2nd Test - England v New Zealand (May 29 - June 2)

[yuppie]

Still 3 recognized bats left, and there must be some rain on the way, surely.

Just looked at the forecast, there isn't any sadly.

5 wickets, or 66 overs it is then.

Well played to Cook so far. He just needs someone to stay with him for a few hours.....

[budgetmeansbudget]

Yes, the Captain is certainly leading by example.

[sussexpob]

Stokes contribution in this game. 1/130... 35 runs.
The new Flintoff... just in 2009 when he lost his eye and could barely walk anymore

Yes we'll replace him with Jordan who averaged 13 with the bat and 42 with the ball in the West Indies.

1. I said when he was picked for the international team it was a season too early, and that he had a lot to prove still.
2. I have argued with people at the same time about his inability to bat..... calling him an allrounder is an insult to the term, he has no FC 100, and can only bat by slogging.
3. I would have dropped him long before he won the Sri Lanka ODI match on his own, and didn't take much of that performance into account.
4. I bemoaned the fact that Rashid wasn't playing over him in the West Indies.

Jordan should be far off the radar unless his county form can be maintained long enough to prove something. Not sure why you are bringing him up, I hardly ever have let county preference cloud my judgement over England selection.

[ntini77]

Isn't Surrey's Jason Roy a contender for the number six spot?

[sussexpob]

In fact, I would pick a fully fit Shehzad and Oli Robinson over Jordan at the moment..... but all three have no chance

[budgetmeansbudget]

Would Rashid being considered as a specialised spinner or an all rounder or a spinner who can bat a bit.

What is Ali classed as, a batter who can bowl a bit or an all rounder?

I get confused.

[andy]

Rashid is an all-round spinner IMO... whereas Moeen is a batsman who can bowl..... Rashid needed a run in the carribean,

[westoelad]

Stokes contribution in this game. 1/130... 35 runs.
The new Flintoff... just in 2009 when he lost his eye and could barely walk anymore

Yes we'll replace him with Jordan who averaged 13 with the bat and 42 with the ball in the West Indies.

1. I said when he was picked for the international team it was a season too early, and that he had a lot to prove still.
2. I have argued with people at the same time about his inability to bat..... calling him an allrounder is an insult to the term, he has no FC 100, and can only bat by slogging.
3. I would have dropped him long before he won the Sri Lanka ODI match on his own, and didn't take much of that performance into account.
4. I bemoaned the fact that Rashid wasn't playing over him in the West Indies.

Jordan should be far off the radar unless his county form can be maintained long enough to prove something. Not sure why you are bringing him up, I hardly ever have let county preference cloud my judgement over England selection.

Jordan was named in the 12 for the 1st test so I assume he hasn't been discarded by England. Stokes is a developing England cricketer,particularly his bowling and far from the finished product but has delivered with both bat and ball. There Seems little point in ridiculing him when there's no alternative.

[sussexpob]

Stokes contribution in this game. 1/130... 35 runs.
The new Flintoff... just in 2009 when he lost his eye and could barely walk anymore

Yes we'll replace him with Jordan who averaged 13 with the bat and 42 with the ball in the West Indies.

1. I said when he was picked for the international team it was a season too early, and that he had a lot to prove still.
2. I have argued with people at the same time about his inability to bat..... calling him an allrounder is an insult to the term, he has no FC 100, and can only bat by slogging.
3. I would have dropped him long before he won the Sri Lanka ODI match on his own, and didn't take much of that performance into account.
4. I bemoaned the fact that Rashid wasn't playing over him in the West Indies.

Jordan should be far off the radar unless his county form can be maintained long enough to prove something. Not sure why you are bringing him up, I hardly ever have let county preference cloud my judgement over England selection.

Jordan was named in the 12 for the 1st test so I assume he hasn't been discarded by England. Stokes is a developing England cricketer,particularly his bowling and far from the finished product but has delivered with both bat and ball. There Seems little point in ridiculing him when there's no alternative.

I don't want an alternative, I want a proper spinner in the team and for Ali to bat at 6!

[Aidan11]

I have finished exploding.

[Gingerfinch]

I have finished exploding.

[The Waugh Twins]

Yes there really are few good spinners in the world at present. I'm surprised that kids around when Warne and Murali and co were playing are not emerging onto the scene.

Everyone wants to bat now, just like everyone wants to be a center forward.

[Aidan11]

TMS saying only 2127 spectators at the ground today.

[The Waugh Twins]

TMS saying only 2127 spectators at the ground today.

Wow, what a shame that some more dads can't take the day off and take their kids for free. Mind you it looks bloody cold there.

[The Waugh Twins]

The pitch doesn't seem to be acting up like it was at the end of day three, although I've only been watching since after lunch.