Zimbabwe v New Zealand

[Aidan11]

305/6 at stumps.

Zim still 78 short of the follow on. If they reach that then they might just save the test.

[The Professor]

Boult's pace is getting back to normal. He broke 86mph today.

[Aidan11]

Tight.

29 runs to avoid follow on but only one wicket left.

[Aidan11]

Didn't make it. 21 short.


Bound to be asked to bat again.

[Aidan11]

...or not.


NZ are batting again.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Really? What a strange decision.

[Gingerfinch]

Day four isn't it? Batting again sounds like a good idea after the bowlers have done their shift. Bat for 45 overs, score 230 and ask them to get them or save the game. or does that sound to safe?

[Aidan11]

Seems like a flat pitch. NZ had a nervy 10 minutes before lunch.


Zim might be optimistic for a draw.

[Arthur Crabtree]

On a flat pitch with time running out, I thought they might need to get Zimbabwe back in. If NZ want another 200 runs, it'll be near the close before Zimbabwe bat again. Unless they feel the pitch is breaking up.

[Gingerfinch]

Maybe the bowlers needed a bit of a rest. Now they are batting, they're going to make sure they get another 150 at least.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Resting the bowlers is fair enough, but it's bringing the draw very much into play. Maybe NZ think Zimbabwe can't offer resistance twice in one game, or the pitch is getting worse.

[Aidan11]

NZ would surely have to put them back in at some point today to have a chance of the 10 wickets.

[Gingerfinch]

I would have batted again, given the amount of overs bowled. Like you say, can Zimbabwe grind it out again?

[Aidan11]

Of course they may be relying on Zimbabwe not batting as strong second time around.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Graeme Cremer is the only Zimbabwe player to have played double figure Tests. He's played 13 in 11 years. Four of this side made their debut in this series, and two more went into the series with one cap.