Once again, the players of whom the selectors have put their faith in to perform have let them down one too many times - this time costing New Zealand defeat on just the 4th day. I'm actually amazed how New Zealand avoided the innings defeat.
First of all, Tim McIntosh. His form as opener must be a huge concern for the selectors with scores of 12 and 0 in the 1st test. Though his 0 could be said as unfortunate considering the edge hit the ground first before making it into the hands of Sachin Tendulkar. But still, he invited the edge and I wonder if McIntosh will be able to handle the Indian pace attack. However, the selectors should give him another chance as it is only his 3rd match and he looks to be a great opener for New Zealand.
Second of all, James Franklin. Everyone has said that he is in superb form and has even been said to be one of the in-form all rounders in the New Zealand domestic season. He has scored centuries for his club and New Zealand A, and to top it off he has taken a few bags of wickets. However, he looks the complete opposite in the test arena, which was well summed up by Matthew from New Zealand:
"Rather depressing that the best allrounder (close to best batsman) in the domestic scene can't buy a wicket and looks completely out of his depth at six. Where to now for the next test? emerging talent kane Williamson?"
It will be interesting to see if the selectors will give him another go. If they truely believe that Franklin is the best all rounder going around in New Zealand, then we should be seeing special things from him in the next game or two. If not, then I guess he'll be going down the same path as Matthew Sinclair.
I can understand Kyle Mills' poor run with the ball in the ODI series considering he is coming back from injury. It seems Mills bowling form gets worse the more games he played - especially evident in this test match. No wonder India made 520. How could you not when Mills is continually offering the same wide half-volleys over by over. Any momentum that New Zealand had with the ball was instantly countered with Mills. Unfortunately, I don't see a place for him in the next game unless they have no replacements.
And the last selection horror for them is Martin Guptill. He is such a talented player that it frustrates me to see him with scores of 14 and 48. The way he played did not show a person out of form/nick but a person who suffers from lapses of concentration. His 14 was a little understandable, a good ball from Khan and it was his debut innings. But there are no excuses for his second innings. He made a brilliant 48 with consisted of 7 fours and a six, until he played a lazy shot to Harbarjan Singh, gifting him a wicket. This is only his first game, so I guess he can be left off the hook this one time.
Players who should be considered in the squad:
Kane Williamson. Looks to be promising with his most recent innings rendering 111 runs.
Jeetan Patel. Took 5 - 61 off 33 overs so is in relatively good form. I don't care how good the Indians are at playing spin, the 1st game showed that if New Zealand seamers ain't getting early wickets, then it's game over for New Zealand.
Jacob Oram. Took 1 - 45 off 15 overs today. Despite his poor form with the bat, he is desperately needed by New Zealand to fill the number 6 role. James Franklin showed that he is not the solution to play the 'Oram' role and failed with both bat and ball.
2 comments:
You have clearly said that the mcintosh's second inning catch hit the ground before reaching hands of tendulkar. How can you be so judgemental. The little master has played his game with great respect and dignity and he was very sure about the catch. The replays were not clear but does'nt mean that you could force you judgement on somebody's dignity.
Sarabjit, the comment I made was made based on the video footage and the comments from the commentators. Sorry to offend you or any Sachin Tendulkar fans.
In future, I will not make such judgemental comments on such things.
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