2nd Test - England v New Zealand (May 29 - June 2)

[Making_Splinters]

New Zealand have a fraction of the resources available that England do yet they play with a passion and belief that England can't hope to master.

[Aidan11]

They are probably still a damaged unit. The press will probably stick the boot in by Thursday again.

I don't think they can move forward under Cook's leadership.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Well put Adi!

Morgan feels like he gets in the way of a progressive looking batting line up, without offering much in compensation. I'd like Hales/Moeen/Taylor/Root/Buttler/Stokes to have a chance, under Root.

Hope Morgs does ok though, as he took one for the team in taking over before the WC (and received a low blow from Cook afterwards) and he has been a great player for England in ODIs, and it would be handy if he returned to that form. It's not obvious he will.

And from a personal point of view, it's nice for me to see a team without the last of Flower's Unloveables in it.

[Arthur Crabtree]

The cheerleading from the press after the win at Lord's was just ridiculous. CWOTV was like a reunion of 606 kneejerkers (plus a mouse). A winning run of one, having lost in Barbados. This kind of ongoing year zero has been a requirement of the ECB for some time, with Strauss now in charge of stamping out negativity. I'm not sure it helps the team actually. Allott's questioning was ridiculous, just offering opportunity to serve up superlatives, of the 'how great could he be?' variety.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I'm also waiting for some payback from the press on McCullum's captaincy, that was patronised so extensively after the first Test.

[yuppie]

Well played NZ, they went for it in this match and their positive cricket has been rewarded. Risky, but when it worked, England just had no answer.

England really need to get some variety in their bowling, and the top order needs to perform. Australia wont be worried by Ballance or Bell at present.

England have 4 right arms fast mediums, and 2 part time spinners. 3 all rounders(including butler). Im sure Bayliss will have a view, hopefully he will be given time to sort it out.

[mikesiva]

Congratulations new Zealand....

[yuppie]

After watching the highlights this week, can't help but wonder what the result would have been if England had held their catches.

New Zealand pretty much caught everything, England sadly did not.

I fully agree this needed at least another test.

Australia will be playing two tests before the ashes start.

[The Waugh Twins]

I think they are keeping Cook because of the Captain Cook thing. It's kind of catchy and maybe it draws in the big crowds of Historians to the grounds.

That's all I can come up with.

[Aidan11]

The thing with CWOTV is it's too nicey-nicey.

I would prefer a more frank discussion of what is going on. I don't need to be told Cook scored a brilliant 100. I saw that for myself. Sky are too fearful of the ECB.

[Gingerfinch]

We didn't hang on then. Well done to the Kiwi's, who went for it from day one, and got their rewards. Like everybody else, I'm disappointed there isn't a third test, as it's been a good tight series.

[Aidan11]

The good news next season is the first tourists - SL - will play a three test series.

The bad news is it will probably be played in freezing conditions again.

[Gingerfinch]

The good news next season is the first tourists - SL - will play a three test series.

The bad news is it will probably be played in freezing conditions again.

Who else is coming?

[Aidan11]

The good news next season is the first tourists - SL - will play a three test series.

The bad news is it will probably be played in freezing conditions again.

Who else is coming?

Pakistan.

[Gingerfinch]

Hang on, didn't sri-lanka come last year?