Damp squib
Thank goodness that England and India are around to resuscitate test cricket, as it nearly expired during the test in Dunedin. Who would have thought that losing a couple of days would make such a difference to a test featuring New Zealand.
The game might have had an exciting conclusion if it hadn’t been rained off, as the teams were looking very even, but the 2 1/2 days we did get to see was underwhelming. Which is a real shame as the rugby heads had just started to pay attention.
So what did we get? A fine century by Jerome Taylor – excellent in fact – but no others amongst the 700-odd runs. Six wickets by Vettori, but most of those tail enders. A rare hit wicket to chuckle at and some ‘historic’ 3rd umpire decisions to treasure being part of.
So on to Napier and the series decider (didn’t that come around quickly). The Metservice forecasts are promising. And despite the fact that few of the players really fired at Dunedin, they do look promising too. There are plenty of runs to be had at Napier. And wickets too (recall Sidebottom 7/47 and Southee’s 5/55 last year).
