Dick Rockett
International Vice-Captain
'"They are very good at preparing conditions to suit themselves I think," Smith said of his hosts.'
That's Graeme Smith, guys and dolls. Now I completely disagree with this statement, and although it was dressed up diplomatically, I feel it was a criticism of the way NZ prepares for its home games.
I don't believe that's the case, heres why:
1. NZ Cricket have repeatedly stated that they are trying to move away from the "low, slow" pitches of the past, to tracks that contain more pace and bounce.
2. Last season's India series was an aberration brought about mainly through experiments aimed at getting the results mentioned in point 1, and extremely uncooperative weather. Like it or not, with climate change, these are our summers now.
3. Seam movement is also going to benefit the South Africans, given that their attack, like NZ's, is predominantly comprised of right-arm seamers.
4. What exactly is wrong with seam movement anyway? We can't have nothing but rolled concrete-type pitches on which both sides knock up 500. How about some variety? Test the skills? Come on batters, you love it...
That's Graeme Smith, guys and dolls. Now I completely disagree with this statement, and although it was dressed up diplomatically, I feel it was a criticism of the way NZ prepares for its home games.
I don't believe that's the case, heres why:
1. NZ Cricket have repeatedly stated that they are trying to move away from the "low, slow" pitches of the past, to tracks that contain more pace and bounce.
2. Last season's India series was an aberration brought about mainly through experiments aimed at getting the results mentioned in point 1, and extremely uncooperative weather. Like it or not, with climate change, these are our summers now.
3. Seam movement is also going to benefit the South Africans, given that their attack, like NZ's, is predominantly comprised of right-arm seamers.
4. What exactly is wrong with seam movement anyway? We can't have nothing but rolled concrete-type pitches on which both sides knock up 500. How about some variety? Test the skills? Come on batters, you love it...