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new-zealand-in-south-africa

Notes from the pavilion for October 22nd

last year, at the end of October

Links of note from the past 24 hours:

Jon Lewis and Sajid Mahmood called up

2 years ago, at the start of May

So then, Sajid Mahmood and Jon Lewis (hereafter known only as Never Knowingly) are in the squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, as is Alastair Cook. The only curious announcement from David Graveney was the confirmation of Cook to bat at No. 3 in place of Ian Bell. Graveney will deny speculation that Bell is living on borrowed time - after all, he did have a pretty good winter - but this surely does ring warning bells (sorry) for him.

It does show the strength in depth in our batting, though. Cook is so ridiculously gifted - he’s hardly out of nappies, either - and it’s quite some ask to be asked to bat in such a pivotal position so early in your career. I suppose also it sends a message of arrogance to Sri Lanka; yep, he’s young and inexperienced but we think he’s good enough to play there against you lot.

Either way…an interesting choice on a day where little else of interest happened. South Africa nearly did what only they seem able to do these days: cock up spectacularly. But they didn’t and, in all fairness, deserved to win the Test. Their 2-0 series victory is a little generous though and, despite their rollicking three-day win today, they are very much a team in transition with some old pack-leaders in decline.

Paging Kiwis in Joh’burg

2 years ago, at the start of May

We have a damsel in distress, it seems, going by a comment.

Don’t know if you can help or not but I’m in Jo’burg for work and - happy, happy coincidence - have the weekend off so am planning on heading to the Test. Am happy in my own company (though does make me feel like a bit of a Nigel) but thought I’d try and find other Kiwis heading along to the game. Any chance you can help me out?
Cheers,
Tennille

If you want to take Tennille out, leave a comment or email your details to me at swickstein at gmail.com. I personally think she should get in touch with these guys, but I can understand wanting slightly less raucous company.

Stephen Fleming Double Century Tribute Post and Open thread

2 years ago, at the end of April

The difficult-to-please types at Cricinfo clearly don’t care much for the artistry of Stephen Fleming, but I was well pleased to wake up to find that he had smited the South Africans. And if James Franklin can finish off his century this morning, that will be even better.

Rejoice in the suffering of South African cricket here, or South African fans are free to remonstrate. However, any complaints about the wrong-headedness of this post will be thoroughly ignored.

Help us. We’re bleeding boredom

2 years ago, at the end of April

Jolly splendid teams though they are, me and my boss are absolutely suicidally bored watching South Africa against New Zealand. We would welcome any amusing tales, jokes, limericks. I’ve resorted to whistling Rolf Harris tunes (I only know one), and mumbling nonsense. To make matters worse, the bloody clouds have lifted here in London and it’s horribly blue and sunny outside. How dare it be so inviting.

Help us.

Did I miss something? I certainly did!

2 years ago, at the end of April

Sorry to the masses of readers reader who wanted an open thread about the South Africa vs New Zealand Test in Cape Town, which started last night. I’m not as overworked as Will is, although I am quite frankly appallingly underpaid. I’m considering holding out posting until Will doubles my salary to be honest. The writers united will never be defeated, we’ll just hold out for the draw.

 Anyway, Stephen Fleming got a century last night, which is a rare or special moment for him. I can’t think of a finer batsman in world cricket who is SO bad at converting good starts into centuries. So I really hope he goes on with it. His innings held together New Zealand’s innings on the opening day after South Africa won the toss and sent them in. New Zealand are 265 for 6, and if Fleming and the tail can nurdle out another 100 runs, they will be well set for this Test match.

 Neil Manthrope discusses the schedule. I want you, dear readers, to discuss New Zealand’s chances of getting to 400, and what a fair salary for me is. Should I hold out for groupies?

 

South Africa vs New Zealand, last day

2 years ago, mid-April

South Africa ripped through New Zealand’s top order to reduce the Black Caps to 6 for 30 or something bizzare like that. Brenden McCullum and Hamish Marshall organised a bit of a recovery but the New Zealanders are still neck-deep in trouble at 77 for 7.  Open blog here!

South Africa v New Zealand betting, first Test

2 years ago, mid-April

Interesting odds from Betfair

2 for SA, 2.24 for NZ. South Africa leading by 129 Place your bets!

South Africa v New Zealand, Centurion, 2nd day

2 years ago, mid-April

I had little enthusiasm for this game today. Waking up at 7am on Easter Sunday is hard enough. But as it turned out, it was a bloody excellent day’s cricket - if only to see the boks struggle! I do love seeing them in strife, and I really don’t know why, but partly due to my New Zealand ancestry I guess. Jacob Oram hit a magnificent century - on his comeback Test, too. More thoughts over at Cricinfo.

South Africa vs New Zealand 1st Test, Day 1

2 years ago, mid-April

South Africa are batting, but Gibbs is out early. Open thread folks, come on you Black Caps.