**Official** England in New Zealand

[Athlai]

Mills!!!

 

[Richard]

End of an England win? Unless Pietersen bats through, perhaps.

Only once Pietersen's gone could we rule it out, IMO.

His 1st ball really bounces. Vaughan didn't seem happy with the decision, but it was pretty plumb for mine, and HawkEye looks good.

 

[Pratters]

I'm certainly not confident of our chances - as I've said several times and as even Pietersen has said this morning - this surface is exceptionally difficult to force the pace on, especially against a spinner of the calibre of Vettori.

But I do think we have a chance. Draw favourite, followed marginally by New Zealand, followed by us.

The run rates right through the game make me less confident of a win for England. The pitch isn't that bad but it is not easy to get on top of the bowling. Plus, the approach of England counter attacking makes me even less confident.

I would say:

55% New Zealand
44.9% Draw
.1% England

Sorry...

 

[PY]

Well. I think you could safely say that it is favourite for a NZ win now.

 

[Richard]

The run rates right through the game make me less confident of a win for England. The pitch isn't that bad but it is not easy to get on top of the bowling. Plus, the approach of England counter attacking makes me even less confident.

I would say:

55% New Zealand
44.9% England
.1% Draw

Sorry...

Certainly, if we keep playing the same way, the draw is a very small chance indeed.

But I hope we'll have the brains to shut-up shop if wickets start tumbling. And if we do, I reckon we can still survive. Though obviously Vaughan's wicket had nothing to do with intent.

 

[chalky]

End of an England win? Unless Pietersen bats through, perhaps.

Yeah time to consolidate one feels can't afford any more wickets before lunch.

 

[33/3from3.3]

Yes, got 'im, piss off, you're out!

 

[Athlai]

Oh and to the question about Patel. I believe its just a nickname to emphasise the fact Jeetan is not your average name. So he's been christened Dave by Baz.

 

[Richard]

Yes, got 'im, piss off, you're out!

What is this?! Gundry in an *Official* tour thread?

 

[Pratters]

Certainly, if we keep playing the same way, the draw is a very small chance indeed.

But I hope we'll have the brains to shut-up shop if wickets start tumbling. And if we do, I reckon we can still survive. Though obviously Vaughan's wicket had nothing to do with intent.

Actually it was a typo.

More like England .1% and draw 44.9% for me (was before the fall of the second wicket).

 

[Richard]

Oh and to the question about Patel. I believe its just a nickname to emphasise the fact Jeetan is not your average name. So he's been christened Dave by Baz.

Unlike "Baz" himself and "George" Hogg. More like Fardin "Bob" Qayyumi.

Bloody hell, that one bounced on KPP.

 

[chalky]

Good bouncer by Martn, Pietersen didn't have a clue & now not getting forward to the good lengh balls. He looks in a bit of trouble here.

 

[Richard]

FFS, Pietersen looking rattled now. Swishing with no feet at one outside off. The very opposite of what we've come to love from him.

 

[Richard]

Strauss gone as well! Mills again!!!!!!!!!!

This is going down the pan before long!

Don't think me and George are going to need to worry about staying up too late.

 

[chalky]

I think England need to take the attitude of not losing this this game first if they are in a position to try for a win later in the day all the better if not so be it.

Edit Strauss gone in all sorts of trouble now.

 

[Jungle Jumbo]

Don't think me and George are going to need to worry about staying up too late.

Nah, it'll be over an hour after lunch the way it's going.

 

[Richard]

That was a cracking delivery from Mills this time, and a good catch from McCullum. EDIT: actually, he almost dropped that. Got his feet stuck, too.

OK, hands-up - who was backing Mills to put NZ in a position for victory an hour ago?

 

[chalky]

I've got the feeling we are going to be relying on our lower to save us later on.
Get ready for Monty & Hoggy to bat out the last few overs.

 

[Athlai]

I was.

 

[Richard]

Mills again!!!!!!!!!!!! Pietersen gone.

Can't see NZ not winning this now.