New Zealand v Australia, 2nd Test, Christchurch, 8-12 March, 2024

Changes?

A rest for Starc, give Neser a go?

A rest for Labuschagne, Renshaw to open, Smith down to 3?

For NZ, Smith supposedly in for O’Rourke.

Only the third of these seems likely really.

Renshaw is in worse form than Marnus

He has no form, Marnus has poor form.

I doubt we will make any changes, but it’s hard to predict what the selectors might do.

‘100 Tests’ milestones coming up for both Southee and Williamson in the next match; also for Ashwin in India. Three in the same week.

… and the Ginger Whinger!! Forgot about him. That’s four in the same week …

lardbucket wrote:He has no form, Marnus has poor form.

I doubt we will make any changes, but it’s hard to predict what the selectors might do.

they will make no changes

After a solid start, NZ now 3-71. Williamson still there. Starc has one and horrie’s favourite ‘washed up pie chucker’ has two, the minnow-basher and young Ravindra.

Looks to be another green seaming wicket.

More wickets for Haze, including Williamson.

I reckon he’s got another year or two in him, horrie. Starc will probably finish first.

all out 162

50 odd partnership for the ninth


and then ...the last wicket was bizarre ...a review for ct behind that Carey didnt even appeal

embee wrote:all out 162

50 odd partnership for the ninth


and then ...the last wicket was bizarre ...a review for ct behind that Carey didnt even appeal

Lucky Snot's ears are as big as his hands.

Annoying stand saved the Sheep from a sub-140 total.

Congrats to Haze on his michelle and to Koo on going past DKL.

Now c'mon Smudge. Do the business!!

Yes, Haze has been in rare form.

Unfortch Smudge's crab style left him squared up. Perhaps his style is just not suited to the excessive movement of the new ball, alas.

Still, I'm not prepared to give up on him yet as an opener. Green Kiwi seamers is one thing, but a hard flat Aussie pitch is another.

MrK will be very testy at Smudge's continued ruination of his once stellar Test average.

Sheep making it hard work for Aus to chase down the small total.

Shame Blowie got out late in the 3rd session.

He needs to find runs just like Smudge.

Nice to see that fighting 50 from Marnus. And another decent hand from Elmer as nightwatchie.

Mitch Marsh slipping back into useless mode.

Aus's dodgy middle order continues to be dodgy. Carey fails with a shithouse shot.

256 is a bit meh.

skully wrote:Aus's dodgy middle order  continues to be dodgy. Carey fails with a shithouse shot.

our whole batting is dodgy

skully wrote:Aus's dodgy middle order  continues to be dodgy. Carey fails with a shithouse shot.

… and he dropped an important catch shortly before the close.

He’s not the man for the job.

lardbucket wrote:

skully wrote:Aus's dodgy middle order  continues to be dodgy. Carey fails with a shithouse shot.

… and he dropped an important catch shortly before the close.

He’s not the man for the job.

Has kept rather well on the whole, his batting is no good. They won’t drop the next Oz skipper, unless it is Head

Inglis is error addled. I like Peirson as both a decent keeper and a steady batsman, but doubt there willbe change.

So Sheep effectively 2-40. Can we strike early on often tomoz, or will the Kiwis set us a hard target?

skully wrote:So Sheep effectively 2-40. Can we strike early on often tomoz, or will the Kiwis set us a hard target?

wouldn't be surprised if we capitulated

I’d have been a lot happier if that Latham catch had been taken, with a bit of pressure on Mitchell to follow.

lardbucket wrote:I’d have been a lot happier if that Latham catch had been taken, with a bit of pressure on Mitchell to follow.

Latham seems intent on proving Oz is a minnow.

Sheep ready to fill their gum boots to mix several bad jokes.