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

[alfie]

We cannot know when the declaration would have come. (I suspect a little later than the dismissal ended any choice ; but I'm guessing of course) But the way England batted today they were surely intent on getting NZ in well before lunch. I know it is fashionable to berate England for being overly defensive ; but they've hardly played that way at all in this match , despite the awful first hour on Thursday.
Perhaps we should give them due credit for what they actually do and reserve the (often merited) criticism for when they really do resort to negative tactics ?

[budgetmeansbudget]

NZ are starting to dig for safety.


Everyone look at Cook for inspiration.

Why, some of them should get inspired on their own, yhey aren't children.

[Aidan11]

NZ are starting to dig for safety.


Everyone look at Cook for inspiration.

Why, some of them should get inspired on their own, yhey aren't children.

Bowling changes, field settings.....He can't just stand there and let the engine drive itself.

[The Waugh Twins]

Cook is your traditional negative, cautious, pessimistic English man, just like me good self.

Oh I've been there, after all I'm half British myself and I unfortunately support the English football team.

[The Waugh Twins]

NZ are starting to dig for safety.


Everyone look at Cook for inspiration.

Why, some of them should get inspired on their own, yhey aren't children.

Bowling changes, field settings.....He can't just stand there and let the engine drive itself.

Stop worrying you two, this is going to be a walk in the park.

[budgetmeansbudget]

Third man a *modded* gen.

[Aidan11]

NZ are starting to dig for safety.


Everyone look at Cook for inspiration.

Why, some of them should get inspired on their own, yhey aren't children.

Bowling changes, field settings.....He can't just stand there and let the engine drive itself.

Stop worrying you two, this is going to be a walk in the park.

[budgetmeansbudget]

Any opporrunity to have a go at Cook.

[budgetmeansbudget]

I'd be content with a draw in any case.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Someone said that England will get a new ball, but they only will if they exceed the minimum overs.

Moeen to be key?

[alfie]

Solid first half hour of this session from the Kiwi pair. These two are the potential Wall I think ; England will fancy working their way through the rest if they can split this pair soonish.
But if they expend too much energy and time breaking this stand then it may still be hard work later. Not many wickets have fallen in the later sessions on the first four days , barring the ones NZ threw away chasing quick runs on Saturday.

Will be interesting to see how Moeen does when he comes on.

[The Waugh Twins]

I'd be content with a draw in any case.

Well I found a live feed so I'll watch for a while. Got Warnie on talking about Baylis. England won't lose in a month of Sundays.

[yuppie]

Still 55 overs to go, 7 wickets left.

Obviously when Brendon comes out he will still think he can win it.

Time for some Spin, just to change it a bit?

[Aidan11]

Any opporrunity to have a go at Cook.

Not really.

Cook has played a great innings here but if we get into the same situation as the SL test last year the press will be on his back again.

[The Waugh Twins]

Someone said that England will get a new ball, but they only will if they exceed the minimum overs.

Moeen to be key?

I was just going to bring that up. Another reason why England should have pushed on like Stokes did so as to get a second new ball. They may not need it now, but if the Kiwis hang on for a draw then Cooks free fodder.