posted May 16, 2008

Fantastic bowling effort from Sidey today. The pitch has actually done a bit less than I thought it would over the first two days, even with the poor weather around.
Personally think 277 was a few too many runs and as usual England didn't quite put in the clinical bowling performance that we could have done. Some devastating sessions but allowed too many runs from the tail IMO. Still, if asked before the test started (and before we had then at 104-5) I would have been happy with that overall score.
Another pleasant surprise has been the steady opening of Strauss and Cook so far. With the weather and the numerous disruptions it would have been easy for one or two early wickets to go down, but up to now been fairly solid. (Hope that doesn't curse us now before the end of play )

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posted May 16, 2008

I think the time has come for the ICC to mandate the use of artificial light for all Tests and ODIs whenever and wherever necessary. It makes no sense to forego this option when or if it is available to us!

Understandably, there's little that can be done in regard to rain, but we can certainly do something about the light!

We should not allow ourselves to be handcuffed by outdated customs and mores!

Note: I'm not certain if this option is available at Lord's! It's been a while since my last visit there.

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posted May 16, 2008

Outstanding from Sidebottom ... many bowlers wouldn't have recovered so quickly from a poor day but he came back and bowled with magnificent skill with the new ball.

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posted May 16, 2008

Sidebottom showed why he was chosen above Harmison and Hoggard for this test series.
4 wickets for him shows why he is the top England bowler and for 55 runs is brilliant.
Well done Sidey, shame that tomorrow that we will be halted by the rain.

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posted May 16, 2008

well I am not sorry about the rain..you sure?
but congrats to Sidebottom, the guy is excellent!

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posted May 17, 2008

Siders breakthrough came when working with Alan Donald. He now steams in with explosive aggression and he controls it perfectly. He's becoming a real craftsman.

NZ were lucky to get 277 - and it does reflect on the bowling somewhat. Is an old pattern for us to allow them off the ropes when a kill is on the cards.

It really is good to see Strauss looking more secure, and back opening the inning. Let's hope Vaughan can get some runs when his time comes.

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posted May 18, 2008

well Crickomaster, then England was lucky too when you take into account that the middleorder collapsed like a deck of cards
NZ done well..we don't have much, but what we've got is used well and looks quite classy!

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posted May 18, 2008

Walgert, have to admit I should know better by now not to get suckered by early signs of 'progress'.

The Kiwis, to their credit, learned fast how to make Lords work for them, and today they bowled out of their skins. Vettori was wiley as ever, and for someone who doesn't spin the ball much, he got some considerable action from the rough to the left handers. However, what a pile of rubbish from our middle order! Collingwood, Pietersen, Ambrose, Bell - really poor stuff. Down to the bowlers to steady the batting - Stuart and Ryan yet again to the rescue. No progress at all since the tour as far as I can see.

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