Flem274*
123/5
Yeah it is a fair enough descision, both had strong cases and I'm quite happy for a change I'm not a selector. On one hand Flynn has more experience but he could also be qeue (go away Kiwi and Rich you spelling nazis) jumping in a way in terms of runs scored.It's not so much the batting at McClean park (I'm well aware that it's not always a complete batting paradise), but rather the state of the pitch in the matches where he scored hundreds. The conditions were hardly testing for batsmen.
http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/newzealand/engine/match/305055.html
http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/newzealanddomestic/engine/match/305057.html
The match were he scored two 90's was impressive, but the pitch was hardly a minefield, and Greg Todd managed the same thing (only better) in a match against Wellington on a tough pitch. And it should also be said that Flynn scored a hundred in the same match.
http://content-nz.cricinfo.com/newzealand/engine/match/305051.html
And as for that 23, while it's hardly anything to gloat about, he also batted longer than anyone else, and against a rampant Andre Adams too, showing his ability to stick things out in tough conditions. Flynn also has the advantage of being a Lefty, and that added variation in the top order is always handy. Yes, they probably both deserved a trip, but given the necessity of including Hopkins and a couple of back up bowlers, the selectors were always going to be squeezed for space, and I reckon they made a pretty good decision.
What will interest me is where Hay bats for NZ A (I'm assuming he will go, if he doesn't that will be a big surprise). Mark Greatbatch won't shut up about how Hay could be an opener, personally I'm against the opening idea, definitely this early in his career anyway. I seem to remember our other possible opening converts were called Lou Vincent, Mathew Sinclair and Peter Fulton. Can't recall the idea working either..
If I may I'd like to ask peoples opinions on the contracts due to be announced? This thread seems as good as any to discuss them in. Its 20 players right? In that case my picks:
Batsmen (9)
How
Taylor
Fulton
Styris
Hay
Flynn
Ryder
Nicol
Redmond (not covinced of him though)
Bowlers (9)
Vettori
Franklin
Mills
Martin
Southee
Patel
Mason
Gillespie
Burtt
Wicketkeeper (1)
McCullum
Allrounder (1)
Oram