SCG Test. Australia v. New Zealand.

[Pies4shaw]

Australia did slightly better than on the first day of the Melbourne Test - 3/283, compared with 4/257. Also, they are probably significantly better-positioned, given that we now know that Bradsmith was out with only a small addition to his overnight score early on the second day in Melbourne. It looks like Marnus and Bradsmith have worn the NZ bowlers down, again and put this Test just about out of reach. The first session tomorrow is absolutely critical for NZ - victory might be beyond them by lunch if they can’t change things around dramatically.

[K]

This is like a repeat of the last Test or two. At least NZ, who are playing two spinners but not Santner, cannot blame themselves for sending the oppo in.


Another snail-pace innings from Smith (ended by a soft dismissal off CdG's bowling, denying Wagner the chance of getting him out every innings in the series). Luckily for him and Oz, his partner was scoring almost twice as quickly, so the run rate is fine. I wouldn't want T20 slogathon batting in a Test, but even in slow times past a SR of 50 while batting defensively was not hard. SRs of 30 are for nightwatchmen.


Marnus currently has a Test aveage of 62.61. His non-Test first-class average is 38.84. He must think Test batting is easy. Yes, it is. The pitches are too flat.

But if he gets out without adding to his total, his average will drop to "only" 59.77. On the other hand, if he remains not out, he should have the highest average in the side. That would be appropriate, because he is, after all, the best batsman in the team at the moment.


I still don't know why Wade is batting ahead of Head.


I must check out the AQI.

[K]

[K]

[23 YIPPEE!!!]

Wade out now 4/288 another couple of wickets game on I feel Aussies will be bowled out score 350 before lunch.The ball is moving around

[23 YIPPEE!!!]

Both wade and head are too hot and cold

[Donny]

[Donny]

Double ton for Labu.

[K]

[K]

Paine and Marnus have both been dismissed in quick succession.

Are their averages still above Wade's and Smith's, respectively??

.....

It doesn't look like Oz will reach the 550 Slater wanted now, though the tail can bat a bit.

[K]

Wagner bowls Pattinson.

This is a mini-collapse. 3/16 in 5.5 overs.

Oz 8/426.

[Donny]

9/435. Labu scored 215.

[K]

[Donny]

[K]

Well, he did nick twice through vacant first slip for 4 getting to the 200.