Gillespie isn't in the squad, so it's all academic.
Yeah, his cricket podcast is fantastic listening too.
Unless the pitch looks like Hobart, Bartin will play.
Currently 25th in tests as well.
Yeah, and Chris Martin is still ranked in the top 20 for bowlers, despite having done sfa since 1st test against SA more than a year ago.
Meh, the ratings take into account a player's entire career - though they put more emphasis on what he has done recently. Martin didn't really get destroyed towards the end, like a lot of players do, so he hasn't fallen down the list quickly. Makes sense for him to be in the top 25, at least performance-wise. McCullum was in the 30s the last time I checked, and scoring two 70s against the second best bowling attack in the world has pushed him up the list of best batsmen, even if you disagree with those particular rankings. I don't think they're perfect either.
I can see the value in Butler over Bracewell tbh. Personally my lineup would be Southee, Boult, Butler, Martin, but they won't drop Wagner so I think it should be Southee, Boult, Wagner, Butler. Martin probably won't be that effective in Eden Park where all the batsmen have to do is take half a step down the wicket and hit down the line and even mis-hits will carry easily.
Jimmeh is also not capable of this.
Would love to have one of those very rare innings where two of our batsmen score hundreds and put on a big partnership.
Disagree, Franklin's not good enough at either discipline for test cricket imo. In spite of his natural talent with the bat, he would be get peppered with short bowling by the likes of Finn and Broad and would be a mere passenger with the ball. Useful short-form player, but total waste of time in Test matches these days.
I do, too.
Think you missed the 'If only' part. I agree with that 'if only' - would really help if he could bat six or even seven in this side.... but he can't.
