at 126/5! Lee with three wickets and Johnson with two were the destroyers.
Hay was again playing the foundation role and although Weston didn't hang around long, Oram started showing some overdue form with the bat.
The pitch had been proving difficult to bat on though, and when both Hay and Oram fell short of their half centuries, we were still in trouble at 208/7.
Ben Rae is a useful player of pace bowling and although he struggled against the spin of Symonds, he continued his good debut with an unbeaten 37 as with stubborn support from Bradley Scott, he took us through to stumps at 240/7.
Hopefully we can reduce the first innings deficit further on the third morning, otherwise we're in for a tough time on this pitch batting fourth!

[GrahamB]

3RD TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 3)

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3238/austvnz3rdtestd3xh2.png

Ben Rae carried on to score 74 in his debut innings and reduce the first innings deficit to 38 runs. Scott again provided good support as the pair took the score through to 298/8 before Rae spooned a slower ball back to Johnson.
Gillespie and O'Brien didn't stick around long and Scott finished on 35no.

Gillespie picked up Jaques with the new ball, but then Hussey and Ponting took the game out of our reach with a second wicket stand of 161.
Once Hussey went for 69 at 171/2, Ponting continued on to post a magnificent century under the conditions.
Gillespie had Ponting brilliantly caught behind by Rae late in the day for 111, but by stumps, Aussie had reached 260/3 with an overall lead approaching 300.

[GrahamB]

3RD TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 4)

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1421/austvnz3rdtestd4yf5.png

Unfortunately it was all Australia on Day Four.
Symonds led the way with a century in getting his side into a position where they could declare without risk.
New Zealand would need to either score 519 to win or bat out the best part of five sessions to draw.

NZ got off to the worst possible start when Bell fell to Johnson for a duck! :(
Fairley and Robertson saw off the new ball and began to build a useful partnership.
However, Robertson's dismissal at 93/2 sparked a collapse that saw the next three wickets fall cheaply as Clark bowled an almost unplayable spell.
When Fairley's promising knock came to an end on 61, we were 127/5 and staring defeat in the face.
Tim Weston and nightwatchman Scott got us through to stumps at 156/5, but to bat out the final day with only Oram, Rae and the tail to come is a forlorn hope.

[GrahamB]

3RD TEST - AUSTRALIA v NZ (Day 5)

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4960/austvnz3rdtestd5lk1.png

Resistance was futile on Day Five as the Aussie bowlers effectively polished off the rest of the innings. Oram, who was left unbeaten on 34, was the only batsman to show true grit as the innings ended at 228 all out.
Stuart Clark was the main man with 5/35.

Aussie take out the test series 2-1.

Now on to the ODIs. ;)

[GrahamB]

NSW v NZ (One Day Friendly)

http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/4256/odvnswpv6.png

Hopefully this match will have knocked any complacency out of the lads! :D

At 61/6 things weren't looking particularly rosy for us.
Thankfully, Oram, Ryder, Scott and Nathan McCullum all weighed in to give us a competitive total.
Mark Cameron was in devastating form with the ball and must surely be knocking on the door when it comes to Australian selection.

Our effort in the field was much more professional, although two dropped catches could have been costly.
Ryder, Scott and Hiini were all superb with the ball and having six bowling options certainly helped.

[GrahamB]

ODI Tournament v AUSTRALIA

The one day specialist players brought over have taken the place of some of the test players.

NZ
P.Fulton
M.Bell
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
J.Ryder
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
J.Oram
B.Hiini
B.Scott
N.McCullum
I.O'Brien

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/4261/austvnzodi1pl9.png

The less said the better really.
We were actually looking quite good at one stage, going along at over 6rpo at 135/2, but the wheels fell off completely.
Although 218 still gave us slim chances, the Aussies always looked comfortable.

[GrahamB]

One Day Tournament v SOUTH AFRICA

NZ
P.Fulton
M.Bell
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
J.Ryder
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
J.Oram
B.Hiini
B.Scott
N.McCullum
I.O'Brien

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/4337/savnzodi1ds7.png

A much more measured approach saw us score a well deserved victory in our first one dayer against the South Africans.
Our bowlers all bowled tightly to restrict the South Africans to 239/4.
Then Skippy Sinclair guided us through to the win with a delightful unbeaten century! :D

[GrahamB]

One Day Tournament v AUSTRALIA

NZ
P.Fulton
S.Fairley
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
J.Ryder
B.Hiini
J.Oram
B.Scott
A.McKay
I.O'Brien

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9378/austvnzodi2ub0.png

Revenge is sweet! ;)
After being put into bat and losing two early wickets to Michael Johnson, we didn't panic. Fulton and in form Sinclair batted through to 144 before Fulton was the third wicket to fall, caught behind off Lee for 65.
Reinstated captain Brendon McCullum was overdue for a big innings, and today was the day he delivered.
Having established a solid foundation, we upped the pace at the 30 over mark, with the intention of improving the run rate from just over four to hopefully 5.5+. Sinclair with 93 and McCullum with an unbeaten 86 saw us achieve this target. The Aussies would require 284 to win.

Ponting and Hayden were setting their side up for a good go at the target, but once they went, the run rate kept climbing and the pressure told.
Fine bowling from O'Brien, Hiini and Scott in particular led us to a good win! :)

[GrahamB]

One Day Tournament v SOUTH AFRICA

NZ
P.Fulton
S.Fairley
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
B.Hiini
J.Ryder
J.Oram
B.Scott
N.McCullum
I.O'Brien

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/351/savnzodi2kq4.png

Another well controlled batting effort from our batsmen set us up well, with a chase of 235 always going to be a challenge on this wicket.
Sinclair picked up his second consecutive century against the South Africans to lead the way, while he had useful support from Fulton, Brendon McCullum and Hiini.

Wickets fell regularly during the South African chase as the required run rate crept higher and higher.
Only MacKenzie with a brutal innings of 41 and Boucher with a defiant late flourish of 56 threatened to worry us.

We now top the points table with one more game against each side. :D

[GrahamB]

One Day Tournament v AUSTRALIA

NZ
P.Fulton
S.Fairley
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
B.Hiini
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
J.Ryder
J.Oram
B.Scott
A.McKay
I.O'Brien

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6418/austvnzodi3tw9.png

What a minefield of a pitch! :eek:
Phil Jaques played a remarkable innings of 75 to hold the Australian innings together and see them through to 159. The fact that the next best effort by an Australian batsman was 16 says it all! Jaques was eventually the ninth wicket to fall.
Unsurprisingly, all of the NZ bowlers were made to look good on this pitch.

Captain, Brendon McCullum, kept the NZers on track to take a 2-1 lead over the Aussies, with a knock of 45 that saw them through to within sight of the win.

And so we're into the final series regardless of the result of our final pool match against the South Africans. :)

[GrahamB]

One Day Tournament v SOUTH AFRICA

NZ
P.Fulton
S.Fairley
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
J.Ryder
B.Hiini
J.Oram
B.Scott
A.McKay
I.O'Brien

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/6526/savnzodi3se1.png

The South Africans must be sick of the sight of Matty Sinclair! He was close to bringing up his third century in a row against them, but fell short on 95no. ;)
The South Africans posted a competitive score with Dominy playing a starring role, but the NZ batsmen never looked in trouble, easing up towards the end, but still getting home in a canter.

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/9634/tablexc0.png

[GrahamB]

One Day Tournament Finals Game 1

NZ
P.Fulton
S.Fairley
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
J.Ryder
B.Hiini
J.Oram
B.Scott
N.McCullum
I.O'Brien

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/9589/final1ib9.png

Aussie won the first game of the final series fair and square.
After putting us in, none of our batsmen were allowed to settle. Many got starts, but never seemed in total command. Regardless, 251 was still a good score.
In contrast, when the Aussies batted, the class of some of their experienced batsmen shone through clearly. They targeted Ryder, Hiini and Nathan McCullum as the bowlers to go after, and the plan worked to perfection.

Aussie go 1-0 up the final.

[GrahamB]

One Day Tournament Final Game 2

NZ
P.Fulton
S.Fairley
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
J.Ryder
B.Hiini
J.Oram
B.Scott
A.McKay
I.O'Brien

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7772/final2ha8.png

The Aussies unfortunately just have too many classy players, which explains why they're ranked number 1.
We posted a slightly higher score this time around and were hoping that we could do a better job of defending it.
Ross Taylor was cruelly run out five runs short of his century and Jesse Ryder held our innings together following his dismissal.
Who needs Warne when you have Andrew Symonds bowling spin like a pro? Symonds was the main reason that we failed to post a higher score which could well have won us the match. His figures of 10-1-34-2 were magnificent.
Then to top it off, Symonds scored a scintillating unbeaten century to see the Aussies home. Michael Clarke was just as devastating with the bat, and it was these two who got on top of the run rate early, taking the pressure off in that regard for the rest of the innings.

So Aussie take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series and we're playing for pride in the final game.

[GrahamB]

One Day Tournament Final Game 3

NZ
P.Fulton
S.Fairley
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
J.Ryder
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
J.Oram
B.Hiini
B.Scott
A.McKay
I.O'Brien

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/3032/final3nl2.png

Grrrrr! :(
Despite the three close losses in the final, I think we performed very well overall in the one dayers.

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009

One of the most awkward things in this game is that you really need to see how players perform during the first season in the game itself. Statistics from the previous season don't necessarily mean as much as they should.
The test side selected to play India was based on two things - how players who'd already played tests in this first season had performed and which other players with previously good statistics had stood out on the domestic scene during the first season.
Sam Fairley and Matthew Bell kept their spots as opening batsmen despite this being one of the problem areas for us.
Likewise there was no need to change our top order batting lineup.
Despite young keeper Ben Rae's impressive debut for us, Scott Golder has had a better season with both the glove and the bat. A big call to make here, but Golder should also be able to handle the Indian spinners better.
Jake Oram has been reasonably useful for us and was unlucky to lose his spot to in form James Franklin.
And Shane Bond has finally been showing his form of old warranting inclusion ahead of Mark Gillespie.
Bruce Martin has been the only standout spinner on the domestic scene, so no competition there.

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/2946/nzvindiabattingbk4.png

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/7992/nzvindiabowlingyh9.png

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 1)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/4922/nzvind1sttestd1ll0.png

The Indians won the toss and elected to make use of the excellent batting conditions. This could be a crucial decision taking into account that the pitch is going to favour spin from fairly early in the match.
Sehwag and Gambhir got their side off to the best possible start with a century opening partnership.
There was a lot of interest to see how effective Bruce Martin would be against experienced Indian batsmen, well used to playing quality spin. Martin didn't disappoint the home fans as he got rid of both openers in quick succession, and then got rid of Tendulkar also! :)
O'Brien and Hiini each had success with the second new ball to see the Indians finish the day on 315/6. Honours even.

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 2)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2996/nzvind1sttestd2hq1.png

Nothing went right on Day Two.
The Indian tail wagged big time, with number 10 Zaheer Khan scoring his maiden test fifty before O'Brien got him out to end the innings.

Welcome to test captaincy Iain Robertson!
Fairley and Bell had got things off to a safe start before Fairley was taken in the slips and it was 26/1.
In strode Robertson to join Bell at the wicket. Who would have believed that by the end of the day, he'd have seen five wickets fall at the other end to have us in dire straits? :eek:

Things are not looking good. A miracle needed on Day Three.

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 3)

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/1868/nzvind1sttestd3bo9.png

Robertson and Franklin put up a stubborn fight on the third morning, adding 90 runs for the seventh wicket before Franklin holed out at 192/7.
Martin followed soon after and then finally Robertson's fine knock came to an end on 70.
At 196/9, we were still 38 runs short of the follow on mark. In a minor miracle of sorts, Bond combined with O'Brien to avoid the follow on!
At 245 all out, India still had a massive first innings lead though, and Sehwag and Gambhir hammered a further nail into our coffin with another century opening stand.

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 4)

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4042/nzvind1sttestd4kk2.png

The Indian batsmen dominated on Day Four, putting their captain in a position to declare with complete safety.
The confidence displayed by their batsmen rubbed off on their bowlers and our top order failed to cope with the pressure.

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 5)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/8393/nzvind1sttestd5ky8.png

Greg Hay and Tim Weston made a good fist of it on the final morning, with survival against the Indian spinners very difficult on a sharply turning wicket.
However, after Hay fell for 48, Weston failed to get support from any of his remaining team mates and was left stranded on 84no when the innings ended.

We're going to have to play a hell of a lot better than this if we wish to avoid a calamitous series! :(

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - NZ v INDIA (Day 1)

No panic stations after the first test with just one change - Luke Murray replacing Matthew Bell.
The Indians have left out Kumble in pavour of an extra seamer, Pathan.

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/1249/nzvind2ndtestd1sa7.png

We lost the toss again and were put into bat under what would be very cloudy/cloudy conditions for the day.
The ball was moving about a lot and we lost two early wickets, with both both Fairley and Robertson gone at 36/2.
Luke Murray wasn't showing any signs of nerves though as he took the bull by the horns, playing attractive shots all round the wicket. However, he was next to go, caught in the slips for a better than a run a ball 42 on debut. NZ now 61/3.
Brandon Hiini was clearly out of sorts with his timing, but stuck around in support of Greg Hay to take the score through to 129 before he played on to be out for 28.
Hay and Weston were again to provide the backbone of our innings, and getting through to 336/9 by stumps was a satisfactory performance under the conditions.
Zaheer Khan revelled in the conditions and was absolutely devastating, almost singlehandedly destroying the NZ batting effort with figures of 6/80.

[aus5892]

Nice story, keep up the good work.

You'll want to get some more runs on the board against India though.

[GrahamB]

Nice story, keep up the good work.

You'll want to get some more runs on the board against India though.

Cheers. It's going to be tough going against India for sure. ;)

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 2)

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1624/nzvind2ndtestd2ku0.png

Not much I can say except that our bowlers were shite! :mad:

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 3)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/3595/nzvind2ndtestd3bp6.png

The Indians continued on to build a massive total before surprising a lot of people by declaring with a lead of 178 runs. :confused:

It was the usual story with the NZ batsmen, getting good starts, but failing to capitalise.
Hiini looked to have rediscovered the sparkling form that he had shown earlier in his test career, but needed to convert his 60 into a big score.
The burden of the captaincy seems to have weighed heavily on Robertson, and his form has suffered.
Even though Golder and Franklin have the potential to contribute good scores with the bat, we'll be relying primarily on Hay and Weston on Day Four.

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 4)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3654/nzvind2ndtestd4fw8.png

Just when the NZ fans thought that all was lost again, there was a spirited fightback led by Greg Hay.
Hay and Weston made a solid start on the fourth morning, but when Weston was caught in the outfield for 45, we were 245/5 with much still needed to be done.
However, Golder fell for 3 and Franklin for 15. At 256/7 we were only 78 runs ahead and with only the tail left to support Hay, we looked dead and buried.
But Bruce Martin has a first class century to his credit and today he showed why, with an innings of defiance and class.
Hay and Martin added a record 162 runs for the eighth wicket with Martin playing the aggressor and Hay the anchor.
Martin fully deserved a century for his possibly match saving innings, but a ball from Chawla nipped back nastily to trap him in front for 99! :eek:
NZ now 446/8 with a lead of 268 runs and outside winning chances. What a turnaround!
Hay completed his 150 as he ended up batting out the whole day.

[GrahamB]

2ND TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 5)

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3534/nzvind2ndtestd5nr4.png

We had our hopes of getting something out of this test cruelly snatched away from us as Sehwag and Gambhir posted their fourth consecutive century opening stand of the series. :o
The Indian batsmen were pasting our pacemen all around the park, with Hiini being the only one to put them under pressure. Martin bowled well to pick up a couple of wickets, but without consistent pressure being applied from the other end, there was little hope.

India take the series 2-0. Hopefully we can avoid a whitewash in the third test.

[GrahamB]

3RD TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 1)

Both sides went into the final test with an all pace attack due to the nature of the pitch.
NZ made four changes to their side. Young keeper Ben Rae came in for an underperforming Golder, proven allrounder Jake Oram replaced a disappointing Franklin, and pace bowlers Mark Gillespie and Tama Canning taking the places of Bruce Martin and Shane Bond.
The Indians brought in pace bowler Sreesanth to replace Chawla.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2157/nzvind3rdtestd1ot4.png

Sam Fairley looks impressive each time he bats, but he still needs to go on and make a big score. After he lost fellow opener Luke Murray early, Fairley combined with Iain Robertson to put on 133 for the second wicket.
Fairley and Robertson both went in quick succession and it was left to Hay and Oram to add more substance to the innings.
Pathan was dangerous all day and was rewarded with a five wicket haul.

[aus5892]

Not very realistic when Pathan is good ;)

[GrahamB]

Not very realistic when Pathan is good ;)

:D:rolleyes:

[GrahamB]

3RD TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 3)

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4450/nzvind3rdtestd3vw7.png

Sorry - I pressed the "continue" button at the end of Day Two before I could take a screenshot.

The Indian batsmen again prospered to take a big first innings lead of 151 before declaring. Laxman led the way with a majestic 254no.

After Fairley fell to the new ball, Murray and Robertson put together 116 runs for the second wicket.
Unfortunately both batsmen were dismissed withing a short period of time, and then nightwatchman Canning lost his wicket to the last ball of the day.

[GrahamB]

3RD TEST - NZ v INDIA 2009 (Day 4)

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3750/nzvind3rdtestd4dy7.png

After Hiini and Weston fell to the first two balls of the day's play, the writing was well and truly on the wall.
Hay, having come in at the fall of the second wicket, was still there when the final wicket fell.
NZ all out for a pitiful 258 and India only required a token 108 runs for victory.
Gillespie and Oram picked up a wicket each along the way, but the visitors wrapped things up pretty easily as expected.

India take the test series 3-0. :o

[acook]

how come broomy still hasn't been given a go?

[GrahamB]

how come broomy still hasn't been given a go?

Which one?
Neither of them fit into my plans at this stage. ;)

[GrahamB]

NZ Squad for ODI series v India

P.Fulton
A.Redmond
J.How
R.Taylor
M.Sinclair
G.Elliott
J.Ryder
J.Sheed
B.McCullum (wk) (capt)
J.Oram
L.Woodcock
B.Hefford
B.Scott
D.Tuffey
B.Martin

[GrahamB]

1ST ODI - NZ v INDIA 2009

Ross Taylor was injured and unavailable for this game, so Sheedy made his debut in the middle order. Aaron Redmond was also playing in NZ colours for the first time.

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/9731/nzvindodi1eb2.png

A disappointing start going down in the first clash.
Aaron Redmond made a good debut, and Grant Elliott held the innings together as we laid a good platform to build from.
However, when we tried to up the scoring rate, three quick wickets fell and we had to settle for a score of 220.
We bowled tightly and fielded well and the Indians found things just as difficult as we did as far as scoring quickly went.
Laxman was the key to their win as he looked the most comfortable of any batsman in the game. He seemed to be a class apart.

[GrahamB]

2ND ODI - NZ v INDIA 2009

With Taylor not yet fit enough to play, Sheedy retained his spot in the playing eleven.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1972/nzvindodi2xr0.png

Aaron Redmond again helped us get of to a good start and Sheedy also played a mature innings as we posted a much more challenging total.
The Indians managed to keep up with the required run rate, but lost wickets at regular intervals. Once the fifth wicket fell, we were into their long tail. Laxman ran out of support and their innings crumbled. Ryder and Oram both finished with impressive figures.

[GrahamB]

3RD ODI - NZ v INDIA 2009

With Ross Taylor now fit enough to come back into the side, an unlucky Sheedy had to make way, despite his fine batting in the second game. ;)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/1159/nzvindodi3su5.png

Grant Elliott has proven to be quite solid at the top of the order, and we again got ourselves into a position where we could make a charge.
However, again we lost quick wickets as we made our charge. :(
It was left to captain Brendon McCullum to indulge in some big hitting towards the end in order for us to post a competitive 249/9.

Shoot that fella Laxman! :mad:
Laxman again guided the visitors to victory with a majestic knock and India now have a 2-1 lead in the five match series.

[GrahamB]

4TH ODI - NZ v INDIA 2009

Allrounder Woodcock makes his debut today in place of Bruce Martin, who didn't fire in the previous match. A big call, but Woodcock adds extra firepower to the batting and he has impressed with his offspin bowling in the domestic season.

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/8526/nzvindodi4ho0.png

This was a difficult pitch and cloudy overhead conditions added to the equation.
Peter Fulton played a magnificent innings to lead us through to 245/7, a good score under the conditions.

The lack of depth in the Indian batting order again proved to be their downfall as we saw almost a repeat scenario of the second game.
Once the long tail was exposed, their challenge disintegrated. Woodcock benefitted to finish with the fine figures of 3/35 on debut. :D

The series locked up at 2-2 with one to play.

[GrahamB]

5TH ODI - NZ v INDIA 2009

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8476/nzvindodi5ne0.png

The pitch for this match was a disgrace and brought back memories of the previous Indian tour.
The moaning after this game was just as long and loud as it had been back then also! ;)

We looked done for early at 36/4, but Jesse Ryder and Brendon McCullum kept cool heads to avert total disaster.
However, a score of 209/8 didn't fill the NZ fans with much confidence.

When the visitors came out to reply, just how well we'd actually done quickly became apparent! :eek:
Only a late flourish from tailender Patel saw the Indians get past 100.
A decisive win with Tuffey producing an almost unplayable spell of bowling and we take the OD series 3-2 to exact some sort of revenge!

[GrahamB]

NZ Squad to tour India 2009

Openers
Peter Fulton (capt)
Sam Fairley
Luke Murray

Other Batsmen
Andy Daley
Iain Robertson
Greg Hay
Brandon Hiini (also bowls RFM)
Ross Taylor
Matthew Sinclair

Keepers
Ben Rae
Brendan McCullum

Allrounders
Jesse Ryder
Jacob Oram
Dan Vettori

Pace Bowlers
Tama Canning
Greg Hegglun
Bradley Scott

Spin Bowler
Bruce Martin

Peter Fulton has been reinstated as captain.
21 year old Andy Daley has been earmarked as a potential future star with 5 centuries in his first thirteen first class matches. He gets the call up ahead of unlucky Tim Weston.
Sinclair has been selected specifically with the ODIs in mind.
No other surprises amongst the batting selections.
Ben Rae is expected to keep in the tests while McCullum will do so in the one dayers.
Probably the most fortunate player to be selected is Vettori. We really need to take a couple of spinners over to India, and Dan got the nod ahead of Luke Woodcock.
Specialist pace bowlers continues to be a problem area for us. Canning and Scott have yet to demonstrate that they're test class, while we've taken a punt with young Greg Hegglun.

[GrahamB]

KARNATAKA v NZ (Three Day Match)

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/2306/karnvnzqn4.png

This was a useful warm up match against a reasonably strong Karnataka side.
All of our batsmen had time in the middle, and Dan Vettori demonstrated why he should still be regarded as our number one spinner.
Andy Daley also showed why NZ fans have high hopes regarding his future, as he raced to a century in the second innings.
The lack of success for our pace bowlers was the major area of concern leading into the first test.

[GrahamB]

NZ team for the 1st Test

Peter Fulton (capt)
30 years old
FC average = 44 (77 matches)
Test average = 23 (12 matches)

Sam Fairley
29 years old
FC average = 36 (36 matches)
Test average = 27 (6 matches)

Andy Daley
21 years old
FC average = 66 (13 matches)
Test debut

Iain Robertson
26 years old
FC average = 58 (35 matches)
Test average = 53 (11 matches)

Greg Hay
25 years old
FC average = 51 (40 matches)
Test average = 64 (11 matches)

Brandon Hiini (RFM)
27 years old
FC average = Batting 47 (42 matches) Bowling 103 wickets at 30
Test average = Batting 37 (11 matches) Bowling 9 wickets at 66

Jesse Ryder (RM)
25 years old
FC average = Batting 39 (52 matches) Bowling 84 wickets at 25
Test debut

Ben Rae (wk)
23 years old
FC average = 31 (20 matches)
Test average = 48 (2 matches)

Daniel Vettori (SLA)
30 years old
FC average = Batting 30 (153 matches) Bowling 498 wickets at 32
Test average = Batting 28 (85 tests) Bowling 266 wickets at 35

Bruce Martin (SLA)
29 years old
FC average = Batting 21 (90 matches) Bowling 267 wickets at 31
Test average = Batting 29 (2 matches) Bowling 9 wickets at 45

Bradley Scott (LFM)
30 years old
FC average = Batting 19 (56 matches) Bowling 192 wickets at 27
Test average = Batting 29 (3 matches) Bowling 7 wickets at 55


India

S.Badrinath (debut)
V.Sehwag
V.Laxman
Y.Singh (debut)
R.Dravid
G.Gambhir
P.Patel (wk)
S.Anish (debut)
G.Singh (debut)
Z.Khan
R.Singh

[GrahamB]

1ST TEST - INDIA V NZ (Day 1)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/5753/indiavnz1sttestd1gv6.png

India won the toss and made full use of what would likely be the best batting conditions in the match.
All of the batsmen contributed, but none were able to go on to a ton.
The NZ spin pair of Martin and Vettori shouldered most of the work and picked up three wickets each.

[GrahamB]

Now that the patch is out, I'll be starting afresh, so this story has now finished and the game file deleted. :D