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Hey that was something, with the Eden Park history-making 50th test and grand opening (you can read all about that on aucklandlive). Then the Worriers came right at the very last minute for a spectacular win, doing the Rabbitohs right in the eye! It was all set up for the Black Caps and they didn't disappoint. Cleaning up the Poms by nine wickets with more than a full day left was retribution for the first test at Edgbaston. It was also a victory for New Zealand cricket, which has persevered with test matches at Lord's now for 68 years before finally winning one. It was timely, for England is on a new low and this had to be the one to win. They have won only once at Lord's now since 1991 even though they play at least one test per year there. The selectors will be laughing now, especially Rick Pickard who is fizzing this morning as he enthuses his pupils at his school. I am eating crow of course for Harry wasn't needed after all. I'm delighted because I have watched a number of tests at Lord's and have seen the chances slip away. This time they were taken, not just in the field but with bat and ball as well. We won the test because we outplayed England throughout. There is already much wailing and gnashing by the Poms about their poor play but how well were they allowed to play? So often critics fail to take account of the opposition. The opening day was put down as a failure by England to bat well, or to read the weather forecast properly, or something. I prefer to think our bowlers Cairns and Nash used the conditions effectively and simply shut down the home team. They should know how to play at Lord's but only Hussain was able to stick it out. Then Matt Horne played what he called a "workman's innings". He grafted most of the second day, despite a badly bruised arm. Roger Twose stuck with him but it appeared that England had fought back into the game when they snared this pair plus McMillan just before stumps. This was where I would have used Harry. Craig is struggling and got out as usual nicking it behind. Harry would have provided the left-hand solidity started by Twose. Next day it was carried on by Vettori who played superbly. He has a style all of his own; not much backlift and a quick flick of the wrists as he forces the ball through the offside. In the past he had nudged through the gully or whacked through midwicket. Now he has added quality offdriving off either foot. It was an invaluable innings and then his bowling teased out both openers when they looked set to wipe out the deficit. What causes the rush of blood that saw Stewart and Butcher fire their sticks? It is a combination of pressure and very good bowling. The critics tend to blame the batsmen but they reach a point of desperation. Vettori was bowling with many clever changes of pace as well as flight. Jonathan Agnew on Test Match Special picked this up and kept calling the velocities of different deliveries as measured by the speedmaster. It was fascinating, hearing Daniel range between 44 & 56 mph; nice subtle changes that kept the batsmen guessing. There was a dodgy period on the fourth afternoon when young Read and tall Caddick were batting well and our fasties started to spit the dummy. That was silly because although it showed their desire to win it also revealed a juvenile petulance that amounts to losing your cool. The new coach and manager won't tolerate that sort of toy-throwing. It was a great win but only one Kiwi team has won a series in England. We must concentrate on the next two tests and a 3-1 victory. That includes playing Harry! | ||||||
