Originally posted by Tirau Dan Bump...
I had to bump this.. sort of by way a proxy gloat.. ;-p
I must report that the English Coach has expressed optimistic confidence that his team will bounce back.
The pitch for the second test is almost certain to be more lively than the usual dead Sneddon Park..
YES but the england coach(s) having been doig that, ever since we won the Ashes 3 years ago.... and we are still waiting for a convesncing england test serious victory:'(
Originally posted by spurs73 do you think this central contracts system works?
Dont you think our crickers have got 'worse' since we started giving out central contracts to the top players.
They now play very little county cricket and most of them are not 'match fit'
They needed the central contracts, but I do think they've gone too far the other way. There doesn't seem to be any finesse about the way they're used - some players need protecting, but there are some in the England setup who need all the cricket they can get.
As for "match fit" - maybe true in some cases - but it's March. Lack of central contracts wouldn't have helped there as they wouldn't have played for their counties since the summer anyway.
Collingwood and Ambrose stand for the 5th wicket partnership of 155.. Ambrose comes in today on 97. Weather looks good and the Barmy Army are making the NZ grounds just like Old Trafford or The Oval... Interesting game this one.
Well done England 2-1 series win
Match report: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jwH5faEOXPCF16_SELEeHjQhLarw
Then check out this new star 17 year old and remember the name Tim Southee. Although on the losing side he took 5 for 55 and hit 77 off 40 balls.
http://sportal.co.nz/cricket-news-display/southee-still-on-cloud-nine-45624