NZ v England test matches, November 2019

[backfootpunch]

Root is just knowhere near as fluent through the offside as he was a few years ago

Really restricts his range of scoring strokes

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hundred partnership posted.

[bigfluffylemon]

I'm going to jinx it now, but this is England's highest partnership of 2019 (and only 150+ partnership this year)

Root and Burns have 3 130+ partnerships already.

*Covers eyes and waits for Root to throw it away between 50 and 100 again*

[bigfluffylemon]

Ton up for Burns. His second in 2019. Well played. Ridden his luck, no doubt, but you've got to make it count.

And the 200 up. First time England have had 200 on the board for only 2 down since July 2016.
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine ... ew=innings

And of course, throws it away immediately afterwards.

[bigfluffylemon]

Long overdue ton for Skipper Root. He needed that.

Is anyone else reminded of another England captain in New Zealand badly in need of runs (ok, he wasn't actually captain at the time, but still...)
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/141 ... nd-2007-08

[Durhamfootman]

feels like a long time since an England player ground his way to a full day at the crease, so well done to honest Joe. Of course, Bayleaf the Gardener would be in a state of despair.... if he gave a sh1t, that is

[Arthur Crabtree]

NZ have had two ten hour innings in the last year (Latham and Watling). England haven't had one since 2015 (Cook in UAE).

Last England batter to last more than ten hours who wasn't Cook, was Atherton in Joburg.

[Slipstream]

Root playing Test cricket for a change rather than his usual ODI innings. Spent so long at the crease that he had to have a back massage at the drinks break. Crawley, in a hurry... why don't you play yourself in....

[Arthur Crabtree]

Another early start. Set up to be one of those crucial first sessions.

[bigfluffylemon]

With rain forecast for tomorrow, it's looking as though it's going to be hard for there to be a result, even if England can manage a handy lead. And that's a big if.

[backfootpunch]

Pope bound to get bored and do something stupid soon

[Arthur Crabtree]

Journo on obo in the Guardian saying this has been a dreadful series. So someone isn't a fan of this more attritional style.

Good (if slow) start for England.

[backfootpunch]

This is pretty boring really as was the first test

You can see why not many New Zealand fans turn up

[bigfluffylemon]

This is pretty boring really as was the first test

You can see why not many New Zealand fans turn up

Rain, cool temperatures, early season and thus work/school don't exactly help.

[bigfluffylemon]

Journo on obo in the Guardian saying this has been a dreadful series. So someone isn't a fan of this more attritional style.

Good (if slow) start for England.

Pope is itching to move things along. He's going to get out flashing soon.