The Shinier, Newer Cricket Pavilion

[Lizard]

A very disappointing result in the first test for NZ. It seems that we have a ODI team trying to play tests. A run-a-ball 40 or so is simply not what is required when batting to save a test. It's all well and good "playing your natural game" if your natural game is one that might actually help your team but sometimes you need to harden up and show some grit.

For instance, my natural game is to avoid getting out for long as possible, principally by flatly refusing to hit the ball unless absolutely necessary. I have perfected a variety of artistically flourished leaves, along with an off-drive for a single and a slap behind point for the loose one. However, yesterday I played as a ringer in my first ever competitive, inter-club T20 (for a mate of my brother). Having been out of the game for a several seasons, it took a little while to get my eye in (coming in at 5) but after seeing off my first over without risking getting caught (or, indeed, scoring any runs) my new team mates kindly reminded me that run rates were considered important in this crass version of the game. So I abandoned my natural game and soon found myself compulsorily retired on 30* at better than a run a ball. Having been a 2-day man throughout my club days, I was pleased to have doubled my career tally of sixes, by launching one into the carpark at a straightish long on and, most satisfyingly, a firmly struck (but not over-hit) lofted straight drive, right over the bowler's head to knock a good chunk of paint off the tin wall of the Browns Bay Racquets Club clubrooms. Not bad for a comeback match in an unfamiliar format, I thought. It was also the first time that I played in same team as, and batted with, my brother which was pretty special.

[J Dory]

Cool story bro.

[Lizard]

Best cricket story out of NZ today, bro.

[J Dory]

Fastest 100 ever, nice one.

[zer0]

Given the start we had, I certainly didn't think we'd end the day at 350+. Not really a fan of always trying to bat ODI-style in a test, but, assuming we wanted a decent chance of winning, it was really the only option today after scrapping through the first session.

[Lizard]

McCullum's strike rate was some thing like 174 more than Williamsons. I bet you would not find a greater disparity in one innings where both faced more than 50 balls.

[Lizard]

This is probably overshadowed by the Brendan and Corey show but yesterday afternoon I dismissed Adam Parore cheaply for the 2nd time in my career. He is now officially my bunny.

[zer0]

So we just about skittled South Africa in a day. To top it off, Lovely Trenty seems to be regaining his touch with the swinging ball.

[Lizard]

Ah. Good to see this place again.

I was at a work do so missed the live action.

A good start but our batsmen will need to man up.

[zer0]

Eden Park ODI's are absolutely filthy affairs these days.

Following a skittling of the Australian top and middle order, Marcus Stoinis was 99.99% of the way to winning the match himself. That is until Josh Hazlewood managed to undo it all by loosing his wicket after a 50-run partnership where he didn't even face a single ball. The absolute madman.