SL tour of NZ, Dec 3 - Jan 10

[Alviro Patterson]

BJ Watling started to play his shots prior to the blockathon, winning the game for New Zealand with a sweep shot.

Just a shame the game didn't go into Day 5, the pitch had something in it for the spinners.

[bigfluffylemon]

Superb from KW - what a year he's had.

[Alviro Patterson]

Kane Williamson ranked number 1 test batsman

Though possibly shortlived with England playing South Africa on Boxing Day and to a lesser extent, Australia playing West Indies.

[braveneutral]

A Yorkshire 1-2.

[Alviro Patterson]

A Yorkshire 1-2.

Probably very unlikely due to the IPL and international call ups, but I would love to see Joe Root and Kane Williamson bat together for Yorkshire next year.

[bigfluffylemon]

Kane Williamson ranked number 1 test batsman

Though possibly shortlived with England playing South Africa on Boxing Day and to a lesser extent, Australia playing West Indies.

I thought the ranking points given to batsmen were weighted based on the quality of the bowling attack. Surely the Australian players cannot be awarded too many points from taking apart this West Indies line up?

[Alviro Patterson]

Kane Williamson ranked number 1 test batsman

Though possibly shortlived with England playing South Africa on Boxing Day and to a lesser extent, Australia playing West Indies.

I thought the ranking points given to batsmen were weighted based on the quality of the bowling attack. Surely the Australian players cannot be awarded too many points from taking apart this West Indies line up?

Given the way Australia have batted at home in the last few weeks, a double century plus from Warner or Smith might be enough if Joe Root and AB De Villiers fail with the bat. Sri Lanka are only one place above West Indies and Williamson racked up 111 ranking points for his 88, 71 and 108*, though 2nd innnings scores and a not out are worth more points wise.

[The Professor]

Sri Lanka should take heart from their display at times in this match. Their opening partnership, the batting of Chandimal and the bowling of Chameera was impressive.

[mikesiva]

Sri Lanka should take heart from their display at times in this match. Their opening partnership, the batting of Chandimal and the bowling of Chameera was impressive.

Chameera....

[braveneutral]

A Yorkshire 1-2.

Probably very unlikely due to the IPL and international call ups, but I would love to see Joe Root and Kane Williamson bat together for Yorkshire next year.

They could be devastating together.

[dan08]

McCullum will announce his retirement from Test cricket later today. The Australia series is expected to be his last.

[dan08]

McCullum will announce his retirement from Test cricket later today. The Australia series is expected to be his last.

All internationals actually.

[dan08]

Seems stupid to retire right before the World T20. Couldn't he wait another month?

[Alviro Patterson]

http://www.blackcaps.co.nz/news-items/b ... -to-retire

Surprised B.Mac didn't fancy one final crack in leading New Zealand to World T20 glory. Fair play to him in making an announcement now rather than unsettle the team come the tournament.

[Arthur Crabtree]

He'll be missed, I think.