Steve's Finn-ale

Steven Finn, new nightwatchman, took to his role like a thespian to a Stratford upon Avon stage. Finn lasted a match saving 286 minutes, scoring 56 in 203 balls. England closed on 421/6

Cook steers a safe passage 

Day 4 started with New Zealand upping the tempo with Martin and especially Brendon McCullum going after the bowling.

McCullum fell on 74 to a Broad Anderson combo, caught at mid wicket by the latter.

NZ then declared at the fall of Martin's wicket on 460/9.

With over two sessions to make or break the test match, England's openers belatedly came to the party. Captain Cook being out just before stumps on 116 but Nick Compton remained 102 not out, a test maiden ton.

England at stumps 234/1 still 59 behind, with work to do on day 5 to save the game.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-england-2013/engine/current/match/569243.html?CMP=chrome

08/03/13 The Rutherford Test

Day 3 ended as Hamish Rutherford's, 171 on test debut. NZ closed 402/7, 235 ahead. Alastair Cook has an eye looking down each barrel of the proverbial shotgun with two days left, can England's rusty batters bat for perhaps 4 - 5 sessions to save this test?


07/03/13

A lack of preparation might be the cause but a dominant NZ stole the day 2 of the Dunedin Test.
Only Jon Trott, of the batsmen, show any gumption to stick around and a lightweight Kiwi bowling attack made light work of the under-cooked rest.

England 167
NZ 131/0

the full horror ....................................


http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-england-2013/engine/current/match/569243.html?CMP=chrome

06/03/13 Rain

Graeme Swann's injured elbow was worse than anticipated so Swann was replaced in the XI by Monty Panesar and in the tour party by the over-rated James Tredwell. Swanny will be off to the States for a make or break operation very soon.

In the Test, NZ won the toss, inserted England, then watched the bad light and rain wash the whole day's play out.

05/03/13 Spanish Archer

NEWS
England have declared Nick Compton will retain his place in the side.

Graeme Swann has emphasised his concerns over his own long term fitness with regards to his troublesome elbow.

Doug Bracewell is out of the Test, starting tonight, due to a foot injury sustained at a house-party; the injury being caused by stepping on a glass.................... ouch!

India thrashed Australia by an innings and 135 runs in Hyderabad this morning........ ouch!

Trouble with his Spanish Archer