West Indies v New Zealand, 1st Test, Kingston, 8-12 June, 2014

Some real cricket (of sorts) at last.  

might be real boring (grinding) cricket though, if we're getting a slow spinners pitch

Yeah, will probably turn out to be pretty boring, but I still can't wait. The last few months have been a diarrhoea of dross domestic tournaments and hit-and-giggle hyperbole-a-thons..

What was the last Test cricket to be played before this? Aus v Yarps?

beamer wrote:What was the last Test cricket to be played before this? Aus v Yarps?

Yep, test 2122

Great news, some real cricket at last.

Totally agree with everyone here, it's great to see some test cricket again.

These are massively important matches coming up for West Indies. With the long overdue change in captaincy and the end of the St Lucian mafia (President, CEO and Sammy) we can finally play with 11 men again.

Roach and Taylor are back in action after huge lay offs which could be very exciting and we have two decent spinners to cause the Kiwis problems.

It's also Chris Gayle's 100th test at his home ground so no doubt there will be lots of celebrations. All in all it should be good viewing.

My money's on the Kiwis - I think they are a resourceful side.

Chris Gayle has played 100 tests? Really? Has he been bothered for more than 20?

Probably the luckiest cricketer to play 100 tests.

Basil wrote:Chris Gayle has played 100 tests? Really? Has he been bothered for more than 20?

Probably the luckiest cricketer to play 100 tests.

most overrated cricketer to have a Test 300?

Basil wrote:Chris Gayle has played 100 tests? Really? Has he been bothered for more than 20?

Probably the luckiest cricketer to play 100 tests.

Averages 42 in test cricket and is 60 something runs away from the 7000 mark. Not bad really, he's probably our 3rd best test opener of all time.

When you factor in his undeniable greatness in the shorter formats, he has been a pretty special cricketer, like him or not.

at last
boring or not weve had such a famine this feels like a feast

Luke Ronchi likely to make his Test debut in just under two hours, at age 33.

He seemed likely to succeed Gilchrist for Oz at one stage.

Under way, Kiwis batting, no Ronchi.

No Anderson, either.

Two mainline spinners in the WI side.  Interesting.

Kiwis rattling along at 1.1 per over

That's because there's been some really good bowling by Roach and Taylor. It's great to see them back - especially Jerome.

True that.

lardbucket wrote:Luke Ronchi likely to make his Test debut in just under two hours, at age 33.

He seemed likely to succeed Gilchrist for Oz at one stage.

Kept out by the Saffie.

Been a good battle - this is what I like - players actually having to work for their runs and wickets. Pitch could've been a bit quicker though, it's lending to turgidity.

Kiwi's well on top. 196/2

Looks a pretty laborious day 1.

Williamson's really become a decent batsman. Given the new spinner's FC record is harldly flash and Ish Sodhi, he should bowl many overs too.

Good to finally have some tests...

Beautiful display of fast bowling from JT, so glad to have him back. Smooth as silk action, perfect seam presentation. You have been missed.

Otherwise, excellent defensive batting from the Kiwis and dreadful bowling from Benn and particularly Roach who looked like a bowler who hasn't played FC cricket for a year...which funnily enough, he hasn't.

Awful wicket IMHO, it is the biggest problem in West Indies cricket and has to be solved soon. We will soon run out of kids wanting to bowl fast if they produce wickets like that.

Well, the Snoozies have saved this Test then.