The Adelaide Test and the sub-plots within
November 28, 2008
The current test at Adelaide is typical of a sporting encounter that, in itself, is no momentous occasion but has some very significant sub-plots.
Judging by the Aussie media which probably reflects the thoughts of most of the Baggy Greens' fan-base as well, the Black Caps are seen as not much more than an easy beat entree to the main courses that follow throughout summer.
That obviously grates with passionate fans here like myself, but if we all swallow a couple of honesty pills, I think you'll agree that the Aussies' attitude is entirely justifiable - if for no other reason than the mostly puny New Zealanders' batting, especially in their first innings in the Gabba test.
On a wicket that certainly gave the quicks a boost but was no minefield, the Black Caps' first-up knock of 150-odd was often pitiful.
But onwards and hopefully upwards. There is no more batting-friendly a wicket on this planet than at Adelaide and that at least should see the confidence of our upper order take on that of a reasonably talented, international line-up.
That aside, as I've referred to, this test contains other intriguing side issues. In regards to the Black Caps, there are posers that will be answered such as will the Black Caps find the resolve to send John Bracewell off with at least a well-earned draw if not a Kiwis-like upset win?
Will either or both of the openers produce enough mettle and skill to neutralise yet another claim from Matthew Bell?
Will Brendon McCullum prove that the No.7 jacket will always be a much better fit overall than any with a lower number?
And will Daniel Flynn continue to show that, by my reckoning, he is the most substantial batting prospect of the current crop of young guns wearing the black cap?
There are similar issues to be resolved in terms of intrigue surrounding the Aussies.
Will Matthew Hayden prove to his demanding audience that the final curtain is truly beginning to descend or will stay aloft for a while yet?
Will Brad Haddin improve his recent disappointing skills to at least convince his critics that he is still worthy of wearing the gloves of his glittering predecessor?
Will the selection of Nathan Hauritz over his senior, spinning NSW team-mate, Beau Casson, making Hauritz the sixth spinner trialled since the departure of the mighty Shane Warne, prove a rash choice?
And will Andrew Symonds pull his rasta head in both on and off the field to allay gathering fears that he is just as big a bozo as he is a talented all-rounder?
We fans await the answers to all these questions as they are less predictable than I fear the result is.
A final observation I have this blog ponders the ramifications from a cricketing perspective on the murderous rampage in Mumbai. As surely as it will curb tourism as intended, it may well put a hand-brake on all of the lucrative 20/20 activities planned for the short-term.
What troubled times beset us all. I'd like your thoughts on any or all of the above please.
Judging by the Aussie media which probably reflects the thoughts of most of the Baggy Greens' fan-base as well, the Black Caps are seen as not much more than an easy beat entree to the main courses that follow throughout summer.
That obviously grates with passionate fans here like myself, but if we all swallow a couple of honesty pills, I think you'll agree that the Aussies' attitude is entirely justifiable - if for no other reason than the mostly puny New Zealanders' batting, especially in their first innings in the Gabba test.
On a wicket that certainly gave the quicks a boost but was no minefield, the Black Caps' first-up knock of 150-odd was often pitiful.
But onwards and hopefully upwards. There is no more batting-friendly a wicket on this planet than at Adelaide and that at least should see the confidence of our upper order take on that of a reasonably talented, international line-up.
That aside, as I've referred to, this test contains other intriguing side issues. In regards to the Black Caps, there are posers that will be answered such as will the Black Caps find the resolve to send John Bracewell off with at least a well-earned draw if not a Kiwis-like upset win?
Will either or both of the openers produce enough mettle and skill to neutralise yet another claim from Matthew Bell?
Will Brendon McCullum prove that the No.7 jacket will always be a much better fit overall than any with a lower number?
And will Daniel Flynn continue to show that, by my reckoning, he is the most substantial batting prospect of the current crop of young guns wearing the black cap?
There are similar issues to be resolved in terms of intrigue surrounding the Aussies.
Will Matthew Hayden prove to his demanding audience that the final curtain is truly beginning to descend or will stay aloft for a while yet?
Will Brad Haddin improve his recent disappointing skills to at least convince his critics that he is still worthy of wearing the gloves of his glittering predecessor?
Will the selection of Nathan Hauritz over his senior, spinning NSW team-mate, Beau Casson, making Hauritz the sixth spinner trialled since the departure of the mighty Shane Warne, prove a rash choice?
And will Andrew Symonds pull his rasta head in both on and off the field to allay gathering fears that he is just as big a bozo as he is a talented all-rounder?
We fans await the answers to all these questions as they are less predictable than I fear the result is.
A final observation I have this blog ponders the ramifications from a cricketing perspective on the murderous rampage in Mumbai. As surely as it will curb tourism as intended, it may well put a hand-brake on all of the lucrative 20/20 activities planned for the short-term.
What troubled times beset us all. I'd like your thoughts on any or all of the above please.
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