**Official** New Zealand in South Africa

[MrPrez]

Faf, AB and robbie P in the covers is 2pro.

[kingkallis]

Faf you beauty!

[kykweer.proteas]

I find it really difficult to believe nz can score 200, I don't think hesson believes it either.

[straw man]

Ugh - Williamson sees the short wide ball, eyes light up and smacks it the gully

[straw man]

I find it really difficult to believe nz can score 200, I don't think hesson believes it either.

Guptill is the only batsman in that top 6 that makes big scores in limited overs relatively consistently. A couple of others could contribute fifty (McCullum and Watling, though he's looked pretty bad so far). The lower order looks good on paper but in reality I can almost guarantee it will roll over and ask Steyn to tickle its tummy.

[BoyBrumby]

I'm just gonna say it: I don't get the Williamson love.

In the NZ D&G thread he's more or less given a free pass and in most posters' XIs.

Seems to be a deeply flawed batsman and, whilst admittedly NZ aren't overburdened with world class bats, it seems odd to me he's accorded largesse that (say) Flynn, Redmond or Fulton aren't.

[benchmark00]

Why was I under the impression that Smitteh had retired from ODI's? Should be captain if he's playing.

[Garson007]

Why was I under the impression that Smitteh had retired from ODI's? Should be captain if he's playing.

Should retire, tbh.

[straw man]

Partly agree - Williamson's certainly given much more leeway than others by most of us. A few times the failures have mounted up and it's been talked about that he should be left out, however then he scores a century.

Still looks like he should become a good batsman to me. Will probably take a bit more maturity and another few years though.

[Bahnz]

I'm just gonna say it: I don't get the Williamson love.

In the NZ D&G thread he's more or less given a free pass and in most posters' XIs.

Seems to be a deeply flawed batsman and, whilst admittedly NZ aren't overburdened with world class bats, it seems odd to me he's accorded largesse that (say) Flynn, Redmond or Fulton aren't.

Williamson has played innings that Flynn etc. have shown themselves utterly incapable of doing (especially his match saving 100 v SA last year). He's also very young, younger still than Taylor or Ryder were when they debuted. Finally, he's a specialist number 3 bat, with a relatively good technique, that makes piles and piles of runs in domestic cricket. We don't really have any more of those.

[BoyBrumby]

Why was I under the impression that Smitteh had retired from ODI's? Should be captain if he's playing.

Guess it's part of the grooming process for ABCDeV to take over the test captaincy when the tubby lardster finally succumbs to that fatal diarrhea blow-back.

[Bahnz]

Really loving being able to watch this with sound effects but no commentary. Wish there was an option to switch the commentary off all the time.

[Prensel]

Drops it then appeals?

[straw man]

did McCullum edge that?

[Mike5181]

I'm just gonna say it: I don't get the Williamson love.

In the NZ D&G thread he's more or less given a free pass and in most posters' XIs.

Seems to be a deeply flawed batsman and, whilst admittedly NZ aren't overburdened with world class bats, it seems odd to me he's accorded largesse that (say) Flynn, Redmond or Fulton aren't.

Whilst guys like Nicol are in the team, Williamson can have as many **** innings as he wants. We just can't afford to drop him. He probably averages 15 more than Redmond in NZ first-class, 25 more in OD domestic stuff, and is eleven years younger. So it's understandable he gets more chances to find his feet at international level. Williamson's shown glimpses of his talent. He has five international centuries, and has played just a few more games than Flynn who has none. Fulton only has one, and has played even more games.