Van_Dyke
Moderator
- Moderator
- #1
1 test down and 2 to go in the series between Australia and New Zealand. Australia will be wanting more of the same, but NZ would want a whole lot of change.
The 1st Test
In a hyped up contest between the two trans-Tasman rivals, it was expected to be the start of an intriguing series. Except for all the hope of a close game lasting 5 days on a beautiful pitch etc. and a contest right to the last ball, it didn't turn out like that at all. Rather, we got to see a game that after the first day, looked to be Australia's test and it never changed from that, with the only risk of an Australian loss coming, with the risk of inclement weather. For all the concern from many of the new look batting line-up (including myself), they performed admirably, with Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja putting in maiden test centuries. For two players that many weren't convinced by, they convinced many, through the performances with the bat. The question with those two and other members of the line-up is, will they be given time if they have a bad game or two. Will they be able to stand up in foreign conditions? It's one thing to plunder runs at home, it's another to make runs a plenty overseas, when the conditions are foreign and the ball is swinging.
New Zealand will obviously be looking for a much improved performance from what we saw in the first test. After a decent start, the lack of match practice that their bowlers had really came to show. With injury to Jimmy Neesham ruling him out and with an injury cloud under Tim Southee, they are having some problem in that regard. Mark Craig who due to his Bryce McGain like performance will be remembered fondly by BigFooty. He will most likely be promoted to 7 with BJ Walting moving to the now vacant number 6 spot. New Zealand will be looking to really bounce back and keep the series alive heading into the day nighter in Adelaide and with the bowlers having some match practice, they should be better for it
Lineups
Australia: Unchanged
NZ (Expected): Walting to 6, Craig to 7, Wagner/Henry to tail
We all are well aware of the quality or lack of at 9, but even though much has been said about the ABC commentators, I want to say a bit more. They have done a superb job. Last year the commentary was down-hill compared to the usual standard, I think that was clear to see. But this year with the addition of Dirk Nannes, Simon Katich and Chris Rogers into the box alongside Gerard Whatley, Jim Maxwell and Brian Waddle has been superb. The former three of been brilliant and I can't say enough about how much better they are to listen to then Healy etc. 9, just because someone was a test captain or such like, doesn't mean they'll be good in the box. Do you ever see Dirk Nannes in the 9 box? I personally didn't know he was a commentator sort of person.
The Pitch:
Expected to be the typical WACA wicket, fat and bouncy, so there should be plenty in it for the quicks. Should be nice to actually have a wicket that offers something in it for the bowlers, as an even contest will make the game even more enjoyable. To all those going to the game, enjoy yourself and don't get horribly burnt at the same time.
The 1st Test
In a hyped up contest between the two trans-Tasman rivals, it was expected to be the start of an intriguing series. Except for all the hope of a close game lasting 5 days on a beautiful pitch etc. and a contest right to the last ball, it didn't turn out like that at all. Rather, we got to see a game that after the first day, looked to be Australia's test and it never changed from that, with the only risk of an Australian loss coming, with the risk of inclement weather. For all the concern from many of the new look batting line-up (including myself), they performed admirably, with Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja putting in maiden test centuries. For two players that many weren't convinced by, they convinced many, through the performances with the bat. The question with those two and other members of the line-up is, will they be given time if they have a bad game or two. Will they be able to stand up in foreign conditions? It's one thing to plunder runs at home, it's another to make runs a plenty overseas, when the conditions are foreign and the ball is swinging.
New Zealand will obviously be looking for a much improved performance from what we saw in the first test. After a decent start, the lack of match practice that their bowlers had really came to show. With injury to Jimmy Neesham ruling him out and with an injury cloud under Tim Southee, they are having some problem in that regard. Mark Craig who due to his Bryce McGain like performance will be remembered fondly by BigFooty. He will most likely be promoted to 7 with BJ Walting moving to the now vacant number 6 spot. New Zealand will be looking to really bounce back and keep the series alive heading into the day nighter in Adelaide and with the bowlers having some match practice, they should be better for it
Lineups
Australia: Unchanged
NZ (Expected): Walting to 6, Craig to 7, Wagner/Henry to tail
We all are well aware of the quality or lack of at 9, but even though much has been said about the ABC commentators, I want to say a bit more. They have done a superb job. Last year the commentary was down-hill compared to the usual standard, I think that was clear to see. But this year with the addition of Dirk Nannes, Simon Katich and Chris Rogers into the box alongside Gerard Whatley, Jim Maxwell and Brian Waddle has been superb. The former three of been brilliant and I can't say enough about how much better they are to listen to then Healy etc. 9, just because someone was a test captain or such like, doesn't mean they'll be good in the box. Do you ever see Dirk Nannes in the 9 box? I personally didn't know he was a commentator sort of person.
The Pitch:
Expected to be the typical WACA wicket, fat and bouncy, so there should be plenty in it for the quicks. Should be nice to actually have a wicket that offers something in it for the bowlers, as an even contest will make the game even more enjoyable. To all those going to the game, enjoy yourself and don't get horribly burnt at the same time.
- so missed the opening overs, had to line up for 25 minutes to buy beer, had to line up in the sun for 20 minutes to buy lunch out of a van, had to line up to urinate in the portaloos. Good thing this is likely the third last Test match there. Easy for Dennis Lillee to crack the shits and quit, thinking spectator comfort and bigger crowds aren't important, when he sits in the corporate suites every match either way 
