The International Cricket Thread

[paul_e]

I think he's a great pick. I'd like his batting average to be higher but his technique and temperament are excellent, he's a superb fielder and a very handy bowler. Add to that the fact that Duckett is the only other leftie in the top 6 and I think it helps with the balance of the side as well. It may be that he's a little too high but it's a great confidence boost for him as well, I hope he takes his chance but either way I suspect he'll be around the squad for the 10-15years so long as he stays fit so it's good to get him experiences early on.

[Richard]

Yeah good luck to him, will be watching at 10pm tonight after our game.

[paul_e]

England bowling first and Atkinson has got 1 in his first over.
NZ 8-1

[PaulWinch again]

Watching whilst up with my 11 month old. NZ have gifted some wickets in the last hour.

[paul_e]

Finished the day as 319-8 which seems about honours even from the little I watched. I'd say it's a 350-400 pitch.

[Gareth]

Looking at some of the movement Carse has got to finish off 1st innings Southee might be a menace on today?

[Monty]

Looking at some of the movement Carse has got to finish off 1st innings Southee might be a menace on today?

Induced four false shots in his first eight balls.

[PaulWinch again]

NZ are bowling beautifully with the new ball here.

[PaulWinch again]

Big from Brook made the most of his fortune. Also showed the value of Pope down the order.

[PaulWinch again]

Brook’s shot making ability is something else.

[taylorsworkrate]

New Zealand have always been excellemt in the field. They've been a shambles in this innings.

Brook has played well of course but to drop him 5 times, 3 of which have been absolute dollys.....

[PaulWinch again]

Yeah it’s odd. I wonder if there’s something about the ground, because they’re excellent fielders normally.

When England bowl again it’s actually pretty big for Woakes. This is a new ball pitch and has shown that in the right areas it can help the bowlers. Love him but he wasn’t on it in the first innings. He needs to show he can add value outside of England if he’s hoping to get on that Ashes tour - which I think might be an ambition for him now.

[PaulWinch again]

Atkinson has some shots as well.

[PaulWinch again]

And Woakes did have a good day.

[DrGonzo]

Remember when the idea of chasing 150 would be nerve wracking?