1st Test Match, Vs New Zealand - 5 Nov 2015

[Greystache]

Re: 1st Test Match, Vs New Zealand - 5 Nov 2015

Them losing their frontline bowler probably flattered us a bit too. He may have been able to stem some of the carnage in the second innings.

It probably did flatter us, but let's not forget we declared in both innings, so the 200 run margin flattered NZ. In reality they lost by an innings and 200 runs.

[Twodogs]

Re: 1st Test Match, Vs New Zealand - 5 Nov 2015

It probably did flatter us, but let's not forget we declared in both innings, so the 200 run margin flattered NZ. In reality they lost by an innings and 200 runs.

More than an innings really. We lost 8 wickets? That's almost an innings and a quarter.

[LostDoggy]

Re: 1st Test Match, Vs New Zealand - 5 Nov 2015

Our batting was amazing in this match. I may be in a minority, but I was a bit non-plussed by the bowling. For mine, the only 2 automatic selections in our bowling line-up are Johnson and Lyon.

Hazlewood was dropped during the Ashes, this was effectively his comeback Test and his performance was not convincing, Starc gets wickets but is erratic and he and Johnson in the same lineup is a bit unbalanced for mine. I think he is a better whiteball bowler. His overall Test record is ordinary and against top order batsmen it is poor.

[lemmon]

Re: 1st Test Match, Vs New Zealand - 5 Nov 2015

Our batting was amazing in this match. I may be in a minority, but I was a bit non-plussed by the bowling. For mine, the only 2 automatic selections in our bowling line-up are Johnson and Lyon.

Hazlewood was dropped during the Ashes, this was effectively his comeback Test and his performance was not convincing, Starc gets wickets but is erratic and he and Johnson in the same lineup is a bit unbalanced for mine. I think he is a better whiteball bowler. His overall Test record is ordinary and against top order batsmen it is poor.

I agree that Starc and Johnson in the same lineup isn't a long term prospect but I'm finding it very hard to split the two. Johnson looks to be down a yard of pace and if the wicket is slow he doesn't have much left in his arsenal. At least Starc gets the ball hooping around, has that ripping yorker and a very good bumper. I'm almost inclined to say that I'd pick Starc ahead of Johnson, especially with the prospect of a pink ball on the horizon

[whythelongface]

Re: 1st Test Match, Vs New Zealand - 5 Nov 2015

What did people think about Smith's first game as FT captain?

Maybe hard to judge due to an inept performance by NZ and them being on the back foot but he seemed to be quite attacking (easier to do when you score 500+ in the 1st innings) and was able to make effective bowling changes.

Was his decision not to enforce the follow on warranted based on the conditions, or should he have sent them back in and killed the game off earlier? Thought he should have done the latter particularly with the forecast of stormy skies, however his decision was warranted in the end with us winning the test during the 2nd session of the 5th day.

I look forward to seeing him in action when the game is not being played on our terms.

[Twodogs]

Re: 1st Test Match, Vs New Zealand - 5 Nov 2015

What did people think about Smith's first game as FT captain?

Maybe hard to judge due to an inept performance by NZ and them being on the back foot but he seemed to be quite attacking (easier to do when you score 500+ in the 1st innings) and was able to make effective bowling changes.

Was his decision not to enforce the follow on warranted based on the conditions, or should he have sent them back in and killed the game off earlier? Thought he should have done the latter particularly with the forecast of stormy skies, however his decision was warranted in the end with us winning the test during the 2nd session of the 5th day.

I look forward to seeing him in action when the game is not being played on our terms.

Nice and efficient the way he moved in for the kill on the last day.

[lemmon]

Re: 1st Test Match, Vs New Zealand - 5 Nov 2015

His use of Lyon was interesting, very late to get him into the attack. Stark difference to how Clarke often had Lyon into the innings within 12 overs.

Let's wait and see till he's challenged. Captaincy is easy with a 200 run lead. He seemed more defensive against India last year, more Ponting than Clarke