Yeah, we really lacked a decent 2nd or 3rd spell from him in each innings.
If he gets consistency back in his game but doesn't take wickets at OT, I'll be a little bit happier. His inability to create any semblance of pressure through dot balls and decent grouping was a big contributor to England scoring more than they should've in both innings.
Overall in Tests? I'd probably be inclined to say yes now.
That's cool, but if he isn't..then..who is? Or are you saying that's still uncertain?
On form definitely. It's only 6 tests, but in the last year, since the WI tour, Boult's taken 28 wickets at 24 compared to Southee's 16 at 47. Now I think Southee's bowled a bit better than those figures would suggest (which can happen with such a small sample size) but there's no doubt that Boult's been the more consistent bowler. I still can't shake the feeling that Southee has more tools for success than Boult overall (height and control-wise) but the wonderful consistency that typified his play during his 2012-2014 renaissance has been sadly absent.
Southee, McClenenenenen and Ol' Man River all have cases. But I think the answer will probably just end up being Boult in a year or two.
Mills is retired.
CPL doesn't see retirement degradation till the season AFTER they retire.
Vettori ftw.
Yup, a lesser bowler would be replaced on the back of those Southee's numbers. Southee & Craig were unquestionably the main culprits in the game getting away from us in England's 2nd innings...
