2nd Test: Australia v New Zealand at Hobart, Dec 9-13

[JohnK]

Well at New Zealand were competitive on the first day and part of the second day of the First Test.

Weather can be their only saviour here.

Bring on India on Boxing Day or is that too soon?

 

[serfty]

Might be boring for you, serfty, but it's simply demoralising if you're a NZ supporter. Looked a bit of a tricky deck to bat on, though.

I care little these days ... used to be an avid support, but now the opposite:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/playground/second-ashes-test-adelaide-26884.html#post384038

 

[JohnK]

Australia now 7/100 but were 7/75! :shock:

 

[QF WP]

My thoughts exactly JohnK

 

[QF WP]

Siddle (31 from 47 balls) and Pattinson (10) are showing up the more fancied batsmen. They have the highest partnership - in fact, they just scored a 50 partnership

 

[QF WP]

Peter Siddle out for 36 - a pity.

8/131

 

[QF WP]

Kane Williamson takes a screamer of a catch to get Pattinson out for 17. Now 9/131 - now NZ's 150 is looking good

 

[QF WP]

Starc out for 4, all out for 136. Wow.

 

[JohnK]

A first innings deficit? :shock: Australia can thank it's tailenders for that total as well.

 

[pbl22]

Wow, I read your other post, serfty. Interesting perspective from an Aussie. I used to be an avid cricket follower, but can barely be bothered these days. Still, I thought this series was NZ's best chance in a long time to at least be competitive with Aus. Maybe the first innings lead will give them some confidence. If only they had some batsmen (it's a sad indictment when Vettori is the best batsman there).

 

[QF WP]

NZ now 3/73

 

[QF WP]

Well the Aussies clawed their way back into the match and dismissed the NZ team for 226 (taking 7/87 before lunch), making it a 240 lead. I thought that would be enough - but Hughes just might make me eat my words (but I did choke a couple of times during his innings this afternoon).

At 0/72, it's the best Aussie partnership for the match

 

[QF WP]

Hughes hasn't learnt - out in the second over. 1/75

 

[QF WP]

Streaky shot by Warner to get his 50, his first in Test cricket

 

[serfty]

... - but Hughes just might make me eat my words (but I did choke a couple of times during his innings this afternoon). ...

Hughes hasn't learnt - out in the second over. 1/75

He was probably gone anyway as the umpire missed a catch off his glove Sunday.

 

[JohnK]

2 for 148! Australia look to be back on track.

 

[drron]

What about Hughes.Four innings and 4 times dismissed caught Guptil,bowled Martin.All at second slip.Surely he cant retain his test spot as an opener with that form.

 

[JohnK]

Hughes needs an extended break from test cricket. He is only 23 so plenty of time to work on his game if he wants to come back into the test team.

 

[QF WP]

Have to agree with Hughes having a break until he learns how to play right hand bowling across his body. Opening the blade will give the same result every time (and why in 70% of his first class batting he has been caught between keeper and gully).

After my teleconference (should have had cricinfo updating, don't know why I didn't ), notice Khawaja was out for 23 and Bracewell just got Ricky Ponting.

45.4	Bracewell to Ponting, OUT, did that stop on Ponting? Bracewell bowled that short of a good length and he mistimed it completely, punching it away from his body straight into the hands of extra cover, Ponting walks back to a standing ovation
	RT Ponting c Southee b Bracewell 16 (51m 30b 2x4 0x6) SR: 53.33

Okay, Clarkey, let's have a captains' inning again from you...and Warner to get a century (his first Test one) - that would be a nice way to win the Test

3/159 - target 241

 

[TonyHancock]

What about Hughes.Four innings and 4 times dismissed caught Guptil,bowled Martin.All at second slip.Surely he cant retain his test spot as an opener with that form.

It is going to be a testing time, mentally, for Phil Hughes. everyone criticised his technique after the 2009 Ashes and he made changes, now he has a clear problem outside off stump. He clearly has the ability, it is a question of improving technique without having his confidence destroyed.