Let’s show we’ve learnt
3As predicted, that first test against Pakistan was always going to be brutal. The only bit of chest pumping to be extracted from it is that we lost by 100 or so fewer runs than Australia had the week before, although that tends to overlook the fact Pakistan lost only five wickets in the match.
That great barometer of public opinion; Radio Sport offered up two perspectives during the week. On one hand a host has said this season is all about the World Cup, and who cares about tests in the UAE. On the other hand the text-line has been full of “Blackcaps are again the Blackcraps” etc…
Of course, the truth lies in between those two views. This test series is still a test series; a rare three test series at that, and this team has grafted away a lot over the last 24 months to turn results around. On the other hand, the first test was always going to be the toughest. It is what happens from now on that really matters.
On the positive side, the performances of Latham and Sodhi were the highlights of the first test. Throughout the history of New Zealand cricket the two biggest issues have been an opening partnership and the lack of a quality wrist spinner.
Latham was technically very good, but it was the mental application, on top of his efforts in the West Indies, that shows that he is someone we can genuinely be optimistic about. Sodhi had his best test, and constantly worried the best batsmen of leg spin in the world. He will bowl a lot worse for better reward in the future.
This was a test that Neesham and Craig did not enjoy; especially after their heady introduction into test cricket. Neesham ended up being replaced by the skipper as the fourth choice seamer after having a horror time under the high ball, and Craig’s fall in the spinning pecking order was clear for all to see.
New Zealand teams traditionally improve as series progress in Asia. But the main concern would be around whether this test made New Zealand, particularly the batsmen, got themselves into a position where they are better placed going into this next test.
Taylor faced 14 balls in the test, Williamson 50, and McCullum 94. Not quite batting themselves into form.
But this side will not roll over. Boult and Southee will not go wicketless in a test again.
And surely, surely, McCullum must be due to win a toss?
Leg Break said :
this team has grafted away a lot over the last 24 months to turn results around. On the other hand, the first test was always going to be the toughest. It is what happens from now on that really matters.
signman said :
Yeah, if we get stuffed 3 zip in this series a fair bit of good work would be undone over that period… clearly it’s going to be about how well our top order can handle their spinners in the 2nd test, getting in line with the ball & using soft hands when defending the Paki spinners is going to be absolutely bloody vital, Taylor really worries me there, can he change his mindset ? McCullum goes at spin too hard as well.
I saw it said in several places since the first Test that Taylor can’t play spin. It’s not as simple as that – has made centuries against predominantly spin at Bangalore and Colombo, and made runs on other occasions in similar conditions. Looked to me more a case of being dreadfully out of form and/or practice, which is perhaps understandable given recent injury break. There’s no doubt he’s a poor starter against spinners.
It takes a bit of time for any batsman to get their eye when they first come in, Taylor is a particularly slow starter though, whether that be against spin or pace bowling, but yeah, especially facing spin… reckon because his technique is so poor against spin he becomes very very tentative, looks like the blokes facing grenades at times, so either pops up a catch or tries to hit his way out of it, therefore creating a high risk factor of getting out early, so unless he changes his technique in this test can’t see him staying at the crease too long & this pitch is expected to have more turn than the last one.