Australia look to bounce back with ball
By AAP, 21 Nov 2008
- Tagged:
- Andrew Symonds, Black Caps, Daniel Vettori, first Test, Jason Krejza, Michael Clarke, Mitchell Johnson, New Zealand, Shane Watson, Stuart Clark
New Zealand will receive a true test of their giant-killing potential when their batsmen respond to Australia’s sub-par 214 on a Gabba greentop on day two of the first Test.
The Black Caps will resume at 0-7 on Friday morning after openers Jamie How and Aaron Redmond weathered a five-over burst late on day one before bad light stopped play.
While the tourists, ranked No.7 in the world, were well pleased to have rolled the No.1 ranked hosts for 214, Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke rated it a competitive total.
Clarke, who played a streaky lone hand for 98, also predicted the going was only going to get harder for the batsmen on a pitch which is giving great bounce and sideways movement.
It was a far cry from the conditions the Australians experienced in the four-Test series loss in India over the past six weeks.
“There was a bit more grass on the wicket than we’ve been used to but at the end of the day 214 on the board is a pretty positive day,” Clarke said on Thursday night.
“You would like 350 every day you bat but after getting sent in we can certainly take some positives out of that.
“There’s certainly some seam there and the new ball will be crucial for us tomorrow.
“Through the match the new ball will be hard to bat against and once we get this first wicket I think you’ll find we get a bit of a roll-on and hopefully get into the Kiwis’ middle-order.”
Australia boast a five-man pace bowling attack with all-rounders Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds able to support Brett Lee, Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson.
Watson won a close call to play ahead of off-spinner Jason Krejza, who took 12 wickets in the last Test in India.
Clarke said Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori’s limited role with the ball on day one showed it was going to be a tough game for the spinners to excel.
“He only bowled a handful of overs and he used five seam bowlers,” he said.
“We were probably preparing for that as well if we won the toss and bowled.
“Being in good form in India I’d imagine Watto will bowl really well out there.”
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November 21st 2008 @ 6:30am
LeftArmSpinner said | November 21st 2008 @ 6:30am | Report comment
It will be interesting as to how the Aussies bowl. Sure there will still be that extra bounce of GAbba wickets, given the green tinge but the Swing gained and used so effectively by the Black Caps may be gone!!!
Lets hope that we dont get into the same problems with over rates. everyone has to manage over rates, starting from the U8′s, even if it is just stressed parents pressuring the coach to finish on time to get “little Johnny” to his next activity!!!
But, I also genuinely hope that Bing gets at least three wickets to get to 300 test wickets. he is the epitome of a true sportsman. He does the hardest job, day in and day out. It is truly remarkable that he has acheived so many wickets, in a team with Warne and McGrath also vying for for wickets.
He is a true gentleman, dedicated sportsman and role model. My sons have learnt to smile “knowingly” rather than get the hump when a ball is close but not out! Much more psychologically effective and subtle!!!!
November 21st 2008 @ 7:50am
Nick (KIA) said | November 21st 2008 @ 7:50am | Report comment
I’m a Kiwi, and I’m completely confident in the Black Caps ability to lose the test from this position. Our batting is woeful at the moment.
Having said that, if Ryder, Taylor, McCullum and Vettori can all fire we could get some runs. Will need at least 150 lead to have any show.
November 21st 2008 @ 2:14pm
Nick (KIA) said | November 21st 2008 @ 2:14pm | Report comment
156 all out.
As I said elsewhere, Aus to win by about 150.