[hendrix]

re: Taylor's use of Patel:
Patel bowled exactly to the field. The straight line is where you want to be when you have 6 men on the leg side. It's a defensive tactic when there was no need to be defensive - at least early on in the Mathews-Jayawardene partnership. In the second innings Taylor needs to set more men in catching positions on the off side. Then Patel can comfortably toss it up outside off stump and try to get the batsmen playing against the spin. It might turn and bowl him through the gate or it might go straight on and be edged to slip. At least you're giving yourself a chance. As it stands there's no point in even having a slip with that straight line, and around the wicket is really clutching at straws.
He bowled well to pick up those late wickets, but it would've helped to have more conventional off-spinner plans. On the indian tour, all the NZ commentators were complimenting Patel's straight line and ability to keep it tight, while Ganguly was consistently saying that he needs to pitch it wider of off stump. When he did do this is when he looked the most dangerous - the straight one going past the outside edge and the turning delivery taking a bat pad.

re: Guptill
His technique is not good enough. He goes way too hard at the ball even when defending and plays the ball too early. He tries hard with his leaving and defensive mindset which is nice to see, but unless he fixes his technique he'll never be good enough against the swinging ball, especially at 135+km/hr. Centuries against poor attacks on flat wickets will not correct this.