England vs New Zealand – First Test at Lords – Day 1
Being a cricket blogger, you HAVE to give precedence to International Cricket. Which is becoming quite a cumbersome process as the IPL can’t have enough of me. But as Mr Adams would say:
Ain’t no use in Complaining
When You Got a Job to do!
So let me shoot away. I did see a lot of the first day’s play between England and New Zealand at Lords. Sidebottom looked sharp. I sometimes get the feeling England look a much better team when they are not playing India these days. Anyway’s, the new ball attack which the whiter shirts (England) dished out almost buried the White uniforms with Black Caps.
The major wreckers were Jamie “I love lords” Anderson (12-3-42-3) and Stuart :(666666) Broad (15-3-70-2). The NZs were reduced to 190 for 5 by tea. To tell you something, John Buchanan and Saurav Ganguly have a great eye for talent. If you think this statement is completely off topic, think again! They picked Brendon McCullum (though Mallaya wanted him too) and the rest is history. Coming back to the present, in walked McCullum. He played an innings which could only be described as…well….I would say careful! He left quite a few balls, but then if a batsman makes a run a ball 97 and still is called careful, you know the IPL has arrived to stay. Watch!
BB McCullum b Panesar 97(97) 13×4 2×6
New Zealand closed the day with 208 for 6. More tomorrow.
Photo: Cricinfo
Video : Youtube
Anderson and Broad were good on day 1 and Sidebottom turned in a fine spell on day 2 after being below par on day 1.
Its unfortunate that the weather has been poor but thankfully there has been some high class cricket on day 4. Been a day of the two captains really. Martin too bowled well but his figures don’t do justice to him. Vettori’s class shone through and he bowled magnficently. Really good to see him display all his tricks and skills. Also Vaughan’s knock was silky and elegant as one would expect of him. Made my afternoon to be honest!
did you know that one of the NZ openers has glued his glove to the bat…?
No, must have missed that. Didn’t get a chance to watch all of the game unfortunately which might explain me not realising that.
Been a wonderful fightback from England in the 2nd Test. Being 180 behind going into the 3rd innings, and then to come back and turn the match around, that too when they had to bat in the 4th innings, is a commendable effort. The middle order still needs some sorting out but Strauss and Monty have really done well.
NZ would be gutted I reckon. Its a shame they have thrown an opportunity to win after Ross Taylor played one of the great test knocks in the first innings.