First Test: England v New Zealand, May 21-25.

[dan08]

then again there is a reason he averages only 38 in test cricket. In contrast Ross Taylor averages over 45.

McCullum averaged 72 last year. Made scores of 224, 302, 202 and 195.

[Dr Cricket]

then again there is a reason he averages only 38 in test cricket. In contrast Ross Taylor averages over 45.

McCullum averaged 72 last year. Made scores of 224, 302, 202 and 195.

or it could have been a fluke year for him.
he only averaged more than 40 in 2 years. 2010 and 2015.

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine ... pe=batting

[dan08]

then again there is a reason he averages only 38 in test cricket. In contrast Ross Taylor averages over 45.

McCullum averaged 72 last year. Made scores of 224, 302, 202 and 195.

or it could have been a fluke year for him.
he only averaged more than 40 in 2 years. 2010 and 2015.

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine ... pe=batting

Doubt it. You don't fluke 4 scores of over 195. While i don't think he'll maintain a high average he is good enough to average over 40. It's just whether he can reign in his attacking instincts a bit. If he can be a bit more patient like his triple century against India then he'll be a fine player but sometimes his batting is more reckless than aggressive.

[greyblazer]

Anyone who saw McCullum get those big scores won't agree it was a fluke year. That 302 and 202 were superb knocks. He is playing Test cricket after 14 IPL games and it would take a bit of time to adjust. He will continue to score runs.

[Aidan11]

Worst possible start this morning.

[mikesiva]

Worst possible start this morning.

bell has had a shocking match...dropped catches...poor scores.

[westoelad]

Worst possible start this morning.

bell has had a shocking match...dropped catches...poor scores.

Whenever he's under pressure he bottles it. The senior players are expected to step up in these situations.

[Aidan11]

50 for Cook.

[yuppie]

If England can get another 250 runs then they would think they have a great chance.

A lot resting on cooks shoulders here but hes got another 50. He seems to be getting his batting back into form.

[Aidan11]

England back in the lead again.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Even game now?

Draw pitch?

[ianp1970]

Even game now?

Draw pitch?

Think we'll need to bat until lunch tomorrow to guarantee a draw.

[yuppie]

Even game now?

Draw pitch?

Possibly, England are scoring freely at present so the pressure might soon go back onto NZ. Will they be able to handle the pressure of chasing or trying to save the match?

[Aidan11]

Root 50.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Thirty overs until a new ball. Root could do a lot of damage by then. Anderson and Craig expensive.

I suppose a wicket will change things.

Just woken up. Any drops?