It seems the NZ test openers dilemma we've been debating on CW has pretty much been resolved.
Firstly, Fleming says in a Sunday newspaper "it's up to the selectors, but I want to open".
Then Bracewell starts talking this afternoon about getting Papps ready "for the test matches" -
http://www.radiosport.co.nz/ThisWeek/41615.wma (4:10 in)
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Bracewell also mentioned that Sinclair needs to be shielded from the Aussie attack before his confidence is destroyed and "we lose him completely for the summer".
Jeez Braces, has dominating lesser attacks ever helped Sinclair get ready for world-class bowlers in the past? How naive are you? It's a bit like saying Graeme Hick needs some more county cricket to build up his self-esteem. Surely what you actually meant was "Sinclair won't be playing the AUS tests, so let's get Papps up to speed now".
I'm really looking forward to Lee v. Papps, especially on any surface that is remotely quick. Trust me, there will be several Proteas (who completely rubbished Papps when they were here) watching the highlights and fully expecting to see cricket's version of a car accident.
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I still can't figure out what happened to Wilson. He went from a high 130's back-of-a-length bowler to bowling gentle half-volleys with McCullum standing up. Why?
He either choked and actually chose this method (sort of like a tennis player just trying to get a second serve in), or the brains trust ordered him to bowl third-change and attempt to fill Scott Styris' shoes.
If that was the case, Fleming and Bracewell completely misread his skills. Wilson was our fastest bowler last month, doesn't have much of a slower ball and was clearly suited to hitting the deck hard, so why have him bowling third-change with the keeper up? That's just bizarre.
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Sadly my worst fears about Tuffey on dry surfaces are coming true, and it's good to hear the commentators starting to focus on his scrambled seam problem.
If I was Bracewell I'd put him out of his misery right now for the rest of the season (with the belters they've had at McLean Park and the Basin this summer it'll probably only get worse). I presume this faith Bracewell is showing him means Tuffey will be "spearheading" us in all five tests this autumn whether we like it or not, and he'll just keep bowling and bowling him until something clicks, a bit like the way Vettori returned to form.
