**Official** Chappell-Hadlee Series

NZ are keeping this Required RR under control

Good start by Stephen Fleming, aslong as we don't lose wickets early then it's going to be a good game. Need the openers to stay for 10 overs atleast.

I really think Tait should have been given a couple of overs with the new ball. McGrath's been doing really well at first change, and Tait's always a fair chance to get a wicket or two while the ball is new.

edit: Bracken will do, though.

Fleming goneeee!

Stephen Fleming tried to play the ball in between keeper and first slip but for some reason only manages a knick.

Flem, jeez man.

Interesting that McCullum is listed ahead of McMillan. Please don't tell me NZ Cricket now consider him as an allrounder....as Flem goes. Ugly prod at the ball.

I dont think we can chase anything over 300 with Fleming out and Oram not playing..

Shaun Tait was quoted before this game as saying he's "looking forward to bowling at altitude"

He probably thought the ground was on top of Mt Eden

Vinny

Another failure for the brains trust (Fleming & Bracwell)

Fiery said:

Interesting that McCullum is listed ahead of McMillan. Please don't tell me NZ Cricket now consider him as an allrounder....as Flem goes. Ugly prod at the ball.

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It's not so surprising: McCullum is the better batsman.

It appears that Bracewell's low probability punt on Tuffey is back-firing already. I, and many others, were probably unsurprised by is ordinary form in the last few ODIs; he only had average form for ND prior to selection.

We all saw today how part-time and out-of-form bowlers perform against decent batting, given that it is a good pitch and a small ground. I've said it before and I'll definitely say it again: "Specialists are better for the team than half-assed allrounders; Australia haven't relied on allrounders throughout the last decade, and they're the world champions!"

I couldn't understand Fleming not bringing Gillespie and Bond back after 40 overs. NZ only needed to get a couple of wickets and they would have been into the allrounders - none of whom are big hitters. Instead Fleming allowed Hodge and Hussey (not taking anything away from their excellent batting) to build a massive partnership.

NZ have to go after Tait early here, because if you start to give him confidence, with his pace he will be lethal.

Will Scarlet said:

It's not so surprising: McCullum is the better batsman.

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That's debatable

I'm starting to think that Mike Hussey is the most effective batsman to play the game since Bradman

Damnit, Lou

I agree with Fiery, I think McMillan on a ground like this maybe better, as when he hits a ball it stays hit.

Vincent out, stupid shot.

Not the greatest shot from Vincent, but it makes sense to try and keep it moving. New Zealand were actually in a pretty decent position before that wicket.

Taylor or Styris will need to make a big one now. You wouldn't want McCullum coming in before the 40th over or so, and Fulton might be a bit of a liability with 7 an over needed.

Well, I really can't see us winning it from here. May as well go and do something productive with my day.

/emokiwi.

Tait's bowling really well.