*Official* New Zealand tour of Ireland and England 2026

[Skyliner]

We’re looking at the probability of a fair bit of time being lost due to inclement weather. When play is happening, it looks like it’ll be under overcast skies. The humidity is apparently 85% right now in London.
This looks like a scenario similar to the WTC Final in 2021 at Southampton. We went into that match with a similarly dodgy weather forecast and picked 4 front-line seamers & CDG = 5 seamers total. NZ didn’t bowl a single over of spin. I don’t expect us to go that extreme but I do fully expect to see 4 seamers plus GP named.

 

[thierry henry]

The ideal guy to do that is of course Duffy. But he went ahead and started a family. Disgraceful behaviour IMO.

Unironically deranged timing from Duffy to do this now after 14-odd years of trying to and finally cementing his spot.

 

[hendrix]

The other concern I have is slip catching, and fielding in general.

Who's at third slip?

Conway? Ravindra? Doesn't feel as reliable as Southee's buckets.

Another reason I think Smith has to play ahead of Jamieson.

 

[ataraxia]

The other concern I have is slip catching, and fielding in general.

Who's at third slip?

Conway? Ravindra? Doesn't feel as reliable as Southee's buckets.

Another reason I think Smith has to play ahead of Jamieson.

Williamson was at third slip in the Ireland test. (He should be at first and Smith at third.)

 

[honestbharani]

so @RossTaylorsBox had the wrong great Kiwi batter in his username all along

 

[hendrix]

Williamson was at third slip in the Ireland test. (He should be at first and Smith at third.)

I think Mitchell is at first which is good. Latham at second.

yeah actually, williamson at third is not bad.

 

[ataraxia]

I think Mitchell is at first which is good.

🪣

 

[Skyliner]

Ben Stokes’ neck extension surgery went well.

 

[Molehill]

We’re looking at the probability of a fair bit of time being lost due to inclement weather. When play is happening, it looks like it’ll be under overcast skies. The humidity is apparently 85% right now in London.
This looks like a scenario similar to the WTC Final in 2021 at Southampton. We went into that match with a similarly dodgy weather forecast and picked 4 front-line seamers & CDG = 5 seamers total. NZ didn’t bowl a single over of spin. I don’t expect us to go that extreme but I do fully expect to see 4 seamers plus GP named.

Yeah, given the forecast I'm not sure why England would pick Bashir, especially when they have both Root and Bethell available if a little spin is required. Unless there's significant life in the pitch, I'm struggling to see how they force a result this week (Saturday and Monday look the worst days).

 

[Zinzan]

The other concern I have is slip catching, and fielding in general.

Who's at third slip?

Conway? Ravindra? Doesn't feel as reliable as Southee's buckets.

Another reason I think Smith has to play ahead of Jamieson.

Southee was a fairly average hit & miss slipper truth be told, notwithstanding the odd stunner I recall.

 

[hendrix]

Southee was a fairly average hit & miss slipper truth be told, notwithstanding the odd stunner I recall.

funny how we have completely different memories. Always felt he was very reliable, frankly anywhere in the field, but particularly in the slips.

 

[Neil Young]

Bashir

Now you've gone and done it... 16 wickets at Lord's incoming.

For my own reasons, I'd rather live in NZ, but the English summer is great, particularly when NZ cricket is touring, and even more particularly when I'm going along to watch.

 

[Yeoman]

I think three days minimum will be affected by weather but depends if they want five right arm seamers. I'd pick a spinner if Stokes can bowl but would not have picked Bashir.

Given the weather and likely overhead conditions I would give serious thought to six batsmen and four seamers with Root and Bethell to bowl any spin that is needed.

This won't happen however.

 

[Nas207]

Picking Bashir seems mad. Which means it will probably happen

 

[chris.hinton]

Bashir is improving. Baker bowls with real pace. Gay will be a fine opener

WE ARE BACK

 

[Apex Predator]

Bashir is improving. Baker bowls with real pace. Gay will be a fine opener

WE ARE BACK

How quick is Sonny baker? Can he bowl upto 90mph

 

[Molehill]

How quick is Sonny baker? Can he bowl upto 90mph

Yes he can. But now ask how accurate he is..........

 

[kevinw]

Yes he can. But now ask how accurate he is..........

He's in great form. If you're going to pick him it should be now.

 

[shortpitched713]

I think everyone is ignoring the real issue here.

Which is Emilio Gay being a member of the upper class bourgeoisie continuation of England openers, having gone to the same Bedford school as so called "sir" alistair cook.

☭

 

[Hungry Llama]

Hardly any state schools seem to play cricket anymore, generally seen as elitist sport, so a working class hero to rescue england is unlikely.

Cheapest ticket for the Lords test when i looked is £90 adult, £30 under 16. maybe that seems cheap to footy fans going to the USA WC, but i remember paying £12 to see the ashes in 1985. Accounting for inflation that would £38 now.