New Zealand Off Season 2014

[Flem274*]

That's a pretty reasonable squad. Is Bennett alive or dead? He's been pretty good whenever fit. Wouldn't be surprised if he missed the squad entirely or started every game.

 

[Bahnz]

Ideally, Vettori's batting would still be good enough to bat him at 6/7, then we could squeeze him and NcCullum into the same team, with Watling up the top of the order, and Anderson floating somewhere between 5 and 7 depending on the circumstances. However, having played almost no competitive cricket in the last 2 years, I suspect that Vettori's batting is probably not much better than it was when he made his debut as an 18 year old.

 

[BeeGee]

Mills is so good.

McClenaghan... not so much.

 

[hendrix]

Henry sounds like he's bowling a bit short. Hopefully just a few cobwebs.

 

[Bahnz]

Scotland are well on their way here. This could be hilarious.

 

[hendrix]

The middle overs strangle is looking unimaginative, innocuous and ill-advised with NcCullum and Vettori not exactly being properly played in.

Still, it's one of the things we need to check up on.

I do want to see Anderson given proper overs. They might be working on his death bowling.

 

[Mike5181]

Vettori's bowling better than NMac. That's a plus at least. Not that I dislike Matress, I just think with Williamson out, we need someone who can legitimately average 30-35 with the ball, and keep the runs down.

I said it a year ago, but if it came down to it - I'd have Henry over McClenaghan in an ODI side.

 

[hendrix]

This will sound weird but I almost want Sodhi there. It would be good to have someone actually take wickets in the middle overs.

 

[ohnoitsyou]

NZA did a much better job, in foreign conditions too

 

[BeeGee]

Machan has paced this chase perfectly.

 

[BeeGee]

Bad luck, but well done to the Scots.

 

[Bahnz]

Now that is what you call a close shave.

 

[BeeGee]

Ideally, Vettori's batting would still be good enough to bat him at 6/7, then we could squeeze him and NcCullum into the same team, with Watling up the top of the order, and Anderson floating somewhere between 5 and 7 depending on the circumstances. However, having played almost no competitive cricket in the last 2 years, I suspect that Vettori's batting is probably not much better than it was when he made his debut as an 18 year old.

Yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing an XI something like this:

Guptill
Williamson
Taylor
McCullum*
Anderson
Watling†
Vettori
Southee
NcCullum
Mills
Henry

There would be pressure on Vettori to deliver with the bat, but the fact that our bowlers can hold a bat makes this mix possible. Neesham or Mclenaghan could replace NcCullum based on the pitch or form.

The experiment with Neesham opening will be interesting. It would be awesome if it did come off, but I don't have high hopes. It just seems like a continuation of the ongoing attempt to get a bowler/allrounder to open the innings, like Vettori and Mills tried previously.

 

[Mixmasterreece]

Yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing an XI something like this:

Guptill
Williamson
Taylor
McCullum*
Anderson
Watling†
Vettori
Southee
NcCullum
Mills
Henry
.

Anderson batting at #5 does seem a little weak. I would be surprised to see him bat higher than 6 and to see no Latham.

 

[hendrix]

Yeah if you're going to play both NcCullum and Vettori you pick a batsman over Anderson.

I don't think they both should play though. Better to hammer Neesham and Anderson at the middle overs role between now and the world cup until we know they can deliver.

 

[RxGM]

Vettori's bowling better than NMac. That's a plus at least. Not that I dislike Matress, I just think with Williamson out, we need someone who can legitimately average 30-35 with the ball, and keep the runs down.

I said it a year ago, but if it came down to it - I'd have Henry over McClenaghan in an ODI side.

Williamson might very well be back in time for WC, I think I heard hesson say that he was in aussie recently for unofficial testing and dependent on results will go for full testing.

 

[BeeGee]

I don't think they both should play though. Better to hammer Neesham and Anderson at the middle overs role between now and the world cup until we know they can deliver.

I'm confident Anderson can do a job with the ball. I'm far less confident about Neesham's bowling. We shall see.

 

[hendrix]

I'm not sure why we're expecting Williamson to be a high enough quality 6th bowler after a complete overhaul of his action.

 

[BeeGee]

Williamson might very well be back in time for WC, I think I heard hesson say that he was in aussie recently for unofficial testing and dependent on results will go for full testing.

That would be great to have the extra bowling option, but honestly Williamson's bowling in ODIs it pretty ordinary. Unless his re-modeled action has made him a better bowler, but that would take a miracle.

Maybe he could bowl with his left arm.

 

[Bahnz]

Taylor and Milne ruled out of Proteas series | Stuff.co.nz