Only Test: New Zealand v Zimbabwe at Wellington, 26-30 Dec 2000
Ball-by-Ball Commentary
Match State: Match scheduled to start at 12pm local time (2300 GMT)
welcome to the Basin Reserve in Wellington, for this the one-off
National Bank Series Test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe
it's a glorious Wellington day, and a good crowd has built up for
this Boxing Day opening day's play, only a light breeze blowing,
perfect cricket playing and watching conditions
New Zealand have won the toss and elected to bat first on a fair
pitch, which should naturally suit the seamers early and turn
later on
local lad James Franklin has been made 12th man for New Zealand,
while 33 year old all-rounder Angus Mackay is the same for
Zimbabwe
it'll be Heath Streak to open the bowling from the RA Vance Stand
End, with Mark Richardson on strike and Matthew Horne at the non-
striker's end
3 slips, gully, point, mid off, mid on, short leg, long leg in
place for the left handed Richardson facing the right arm over the
wicket Streak
0.1 Streak to Richardson, one run, shortish ball on leg stump, jabs it
away past short leg and New Zealand are underway immediately
0.2 Streak to Horne, no run, shoulders arms to a full and wide ball
outside off stump, jags away sharply off the deck
0.3 Streak to Horne, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, hops on
the crease to firmly control it down to the gully
0.4 Streak to Horne, no run, quick, short rising ball down the leg
side, Horne shoulders arms as it moves away, Flower takes
comfortably high up to the body
0.5 Streak to Horne, legbye: one run, angling down the leg side,
glanced off the pad down to fine leg
0.6 Streak to Richardson, no run, lovely delivery! quick ball rising
from a length, naturally angling away from the left hander, plays
and misses from the crease, a good end to Streak's opening over
End of over 1 (2 runs) New Zealand 2/0
HH Streak 1-0-1-0 - Vance Stand End
MJ Horne 0* (4b) MH Richardson 1* (2b)
it'll be Bryan Strang to open from the Scoreboard End
1.1 Strang to Horne, no run, shortish ball, outside off stump, leaves
well alone
1.2 Strang to Horne, no run, shortish straight ball, forces down into
the off side in defence
1.3 Strang to Horne, one run, short ball outside off stump, Horne jumps
right up to get over it, mistiming a flat batted shot down towards
wide mid off, time for an easy run with the shot
1.4 Strang to Richardson, no run, straight ball, Richardson shuffles
right in behind the line, firmly stroking straight up to mid off
1.5 Strang to Richardson, no run, straight ball just outside off stump,
driven straight up to mid off
1.6 Strang to Richardson, two runs, shortish ball, angling a bit too
far down leg, tucked away through vacant midwicket, easy two runs
on offer
End of over 2 (3 runs) New Zealand 5/0
BC Strang 1-0-3-0 - Scoreboard End
MJ Horne 1* (7b) MH Richardson 3* (5b)
2.1 Streak to Horne, OUT: terrible shot and an early breakthrough for
Zimbabwe, very short rising ball outside off stump, reached a long
way up for it and gets a fair edge through to Flower who takes a
fine catch reaching up high in front of first slip
New Zealand 5/1, Partnership of 5
MJ Horne c Flower b Streak 1 (8b 0x4 0x6)
MH Richardson 3* (5b) HH Streak 1.1-0-1-1
Matthew Sinclair walks to the crease
2.2 Streak to Sinclair, no run, shoulders arms to a full ball well wide
outside off stump
2.3 Streak to Sinclair, no run, good tight ball on off stump, Sinclair
hops on the crease to defend into the off side
2.4 Streak to Sinclair, FOUR, very short ball outside off stump,
Sinclair isn't afraid of going for it early, carving it away
through backward point, standing tall and sending it on its way,
very reminiscent of Sinclair's innings on debut here last year
against the West Indies
... of course, he made 214 on that occasion
2.5 Streak to Sinclair, one run, nudged away wide of mid on, well
placed for an easy single with the shot
2.6 Streak to Richardson, one run, tapped up towards cover, Sinclair
backs up eagerly and has to scoot back as the fielder pounces,
firing down the stumps at the bowler's end, but he was well home,
and concedes the single from the ricochet straight down the ground
End of over 3 (6 runs) New Zealand 11/1
HH Streak 2-0-7-1 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 4* (6b) MS Sinclair 5* (4b 1x4)
3.1 Strang to Richardson, no run, good shortish ball, defends down in
close on the leg side to the man under the helmet on the bounce
3.2 Strang to Richardson, no run, short straight ball, defends down
from a height back into the pitch
3.3 Strang to Richardson, no run, good length ball but angling on leg
stump, defends down to short leg, quickly spins around to put the
bat into the crease before there's a hint of a reflex flick back
on to the stumps
3.4 Strang to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
3.5 Strang to Richardson, two runs, overpitched on his legs, neatly
whipped away low in the air past the falling short leg man, time
for an easy two as mid on's across to field
3.6 Strang to Richardson, no run, shoulders arms to a full ball well
outside off stump
End of over 4 (2 runs) New Zealand 13/1
BC Strang 2-0-5-0 - Scoreboard End
MS Sinclair 5* (4b 1x4) MH Richardson 6* (12b)
4.1 Streak to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
defends down into the ground towards point
4.2 Streak to Sinclair, no run, straight ball, no movement, but it's on
leg stump, defends down towards midwicket, short leg scurries back
after it
4.3 Streak to Sinclair, no run, straight ball, shuffles across the
crease to defend down in close on the leg side
4.4 Streak to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball, stands tall on the
crease to defend down to mid off
4.5 Streak to Sinclair, no run, super ball on a good length, fired
through quicker and seaming back sharply, tucks Sinclair well up,
hopping on the crease and taken high on the pad, rebounds down
into the slips
4.6 Streak to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends
down into the off side
End of over 5 (maiden) New Zealand 13/1
HH Streak 3-1-7-1 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 6* (12b) MS Sinclair 5* (10b 1x4)
Strang pulls out of his run-up, probably not for the first time
today either, as he'll be expected to do a lot of grunt work into
this strengthening Wellington wind
5.1 Strang to Richardson, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
hangs the bat well back out of the way, leaving through to the
keeper
5.2 Strang to Richardson, no run, stretching forward to a good length
ball, leaves well alone, shouldering arms over the top of it
5.3 Strang to Richardson, no run, short ball outside off stump, cuts
and misses from the crease, not getting into the right position on
the crease, climbed too much on him to play it
5.4 Strang to Richardson, two runs, this time he gets a better looking
shot away, cut down through cover point, not well timed but enough
on it for an easy couple
5.5 Strang to Richardson, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
defends straight down to point
5.6 Strang to Richardson, no run, drawn forward in defence to a fuller
ball outside off stump, drops it down in close on the off side
End of over 6 (2 runs) New Zealand 15/1
BC Strang 3-0-7-0 - Scoreboard End
MS Sinclair 5* (10b 1x4) MH Richardson 8* (18b)
6.1 Streak to Sinclair, no run, good short ball on off stump, forced
down from a height, defending to cover point
6.2 Streak to Sinclair, FOUR, short ball outside off stump, Sinclair
gets over the top of another one, sending it down past the diving
gully man, and all the way to the vacant third man boundary
Streak quickly realises Sinclair's strength, and shifts a slip out
into a second gully position
6.3 Streak to Sinclair, no run, straight ball outside off stump,
shoulders arms
6.4 Streak to Sinclair, no run, good quick ball pushed through, seams
back a fair way, taking Sinclair on the knee roll, arms in the air
briefly but Streak realises it's going well down leg
6.5 Streak to Sinclair, no run, full ball outside off stump, shoulders
arms, good carry through to Flower who takes fairly high up
6.6 Streak to Sinclair, no run, good delivery on off stump, shaping
slightly away, Sinclair watchfully stands solid on the crease in
defence down in close on the off side
End of over 7 (4 runs) New Zealand 19/1
HH Streak 4-1-11-1 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 8* (18b) MS Sinclair 9* (16b 2x4)
7.1 Strang to Richardson, two runs, overpitched, super straight drive
back past the bowler on the leg side of the pitch, again
Richardson sacrifices power for placement and there's only enough
for a couple with mid on hurrying after it
Strang pulls out of his run-up for a second time
7.2 Strang to Richardson, no run, full ball outside off stump, quickly
on to the front foot, mistiming a drive straight up to mid off
7.3 Strang to Richardson, no run, stretching forward outside off stump,
shoulders arms over the top of one which comes back later, but
most of the movement comes when it's long past the stumps
7.4 Strang to Richardson, one run, shortish ball, tucked away past
short leg, an easy run to vacant midwicket, they look for two but
the Zimbabwean fielding is nimble so far and they won't try on mid
on's throw
7.5 Strang to Sinclair, no run, straight ball on leg stump, defends
down on the leg side of the pitch
7.6 Strang to Sinclair, no run, forward, defends away into the covers
End of over 8 (3 runs) New Zealand 22/1
BC Strang 4-0-10-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 11* (22b) MS Sinclair 9* (18b 2x4)
8.1 Streak to Richardson, no run, overpitched outside off stump,
strongly square driven but played straight to point
8.2 Streak to Richardson, no run, short ball outside off stump, hops on
the crease to defend it down with a dead bat in close on the off
side
8.3 Streak to Richardson, no run, full ball outside off stump,
shoulders arms through to the keeper
8.4 Streak to Richardson, no run, good length ball on leg stump,
Richardson shuffles across to off stump to defend, taken a bit
high on the pad, Streak belatedly turns and has a small look to
the umpire
8.5 Streak to Richardson, no run, defends a ball on leg stump up
towards mid on
8.6 Streak to Richardson, no run, shortish ball on off stump, firmly
defends confidently from the crease up towards mid off
End of over 9 (maiden) New Zealand 22/1
HH Streak 5-2-11-1 - Vance Stand End
MS Sinclair 9* (18b 2x4) MH Richardson 11* (28b)
9.1 Strang to Sinclair, no run, shoulders arms to a fair ball angling
away outside off stump
9.2 Strang to Sinclair, no run, full ball, firmly defends back on the
leg side of the pitch to the bowler
9.3 Strang to Sinclair, no run, leaves alone outside off stump, moving
further away
9.4 Strang to Sinclair, no run, good straight ball, Sinclair gets right
in behind the line to defend straight back down the pitch
9.5 Strang to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball, defends straight down to
cover
9.6 Strang to Sinclair, no run, straight ball, defends down towards
wide mid on
End of over 10 (maiden) New Zealand 22/1
BC Strang 5-1-10-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 11* (28b) MS Sinclair 9* (24b 2x4)
10.1 Streak to Richardson, no run, great quick sharp rising ball,
Richardson tries to duck but can't avoid it, clobbered in the side
of the helmet but brushes the blow off nonchalantly
10.2 Streak to Richardson, no run, full ball, angling away down the leg
side, Richardson has a bit of a swing to try and help it on its
way but with no joy, through to Flower
10.3 Streak to Richardson, no run, wide ball angling away outside off
stump, left well alone through to the keeper
10.4 Streak to Richardson, no run, stretches forward, leaves alone
outside off stump again however
10.5 Streak to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, defends down in close
on the leg side
10.6 Streak to Richardson, no run, good short rising ball just outside
off stump, Richardson awkwardly tries to get the bat out of the
road but it hurries on, being deflected away luckily down into the
ground, to gully on the bounce
End of over 11 (maiden) New Zealand 22/1
HH Streak 6-3-11-1 - Vance Stand End
MS Sinclair 9* (24b 2x4) MH Richardson 11* (34b)
11.1 Strang to Sinclair, no run, full ball, drawn well forward into a
firm stroke straight up to mid off
11.2 Strang to Sinclair, no run, strongly cuts down forward of point,
reaching a fair way for a wide ball, but no further than the
shortish cover man moving quickly across to field
11.3 Strang to Sinclair, no run, nasty ball for Sinclair to deal with,
pings up from the surface, forcing the bottom hand to drop away
from the bat as he fends at it
11.4 Strang to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball, defends from the crease,
shuffling across to off stump, played down to cover
11.5 Strang to Sinclair, OUT: propped well forward outside off stump,
pitches on or just outside off stump, straightens well as Sinclair
is suddenly found to drive down the wrong line, into the front
pad, and up goes the finger from umpire Dunne
New Zealand 22/2, Partnership of 17
MS Sinclair lbw b Strang 9 (29b 2x4 0x6)
MH Richardson 11* (34b) BC Strang 5.5-1-10-1
much to the shock of the crowd, replays suggesting it was a
slightly harsh call, probably pitching just outside off stump and
striking him just outside off stump, though no doubt it was going
on to hit the poles
Sinclair departs having scored 205 runs less in his second innings
on the Basin Reserve than in his first
Stephen Fleming the new batsman, the captain gets a fair round of
applause
11.6 Strang to Fleming, no run, shoulders arms, seams back in to the
front pad but no thoughts of an appeal as it was far too wide
End of over 12 (maiden) New Zealand 22/2
BC Strang 6-2-10-1 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 11* (34b) SP Fleming 0* (1b)
12.1 Streak to Richardson, no run, quick ball hurrying through on
Richardson falling away to the off side trying to work it away,
taken on the pad and rebounds away towards point
12.2 Streak to Richardson, no run, quick but erratic ball, too full and
wide a long way outside off stump
12.3 Streak to Richardson, no run, short rising ball down the leg side,
Richardson tries to glance it away but can't get a proper touch on
it, a stifled appeal for caught behind as the Zimbabweans ask
umpire Cooray if there was any bat on it
12.4 Streak to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, forced firmly off the
back foot down towards cover point
12.5 Streak to Richardson, no run, good straight ball, defends from the
crease down to short leg
12.6 Streak to Richardson, no run, bouncer! first of the Test, well over
Richardson's head as he ducks down, a little off line too, outside
off stump
End of over 13 (maiden) New Zealand 22/2
HH Streak 7-4-11-1 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 0* (1b) MH Richardson 11* (40b)
13.1 Strang to Fleming, no run, shuffles across to off stump,
shouldering arms to one passing even wider through to the keeper
13.2 Strang to Fleming, no run, shortish straight ball, squared around
trying to whip it down through the leg side, plays too soon and
gets an edge into the legs, drops down into the pitch
13.3 Strang to Fleming, no run, more resolutely stands tall on the
crease in defence, played down in close on the leg side
13.4 Strang to Fleming, no run, steps across to a full ball outside off
stump, content to leave well alone through to the keeper
13.5 Strang to Fleming, no run, props forward in defence, rebounds away
from the front pad towards point, tiny appeal from Strang just for
the sake of it
13.6 Strang to Fleming, no run, shortish ball, shuffles right across to
meet it outside off stump, defending up towards mid on
End of over 14 (maiden) New Zealand 22/2
BC Strang 7-3-10-1 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 11* (40b) SP Fleming 0* (7b)
first bowling change of the Test, Henry Olonga on for Streak at the
Vance Stand End
14.1 Olonga to Richardson, FOUR, full and quick outside off stump, goes
for a full blooded drive without a sighter, and is very lucky to
still be there, getting a thick edge that flew hard and fast, just
clear of third slip and gully, down to the vacant third man
boundary
14.2 Olonga to Richardson, no run, short ball outside off stump, too
wide to require a stroke
14.3 Olonga to Richardson, no run, good quick short ball, forcing
Richardson to duck underneath, does so with a fair amount of
safety to the bouncer
14.4 Olonga to Richardson, no run, good straight ball on off stump,
Richardson comes forward in defence away towards mid off
14.5 Olonga to Richardson, no run, quick ball but very wide outside off
stump, left well alone through to Flower
14.6 Olonga to Richardson, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, hops
in defence on the crease, playing it comfortably down to point
End of over 15 (4 runs) New Zealand 26/2
HK Olonga 1-0-4-0 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 0* (7b) MH Richardson 15* (46b 1x4)
time for the first drinks break of the Test, Zimbabwe will enjoy
their refreshments a lot more than New Zealand after the first
hour
15.1 Strang to Fleming, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
15.2 Strang to Fleming, no run, steps forward, but again not committed
to playing a stroke to one a bit wide outside off stump
15.3 Strang to Fleming, no run, leaves alone outside off stump through
to the keeper
15.4 Strang to Fleming, no run, forward, leaves alone outside off stump
again
15.5 Strang to Fleming, no run, leaves alone outside off stump yet again
15.6 Strang to Fleming, no run, forward, at last required to play a
shot, defending down into the covers
End of over 16 (maiden) New Zealand 26/2
BC Strang 8-4-10-1 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 15* (46b 1x4) SP Fleming 0* (13b)
16.1 Olonga to Richardson, no run, quick rising ball but well outside
off stump, no stroke required
16.2 Olonga to Richardson, no run, again another short ball, this time
Richardson is forced to take evasive action, ducking right down
beneath one just on off stump
16.3 Olonga to Richardson, no run, forward to a full ball on off stump,
defends back on the off side of the pitch, four fielders converge
at lightning speed on to the ball to tidy up
16.4 Olonga to Richardson, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
defends down to point
16.5 Olonga to Richardson, no run, forward, leaving well alone outside
off stump through to Flower
16.6 Olonga to Richardson, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, superbly
stroked off the front foot through cover point, beating the dive
of the point man, on to the practice wickets and speeds up and
away
End of over 17 (4 runs) New Zealand 30/2
HK Olonga 2-0-8-0 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 0* (13b) MH Richardson 19* (52b 2x4)
17.1 Strang to Fleming, one run, forward, driving at a full ball outside
off stump, gets underway with a streaky inside edge away towards
backward square leg
17.2 Strang to Richardson, no run, watchfully forward to a straight ball
outside off stump, plays with a vertical blade back to the bowler
17.3 Strang to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump a
shortish rising ball
17.4 Strang to Richardson, no run, forward in defence to a full ball
outside off stump, played back to the bowler
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 4th time today
17.5 Strang to Richardson, no run, full ball, firmly driven back on the
off side of the pitch, Strang across to partially stop off his own
bowling again
17.6 Strang to Richardson, two runs, short ball, Richardson looks to
pounce early but plays through the shot a bit too quickly, skying
the pull shot a bit much, but always very safe, pitching and
rolling away in the outfield for a couple
End of over 18 (3 runs) New Zealand 33/2
BC Strang 9-4-13-1 - Scoreboard End
SP Fleming 1* (14b) MH Richardson 21* (57b 2x4)
18.1 Olonga to Fleming, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
18.2 Olonga to Fleming, FOUR, overpitched on his legs, wonderfully well
clipped through midwicket, a pure collection job
18.3 Olonga to Fleming, no run, full ball on off stump, looking to drive
again but it's a bit tight on him, leading edgily played away
towards point on the bounce
18.4 Olonga to Fleming, no run, full ball outside off stump,
tremendously well timed towards gully, but a superb piece of
fielding from Madondo prevents any runs at all
18.5 Olonga to Fleming, no run, quick rising ball, off target outside
off stump, leaves alone
18.6 Olonga to Fleming, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, goes for
the full blooded drive and doesn't quite get it where intended,
but gets away with it through backward point, Olonga throws his
hands in the air at the injustice of it all
End of over 19 (8 runs) New Zealand 41/2
HK Olonga 3-0-16-0 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 21* (57b 2x4) SP Fleming 9* (20b 2x4)
Brian Murphy replaces Bryan Strang at the Scoreboard End
19.1 Murphy to Richardson, one run, a bit short first up, angling down
the leg side and easily turned away down to Madonda at long leg
19.2 Murphy to Fleming, one run, flatter, quicker ball outside off
stump, Flemin jumps into it, just angling the face to turn it away
backward of square leg, backward short leg slips over trying to
field and concedes the single
19.3 Murphy to Richardson, no run, across to off stump, leaves alone
through to Flower
19.4 Murphy to Richardson, no run, turns in sharply but from well wide
outside off stump, left alone
19.5 Murphy to Richardson, no run, comes right across to off stump,
getting in behind the line of it, defending up towards mid on
19.6 Murphy to Richardson, one run, shortish ball, glanced down to
Madondo at fine leg
End of over 20 (3 runs) New Zealand 44/2
BA Murphy 1-0-3-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 23* (62b 2x4) SP Fleming 10* (21b 2x4)
20.1 Olonga to Richardson, no run, quick and full, but outside off
stump, Richardson demonstrates that no stroke is required
20.2 Olonga to Richardson, two runs, short ball outside off stump, jumps
in the crease to force it down through vacant extra cover
20.3 Olonga to Richardson, no run, good quick rising ball just outside
off stump, Richardson sways back and away out of the road
20.4 Olonga to Richardson, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
20.5 Olonga to Richardson, no run, shortish straight ball outside off
stump, stands tall to defend into the pitch, back to the bowler
20.6 Olonga to Richardson, one run, shortish ball down the leg side,
tucked off the hip down to deep backward square leg
End of over 21 (3 runs) New Zealand 47/2
HK Olonga 4-0-19-0 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 26* (68b 2x4) SP Fleming 10* (21b 2x4)
21.1 Murphy to Richardson, no run, flighted full outside off stump,
firmly driven straight up to mid off
21.2 Murphy to Richardson, no run, stretches well forward outside off
stump, keeping the bat back out of the way, turns a long way back
in to the keeper
21.3 Murphy to Richardson, no run, flatter ball, turned away towards
forward square leg, looking for a quick single but decide against
it as the fielder's across quickly to it
21.4 Murphy to Richardson, no run, props well forward in defence,
playing it down in close on the off side
21.5 Murphy to Richardson, no run, straighter, full ball, well smothered
with bat/pad in defence
21.6 Murphy to Richardson, no run, rather short ball, Richardson swivels
to pull but doesn't get on to it perfectly, played to midwicket on
the bounce
End of over 22 (maiden) New Zealand 47/2
BA Murphy 2-1-3-0 - Scoreboard End
SP Fleming 10* (21b 2x4) MH Richardson 26* (74b 2x4)
22.1 Olonga to Fleming, FOUR, overpitched on his legs, elegantly on
driven straight down the ground, past mid on and the timing
carries it all teh way
22.2 Olonga to Fleming, no run, forward, drops it in defence in close on
the off side
22.3 Olonga to Fleming, one run, tapped up wide of mid on, time for an
easy single with teh shot
22.4 Olonga to Richardson, no run, quick short rising ball, tries to
force it from the crease, bad mistake from Richardson, climbed far
too much on him, lucky not to get a touch as he tried to force it
through the covers off the back foot
22.5 Olonga to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, defends down from the
crease, away towards wide mid on
22.6 Olonga to Richardson, no run, full and quick, angling down the leg
side, tries to whip it away but misses, cannons into the pad and
drops harmlessly down in close on the leg side
End of over 23 (5 runs) New Zealand 52/2
HK Olonga 5-0-24-0 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 15* (24b 3x4) MH Richardson 26* (77b 2x4)
a fair delay as there's trouble with the sightscreen, but it's all
sorted now
23.1 Murphy to Fleming, no run, forward, defends straight back to the
bowler
23.2 Murphy to Fleming, no run, stretches well forward outside off
stump, leaving alone one turning around the pad through to the
keeper
23.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted full, misplays an off drive,
getting an inside edge up along the ground up towards mid on
23.4 Murphy to Fleming, no run, reaching forward, defends down in close
on the off side
23.5 Murphy to Fleming, no run, forward, defends back on the leg side of
the pitch to the bowler
23.6 Murphy to Fleming, no run, well forward, defends down to silly
point
End of over 24 (maiden) New Zealand 52/2
BA Murphy 3-2-3-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 26* (77b 2x4) SP Fleming 15* (30b 3x4)
24.1 Olonga to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump,
fairly wide and full through to the keeper
24.2 Olonga to Richardson, no run, ducks underneath a straight bouncer
24.3 Olonga to Richardson, one run, short rising ball outside off stump,
cut down to third man in the air, fielded on the bounce, a
thickish top edge but safely played
24.4 Olonga to Fleming, no run, ducks underneath another bouncer
24.5 Olonga to Fleming, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
driven but straight to point
24.6 Olonga to Fleming, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
End of over 25 (1 run) New Zealand 53/2
HK Olonga 6-0-25-0 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 27* (80b 2x4) SP Fleming 15* (33b 3x4)
25.1 Murphy to Richardson, no run, stretches well forward outside off
stump, drives and misses at a full ball turning back in
25.2 Murphy to Richardson, no run, shorter ball forced straight to cover
25.3 Murphy to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
25.4 Murphy to Richardson, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch
25.5 Murphy to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, defends down to short
leg
25.6 Murphy to Richardson, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch
End of over 26 (maiden) New Zealand 53/2
BA Murphy 4-3-3-0 - Scoreboard End
SP Fleming 15* (33b 3x4) MH Richardson 27* (86b 2x4)
Streak brings himself back on
26.1 Streak to Fleming, no run, straight ball on off stump, firmly
defended back on the off side of the pitch
26.2 Streak to Fleming, no run, quick ball drifting down the leg side,
no chance of catching up with that one, through to the keeper
26.3 Streak to Fleming, one run, angling on leg stump, defends down past
square leg
26.4 Streak to Richardson, one run, full on the legs, whipped away
through to vacant midwicket for an easy single
26.5 Streak to Fleming, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
26.6 Streak to Fleming, one run, angling on leg stump, turned down to
fine leg
End of over 27 (3 runs) New Zealand 56/2
HH Streak 8-4-14-1 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 17* (38b 3x4) MH Richardson 28* (87b 2x4)
27.1 Murphy to Fleming, no run, forward to a full ball, driven straight
back to the bowler
27.2 Murphy to Fleming, no run, reaching well forward, driving straight
up to mid off
27.3 Murphy to Fleming, one run, reaching forward, just quietly turning
it away past short leg, down to Madondo at deep backward square
leg
27.4 Murphy to Richardson, no run, watchfully props forward in defence,
playing it down to silly point
27.5 Murphy to Richardson, one run, turning into the pad, worked down
through backward square leg again
27.6 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted full, driven firmly straight
back to the bowler
End of over 28 (2 runs) New Zealand 58/2
BA Murphy 5-3-5-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 29* (89b 2x4) SP Fleming 18* (42b 3x4)
28.1 Streak to Richardson, no run, leaves alone a full ball wide outside
off stump
28.2 Streak to Richardson, no run, straight ball on leg stump, tucked
away straight to square leg
28.3 Streak to Richardson, one run, angling on leg stump, well whipped
away just backward of square this time, allowing the single
28.4 Streak to Fleming, FOUR, too full down the leg side, Fleming
glances it nice and fine, too good for the long leg fielder
28.5 Streak to Fleming, no run, shortish ball, tucked down to square leg
28.6 Streak to Fleming, no run, quick rising ball, ducks well underneath
it and the players head off the field for lunch
End of over 29 (5 runs) New Zealand 63/2
HH Streak 9-4-19-1 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 30* (92b 2x4) SP Fleming 22* (45b 4x4)
a tough fought first session, the first hour belong to Zimbabwe,
the second to New Zealand, it sits very evenly at the present
time, but the impetus has swung back to the home side a little
26/2 off 15 overs in the first hour, 37/0 off 14 overs in the
second
play will resume in just under 40 minutes time at 2:40pm local time
(0140 GMT)
Match State: Lunch - Day 1
the players return to the field, it'll be Bryan Strang to bowl from
the Scoreboard End to Richardson
29.1 Strang to Richardson, no run, full ball, squared around in defence,
playing through it a little early, dropping it away into the
covers
29.2 Strang to Richardson, FOUR, overpitched, lovely on drive wide of
mid on
29.3 Strang to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, defends up to mid on
29.4 Strang to Richardson, no run, stands on the crease, defends back on
the leg side of the pitch again
29.5 Strang to Richardson, no run, stroked up towards mid on, much
confusion in the calling, both batsmen set off but then Richardson
says no, Fleming's too far down but tries to scramble back, but
it's far, far, far, far too late
New Zealand 67/3, Partnership of 45
SP Fleming run out (Strang) 22 (45b 4x4 0x6)
not exactly the ideal start to New Zealand's post lunch effort, a
free wicket for Zimbabwe who gratefully accept
Richardson sits on his bat apologetically, if he knows what's good
for him, he won't return back to the hutch where his captain is
waiting for him any time today
Nathan Astle the new batsman, at the non-striker's end
29.6 Strang to Richardson, no run, dear oh dear, Richardson stands tall
on the crease, defending a shortish ball back to the bowler,
almost spooning back a return catch, just dropping short
End of over 30 (4 runs) New Zealand 67/3
BC Strang 10-4-17-1 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 0* (0b) MH Richardson 34* (98b 3x4)
Streak to continue at the Vance Stand End
30.1 Streak to Astle, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly square
driven but straight to gully
30.2 Streak to Astle, no run, forward to a straight ball on leg stump,
defends down towards square leg
30.3 Streak to Astle, no run, short, rising ball outside off stump,
leaves well alone
30.4 Streak to Astle, no run, stretching forward outside off stump,
shapes to play but makes an early decision to raise the bat over
the top of a full ball, through to the keeper
30.5 Streak to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump again
30.6 Streak to Astle, two runs, overpitched down the leg side, sweetly
clipped off the legs through square leg, nice way to get off the
mark, the outfield isn't quite fast enough to carry it on to the
rock hard practice blocks on the boundary edge out there, keeping
it down to two
End of over 31 (2 runs) New Zealand 69/3
HH Streak 10-4-21-1 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 34* (98b 3x4) NJ Astle 2* (6b)
31.1 Strang to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, tucked off his hip
towards square leg, a huge shout of 'no!' from Richardson for that
one, a direct result his previous boo-boo
31.2 Strang to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
31.3 Strang to Richardson, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
again
31.4 Strang to Richardson, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump to
yet another delivery which is much of a muchness outside off stump
31.5 Strang to Richardson, no run, no prizes for guessing where this one
was delivered and what the response from the batsman was
31.6 Strang to Richardson, no run, props well forward to one a little
fuller and straighter, committing the stroke, defending into the
covers
End of over 32 (maiden) New Zealand 69/3
BC Strang 11-5-17-1 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 2* (6b) MH Richardson 34* (104b 3x4)
32.1 Streak to Astle, no run, straight ball on off stump, squared around
in defence, played back up towards Whittall at mid off
32.2 Streak to Astle, no run, shoulders arms to a quick, full ball
outside off stump
32.3 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, nudged
down just backward of point, but no further than a good diving
save by the point fielder to his left
32.4 Streak to Astle, no run, straight ball on off stump, defended back
to Streak on the bounce
32.5 Streak to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
32.6 Streak to Astle, two runs, shortish ball outside off stump, well
pushed down forward of point, the first is run for hard and they
take the second easilty
End of over 33 (2 runs) New Zealand 71/3
HH Streak 11-4-23-1 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 34* (104b 3x4) NJ Astle 4* (12b)
33.1 Strang to Richardson, no run, short ball forced off the back foot
back down the pitch to Strang on his follow through
33.2 Strang to Richardson, one run, shortish ball angling down the leg
side, whipped away through to Madnda at deep backward square leg
33.3 Strang to Astle, no run, short ball, forced off he back foot to
short cover
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 5th time today
33.4 Strang to Astle, no run, short straight ball, tuked of his pads but
no further than midwicket
33.5 Strang to Astle, no run, forward to a straight ball, defends back
up on the off side of the pitch
33.6 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
End of over 34 (1 run) New Zealand 72/3
BC Strang 12-5-18-1 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 35* (106b 3x4) NJ Astle 4* (16b)
34.1 Streak to Richardson, no run, full ball outside off stump, leaves
alone
34.2 Streak to Richardson, no run, a chance! a let off! goes for a
slashing cut with little room to move in, flies straight to
Campbell at first slip, bounces out and past the keeper who has an
attempt or two at it also but can't grab it
34.3 Streak to Richardson, no run, .
34.4 Streak to Richardson, FOUR, goes for a third such shot in a row,
this time cutting it hard through vacant third man, as there's two
gullies in place
34.5 Streak to Richardson, no run, straighter ball, defends up to
Madondo at mid on from the crease
34.6 Streak to Richardson, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends
down from a height back on the off side of the pitch
End of over 35 (4 runs) New Zealand 76/3
HH Streak 12-4-27-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 4* (16b) MH Richardson 39* (112b 4x4)
35.1 Strang to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
35.2 Strang to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump again
35.3 Strang to Astle, no run, yet another one going across the right
hander, not committed to playing a stroke
35.4 Strang to Astle, no run, full and straight, driven up to mid on
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 6th time today
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 7th time today
35.5 Strang to Astle, no run, straight ball, tidy forward defensive
stroke back down the pitch to the bowler
35.6 Strang to Astle, no run, straight ball, this time defends up to mid
off
End of over 36 (maiden) New Zealand 76/3
BC Strang 13-6-18-1 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 39* (112b 4x4) NJ Astle 4* (22b)
36.1 Streak to Richardson, one run, shortish ball tucked away to vacant
midwicket for an easy single
36.2 Streak to Astle, no run, good full ball, Astle's just able to
squeeze it out in close on the off side
36.3 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball on off stump, Astle hops on
the crease to force it forward of point, but can't pierce the off
side field
36.4 Streak to Astle, no run, bouncer, ducks well underneath and away
from it
36.5 Streak to Astle, no run, short ball outside off stump, chopped into
the ground in close on the off side
36.6 Streak to Astle, no run, bouncer, this time well wide down the leg
side
End of over 37 (1 run) New Zealand 77/3
HH Streak 13-4-28-1 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 40* (113b 4x4) NJ Astle 4* (27b)
37.1 Strang to Richardson, no run, shortish straight ball, forced from
the crease up to mid on
37.2 Strang to Richardson, no run, leaves alone a short ball outside off
stump
37.3 Strang to Richardson, no run, stretches well forward outside off
stump, leaves alone again
37.4 Strang to Richardson, no run, looks to force a short ball through
the covers from the back foot, plays a bit tight to the body,
chopped into the ground
37.5 Strang to Richardson, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, spanking
cover drive from Richardson leaves the field for dead, a welcome
boost for the crowd who are waning in interest
37.6 Strang to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, played up to mid off
End of over 38 (4 runs) New Zealand 81/3
BC Strang 14-6-22-1 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 4* (27b) MH Richardson 44* (119b 5x4)
a slight bit of relief from the monotony, it's Henry on to replace
Streak
38.1 Olonga to Astle, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, cuts
hard but mistimes it into the covers, still time for a nippy
single between the wickets
38.2 Olonga to Richardson, no run, iuseful delivery to the left-hander,
short and climbing in at him from a good length, Richardson fished
away from his body and nearly paid the price with a thin edge
through to the keeper
38.3 Olonga to Richardson, no run, more wisely decides he'd better
shoulder arms to this similar delivery
38.4 Olonga to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, defends off the back
foot up towards Whittall at mid off
38.5 Olonga to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, defends down towards
mid on
38.6 Olonga to Richardson, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
strongly cracked but straight down to cover point
End of over 39 (1 run) New Zealand 82/3
HK Olonga 7-0-26-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 5* (28b) MH Richardson 44* (124b 5x4)
39.1 Strang to Astle, no run, full and straight, defended watchfully
back up the pitch on the leg side
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 8th time
39.2 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish straight ball, defends down in
close on the off side
39.3 Strang to Astle, no run, full ball, firmly stroked straight to
Whittall at cover
39.4 Strang to Astle, no run, short ball on off stump, tries to cut but
no long, mistiming it down to wide mid of
39.5 Strang to Astle, no run, hops on the crease, back foot driving up
to wide mid off
39.6 Strang to Astle, one run, shortish ball, nudged away just forward
of point, quick single taken but it's a bit tighter than they'd
like, Richardson just scrambling home in time at the keeper's end
End of over 40 (1 run) New Zealand 83/3
BC Strang 15-6-23-1 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 6* (34b) MH Richardson 44* (124b 5x4)
40.1 Olonga to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
40.2 Olonga to Astle, FOUR, quick rising ball outside off stump,
stunning square cut with absolute authority, power and timing,
that looks more like a player in a bit of touch, Olonga monstered
away through backward point
40.3 Olonga to Astle, one run, Astle building perfectly in confidence
now, tapping up towards mid on, deliberately keeping the pace off
the shot and gets a quick single with the shot
40.4 Olonga to Richardson, no run, coming around the wicket to the left
hander, ducks underneath a bouncer
40.5 Olonga to Richardson, no run, tight ball on off stump, forced off
the back foot up towards mid off
40.6 Olonga to Richardson, no run, good tight ball on middle and leg,
defends straight up to mid on
End of over 41 (5 runs) New Zealand 88/3
HK Olonga 8-0-31-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 11* (37b 1x4) MH Richardson 44* (127b 5x4)
Strang is replaced at the Scoreboard End, it's Murphy to return
41.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, straight ball on leg stump, watchfully
defended back to the bowler
41.2 Murphy to Astle, two runs, a fraction short and wide, Astle pounces
and strongly cracks it off the back foot through cover point, two
chasers go after it and just overhaul just inside the rope
41.3 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, a bit more width and Astle's only too happy
to try and enliven proceedings, this time cutting strongly through
point, no hope for the diving Madondo and it's away
41.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full on leg stump, defends back
to the bowler
41.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted up full, pushes forward in
defence back on the off side of the pitch
41.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, well forward, defends back to the bowler
End of over 42 (6 runs) New Zealand 94/3
BA Murphy 6-3-11-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 44* (127b 5x4) NJ Astle 17* (43b 2x4)
42.1 Olonga to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump,
angling in from wide on the crease, but not far enough
42.2 Olonga to Richardson, no run, full ball, firmly stroked straight up
to Whittall at mid off
42.3 Olonga to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, defends down from a
height in to the pitch
42.4 Olonga to Richardson, no run, a similar length ball, defends back
up on the leg side of the pitch
42.5 Olonga to Richardson, FOUR, too much width and Olonga pays the
price, carved away through ecover
42.6 Olonga to Richardson, no run, stretches the front pad forward,
leaves it alone
End of over 43 (4 runs) New Zealand 98/3
HK Olonga 9-0-35-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 17* (43b 2x4) MH Richardson 48* (133b 6x4)
43.1 Murphy to Astle, one run, tapped down towards midwicket, easy
single taken with the shot
43.2 Murphy to Richardson, no run, firmly stroked straight up towards
wide mid off
43.3 Murphy to Richardson, one run, tucked off the hip out to Maondo at
deep backward square leg, brings up New Zealand's laboured 100 to
a fair round of applause
43.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, turned away towards midwicket
43.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, well forward, smothering the spin in
defence, towards extra cover
43.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full, defends towards extra cover
again
End of over 44 (2 runs) New Zealand 100/3
BA Murphy 7-3-13-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 49* (135b 6x4) NJ Astle 18* (47b 2x4)
time for a drinks break on this leisurely afternoon
44.1 Olonga to Richardson, no run, stretches forward, shouldering arms
outside off stump to one angling back in to him
44.2 Olonga to Richardson, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
strongly forced straight down to cover
44.3 Olonga to Richardson, no run, another similar short ball, cut hard
down to cover on the bounce
44.4 Olonga to Richardson, no run, quick short pitched delivery,
Richardson has to duck right underneath
44.5 Olonga to Richardson, one run, shortish ball, tucked away towards
wide mid on, time for an easy quick run and that's Mark
Richardson's 50 off 140 balls, 6x4
44.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, ducks underneath a bouncer
End of over 45 (1 run) New Zealand 101/3
HK Olonga 10-0-36-0 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 50* (140b 6x4) NJ Astle 18* (48b 2x4)
45.1 Murphy to Richardson, no run, leaves alone a flighted full ball
outside off stump
45.2 Murphy to Richardson, no run, shuffles right across his crease
trying to work one to leg, taken high on the pad, half shout from
the bowler
45.3 Murphy to Richardson, no run, defends down in close on the leg
side, to short leg on the bounce
45.4 Murphy to Richardson, no run, full ball, well forward, clamping
down on it in defence forward of short leg
45.5 Murphy to Richardson, two runs, a fraction short, not a whole lot
of width as it turns back sharply into the left hander, but
Richardson does well to force one away through cover point for a
quick couple
45.6 Murphy to Richardson, no run, angling down the leg side, turned
just backward of square, just palmed away by short leg, loud call
of 'no!' again by the pensive Richardson
End of over 46 (2 runs) New Zealand 103/3
BA Murphy 8-3-15-0 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 18* (48b 2x4) MH Richardson 52* (146b 6x4)
46.1 Olonga to Astle, no run, short ball outside off stump, Astle looks
to swat it down through cover but it climbs a little more,
mistimes it down to point
46.2 Olonga to Astle, no run, full and quick outside off stump, left
well alone
46.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, similar again, a good length for Olonga,
Astle doesn't risk driving and keeps the bat held well back out of
the way
46.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, leaves well alone outside off stump
46.5 Olonga to Astle, no run, yet another, just too wide to merit
consideration of a stroke, Astle just watches it whistle on by
46.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, ducks back out of the way of a bouncer, a
little off target outside off stump
End of over 47 (maiden) New Zealand 103/3
HK Olonga 11-1-36-0 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 52* (146b 6x4) NJ Astle 18* (54b 2x4)
47.1 Murphy to Richardson, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch
47.2 Murphy to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, turned away to
Whittall at midwicket
47.3 Murphy to Richardson, no run, stretches well forward in defence,
dropping it down in close on the leg side
47.4 Murphy to Richardson, one run, flighted full and wide outside off
stump, strongly driven through extra cover, good diving stop after
much ground has been made by the mid off fielder, but can't
prevent the quick run with the shot
47.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
47.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, stretches well forward, dropping it down
in close on the leg side in defence
End of over 48 (1 run) New Zealand 104/3
BA Murphy 9-3-16-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 53* (150b 6x4) NJ Astle 18* (56b 2x4)
48.1 Olonga to Richardson, no run, good length ball angling in to off
stump, Richardson forced to defend from the crease up to mid off
48.2 Olonga to Richardson, one run, short ball angling slightly down the
leg side, just helped on its way to long leg
48.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, tight rising ball on off stump, defends
from the crease back up on the off side of the pitch
48.4 Olonga to Astle, one run, full ball, firmly stroked towards vacant
extra cover, easy quick run with the shot as mid off has to field
48.5 Olonga to Richardson, one run, angling down the leg side, turned
firmly down to long leg
48.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, leaves alone a quick, full ball outside
off stump
End of over 49 (3 runs) New Zealand 107/3
HK Olonga 12-1-39-0 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 55* (153b 6x4) NJ Astle 19* (59b 2x4)
49.1 Murphy to Richardson, two runs, flighted full outside off stump,
strongly driven out through the covers, just overhauled inside the
boundary rope
49.2 Murphy to Richardson, no run, forward, defends in close on the leg
side
49.3 Murphy to Richardson, no run, forward, defends away towards
midwicket
49.4 Murphy to Richardson, no run, turned away straight to Whittall at
midwicket again
49.5 Murphy to Richardson, no run, flighted full outside off stump,
strongly driven straight out to extra cover
49.6 Murphy to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, driven off the back
foot to mid on
End of over 50 (2 runs) New Zealand 109/3
BA Murphy 10-3-18-0 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 19* (59b 2x4) MH Richardson 57* (159b 6x4)
Guy Whittall replaces Olonga at the Vance Stand End, a rare
appearance at the bowling crease of late for him
50.1 Whittall to Astle, no run, forward, defends up towards mid off
50.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, full ball swinging away outside off
stump, strongly cracked but straight to extra cover
50.3 Whittall to Astle, no run, very full ball, jammed out straight to
shortish cover again
50.4 Whittall to Astle, no run, good full ball with some late away
swing, Astle reads it well, watchfully driving straight up to mid
off
50.5 Whittall to Astle, no run, overpitched and swinging away, a bit too
wide for Astle to have a serious crack at it
50.6 Whittall to Astle, no run, this time he does, to one that's a bit
shorter than all the others, doesn't strike it cleanly, gaining a
thickish outside edge away to point on the bounce
End of over 51 (maiden) New Zealand 109/3
GJ Whittall 1-1-0-0 - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 57* (159b 6x4) NJ Astle 19* (65b 2x4)
51.1 Murphy to Richardson, no run, jabs forward in defence to one
turning in, dropping down in close on the off side
51.2 Murphy to Richardson, two runs, flighted down the leg side, well
swept fine, Madondo has a bit of a chase around from deep backward
square leg
51.3 Murphy to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, swivels on the crease,
working it away to Whittall at forward square leg
51.4 Murphy to Richardson, no run, full ball driven into pitch and
straight back to Murphy
51.5 Murphy to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, defends down on close
on the leg side
51.6 Murphy to Richardson, one run, angling down the leg side, flicks
down to Madondo at deep backward square, Murphy interestingly has
an appeal for lbw, despite there being a clear woody sound to the
deflection
End of over 52 (3 runs) New Zealand 112/3
BA Murphy 11-3-21-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 60* (165b 6x4) NJ Astle 19* (65b 2x4)
52.1 Whittall to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
52.2 Whittall to Richardson, no run, full on leg stump, clipped straight
to square leg, another loud yell of 'no!' from the worried
Richardson - he knolws he has to go on to three figures today or
else!
52.3 Whittall to Richardson, no run, straight ball on off stump, drawn
forward in defence, played into the pitch, straight back to
Whittall
52.4 Whittall to Richardson, no run, full ball outside off stump,
strongly driven into the ground, Streak at mid off across to field
52.5 Whittall to Richardson, no run, full and rather wide outside off
stump, leaves well alone
52.6 Whittall to Richardson, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
defended down into the covers
End of over 53 (maiden) New Zealand 112/3
GJ Whittall 2-2-0-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 19* (65b 2x4) MH Richardson 60* (171b 6x4)
53.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down towards wide
midwicket
53.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, short ball, Astle spots it early and rocks
back to cut, but it doesn't arrive soon enough, ending up slapping
it away not so neatly towards cover
53.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down in close on the leg
side
53.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, stretches well forward to a full ball,
defends to short cover
53.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends to short cover again
53.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward to a full ball on leg stump,
defends down in close on the off side
End of over 54 (maiden) New Zealand 112/3
BA Murphy 12-4-21-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 60* (171b 6x4) NJ Astle 19* (71b 2x4)
54.1 Whittall to Richardson, wide: no run, full and incredibly wide
outside off stump, yes, that's a Test match wide says umpire
Cooray to the cheers of the crowd!
54.1 Whittall to Richardson, no run, full ball outside off stump,
strongly driven straight to cover
54.2 Whittall to Richardson, no run, overpitched outside off stump but
fails to stroke it soon enough, chopped into the ground from the
bottom edge, through to the keeper
54.3 Whittall to Richardson, no run, shuffles across his stumps to get
in behind the line of a straight one on off stump, defends into
the pitch, back to Whittall on the leg side of the pitch on his
follow through
54.4 Whittall to Richardson, no run, full outside off stump, teases for
the drive but Richardson will have not a bar of it, keeping the
bat well held out of the way
54.5 Whittall to Richardson, no run, again full on off stump, watchfully
defends down into the covers, Richardson in just no hurry
whatsoever
54.6 Whittall to Richardson, (noball) FOUR, oversteps and is punished
doubly, overpitches on Richardson's legs, well clipped away
through square leg to bring up the 50 partnership
54.6 Whittall to Richardson, no run, forward to a straight ball, defends
to short cover
End of over 55 (6 runs) New Zealand 118/3
GJ Whittall 3-2-6-0 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 19* (71b 2x4) MH Richardson 64* (178b 7x4)
55.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, pushes straight back to the
bowler in defence
55.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full, firmly driven straight up
to Streak at mid off
55.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted very full, jammed out back along
the pitch to the bowler
55.4 Murphy to Astle, one run, full on the legs, turned away towards
midwicket, good quick single taken with the shot, Richardson's hit
by the return through on running through to the keeper's end
55.5 Murphy to Richardson, one run, flighted very full outside off
stump, driving and gets a bottom edge down to third man now in
place
55.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted invitingly on middle and leg,
Astle is respectful and defends straight back to the bowler
End of over 56 (2 runs) New Zealand 120/3
BA Murphy 13-4-23-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 65* (179b 7x4) NJ Astle 20* (76b 2x4)
56.1 Whittall to Richardson, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, fair
cracked straight down the ground, bisecting bowler and mid off,
super stuff, a rare highlight on a day over very dim and dull
lights
56.2 Whittall to Richardson, no run, forward, leaves alone outside off
stump
56.3 Whittall to Richardson, no run, bouncer, Guy shows he can bowl them
off a few paces too, miles over Richardson's head, hardly has to
duck
56.4 Whittall to Richardson, no run, leaves alone a shortish ball
outside off stump, just shaping away late
56.5 Whittall to Richardson, no run, defends a straight ball back on the
leg side of the pitch
56.6 Whittall to Richardson, no run, full ball, tapped away towards
point
End of over 57 (4 runs) New Zealand 124/3
GJ Whittall 4-2-10-0 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 20* (76b 2x4) MH Richardson 69* (185b 8x4)
57.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full on off stump, forward to
drive, out to Whittall at cover point
57.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted on leg stump, watchfully stroked
back along the pitch to the bowler
57.3 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, drops it in short, too short, Astle is quick
to cash in, slamming it away through cover, Whittall jogs after it
to collect
57.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full on leg stump, defends down
in close on the off side
57.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, similar again, played down watchfully in
close on the off side
57.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, stretches well forward, defending straight
to short cover
End of over 58 (4 runs) New Zealand 128/3
BA Murphy 14-4-27-0 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 69* (185b 8x4) NJ Astle 24* (82b 3x4)
this should be the last over before tea
58.1 Whittall to Richardson, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends
into the pitch
58.2 Whittall to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, forced off the back
foot up towards Madondo at mid on
58.3 Whittall to Richardson, one run, full ball outside off stump,
firmly driven wide of mid off, time for a good quick single with
the shot as Streak dives well to stop it to his right
58.4 Whittall to Astle, no run, straight ball on middle and leg, defends
from the crease, hopping to play it down to Streak at mid on
58.5 Whittall to Astle, no run, full outside off stump, mistimed up
along the ground to Madondo at mid off
58.6 Whittall to Astle, no run, leaves alone a full ball outside off
stump
End of over 59 (1 run) New Zealand 129/3
GJ Whittall 5-2-11-0 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 70* (188b 8x4) NJ Astle 24* (85b 3x4)
and that is indeed tea, 66 runs and an early wicket coming in this
session, a pretty good one for New Zealand except for Richardson's
gaffe, but he's at least gone some way towards rectifying it
still, it's very slow going, we've got 31 more overs to bowl today,
it could be a tough end to endure today unless something brightens
the nature of play up
play will resume in just under 20 minutes time at 5pm local time
(0400 GMT)
Match State: Tea - Day 1
the players return, with Bryan Strang to bowl, replacing Murphy at
the Scoreboard End
59.1 Strang to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, forced off the back
foot up to mid off
59.2 Strang to Richardson, no run, left alone outside off stump
59.3 Strang to Richardson, no run, full ball, seams back in to
Richardson who goes on the drive, is very luckily saved by an
inside edge into the pads that would've otherwise seen him in
severe lbw trouble
59.4 Strang to Richardson, one run, angling down the leg side, turned
down to Madondo at fine leg
59.5 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 9th time
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 10th time
59.6 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball, misplayed cut, chopped into
the ground and away to cover
End of over 60 (1 run) New Zealand 130/3
BC Strang 16-6-24-1 - Scoreboard End
MH Richardson 71* (192b 8x4) NJ Astle 24* (87b 3x4)
for a change, it'll be Murphy from the Vance Stand End for once,
replacing Whittall
60.1 Murphy to Richardson, wide: no run, a shocking start for Murphy,
tossed up very full and wide, and he manages to emulate Whittall's
earlier feat
60.1 Murphy to Richardson, two runs, driving at a full ball outside off
stump, gets a thick edge that squirts away through vacant gully at
snail's pace, time for an easy two as point has to field
60.2 Murphy to Richardson, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
60.3 Murphy to Richardson, no run, reaching forward in defence, played
back along the pitch to the bowler
60.4 Murphy to Richardson, no run, well forward, defends down to silly
point
60.5 Murphy to Richardson, no run, jabbing forward in defence, runs a
thin edge into the ground to Campbell who makes a fine stop
falling to his rleft at slip
60.6 Murphy to Richardson, no run, shorter ball, fends it away safely
past short leg in defence
End of over 61 (3 runs) New Zealand 133/3
BA Murphy 15-4-30-0 (1w) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 24* (87b 3x4) MH Richardson 73* (198b 8x4)
61.1 Strang to Astle, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, take *that*
says Astle, his trademark cover drive looks like it might be back,
super shot all the way along the ground, a collection job
61.2 Strang to Astle, no run, pushes it through quicker, wider outside
off stump, Astle'll have nuffin' to do with that, thanks ma'am
61.3 Strang to Astle, no run, watchfully forward, opening the face to
push to cover point in defence
61.4 Strang to Astle, no run, props forward in defence, played away
towards short cover
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 11th time today
61.5 Strang to Astle, one run, shortish ball angling down the leg side,
easily turned away through backward square leg
61.6 Strang to Richardson, no run, turned off his legs towards backward
square leg, calls 'yes!' then quickly shudders to a halt with a
'nooooo!', just fixing his call before it's too late and Astle can
backtrack
End of over 62 (5 runs) New Zealand 138/3
BC Strang 17-6-29-1 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 29* (92b 4x4) MH Richardson 73* (199b 8x4)
62.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump, turns
away through to Flower
62.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full, driven straight to short
cover
62.3 Murphy to Astle, two runs, cut away forcefully through point, a
good diving save by Whittall in backup from cover prevents it
going all the way
62.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends to short cover
62.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, chopped into the ground away to point
62.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, shortish ball, rocks back to cut again,
played straight to cover
End of over 63 (2 runs) New Zealand 140/3
BA Murphy 16-4-32-0 (1w) - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 73* (199b 8x4) NJ Astle 31* (98b 4x4)
63.1 Strang to Richardson, no run, tight ball on off stump, forced off
the back foot to extra cover
63.2 Strang to Richardson, no run, full outside off stump, mistimes the
off drive straight up to mid off
63.3 Strang to Richardson, no run, tries to force it off the back foot
through the covers, fails to get any timing on to it whatsoever,
played into the ground, straight to cover
63.4 Strang to Richardson, no run, lets one pass by untouched outside
off stump, the best he can offer is an outstretched front pad
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 12th time today
63.5 Strang to Richardson, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
again looks to cut savagely but hits it straight to the cover
fielder
63.6 Strang to Richardson, no run, full outside off stump, firmly driven
straight up to wide mid off
End of over 64 (maiden) New Zealand 140/3
BC Strang 18-7-29-1 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 31* (98b 4x4) MH Richardson 73* (205b 8x4)
64.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full and straight, watchfully
driven down the line, straight back to the bowler along the pitch
64.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, angling into middle and leg, defends with
bat/pad tucked together
64.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
64.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, well forward, defends back down the pitch
to Murphy
64.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full on off stump, firmly driven
straight back to Murphy
64.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, angling down the leg side, defends down in
close from the pad
End of over 65 (maiden) New Zealand 140/3
BA Murphy 17-5-32-0 (1w) - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 73* (205b 8x4) NJ Astle 31* (104b 4x4)
Guy Whittall returns, replacing Strang at the Scoreboard End
65.1 Whittall to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
65.2 Whittall to Richardson, no run, dropped! cuts hard at one that
keeps a little lower, gets a thick edge that flies straight to
Campbell at the sole slip position, in and out of his hands, a bit
slow to react to that one
another big let off for Richardson, Campbell doesn't know where to
look
65.3 Whittall to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
65.4 Whittall to Richardson, no run, Richardson looks to hit back out in
anger, going for a crashing off drive but getting only a small
amount of wood on it, completely mistiming it up to mid off
65.5 Whittall to Richardson, no run, strands tall in behind it in
defence from the crease, played into the pitch back to the bowler
65.6 Whittall to Richardson, no run, angling on leg stump, looking to
whip it away backward of square leg, misses, into the pad and
drops down in close on the leg side
End of over 66 (maiden) New Zealand 140/3
GJ Whittall 6-3-11-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 31* (104b 4x4) MH Richardson 73* (211b 8x4)
66.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, leaves alone one turning away outside off
stump
66.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted up full and straighter on off
stump, Astle's watchfully forward in defending in close on the leg
side
66.3 Murphy to Astle, two runs, angling down the leg side, well tickled
fine, a fair chase for long leg to get around and field
66.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full and straight, defends to
short leg
66.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted up on leg stump, defends back
down the pitch on the off side
66.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted on leg stump again, well forward
in defence back on the leg side of the pitch
End of over 67 (2 runs) New Zealand 142/3
BA Murphy 18-5-34-0 (1w) - Vance Stand End
MH Richardson 73* (211b 8x4) NJ Astle 33* (110b 4x4)
67.1 Whittall to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump, a
little late movement back in but after it had passed the stumps
67.2 Whittall to Richardson, no run, defends back up towards mid on from
the crease
67.3 Whittall to Richardson, no run, full ball on his toes, firmly
driven up towards wide mid on, they don't dare take on the throw
as it's threatened to be returned at a great rate of knots if they
did
67.4 Whittall to Richardson, no run, full ball outside off stump,
powerfully driven but can't beat the diving short cover man, saved
a certain four
67.5 Whittall to Richardson, no run, full on off stump, firmly driven
straight to cover
67.6 Whittall to Richardson, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
End of over 68 (maiden) New Zealand 142/3
GJ Whittall 7-4-11-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 33* (110b 4x4) MH Richardson 73* (217b 8x4)
Streak returns, still 12 overs until the new ball is due, but he
obviously thinks the rest of his team are floundering so need a
bit of a kick
68.1 Streak to Astle, one run, angling on leg stump, firmly worked away
towards square leg, easy sdingle jogged despite some athletic
fielding from cover
68.2 Streak to Richardson, no run, quick rising straight ball,
Richardson just drops the hands out of the way in time
68.3 Streak to Richardson, no run, shapes to defend but decides to lift
the bat out of the road, leaving alone a full ball outside off
stump
68.4 Streak to Richardson, two runs, shortish ball on his body, well
tucked away down through vacant midwicket
68.5 Streak to Richardson, no run, shortish ball, tries to cut savagely
but it's too close in on him, chops it into the ground and
rebounds away towards point
68.6 Streak to Richardson, no run, full ball, firmly driven into the
pitch, Streak sharply fields on his follow through
End of over 69 (3 runs) New Zealand 145/3
HH Streak 14-4-31-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 34* (111b 4x4) MH Richardson 75* (222b 8x4)
69.1 Whittall to Astle, no run, shotish ball on off stump, stroked off
the back foot, straight into the covers
69.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, nudged away towards point, quick single
called for, but it's far too tight, Richardson is struggling and
can't beat the throw to Flower over the stumps who drags it on,
replay called but he's well short
New Zealand 145/4, Partnership of 78
MH Richardson run out (Flower) 75 (222b 8x4 0x6)
a fine piece of fielding work for an ordinary piece of running
between wickets, Richardson makes sure another chance at a Test
century goes begging
Craig McMillan the new batsman
69.3 Whittall to McMillan, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends into
the pitch, back to the bowler
69.4 Whittall to McMillan, no run, dear oh dear, not a good shot to play
second ball without your eye in, McMillan tries to cut but playing
a mile away from his body, big bottom edge bounces over the stumps
through to the keeper
69.5 Whittall to McMillan, no run, forward, defends to short cover
69.6 Whittall to McMillan, no run, full and fairly wide outside off
stump, left well alone through to the keeper
End of over 70 (maiden) New Zealand 145/4
GJ Whittall 8-5-11-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 34* (113b 4x4) CD McMillan 0* (4b)
70.1 Streak to Astle, no run, forward, defends towards extra cover,
intercepted by cover coming in to field first
70.2 Streak to Astle, no run, tight ball on off stump, jumps on the
crease to defend up towards Whittall at mid off
70.3 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball, strongly cut from a height,
keeping it down to point fielding well on the bounce
70.4 Streak to Astle, no run, good demanding ball on off stump, nips
back a little and Astle's just saved by an inside edge into the
pads
70.5 Streak to Astle, no run, tries to hook! short rising ball climbs up
to shoulder height, hitting him there as he's through the stroke
too early, drops down towards the slips
70.6 Streak to Astle, no run, firmly defends up on the leg side of the
pitch
End of over 71 (maiden) New Zealand 145/4
HH Streak 15-5-31-1 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 0* (4b) NJ Astle 34* (119b 4x4)
Murphy returns to replace Whittall at the Sc oreboard end
71.1 Murphy to McMillan, no run, shortish ball that keeps a bit flat,
chopped into the ground straight to short cover
71.2 Murphy to McMillan, one run, angling down the leg side, helped on
its way down to long leg to get off the mark
71.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, angling on leg stump, defends down to
short leg
71.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends to Whittall at cover
71.5 Murphy to Astle, SIX, too short and Astle decides to liven up
everyone's day with an emphatic pull shot, hard and flat over
midwicket, and into the embankment terraces, that's six!
71.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends in close on the off side
End of over 72 (7 runs) New Zealand 152/4
BA Murphy 19-5-41-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 1* (6b) NJ Astle 40* (123b 4x4 1x6)
72.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, good straight ball on middle and leg,
firmly pushed up to mid on in defence
72.2 Streak to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, forced off the back foot
standing tall, played directly to point
72.3 Streak to McMillan, one run, shortish ball, tapped down forward of
square leg for what looks an easy single, but McMillan ambles it
and just makes it home as Olongo's pick up and throw just miss
72.4 Streak to Astle, one run, shortish ball, nudged off the back foot
towards cover point, no run on offer until a poor misfield
72.5 Streak to McMillan, no run, shortish again, defending down square
on the off side
72.6 Streak to McMillan, no run, and yet again, good short rising ball
on off stump, defends down to point
End of over 73 (2 runs) New Zealand 154/4
HH Streak 16-5-33-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 41* (124b 4x4 1x6) CD McMillan 2* (11b)
73.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, full and quick on leg stump, dropped away
from the pad to square leg
news is that Doug Marillier seems in a bit of trouble after
fielding a cracking cut from Richardson in the ghully
what a disaster for Zimbabwe if the reports of a broken arm are
proven to be true, and on his Test debut what's more!
73.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full outside off stump, strongly
driven straight to cover
73.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends back along the pitch to
mid off
73.4 Murphy to Astle, one run, opens the face, guiding it sweetly
backward of the point ielder
73.5 Murphy to McMillan, no run, jumps a step down the pitch but then
reverts into defensive mode, covering up the spot and dropping it
down in close on the leg sd
73.6 Murphy to McMillan, no run, full and wide outside off stump, tries
to crash it away through cover, completely misplays it, into the
pad
End of over 74 (1 run) New Zealand 155/4
BA Murphy 20-5-42-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 42* (128b 4x4 1x6) CD McMillan 2* (13b)
time for the final drinks break of the day's proceedings
another leisurely hour goes by, 26 runs and a wicket in 15 overs
Olonga returns, replacing Streak at the Vance Stand End
74.1 Olonga to Astle, no run, shortish ball, strongly driven from the
crease straight to extra cover
a slight delay as Campbell's hat flies off at second slip
74.2 Olonga to Astle, no run, shortish ball, chops into the ground
towards extra cover
74.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, short, quick, wide outside off stump,
leaves well alone through to the keeper
74.4 Olonga to Astle, (noball) no run, oversteps, leaves alone outside
off stump
74.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, leaves alone a quick wide ball outside off
stump
74.5 Olonga to Astle, no run, shuffles across the crease, pushes one
through quicker and fuller, half shout for lbw from Olonga but
just drifting down leg
74.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, short rising ball outside off stump, left
well alone
End of over 75 (1 run) New Zealand 156/4
HK Olonga 13-1-40-0 (1nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 2* (13b) NJ Astle 42* (135b 4x4 1x6)
75.1 Murphy to McMillan, no run, props forward in defence, played down
to short cover
75.2 Murphy to McMillan, no run, flighted full on leg stump, defends
quietly down towards mid on
75.3 Murphy to McMillan, no run, whips one through quicker and straight,
McMillan just squeezes it out from his defences
75.4 Murphy to McMillan, one run, charges down the pitch in a little
frustration, or just to break things up, going for a crashing
cover drive but not quite coming off, getting a single as it's
played wide of mid off at least
75.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, dead bat defends it into the
pitch at his feet, Andy Flower tidies from behind the stumps
75.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, straight and flat, defends back to the
bowler
End of over 76 (1 run) New Zealand 157/4
BA Murphy 21-5-43-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 3* (17b) NJ Astle 42* (137b 4x4 1x6)
76.1 Olonga to McMillan, no run, quick and full, firmly driven straight
up to mid off
the crowd have really started to thin out as we head past 6pm and
into the final hour's play, it was jam packed before, looked a
good 10,000 at least, though officiall attendance was only around
7400
76.2 Olonga to McMillan, (noball) one run, oversteps, firmly drives a
full ball up towards wide mid off, quick single taken with the
shot as Streak fields to his left
76.2 Olonga to Astle, no run, has a wild slash and miss outside off
stump, a bit of a rash stroke from Astle when looking in fair
touch at present
76.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, short lifting ball outside off stump,
hangs the bat well back out of the road
76.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, shortish ball, strongly forced off the
crease from a height, but picks out the point fielder who flings
it back quickly in response
76.5 Olonga to Astle, two runs, Astle reels a new shot out of the bag of
tricks, a fly swat hook, reaching for a very short Olonga ball and
hooking it down to vacant midwicket, where it almost stops before
a fielder reaches it
76.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, forward with bat/pad together, pushed back
up towards mid off, half appeal from the slips who are unsighted
End of over 77 (4 runs) New Zealand 161/4
HK Olonga 14-1-44-0 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 4* (19b) NJ Astle 44* (142b 4x4 1x6)
77.1 Murphy to McMillan, no run, flighted full, defends down in close on
the leg side
77.2 Murphy to McMillan, SIX, down the track, smacks it in the air over
long off, just clearing the boundary, needs a replay or two to
clarify it
77.3 Murphy to McMillan, one run, naughty Mr McMillan charges down the
pitch again, this time just getting bat on it before being
deceived in the flight, stroking it just past the bowler's
outstretched left hand, up to deepish mid off for a quick run with
the shot
77.4 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, Astle gets in on the act, a bit short and
quickly rocks back to heave it hard and strong through wide
midwicket, cracking shot, the crowd come alive
77.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, stretches forward down the line of a
straight ball, squirts away towards point
77.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, firmly drives up towards mid off
End of over 78 (11 runs) New Zealand 172/4
BA Murphy 22-5-54-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 11* (22b 1x6) NJ Astle 48* (145b 5x4 1x6)
78.1 Olonga to McMillan, no run, very brisk delivery hurries on to
McMillan, gets an inside edge into the top of the pad, good ball
from Olonga, who has been firing them in quick all day lon
78.2 Olonga to McMillan, no run, another good demanding ball on off
stump, defends back on the off side of the pitch
78.3 Olonga to McMillan, no run, full ball, jams into the deck back to
the bowler who palms it down into teh deck
78.4 Olonga to McMillan, no run, shapes to play but raises the bat away
late, shouldering arms through to the keeper
78.5 Olonga to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, tucked away to Whittall
at square leg
78.6 Olonga to McMillan, no run, short ball, ducks back underneath and
away from it quite comfortably
End of over 79 (maiden) New Zealand 172/4
HK Olonga 15-2-44-0 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 48* (145b 5x4 1x6) CD McMillan 11* (28b 1x6)
79.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full, firmly driven straight to
shor tcover
79.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, full ball on his toes, defends quietly
down to silly point
79.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full, firmly driven straight up
to mid off
79.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends to short cover
79.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, shortish ball, cut away straight to Olonga
at cover
79.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends into the off side
End of over 80 (maiden) New Zealand 172/4
BA Murphy 23-6-54-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 11* (28b 1x6) NJ Astle 48* (151b 5x4 1x6)
the new ball is due and has been promptly taken by Zimbabwe, Henry
Olonga with first usage
80.1 Olonga to McMillan, no run, pushes one through nice and quick first
up, seaming back into teh thigh pad of McMillan, tucking him up a
little
80.2 Olonga to McMillan, no run, fast and full on his legs, rebounds
back along the pitch to the bowler
80.3 Olonga to McMillan, no run, quick ball angling down the leg side,
McMillan for the third time out of three deliveries tries to whip
it away fine but misses altogether
80.4 Olonga to McMillan, no run, shuffles across to off stump, standing
tall to shoulder arms to a full ball that's too wide through to
the keeper
80.5 Olonga to McMillan, two runs, McMillan at last gets one away fine
down the leg side, and sprints back well for the second beating
the return throw
80.6 Olonga to McMillan, no run, short rising ball outside off stump, a
bit of impetuousity in a cut shot that was never there, far too
short and climbing, he can probably be thankful he missed it
End of over 81 (2 runs) New Zealand 174/4
HK Olonga 16-2-46-0 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 48* (151b 5x4 1x6) CD McMillan 13* (34b 1x6)
Bryan Strang returns, getting second usage of the new ball
81.1 Strang to Astle, no run, jumps back into his crease and gets into
line, defending back up on the off side of the pitch
81.2 Strang to Astle, no run, forced up off the back foot, straight to
mid off
81.3 Strang to Astle, no run, shuffles across to off stump, shapes to
defend but wisely elects to raise the bat out of the way late,
letting it pass through harmlessly to Flower
81.4 Strang to Astle, two runs, shortish ball on leg stump, tucked away
to vacant square leg, Astle sprints the first hard and races back
for a very hard run second, making it home well, and that's his
50, off 155 balls, 5x4, 1x6, a solid contribution
81.5 Strang to Astle, FOUR, short rising ball outside off stump, slashes
at it and gets a thick outside edge that flies high and wide of
the slips, down to the vacant third man boundary
81.6 Strang to Astle, no run, straight ball, firmly defends from the
crease to the bowler
End of over 82 (6 runs) New Zealand 180/4
BC Strang 19-7-35-1 - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 13* (34b 1x6) NJ Astle 54* (157b 6x4 1x6)
Heath Streak only allows one over with the new cherry for Olonga,
he wants a go now himself
82.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, shortish ball on middle and leg, fends
it down towards square leg
82.2 Streak to McMillan, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
82.3 Streak to McMillan, no run, firmly cracked straight up to Strang at
mid on
82.4 Streak to McMillan, no run, straight ball, firmly drives straight
back down the pitch, Streak pounces on his follow through and
threatens to throw down the stumps but holds on
82.5 Streak to McMillan, one run, shortish ball outside off stump,
tapped down into the covers, very tight single called for as
McMillan struggles to get motoring, a good pick up and shy at the
bowler's end on the fly misses, saving any potential blushes
82.6 Streak to Astle, no run, short ball on off stump, defends down into
the covers
End of over 83 (1 run) New Zealand 181/4
HH Streak 17-5-34-1 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 14* (39b 1x6) NJ Astle 54* (158b 6x4 1x6)
83.1 Strang to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, defends down to cover
point, Whittall across to field from the covers
83.2 Strang to McMillan, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
83.3 Strang to McMillan, no run, good shortish ball tucks McMillan up,
forced to spoon it away towards point, just bouncing short
83.4 Strang to McMillan, no run, tight ball on off stump, forced away to
point
83.5 Strang to McMillan, one run, firmly driven back down the pitch,
strikes the stumps at the bowler's end and ricochets away from mid
on for a quick single
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 13th time today
83.6 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends back up on the off side
of the pitch
End of over 84 (1 run) New Zealand 182/4
BC Strang 20-7-36-1 - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 15* (44b 1x6) NJ Astle 54* (159b 6x4 1x6)
84.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, full ball, defends into the covers
84.2 Streak to McMillan, no run, a lovely ball from Streak, seams back a
long way and has McMillan ina bit of trouble, but taken high on
the pad so no real threat, just a bit surprised
84.3 Streak to McMillan, no run, defends a short ball down into the
covers
84.4 Streak to McMillan, no run, leaves alone a short rising ball
outside off stump
84.5 Streak to McMillan, no run, shoulders arms again outside off stump
84.6 Streak to McMillan, no run, bouncer, ducks well underneath it
End of over 85 (maiden) New Zealand 182/4
HH Streak 18-6-34-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 54* (159b 6x4 1x6) CD McMillan 15* (50b 1x6)
85.1 Strang to Astle, no run, jumps back to a short ball, defending back
down the pitch to the bowler
85.2 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball, defends down into the leg
side, no thoughts of a single as midwicket's in quickly to field
85.3 Strang to Astle, wide: no run, very full and wide ball outside off
stump, Strang joins Murphy and Whittall in the wide stakes
85.3 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
85.4 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump again
85.5 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, defends
down towards cover point
85.6 Strang to Astle, no run, firmly defended down forward of point
End of over 86 (1 run) New Zealand 183/4
BC Strang 21-7-37-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 15* (50b 1x6) NJ Astle 54* (165b 6x4 1x6)
86.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump to a
full ball that rises sharply from the pitch through to Flower
86.2 Streak to McMillan, no run, straight ball, defends down to mid on
86.3 Streak to McMillan, FOUR, quick ball down the leg side, neatly
whipped very fine past the keeper, no chance for fine leg to stop
that one crashing into the boundary hardings
86.4 Streak to McMillan, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
86.5 Streak to McMillan, no run, ducks back out of the way of a short
rising ball outside off stump
86.6 Streak to McMillan, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump to a
shortish rising ball through to the keeper
End of over 87 (4 runs) New Zealand 187/4
HH Streak 19-6-38-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 54* (165b 6x4 1x6) CD McMillan 19* (56b 1x4 1x6)
87.1 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball, defends back down the pitch
to Strang
87.2 Strang to Astle, no run, short ball on off stump, hops on the
crease trying to free the arms, defends down to short cover
87.3 Strang to Astle, no run, bouncer, ducks well underneath it
87.4 Strang to Astle, no run, shuffles on the crease, defending back up
on the off side of the pitch to the bowler
very much a holding pattern to see out the day's play now, just 14
balls remaining to be bowled - we'll go around 5 minutes overtime
87.5 Strang to Astle, no run, better ball, squares Astle around in
defence, opening the face late to play it away to point
End of over 88 (maiden) New Zealand 187/4
BC Strang 22-8-37-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 19* (56b 1x4 1x6) NJ Astle 54* (170b 6x4 1x6)
it's getting a bit late on this lethargic Boxing Day for umpire
Dunne, calling the over to an end a ball short, he's in a hurry to
get to his hotel
88.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, forward, seams into the front pad,
appeal for lbw but too high, struck outside the line
88.2 Streak to McMillan, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends
down into the covers
88.3 Streak to McMillan, one run, driven up towards wide mid on, quick
run taken easily with the shot, another Zimbabwean fielder goes
down trying to field it, but seems to have recovered OK
88.4 Streak to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
88.5 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends down
into the covers
88.6 Streak to Astle, one run, angling down the leg side, helped on its
way down to fine leg
End of over 89 (2 runs) New Zealand 189/4
HH Streak 20-6-40-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 55* (173b 6x4 1x6) CD McMillan 20* (59b 1x4 1x6)
one more over to be bowled tonight, and it'll be the leg spinner
Murphy who has the honours
89.1 Murphy to Astle, one run, full, angling down the leg side, quietly
turned away to vacant backward square leg for an easy single
89.2 Murphy to McMillan, no run, forward, defends away towards point
89.3 Murphy to McMillan, no run, flatter ball, defends down, away
towards Whittall at point again
89.4 Murphy to McMillan, no run, shoulders arms to a wider ball outside
off stump
89.5 Murphy to McMillan, no run, props well forward in defence, played
to short cover
time for one more ball today, with one fan keen to see it smacked
over the fence, the lone loud voice yelling 'gooooo Macca!'
89.6 Murphy to McMillan, no run, but it's not forthcoming, down the leg
side, McMillan thrusts the body and it, kicking it away
End of over 90 (1 run) New Zealand 190/4
BA Murphy 24-6-55-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 56* (174b 6x4 1x6) CD McMillan 20* (64b 1x4 1x6)
New Zealand see through a satisfactory day's play at a sedate pace,
a little too quiet for most people's liking, as the ground was
only about a third as full as it was at the peak of the day
two run outs and a rash stroke from Horne showed that things
should've been even better for the home side, but Zimbabwe also
had their opportunities and couldn't grab them, with a few catches
being split, most very gettable ones at that
there is little else that can probably be said about the day's
play, it was a virtual non-event except for the occasional flashes
of adventure from Astle and McMillan
the crowd was excellent (though one fellow decided running across
the boundary at the end was a smart shortcut to his final
destination, and ends up flat on his posterior and then hauled off
by security!) and the weather beautiful, but the cricket was
mostly drab, on what is a very good wicket for batting, and should
just keep getting better, but is very likely to turn a lot on days
four and five - New Zealand will be looking to utilise their twin
spinners in the form of Wiseman and Walker
it has been confirmed that Douglas Marillier's arm is not broken,
but he does have it in a sling, with blood on muscle in a finger,
meaning it will be rather painful, but he should be able to bat
(in some discomfort) if needed
in the end of play press conference, both camps confirmed that
batting first on this pitch was ideal, given it was a lot drier
than expected and should turn a lot later
it's the sort of wicket where due to its holding and sometimes
inconsistent bouncing nature, it was hard to get in and play
strokes, but getting batsmen out is just as tricky - so slow,
attritional progress could be the order of the match
New Zealand coach David Trist is targeting 330-340 as a fair score
later tomorrow, while Zimbabwean coach Carl Rackemann thinks
today's effort by Zimbabwe was very good and calls it 50-50 at
this stage
that's all from the Basin Reserve on the opening day of the third
annual Boxing Day Test to be held in New Zealand, join us for a
resumption in play at 12pm local time tomorrow (2300 GMT), until
then it's goodbye from CricInfo in Wellington
any comments about today's coverage can be sent to
comms@cricinfo.com - all feedback is very much appreciated!
Match State: Stumps - Day 1
welcome to the Basin Reserve for the second day of the Boxing Day
Test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe in Wellington, it's another
lovely day here with a fair breeze
unfortunately, due to a combination of factorys, namely today not
being a public holiday, the tough wind and the rather drab
cricket, not nearly as many people have so far walked in through
the gates
in fact, compared to yesterday's estimated 10,000 (though official
7400 give or take) people, we're likely to be doing well making
3000 today
it'll be Heath Streak to continue from hwere he left off last
night, bowling to Astle from the RA Vance Stand End
90.1 Streak to Astle, no run, angling wide down the leg side, an
innocuous start to proceedings
and already we have a hat blowing across the pitch! Guy Whittall's
goes from his head at mid off
90.2 Streak to Astle, two runs, straighter, but not straight enough,
neatly clipped away from his legs through vacant square leg,
Olonga's slow to react from midwicket
90.3 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball, defends down to point
90.4 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish straight ball on off stump,
defends back down the pitch from the crease
90.5 Streak to Astle, one run, angling down the leg side, easily whipped
off the hip down to fine leg
90.6 Streak to McMillan, no run, good short rising ball from a length on
off stump, fended down safely well short of the gully
End of over 91 (3 runs) New Zealand 193/4
HH Streak 21-6-43-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 59* (179b 6x4 1x6) CD McMillan 20* (65b 1x4 1x6)
hardly any surprised, it'll be Bryan Strang to open the bowling
into the wind from the Scoreboard End
91.1 Strang to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump to one
angling across the right hander
91.2 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends down towards cover point
91.3 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball, looks to cut hard but it
holds up as he plays awkwardly off the front foot, gets a big
bottom edge straight into the pitch, guardes it with his body to
ensure no spin back on to the stumps
91.4 Strang to Astle, no run, defends from the crease back down the
wicket
91.5 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball, defends from a height down
towards point
91.6 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, opens the face to run it away to
backward point in defence
End of over 92 (maiden) New Zealand 193/4
BC Strang 23-9-37-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 20* (65b 1x4 1x6) NJ Astle 59* (185b 6x4 1x6)
92.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, short rising ball on off stump, defends
down into the gully, good fielding by Madondo prevents it sneaking
away for a single
92.2 Streak to McMillan, no run, straight ball on off stump, much
fuller, drawn forward into a defensive push away to extra cover
92.3 Streak to McMillan, no run, full outside off stump, firmly punched
square but not past point
92.4 Streak to McMillan, one run, shortish straight ball, shuffles
across the creaseline to work it away into the gap at midwicket
and get underway today
92.5 Streak to Astle, no run, confidently forward in defence, played
away to cover
the wind has really picked up to a strong persistent level now,
could be a hard day on the embankment for many if the action
doesn't get better
92.6 Streak to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump through
to the keeper
End of over 93 (1 run) New Zealand 194/4
HH Streak 22-6-44-1 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 21* (69b 1x4 1x6) NJ Astle 59* (187b 6x4 1x6)
93.1 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, short ball outside off stump, McMillan
quickly on to it, cutting well down through the gap between slips
and gully to the vacant third man boundary
93.2 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, now he goes forward of square! cracking
stroke through cover point, brings up New Zealand's 200 to a fair
smattering of applause
93.3 Strang to McMillan, no run, defends down in close on the off side
93.4 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, smack! take that says big Macca! a bit
full outside off stump and McMillan fair lays into this one,
smashing it with brute force through extra cover, into the
boundary hoardings like a tracer bullet - 3 boundaries in 4 balls
93.5 Strang to McMillan, no run, firmly stroked straight to shortish
extra cover
93.6 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, and what a fine way to end the over, sits
back on the crease to a shorter one, opening the face ever so
delicately and guiding it from the willow through the gap between
slips and gully with perfection, 16 off the over
End of over 94 (16 runs) New Zealand 210/4
BC Strang 24-9-53-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 59* (187b 6x4 1x6) CD McMillan 37* (75b 5x4 1x6)
great stuff from McMillan, threatening to enliven this match yet
94.1 Streak to Astle, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
defends from the crease back down the pitch
94.2 Streak to Astle, one run, angling down the leg side, easily turned
away to Strang at long leg
94.3 Streak to McMillan, no run, half forward, Streak pushes one through
quicker and jags back sharply into McMillan, big appeal for lbw
but it struck him fairly high on the inside of the back leg,
Streak not well supported enough by his team-mates
94.4 Streak to McMillan, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, firmly
defends off the back foot up to Whittall at mid off
94.5 Streak to McMillan, no run, good length ball keeps McMillan honest,
has to defend from the crease, losing the bottom hand off the bat
as he's restricted ample arm movement, played away to point
94.6 Streak to McMillan, no run, firmly drives a full ball straight up
to mid on
End of over 95 (1 run) New Zealand 211/4
HH Streak 23-6-45-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 60* (189b 6x4 1x6) CD McMillan 37* (79b 5x4 1x6)
95.1 Strang to Astle, no run, shoulders arms to a widish ball going
wider outside off stump
95.2 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, opens the face, defending away to
backward point
95.3 Strang to Astle, one run, very short ball outside off stump,
slapped down towards point, falling just short of the fielder but
rebounding away untidily towards backward point and they get a
single
Astle a bit lazy on the stroke, not getting fully over it
95.4 Strang to McMillan, no run, dear oh dear, charges down the pitch,
trying to belt him over his head, McMillan sheepishly scurries
back into his crease, not very smart at all, trying to dominate
just a bit too much, has to pick his deliveries
95.5 Strang to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, tries to swing him over
square leg this time, plays a mile over it but there's a little
deviation and noise through to the keeper, huge appeal and the
Zimbabweans hug and celebrate, but McMillan doesn't move, neither
does umpire Dunne
the replays are inconclusive, but suggestions that it could've just
flicked the back pad on the way through, a bit of controversy, but
to the Zimbabweans' credit, they get on with the game with minimal
fuss
the replays also show that Strang's front foot overstepped by at
least a foot - umpire Dunne didn't pick it up, but luckily justice
prevails and not out is the ultimate decision anyway!
95.6 Strang to McMillan, no run, defends down on the off side of the
pitch
End of over 96 (1 run) New Zealand 212/4
BC Strang 25-9-54-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 61* (192b 6x4 1x6) CD McMillan 37* (82b 5x4 1x6)
96.1 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball, defends down towards point
96.2 Streak to Astle, no run, straighter ball, played away towards
square leg
96.3 Streak to Astle, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
defends back up the pitch on the off side
96.4 Streak to Astle, no run, stretches forward, seams in a long way,
just striking outside the line of off stump, big appeal for lbw
but umpire Cooray says no, good call, though was definitely
crunching the stumps, the step forward saves Astle
96.5 Streak to Astle, no run, forward, turned away firmly to Olonga at
square leg
96.6 Streak to Astle, no run, shuffles across to off stump, shoulders
arms to it
End of over 97 (maiden) New Zealand 212/4
HH Streak 24-7-45-1 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 37* (82b 5x4 1x6) NJ Astle 61* (198b 6x4 1x6)
97.1 Strang to McMillan, no run, shoulders arms to one that moves away
from the right hander outside off stump
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the first time today, 14th time
overall
97.2 Strang to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, defends from a height at
the crease, down to short extra cover
97.3 Strang to McMillan, no run, forward, sweetly pushed straight to
short extra cover on the bounce
97.4 Strang to McMillan, no run, shuffles across to off stump,
shouldders arms through to the keeper
97.5 Strang to McMillan, no run, defends away towards backward point,
opening the face late on a tight ball on off stump
97.6 Strang to McMillan, no run, full on leg stump, drives firmly
straight up to Streak at mid on
End of over 98 (maiden) New Zealand 212/4
BC Strang 26-10-54-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 61* (198b 6x4 1x6) CD McMillan 37* (88b 5x4 1x6)
98.1 Streak to Astle, no run, shoulders arms to a full ball well wide
outside off stump
98.2 Streak to Astle, no run, straight ball on a good length, tucks
Astle up well, but is able to get away a nice defensive stroke
down to Olonga at forward square leg
98.3 Streak to Astle, no run, shuffles across to off stump, pulls the
bat well out of the way leaves alone through to the keeper
98.4 Streak to Astle, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends
watchfully up to Whittall at mid off
98.5 Streak to Astle, no run, quick and full on off stump, firmly driven
straight back to Streak who fields well on his follow through
98.6 Streak to Astle, FOUR, short rising ball, Astle confidently swivels
on the crease and pulls down from just outside off stump through
vacant midwicket, strongly played with assurance
End of over 99 (4 runs) New Zealand 216/4
HH Streak 25-7-49-1 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 37* (88b 5x4 1x6) NJ Astle 65* (204b 7x4 1x6)
99.1 Strang to McMillan, no run, McMillan goes for another ugly heave
against Strang, dragging one across the line down to mid on,
looking for a big cover drive but it was never quite there for it
99.2 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, too much width, McMillan leans back to
free the arms and slashes it away down through backward point
99.3 Strang to McMillan, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
99.4 Strang to McMillan, one run, full outside off stump, strongly
cracked up through wide mid off, Whittall does tremendously to get
to his left, slide into it and stop a certain boundary, can't
prevent a single with the shot however
99.5 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball, frees the arms a little but
ends up dragging it down towards mid off
Whittall however is preoccupied, having to chase after his hat,
heading towards the scoreboard, and someone else fields the ball
for him
99.6 Strang to Astle, (noball) no run, oversteps, Dunne picks this one
up, shoulders arms outside off stump
99.6 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump again
End of over 100 (6 runs) New Zealand 222/4
BC Strang 27-10-60-1 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 42* (92b 6x4 1x6) NJ Astle 65* (207b 7x4 1x6)
100.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, full ball, firmly defends up to
Whittall at mid off
100.2 Streak to McMillan, no run, full outside off stump, strongly
punched into the ground towards cover, a good diving stop there
probably saves at least 3
100.3 Streak to McMillan, one run, angling down the leg side, turned down
to Strang at long leg
100.4 Streak to Astle, no run, full ball outside off stump, watchfully
stroked straight up to Whittall at mid off
100.5 Streak to Astle, no run, pushes forward in defence, Streak gets one
to seam back well and goes through the gate, a belated appeal for
something from Streak as it clips the pad through to the keeper
taking it down the leg side
certainly not lbw, struck miles outside the line, and the bat was a
mile away from the ball too, but you may as well have a go
100.6 Streak to Astle, no run, forward, defends down into the covers
End of over 101 (1 run) New Zealand 223/4
HH Streak 26-7-50-1 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 43* (95b 6x4 1x6) NJ Astle 65* (210b 7x4 1x6)
a bowling change at the Scoreboard End, Strang hauled off after 5-
2-23-0 today, Guy Whittall on
101.1 Whittall to McMillan, no run, straight ball, firmly stroked
straight up to Strang at mid on
101.2 Whittall to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, forced off the back
foot from the crease, up to mid on again
101.3 Whittall to McMillan, no run, short ball, forced strongly off the
back foot into the pitch, to short extra cover from the bounce
101.4 Whittall to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, firmly pushed down to
point in defence
101.5 Whittall to McMillan, FOUR, overpitched on his legs, lovely
straight drive back down the pitch on the leg side, Astle doesn't
even bother running, he watches it pass him and race away, great
stuff
101.6 Whittall to McMillan, no run, firmly stroked back on the off side
of the pitch, Whittall reaches across to partially stop it with
his left hand
End of over 102 (4 runs) New Zealand 227/4
GJ Whittall 9-5-15-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 65* (210b 7x4 1x6) CD McMillan 47* (101b 7x4 1x6)
an interesting change, Strang switches ends, getting a go with the
wind at his back now, replacing Streak at the Vance Stand End
102.1 Strang to Astle, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
defends down into the covers
102.2 Strang to Astle, no run, stretches forward down the line of a
straight ball, played down towards cover again
102.3 Strang to Astle, no run, lovely ball! short, rising off a good
length and tight on Astle, Astle pokes forward in defence but
doesn't get to it, beating the outside edge through to the keeper
102.4 Strang to Astle, no run, compactly defends with bat/pad together,
played up to Streak at mid off
102.5 Strang to Astle, no run, straight ball, defends up towards mid off
stump
102.6 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends away into the covers
End of over 103 (maiden) New Zealand 227/4
BC Strang 28-11-60-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 47* (101b 7x4 1x6) NJ Astle 65* (216b 7x4 1x6)
103.1 Whittall to McMillan, one run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
driven up towards Streak set quite deep at mid off, good quick
single taken with the shot as Streak feels the pressure and
fumbles it
103.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
103.3 Whittall to Astle, no run, full ball, strongly driven but straight
up to Streak at mid off
103.4 Whittall to Astle, one run, forward, turns a straight ball that
seams back in away towards forward square leg, Whittall stands
with hands on head as he nearly snuck it through Astle
103.5 Whittall to McMillan, three runs, overpitched on his legs, well
driven through wide mid on, overhauled just inside the rope but
there's time for 3 and that's McMillan's 50 off 103 balls, 7x4,
1x6
103.6 Whittall to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
End of over 104 (5 runs) New Zealand 232/4
GJ Whittall 10-5-20-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 51* (103b 7x4 1x6) NJ Astle 66* (220b 7x4 1x6)
time for the first drinks break of the day
42 runs off 14 overs in the hour, much quicker pace than yesterday
104.1 Strang to McMillan, no run, forward, defends down to cover
104.2 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, a bit of width, well cut down through
backward point
104.3 Strang to McMillan, no run, full ball, pushed straight up to
Whittall at mid on
104.4 Strang to McMillan, no run, forward to a full ball, driven straight
to cover
104.5 Strang to McMillan, no run, full, driven straight up to Streak at
mid off
104.6 Strang to McMillan, no run, forward, defends down towards backward
point
End of over 105 (4 runs) New Zealand 236/4
BC Strang 29-11-64-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 66* (220b 7x4 1x6) CD McMillan 55* (109b 8x4 1x6)
Brian Murphy replaces Whittall at the Scoreboard End
105.1 Murphy to Astle, two runs, angling down the leg side, neatly helped
on hits way fine, Strang around to field from long leg
105.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted up full, watchfully pushed back
on the off side of the pitch in defence
105.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down to forward short leg
105.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends straight back to the
bowler on the off side of the pitch
105.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends quietly down towards
short cover, Whittall scoots in to field from point
105.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward to a straigher ball, defends down
to short leg
End of over 106 (2 runs) New Zealand 238/4
BA Murphy 25-6-57-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 55* (109b 8x4 1x6) NJ Astle 68* (226b 7x4 1x6)
106.1 Strang to McMillan, no run, straight ball, shuffles across the
crease, firmly driving up to mid on
106.2 Strang to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, defends back down teh
pitch to the bowler
106.3 Strang to McMillan, no run, very full ball outside off stump,
strongly driven straight up to Whittall at mid off
106.4 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, too short outside off stump, smashed away
down through cover point, McMillan quickly catching up with Astle
106.5 Strang to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, forced off the back foot
straight up to wide mid off, thoughts of a quick run but Whittall
is quickly across to field and fire it back to teh keeper
106.6 Strang to McMillan, no run, shortish ball, well whipped away from
the crease on off stump, but played straight down to Olonga at
midwicket
End of over 107 (4 runs) New Zealand 242/4
BC Strang 30-11-68-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 68* (226b 7x4 1x6) CD McMillan 59* (115b 9x4 1x6)
107.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full outside off stump, firmly
driven straight to Olonga at cover
107.2 Murphy to Astle, two runs, flighted full down the leg side, well
paddled around the corner fine, more work for long leg to get
around to it
107.3 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, flighted too full down the leg side again,
sweeps firmly and finer, it really slows up in the deep but just
trickles over, and that's the 100 partnership between Astle and
McMillan
107.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, watchfully forward, defending back along
the pitch to the bowler
107.5 Murphy to Astle, one run, flighted up down the leg side, sweeps
square for an easy single
107.6 Murphy to McMillan, no run, flighted on leg stump, watchfully
turned away towards midwicket, McMillan looking for a run but is
firmly told where to stay by Astle
End of over 108 (7 runs) New Zealand 249/4
BA Murphy 26-6-64-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 75* (231b 8x4 1x6) CD McMillan 59* (116b 9x4 1x6)
108.1 Strang to Astle, no run, a bit of width, strongly cut down but well
palmed down at point to prevent any run
108.2 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone a full ball angling away wide
outside off stump
108.3 Strang to Astle, no run, firmly driven straight up to Whittall at
mid on
108.4 Strang to Astle, no run, another firm straight drive, but this time
up to Streak at mid off
108.5 Strang to Astle, no run, watchfully defends from the crease,
playing back quietly on the leg side of the pitch
108.6 Strang to Astle, no run, firmly drives, up to Whittall at mid on
End of over 109 (maiden) New Zealand 249/4
BC Strang 31-12-68-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 59* (116b 9x4 1x6) NJ Astle 75* (237b 8x4 1x6)
109.1 Murphy to McMillan, two runs, flighted full down the leg side,
paddled away yet again for another couple, Murphy seems to be
targeting the legs but is being picked off every time so far
now a short fine leg is put in place as a result
109.2 Murphy to McMillan, FOUR, so instead McMillan simply comes down the
crease, meeting the pitch of the ball and sends it away through
wide midwicket with effortless ease, mid on just watches it race
away
109.3 Murphy to McMillan, FOUR, and after the leg spinner he goes again,
swinging him away through forward square leg, there's no mercy
being applied here, McMillan has come out with a definite attitude
this morning - far more entertaining cricket this session than in
any other
109.4 Murphy to McMillan, two runs, Murphy pitches it much straighter,
but doesn't stop McMillan dabbling it away fine from an open face,
just past the slip fielder, time for a couple as Whittall sprints
after it from backward point
109.5 Murphy to McMillan, one run, flighted full outside off stump,
smacked down the ground but there's a long off in place, comes
around to his left to keeep it to one
109.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down in close on the leg
side of the pitch, the only runless ball of the over
End of over 110 (13 runs) New Zealand 262/4
BA Murphy 27-6-77-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 72* (121b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 75* (238b 8x4 1x6)
first sighting of Henry Olonga at the bowling crease today,
replacing Strang at the Vance Stand End
110.1 Olonga to McMillan, two runs, short rising ball outside off stump,
well cut down through backward point and comes back for the
second, running very well, McMillan looking sprightly
110.2 Olonga to McMillan, no run, straighter ball tucks him up more,
defending safely down to short midwicket
110.3 Olonga to McMillan, one run, short ball outside off stump, well cut
down to third man
McMillan joins Astle on 75, despite coming in to bat with his
partner on 34
110.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, hops on the crease in defence to a
shortish rising straight ball, played back to the bowler
110.5 Olonga to Astle, no run, short ball outside off stump, cut down
towards point, good diving save to the left at point, well parried
down to save a possible boundary
110.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, full ball, squared around in defence,
rebounds away towards point from the pad
End of over 111 (3 runs) New Zealand 265/4
HK Olonga 17-2-49-0 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 75* (124b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 75* (241b 8x4 1x6)
111.1 Murphy to McMillan, no run, watchfully forward in defence, drops it
down in close on the leg side
111.2 Murphy to McMillan, no run, forward, defends down towards Whittall
at backward point
111.3 Murphy to McMillan, one run, flighted full outside off stump,
strongly driven up through wide mid off, long off around to field
111.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, reaching forward, driving to short extra
cover in defence
111.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted down the leg side, quietly swept
straight to Olonga at short fine leg
111.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full on the legs, driven up
towards mid on
End of over 112 (1 run) New Zealand 266/4
BA Murphy 28-6-78-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 76* (127b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 75* (244b 8x4 1x6)
112.1 Olonga to McMillan, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
down into the ground away to point
112.2 Olonga to McMillan, no run, full ball swinging away down the leg
side, through to Flower despite McMillan's minor attempt at
helping it on its way
112.3 Olonga to McMillan, no run, full ball on off stump, goes for a big
cover drive but it came back a bit through the air, misplays it
into the front pad, rebounds away into the covers
112.4 Olonga to McMillan, one run, short outside off stump, cut down to
third man
112.5 Olonga to Astle, no run, forward to a full ball, firmly defends
straight up to mid off
112.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, good delivery coming back off the seam,
Astle hops on the crease in defence but it sneaks through,
striking high on the pad, vociferous Olonga appeal for lbw but
turned down, most likely for the height
End of over 113 (1 run) New Zealand 267/4
HK Olonga 18-2-50-0 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 77* (131b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 75* (246b 8x4 1x6)
113.1 Murphy to McMillan, no run, forward, defends away towards cover
point
113.2 Murphy to McMillan, no run, charges down the pitch, came down
outside leg stump but Murphy spotted him. pushing it through wider
outside off stump, drags it away towards mid on, just saving
himself terminal embarrassment
113.3 Murphy to McMillan, no run, more circumspectly defends it back down
teh pitch to the bowler
113.4 Murphy to McMillan, two runs, well swept away through square leg,
in the air for some time, bringing the cries of 'catch!' as it
came off the splice, but always very safe as deep backward square
leg is a long way away
113.5 Murphy to McMillan, no run, forward, defends in close on the leg
side
113.6 Murphy to McMillan, no run, looks to come forward but then hops
back in the crease, just withdrawing the bat very late after
looking to defend a fair ball turning away, Flower whips off the
stumps for effect
End of over 114 (2 runs) New Zealand 269/4
BA Murphy 29-6-80-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 75* (246b 8x4 1x6) CD McMillan 79* (137b 11x4 1x6)
114.1 Olonga to Astle, one run, pushing forward in defence, gets a bit of
an inside edge down into the pitch in close on the leg side, good
calling and running from McMillan to sneak them through for what
turns out to be a very easy single as the field is almost in a
ring now
114.2 Olonga to McMillan, one run, shortish ball forced off the back foot
down into the covers, good quick running with the shot again as
the field fumbles
114.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, full on his legs, firmly clipped straight
to short midwicket
114.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, forward, defends down on the leg side of
the pitch
114.5 Olonga to Astle, no run, short and plenty of width outside off
stump, Astle has a flash at it from the crease but misses, playing
over the top of it, just a bit wide with no footwork
114.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, shortish ball, slashing cut down backward
of point, but Madondo athletically pounces on it from gully
End of over 115 (2 runs) New Zealand 271/4
HK Olonga 19-2-52-0 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 80* (138b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 76* (251b 8x4 1x6)
115.1 Murphy to McMillan, no run, McMillan tries to sweep from a bit far
towards off stump, taken on the pad and balloons away towards
short midwicket, Flower around from behind the stumps to tidy up
115.2 Murphy to McMillan, one run, flighted up straight, McMillan just
sits on it, turning it away to vacant square leg, a single is
easily ambled
115.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, quietly defends down towards
short extra cover
115.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, hops back
in the crease to nudge away into the off side, drops it down into
the ground from a bottom edge, short cover in to field
115.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full, watchfully defended back to
the bowler on the off side of the pitch
115.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, short ball, cut away straight to cover
point
End of over 116 (1 run) New Zealand 272/4
BA Murphy 30-6-81-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 81* (140b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 76* (255b 8x4 1x6)
116.1 Olonga to McMillan, no run, good length ball swinging in, taken on
the pad, huge appeal for lbw from Olonga, turned down despite his
pleading manner
116.2 Olonga to McMillan, no run, hops on teh crease to defend down
towards forward square leg
116.3 Olonga to McMillan, no run, quick and full on leg stump, tries to
whip it away but it cannons into the pad, dropping down in close
on the leg side
116.4 Olonga to McMillan, one run, full ball down the leg side, turned
down to long leg
116.5 Olonga to Astle, no run, leaves alone a full, wide ball outside off
stump
116.6 Olonga to Astle, one run, full ball down the leg side, gets a bit
of bat on it, quietly turning it away to vacant short fine leg,
Flower across with the gloves to clean up
End of over 117 (2 runs) New Zealand 274/4
HK Olonga 20-2-54-0 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 77* (257b 8x4 1x6) CD McMillan 82* (144b 11x4 1x6)
117.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted very full down the leg side,
looks to sweep but plays over it, turning in a little around his
legs, but not enough to threaten leg stump
117.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down towards Whittall at
point
117.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, stretches well forward, defending quietly
back on the off side of the pitch
117.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, well forward, defends back on the leg side
of the pitch this time
117.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, angling on leg stump, turned away towards
forward square leg, brief thoughts of a sharp run but midwicket's
quickly across to field
117.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted up well outside off stump, Astle
reaches forward in defence, turns away past the outside edge,
bringing a shout from Flower as he motions to whip off the bails
End of over 118 (maiden) New Zealand 274/4
BA Murphy 31-7-81-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 82* (144b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 77* (263b 8x4 1x6)
this should be the last over before lunch is taken
118.1 Olonga to McMillan, no run, quick and short outside off stump, left
well alone by McMillan
118.2 Olonga to McMillan, one run, shortish ball down the leg side,
tucked off the hip down through square leg, they look for a second
but sharp fielding by Whittall from midwicket prevents it
118.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, quick rising ball outside off stump,
shapes to play but more wisely decides to have absolutely nothing
to do with it
118.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, short but tight ball on off stump, chopped
away to point
118.5 Olonga to Astle, no run, tight ball on off stump, watchfully
defends away into the covers again
last ball before lunch coming up
118.6 Olonga to Astle, legbye: FOUR, not a bad way to end the session,
too full down the leg side, well glanced away fine past the keeper
and off they go
End of over 119 (5 runs) New Zealand 279/4
HK Olonga 21-2-55-0 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 83* (146b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 77* (267b 8x4 1x6)
a wicketless session for New Zealand, a rarity in modern day Test
cricket for them, Astle and McMillan playing with authority and
control, for the most part, barring the odd rash unnecessary
stroke from McMillan
Match State: Lunch - Day 2
the players return after lunch, it'll be Murphy to continue to
mcMillan
119.1 Murphy to McMillan, no run, forward, defends on the leg side of the
pitch
119.2 Murphy to McMillan, no run, forward, again, pushing up towards mid
on
119.3 Murphy to McMillan, no run, stretches well outside leg stump
shaping to sweep, but awkwardly stops and has to pad away
119.4 Murphy to McMillan, no run, good ball shooting through on leg
stump, McMillan's squared around, just getting it away towards
point from a closed blade
119.5 Murphy to McMillan, no run, defends firmly straight back to the
bowler
119.6 Murphy to McMillan, one run, flighted full on leg stump, lapped
away backward of square, easy run with the shot as Strang fields
from short fine leg
End of over 120 (1 run) New Zealand 280/4
BA Murphy 32-7-82-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 84* (152b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 77* (267b 8x4 1x6)
Olonga to continue from the Vance Stand End
120.1 Olonga to McMillan, three runs, overpitched on his legs, strongly
clipped away through wide midwicket, beating the dive of Streak
who has to get up and chase, the ball pulls up well inside the
rope but there's time for three
120.2 Olonga to Astle, no run, short ball outside off stump, slashes at
it but plays over the top, getting an underedge into the ground
and through to the keeper
120.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, straight ball, firmly driven up to Streak
at mid on
120.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, drawn forward into a defensive stroke,
played compactly straight to cover
120.5 Olonga to Astle, no run, shortish ball on off stump, little room to
play but does well to cut down strongly to point
120.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, similar again, cut down into the ground
towards cover point
End of over 121 (3 runs) New Zealand 283/4
HK Olonga 22-2-58-0 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 87* (153b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 77* (272b 8x4 1x6)
121.1 Murphy to McMillan, one run, turned away forward of square leg
121.2 Murphy to Astle, one run, flighted full on leg stump, quietly
turned away to vacant square leg for an easy single
121.3 Murphy to McMillan, no run, hops down the pitch, covering in
defence back to the bowler
121.4 Murphy to McMillan, two runs, flighted full on his toes as he
advances, squeezes it away firmly through forward square leg well
121.5 Murphy to McMillan, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch
121.6 Murphy to McMillan, no run, defends back on the off side
End of over 122 (4 runs) New Zealand 287/4
BA Murphy 33-7-86-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 78* (273b 8x4 1x6) CD McMillan 90* (158b 11x4 1x6)
122.1 Olonga to Astle, one run, short outside off stump, cut down to
third man
122.2 Olonga to McMillan, (noball) no run, oversteps, cuts a short ball
down to point
122.2 Olonga to McMillan, legbye: one run, quick ball seaming in to the
top of the pad, belated appeal from Olonga as it's heading well
down leg, rebounds down to third man
122.3 Olonga to Astle, FOUR, too short outside off stump, well slapped
down through the vacant covers, races away
122.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside off
stump
122.5 Olonga to Astle, no run, leaves alone a shortish ball a bit too
wide to require a stroke outside off stump
122.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, straight ball on off stump, defends from
the crease up towards mid off
End of over 123 (7 runs) New Zealand 294/4
HK Olonga 23-2-64-0 (3nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 90* (160b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 83* (278b 9x4 1x6)
123.1 Murphy to McMillan, one run, dances down the track, driving
strongly up towards mid on from his toes, scampers the single with
the shot and makes it well as the throw misses, Whittall does very
well in backing up and diving to stop it at backward point
123.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, props forward in defence outside off
stump, tapped back up on the off side of the pitch
123.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, short ball outside off stump, cut straight
down to Olonga at cover
123.4 Murphy to Astle, one run, angling on leg stump, quietly dropped
down towards forward square leg, easy single taken
123.5 Murphy to McMillan, one run, this pair milking them well, McMillan
follows suit by tapping this one down in close on the leg side
just forward of square, it's a bit harder for the run for Astle
but he makes it safely nonetheless
123.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, a bit of width, Astle goes back as it
turns away, cutting somewhat aerially towards Olonga at cover,
just bouncing short
End of over 124 (3 runs) New Zealand 297/4
BA Murphy 34-7-89-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 92* (162b 11x4 1x6) NJ Astle 84* (282b 9x4 1x6)
124.1 Olonga to McMillan, no run, quick and short outside off stump,
McMillan plays a rash cut shot, Flower goes up and the bowler
joins in late and gets more and more convinced, but umpire Cooray
is unmoved
replays show no noticeable deviation or noise as the stroke was
played
124.2 Olonga to McMillan, no run, tight ball on off stump, inside edges
into the pads, played away to cover
124.3 Olonga to McMillan, FOUR, McMillan sorts out his cut this time,
smacking it away through backward point, no chance for third man,
that brings up the New Zealand 300
124.4 Olonga to McMillan, three runs, overpitched outside off stump,
strongly driven into the turf and away through the covers, just
overhauled by Rennie from extra cover, scooped back inside the
boundary and McMillan's on to 99
124.5 Olonga to Astle, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, superb extra
cover drive, bisected the field with precision, shot of the day so
far, 11 off 3 balls from Olonga this over
124.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, bouncer! first one of the entire day,
brings some mixed jeers from the crowd just as they were enjoying
the run festivities
End of over 125 (11 runs) New Zealand 308/4
HK Olonga 24-2-75-0 (3nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 99* (166b 12x4 1x6) NJ Astle 88* (284b 10x4 1x6)
125.1 Murphy to McMillan, no run, shortish ball turning away outside off
stump, cut straight down to Whittall at backward point, big yell
of 'no!'
125.2 Murphy to McMillan, one run, flighted full outside off stump,
driven down to long off and there's McMillan's 4th Test century,
and boy is he ecstatic, waves the arms around, does a bit of a
signature to his team-mates and gets a shake of the hand from
Astle
a jolly fine knock by mcMillan, looking slightly trimmer and meaner
125.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
125.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch
125.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends back on the leg side of
the pitch
125.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, paddles it around the corner straight to
short fine leg
End of over 126 (1 run) New Zealand 309/4
BA Murphy 35-7-90-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 100* (168b 12x4 1x6) NJ Astle 88* (288b 10x4 1x6)
Streak returns, bringing himself on for Olonga
126.1 Streak to McMillan, one run, shortish ball down the leg side,
tucked away down to long leg from the hip
126.2 Streak to Astle, no run, full and straight, driven firmly up to mid
on
126.3 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defended down
from a fair height into the covers
126.4 Streak to Astle, no run, good length ball outside off stump, leaves
well alone through to the keeper
126.5 Streak to Astle, no run, good quick and straight ball, Astle leans
well forward to work it straight to short midwicket
126.6 Streak to Astle, no run, tight ball on off stump, stands well
forward presenting the vertical blade, defending down towards mid
off
End of over 127 (1 run) New Zealand 310/4
HH Streak 27-7-51-1 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 101* (169b 12x4 1x6) NJ Astle 88* (293b 10x4 1x6)
127.1 Murphy to McMillan, FOUR, flighted too full, beautifully straight
driven back past the bowler, there's a long off in place but
there's no chance in stopping that one, too well struck
127.2 Murphy to McMillan, one run, tapped away towards midwicket, quick
single taken with the shot as it's flung at the bowler's end, just
missing, backing up comes from the long off man
127.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, firmly strokes back on the leg
side of the pitch
127.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full down the leg side, turns
into the pad trying to sweep
127.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends straight back to the
bowler on the off side of the pitch
127.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, again down the leg side, again swept,
again played straight to short fine leg
End of over 128 (5 runs) New Zealand 315/4
BA Murphy 36-7-95-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 106* (171b 13x4 1x6) NJ Astle 88* (297b 10x4 1x6)
the boundary off the first ball in the over brought up a record 5th
wicket partnership for New Zealand against Zimbabwe, beating the
previous mark of 166 set by Adam Parore and Chris Cairns at
Auckland in 1995/96
128.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, full ball, turned straight to midwicket
128.2 Streak to McMillan, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
driven into the deck, back to Streak on his follow through
128.3 Streak to McMillan, one run, angling down the leg side, turned away
off the hip through backward square leg, easy single taken as long
leg's up to field
128.4 Streak to Astle, no run, props forward with bat/pad in defence,
played back on the off side to the bowler
128.5 Streak to Astle, no run, ducks underneath a bouncer angling down
the leg side
128.6 Streak to Astle, no run, full ball outside off stump, drawn forward
into a defensive stroke up towards mid off, loud yell of 'no!'
from Astle as two fielders converge on the ball
End of over 129 (1 run) New Zealand 316/4
HH Streak 28-7-52-1 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 107* (174b 13x4 1x6) NJ Astle 88* (300b 10x4 1x6)
129.1 Murphy to McMillan, no run, cuts a shortish ball straight down to
Olonga at cover
129.2 Murphy to McMillan, no run, props forward in defence, Murphy gets
one to rip from a great length on leg stump, McMillan gets an edge
but Flower can't hang on to a sharp chance
Brooke Walker's eyes will light up with glee at seeing that one
bite from the wicket
129.3 Murphy to McMillan, FOUR, down the wicket, hits back in style,
cracking it over mid on, long off watches it crash into the
hoardings, no chance to cut it off
129.4 Murphy to McMillan, FOUR, down the track again, turning it into a
low full toss, straight driven past the bowler and bisecting him
and mid on, away to the same boundary again
129.5 Murphy to McMillan, no run, dabbed away backward of point, great
fielding and snappy return from Whittall ensures the call of no is
a very smart one indeed
129.6 Murphy to McMillan, no run, a shocker, flighted high and wide down
the leg side, McMillan decides to ignore it, turning back into the
keeper
End of over 130 (8 runs) New Zealand 324/4
BA Murphy 37-7-103-0 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 88* (300b 10x4 1x6) CD McMillan 115* (180b 15x4 1x6)
a bit of a delay as the sightscreen is lethargic in moving, at last
it gets going to the sarcastic claps of the crowd, Streak coming
around the wicket now
130.1 Streak to Astle, no run, defends down into the covers
130.2 Streak to Astle, legbye: one run, angling down the leg side,
glanced down to fine leg from the body
Streak comes back over the wicket for McMillan, the sightscreen
making a bit crashing sound to get moving, very peculiar stuff
130.3 Streak to McMillan, no run, driving outside off stump, plays a bit
early and ends up dragging it away to short midwicket
130.4 Streak to McMillan, no run, full ball outside off stump, driven
straight up to Olonga at mid off
130.5 Streak to McMillan, one run, shortish ball, well tucked down off
the hip through vacant square leg, they amble the single as
Whittall fields from midwicket
130.6 Streak to Astle, no run, quick and full down the leg side, Astle
shuffles across the crease to try and whip it away fine, fails to
get a touch on it
End of over 131 (2 runs) New Zealand 326/4
HH Streak 29-7-53-1 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 116* (183b 15x4 1x6) NJ Astle 88* (303b 10x4 1x6)
Whittall returns, replacing Murphy at the Scoreboard End
131.1 Whittall to McMillan, three runs, overpitched on the leg side,
sweetly driven through wide midwicket, good chase to just overhaul
it inside the boundary, but can't prevent a third run and a new
New Zealand 5th wicket partnership record against any opponents
the previous one being held by Mark Burgess and Robert Anderson
against Pakistan at Lahore in 1976/77
131.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side
131.3 Whittall to Astle, no run, firmly driven straight to extra cover
131.4 Whittall to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
131.5 Whittall to Astle, no run, full outside off stump, strongly driven
but straight to cover
131.6 Whittall to Astle, no run, driven straight up to Olonga at mid on
End of over 132 (3 runs) New Zealand 329/4
GJ Whittall 11-5-23-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 119* (184b 15x4 1x6) NJ Astle 88* (308b 10x4 1x6)
132.1 Streak to McMillan, no run, the audacious McMillan charges down the
track to Streak, but the line and length are still solid, forcing
him to square drive away to point
Streak just looks on with an amused smile on his face
132.2 Streak to McMillan, no run, very full and quick, angling on leg
stump as it strikes him low on the pad however, half groan comes
from behind the stumps
132.3 Streak to McMillan, no run, defends from the crease away to extra
cover
Streak to come back around the wicket, this time to McMillan on
strike
132.4 Streak to McMillan, FOUR, angling in from wide on the crease, tries
to tickle him up with a leg side bouncer, but that won't stop
McMillan from taking him on, going for the hook and getting a fair
amount of glove to see it sailing over the head of Flower down to
the boundary
132.5 Streak to McMillan, no run, defends a straight ball down to
shortish midwicket
132.6 Streak to McMillan, no run, short ball outside off stump, jumps on
the crease to force it up to mid off
End of over 133 (4 runs) New Zealand 333/4
HH Streak 30-7-57-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 88* (308b 10x4 1x6) CD McMillan 123* (190b 16x4 1x6)
133.1 Whittall to Astle, no run, angling on leg stump, hops on the crease
to defend it down from the pad in close on the leg side
133.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, coming around the wicket seems to be the
Zimbabwean trend now, full ball, strongly driven into the covers
but there's good protection, can't pierce the infield
133.3 Whittall to Astle, FOUR, a bit too short and wide outside off
stump, Astle pounces, sweetly cutting through cover point
Astle's first runs in just short of 9 overs, McMillan adding 24 on
his own in that time, but into the 90s he goes
133.4 Whittall to Astle, no run, shortish ball, cut down into teh covers
133.5 Whittall to Astle, no run, full ball, hurries through on Astle, big
swing in to the back pad, half shout from Whittall but going well
down leg
133.6 Whittall to Astle, no run, full ball, driven straight up to mid on
End of over 134 (4 runs) New Zealand 337/4
GJ Whittall 12-5-27-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 123* (190b 16x4 1x6) NJ Astle 92* (314b 11x4 1x6)
time for drinks, 58 runs in the hour after lunch, off 15 overs
Strang returns, replacing Streak at the Vance Stand End
134.1 Strang to McMillan, no run, forward, defends into the covers
134.2 Strang to McMillan, no run, full ball, driven straight up to mid
off where Olonga fields
134.3 Strang to McMillan, two runs, angling down the leg side, well
clipped off the hip through forward square leg, long leg around to
field
Flower now standing up with McMillan on strike
134.4 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, strongly
driven in the air, but past the leaping Whittall's left at short
extra cover, and beats the man on the invisible circle edge, away
it goes
134.5 Strang to McMillan, no run, tighter ball, defends down in close to
Whittall on the off side
134.6 Strang to McMillan, SIX, McMillan just loves Bryan Strang, a shade
too full and McMillan's on to it like a flash, sending him soaring
over wide midwicket quite comfortably
End of over 135 (12 runs) New Zealand 349/4
BC Strang 32-12-80-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 92* (314b 11x4 1x6) CD McMillan 135* (196b 17x4 2x6)
135.1 Whittall to Astle, no run, props forward in defence, played
straight down to extra cover
135.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, leaves alone a shortish ball outside off
stump
135.3 Whittall to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
135.4 Whittall to Astle, one run, full ball on his legs, well clipped up
wide of mid on, very good running to get through for the single on
the shot, the throw from side on at the bowler's end misses
135.5 Whittall to McMillan, no run, forward, defends into the covers
135.6 Whittall to McMillan, no run, full and wide outside off stump,
McMillan plays and misses whilst going for a big cover drive on
bended knee
End of over 136 (1 run) New Zealand 350/4
GJ Whittall 13-5-28-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 93* (318b 11x4 1x6) CD McMillan 135* (198b 17x4 2x6)
136.1 Strang to Astle, no run, forward to a straight ball, compactly
defending straight back to the bowler
136.2 Strang to Astle, one run, short ball outside off stump, cut down
into the covers, easy quick run on offer with the shot as it's
played between two fielders
Strang to come around the wicket to McMillan
136.3 Strang to McMillan, one run, angling on leg stump, turned away easy
to vacant square leg, Whittall fields from midwicket
136.4 Strang to Astle, one run, on leg stump, tucked away towards the
same place, a much tighter single taken well as the throw comes at
the keeper's end, hitting McMillan running through
it's got considerably darker here and some bad weather gathering
quickly from the North, we may not be playing much longer at this
rate!
136.5 Strang to McMillan, no run, full and straight, firmly driven
straight up to Streak at mid on
136.6 Strang to McMillan, no run, tight ball on off stump, well forward
in defence with bat/pad together, played back to the bowler
End of over 137 (3 runs) New Zealand 353/4
BC Strang 33-12-83-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 95* (321b 11x4 1x6) CD McMillan 136* (201b 17x4 2x6)
137.1 Whittall to Astle, no run, straight ball on leg stump, driven up
towards mid on
137.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, full on leg stump, turned away towards
backward square leg from the pad, loud call of 'noooo!' from
McMillan as Flower chases after it
137.3 Whittall to Astle, no run, full outside off stump, firmly driven
straight to extra cover
137.4 Whittall to Astle, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside off
stump
137.5 Whittall to Astle, one run, a bit of width outside off stump,
sweetly cut down to third man
137.6 Whittall to McMillan, no run, forward, Whittall pushes through one
quicker, McMillan is just able to defend it out on the leg side of
the pitch, to Whittall's anguish
End of over 138 (1 run) New Zealand 354/4
GJ Whittall 14-5-29-0 (1w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 96* (326b 11x4 1x6) CD McMillan 136* (202b 17x4 2x6)
138.1 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends down to Whittall at short
extra cover
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the 15th time in this Test, 2nd
time today, 1st time with the wind behind him
138.2 Strang to Astle, no run, forward to a straight ball, squared around
in defence, playing away to backward point
138.3 Strang to Astle, no run, shoulders arms to a full ball angling
across him outside off stump
138.4 Strang to Astle, no run, cuts and misses outside off stump, very
nearly misses another century, not quite there for it, climbing
too much on him, through to the keeper to a collective 'ooooh'
from the crowd
138.5 Strang to Astle, one run, full and straight outside off stump,
firmly stroked back up on the off side of the pitch, easy run with
the shot
138.6 Strang to McMillan, no run, forward, defends straight up to mid on
End of over 139 (1 run) New Zealand 355/4
BC Strang 34-12-84-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 97* (331b 11x4 1x6) CD McMillan 136* (203b 17x4 2x6)
139.1 Whittall to Astle, no run, a bit wide outside off stump, cut
straight down to point
139.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, angling on leg stump, drops down in
close on the leg side from the pad
139.3 Whittall to Astle, no run, full ball on off stump, strongly driven
straight back down the pitch, Whittall does well to get the feet
behind it and slow its pace, dribbles up towards mid off
139.4 Whittall to Astle, no run, driven more quietly back down the pitch
on the off side of the pitch to the bowler
139.5 Whittall to Astle, no run, full toss on his legs, can't whip it
away, turning it straight to wide midwicket
139.6 Whittall to Astle, wide: no run, leaves alone a very wide ball
outside off stump, Dunne takes an eternity before suddenly raising
the arms and calling it a wide
139.6 Whittall to Astle, no run, tight ball seaming back in, defends back
down the track to the bowler
End of over 140 (1 run) New Zealand 356/4
GJ Whittall 15-5-30-0 (2w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 136* (203b 17x4 2x6) NJ Astle 97* (337b 11x4 1x6)
140.1 Strang to McMillan, no run, forward, defends in close on the off
side
140.2 Strang to McMillan, one run, full ball on his legs, well clipped
away wide of mid on, Streak across to field
140.3 Strang to Astle, no run, a bit of width outside off stump, cuts
straight down to point
140.4 Strang to Astle, two runs, angling down the leg side, glanced down
to fine leg, Astle sprints back for the second and does well, on
to 99
would've been horrible stuff for him had he got run out in
consecutive years at the Basin in the 90s!
140.5 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends a straight ball back to
the bowler
140.6 Strang to Astle, one run, short ball outside off stump, cut down
through backward point, and there's Astle's 6th Test century, by
far his slowest, but certainly very valuable
End of over 141 (4 runs) New Zealand 360/4
BC Strang 35-12-88-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 100* (341b 11x4 1x6) CD McMillan 137* (205b 17x4 2x6)
coming at a time when a lot of pressure was on him from many fronts
after a poor African tour, but he loves it at home, and that's
another top Boxing Day knock for him, 100 off 341 balls, 11x4, 1x6
141.1 Whittall to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
down to point
141.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch
great New Zealand fan Sonny Shaw runs around the boundary in front
of the embankment waving his flag, like a pied piper with a hoard
of kids in tow
141.3 Whittall to Astle, two runs, firmly forced up towards extra cover,
dual misfields means it gets through for a couple
141.4 Whittall to Astle, no run, forward, defending back on the off side
of the pitch
141.5 Whittall to Astle, no run, pushing forward in defence, drops it
down from the pad between the body and the stumps, bringing a loud
cry from Whittall for lbw but down leg
141.6 Whittall to Astle, no run, forward, defends up towards mid off
End of over 142 (2 runs) New Zealand 362/4
GJ Whittall 16-5-32-0 (2w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 137* (205b 17x4 2x6) NJ Astle 102* (347b 11x4 1x6)
Astle's century is the 4th slowest ever for New Zealand in Tests,
and this is the first time two New Zealanders have scored tons in
the same Test innings since the very same pair at Manchester
against England last year
142.1 Strang to McMillan, no run, forward, firmly drives up to mid off
142.2 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, full outside off stump, giving himself
room, carves it away through cover, McMillan rampant
142.3 Strang to McMillan, one run, firmly driven up wide of mid on, good
quick run taken with the shot, equalling his highest Test score
Strang now to come back over the wicket to Astle
142.4 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
142.5 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, firmly drives up to mid off
142.6 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone a ball angling away outside
off stump
End of over 143 (5 runs) New Zealand 367/4
BC Strang 36-12-93-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 142* (208b 18x4 2x6) NJ Astle 102* (350b 11x4 1x6)
Murphy returns, replacing Whittall at the Scoreboard End
143.1 Murphy to McMillan, OUT: McMillan's fine stay comes to an end,
trying to sweep a shortish ball down the leg side, dragging it on
to his stumps from quite wide as it played past it too early
New Zealand 367/5, Partnership of 222
CD McMillan b Murphy 142 (209b 18x4 2x6)
NJ Astle 102* (350b 11x4 1x6) BA Murphy 37.1-7-103-1 (1w)
McMillan departs, equalling his previous Test best score of 142,
against Sri Lanka at Colombo in 1996/97
it also brings to an end a record 5th wicket stand against all-
comers for New Zealand, of double Nelson - 222
Adam Parore the new batsman
143.2 Murphy to Parore, no run, tries to sweep, dropping it down in close
on the leg side from the pad
143.3 Murphy to Parore, no run, similar again, into the pad and drops
down in close
143.4 Murphy to Parore, one run, well clipped away through vacant
midwicket to get off the mark
143.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted down the leg side, kicked away to
forward short leg
143.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted fuller down the leg side, kicked
away again
End of over 144 (1 run) New Zealand 368/5
BA Murphy 38-7-104-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 1* (3b) NJ Astle 102* (352b 11x4 1x6)
144.1 Strang to Parore, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends back
down the pitch to Strang
144.2 Strang to Parore, no run, shortish ball passing away outside off
stump, well left alone
144.3 Strang to Parore, no run, straight ball on middle and leg, defends
down towards midwicket
144.4 Strang to Parore, no run, leaves alone outside off stump again
144.5 Strang to Parore, no run, comes well forward in defence, tightly
playing it into the off side with bat/pad together
144.6 Strang to Parore, no run, watchfully defends from the crease, up
towards mid off
End of over 145 (maiden) New Zealand 368/5
BC Strang 37-13-93-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 102* (352b 11x4 1x6) AC Parore 1* (9b)
145.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, kicks away yet another predictably
targeting leg stump
an incredibly strong gust of wind comes across the ground,
threatening to drag the nasty spell of weather with it, but at
least for the time being succeeding in completely throwing Murphy
off his run-up
145.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down in close on the leg
side
145.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full down the leg side, sweeps
very fine, too fine, dragging it into Flower's boot, and
rebounding away to Whittall at short fine leg
145.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, defends down in close on the leg side
145.5 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, a bit short, Astle rocks back and pulls it
over midwicket, punishing blow
145.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full down the leg side, swept
straight to Whittall at short fine leg
End of over 146 (4 runs) New Zealand 372/5
BA Murphy 39-7-108-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 1* (9b) NJ Astle 106* (358b 12x4 1x6)
146.1 Strang to Parore, no run, forward, defends down to short extra
cover
146.2 Strang to Parore, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump, through
to the keeper
146.3 Strang to Parore, no run, full ball on leg stump, squared around in
defence, played away towards cover
146.4 Strang to Parore, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
driven straight to shortish extra cover
146.5 Strang to Parore, no run, shoulders arms to one angling away
outside off stump
this should be the last ball before tea
146.6 Strang to Parore, no run, full and straight, easily defended down
in close on the off side, and it's time for tea
End of over 147 (maiden) New Zealand 372/5
BC Strang 38-14-93-1 (1w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 106* (358b 12x4 1x6) AC Parore 1* (15b)
at last Zimbabwe got the breakthrough in that session, but conceded
103 runs in the two hours in doing so, the home side strengthening
their advantage amply through fine batting from the expansive
McMillan and resolute Astle
it's going to be a long haul from here for Zimbabwe unless they can
somehow chip one of these two out and then run through the tail
which is relatively long
play will resume in just under 20 minutes time at 5pm local time
(0400 GMT)
Match State: Tea - Day 2
the players return from tea, it'll be Streak from the Scoreboard
End
147.1 Streak to Astle, no run, angling on middle and leg, clipped firmly
at square leg
147.2 Streak to Astle, no run, dead straight on off stump, firmly defends
back down the pitch, Streak stops well reaching down with his left
hand on his follow through
147.3 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, chopped
into the turf, away to extra cover
147.4 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball, hops on the crease to
defend away into the off side
147.5 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball, hops on the crease,
defending away into the covers
147.6 Streak to Astle, no run, short again, defends down in close on the
off side
End of over 148 (maiden) New Zealand 372/5
HH Streak 31-8-57-1 - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 1* (15b) NJ Astle 106* (364b 12x4 1x6)
Henry Olonga on to bowl from the Vance Stand End
148.1 Olonga to Parore, no run, full ball outside off stump, driven into
the deck, back to the bowler
148.2 Olonga to Parore, two runs, short ball outside off stump, nicely
cut down through the covers, just steering it away into the gap
148.3 Olonga to Parore, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
148.4 Olonga to Parore, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump again
148.5 Olonga to Parore, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, defends
down towards point
148.6 Olonga to Parore, no run, short ball outside off stump, defended
down backward of point
End of over 149 (2 runs) New Zealand 374/5
HK Olonga 25-2-77-0 (3nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 106* (364b 12x4 1x6) AC Parore 3* (21b)
149.1 Streak to Astle, no run, straight ball on leg stump, defends up to
mid on
149.2 Streak to Astle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
149.3 Streak to Astle, no run, shortish ball, defends down on the off
side of the pitch
149.4 Streak to Astle, no run, similar again on a length, pushed up
towards mid on from the crease
149.5 Streak to Astle, three runs, angling on leg stump, sweetly clipped
away through vacant midwicket, a quick glance as they turn for the
third but it's comfortably safe as the throw isn't strong at the
bowler's end
149.6 Streak to Parore, no run, forward in defence with bat/pad, rebounds
away in close on the off side, gentle enquiry from the bowler is
ignored
End of over 150 (3 runs) New Zealand 377/5
HH Streak 32-8-60-1 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 109* (369b 12x4 1x6) AC Parore 3* (22b)
150.1 Olonga to Astle, no run, straight ball, turned away to square leg
150.2 Olonga to Astle, no run, straight ball seams back into the front
pad, stifled appeal for lbw as it's travelling well down leg
the ugly weather starts swiling on in, a couple of spots around,
not quite enough yet to send them from teh field however
150.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
mistimed cut down into the ground, away to point
150.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, tight rising ball, Astle hops on the
crease to defend into the pad, rebounds away towards point
150.5 Olonga to Astle, FOUR, overpitched down the leg side, neatly
clipped very fine using all the pace of the ball, no chance
whatsoever for fine leg to cut it off
150.6 Olonga to Astle, no run, full ball, firmly defended to short
midwicket
End of over 151 (4 runs) New Zealand 381/5
HK Olonga 26-2-81-0 (3nb) - Vance Stand End
AC Parore 3* (22b) NJ Astle 113* (375b 13x4 1x6)
Murphy replaces Streak at the Scoreboard End
151.1 Murphy to Parore, no run, flighted full down the leg side, sweeps
straight to short fine leg
151.2 Murphy to Parore, no run, flighted on the legs, turned away to
midwicket
151.3 Murphy to Parore, no run, rocks back to a shortish ball, slicing a
square drive straight to point
151.4 Murphy to Parore, no run, defends in close on the off side
151.5 Murphy to Parore, no run, flatter ball that kicks up from the
pitch, but far too wide outside off stump to harm, left alone
151.6 Murphy to Parore, no run, dear oh dear, Parore's running between
the wickets woes never stop, cuts straight towards point, makes a
call for a run which was never his and was never on, and for his
sake is thankfully sent emphatically back by a resolute Astle at
the other end
End of over 152 (maiden) New Zealand 381/5
BA Murphy 40-8-108-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 113* (375b 13x4 1x6) AC Parore 3* (28b)
makes it safely enough in time, but a very worrying sign
152.1 Olonga to Astle, no run, shortish ball, firmly stroked into the
covers
152.2 Olonga to Astle, no run, full ball, firmly driven straight up to
mid off
152.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, full ball angling down the leg side, tries
to help it on its way but can't get a nudge on it, a good diving
save by Flower down the leg side saves a boundary
152.4 Olonga to Astle, no run, Astle lays into one that isn't totally
full, hammering it straight up the ground on the off side, but mid
off is there to field on the bounce, authoritative shot
nonetheless
152.5 Olonga to Astle, FOUR, short rising ball, Astle swivels on the
crease and pulls excellently, dragging it down from helmet height
to ground level through square leg with precision
152.6 Olonga to Astle, wide: no run, dreadful wide ball outside off
stump, the 5th of the innings
152.6 Olonga to Astle, FOUR, cracking extra cover drive on the up, the
width was provided and Astle did the rest, climbing into his work
now
End of over 153 (9 runs) New Zealand 390/5
HK Olonga 27-2-90-0 (1w 3nb) - Vance Stand End
AC Parore 3* (28b) NJ Astle 121* (381b 15x4 1x6)
153.1 Murphy to Parore, no run, flighted full outside off stump, caressed
back down the wicket to the bowler
153.2 Murphy to Parore, one run, shortish ball, shuffles back and guides
it just wide of slip very late, useful shot, Whittall fields from
backward point
153.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted very full and wide outside off
stump, slapeped hard but straight to shortish extra cover who
palms it down
153.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted up in a similar place, more
circumspectly guides it away towards cover, with a loud call of
'no!' to go with it for Parore's benefit
153.5 Murphy to Astle, one run, Astle plays a rare wild one, trying to
loft one over midwicket but dips late on him, gets a leading edge
that just flies wide of slip
153.6 Murphy to Parore, no run, forward, defends in close on the leg side
End of over 154 (2 runs) New Zealand 392/5
BA Murphy 41-8-110-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 122* (384b 15x4 1x6) AC Parore 4* (31b)
Whittall replaces Olonga at the Vance Stand End
154.1 Whittall to Astle, no run, short ball outside off stump, cut down
into the ground, away to point
154.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, defends down into the covers
154.3 Whittall to Astle, bye: one run, short rising ball down the leg
side, tries to hook but misses, Flower fails to stop cleanly with
the pads and it rebounds away to concede a bye
154.4 Whittall to Parore, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, goes
for a big cut shot but gets a bottom edge into the ground, through
to the keeper
154.5 Whittall to Parore, one run, short rising ball outside off stump,
guided down to third man
154.6 Whittall to Astle, no run, full ball on off stump, firmly driven
straight up to mid on
End of over 155 (2 runs) New Zealand 394/5
GJ Whittall 17-5-33-0 (2w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
AC Parore 5* (33b) NJ Astle 122* (388b 15x4 1x6)
155.1 Murphy to Parore, no run, flighted up outside leg stump, looks to
turn it around the corner but doesn't get any bat on to it, turns
in a little late
155.2 Murphy to Parore, FOUR, flighted too full on leg stump, sweetly
driven through wide midwicket, lovely stroke from Parore
155.3 Murphy to Parore, FOUR, does it again, this time it's a low full
toss, Parore sends it to exactly the same place, and that brings
up New Zealand's 400
155.4 Murphy to Parore, no run, watchfully forward in defence to a
straight one, smothering the spin, played back to the bowler
155.5 Murphy to Parore, no run, forward, defends similarly back to the
bowler again
155.6 Murphy to Parore, no run, flighted up outside off stump, driven
firmly up to mid off
End of over 156 (8 runs) New Zealand 402/5
BA Murphy 42-8-118-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 122* (388b 15x4 1x6) AC Parore 13* (39b 2x4)
the official crowd attendance is announced at 2074, significantly
less than yesterday's chocka crowd
156.1 Whittall to Astle, one run, angling down the leg side, turned down
to fine leg
156.2 Whittall to Parore, no run, props forward in defence with bat/pad,
seams into the front pad, brings a stifled appeal from behind the
stumps only
156.3 Whittall to Parore, no run, straight ball on off stump, gets right
in behind it to defend up towards mid on
156.4 Whittall to Parore, no run, mistimed defensive stroke back to the
bowler
156.5 Whittall to Parore, no run, forward, watchfully defends back to the
bowler
156.6 Whittall to Parore, no run, shuffles across to off stump, leaving
alone as it passes by safely outside
End of over 157 (1 run) New Zealand 403/5
GJ Whittall 18-5-34-0 (2w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 123* (389b 15x4 1x6) AC Parore 13* (44b 2x4)
a huge gust of wind comes from the South, blowing Andy Flower's cap
clean off, and it travels away towards the boundary with a cloud
of dust, picked up by Olonga for him, this wind really is
consistently very strong
157.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends back down the pitch to
the bowler, coming around the wicket
157.2 Murphy to Astle, one run, flighted full down the leg side, paddled
directly behind the keeper, time for a run as short fine leg comes
across to field
157.3 Murphy to Parore, no run, mistimes a cut, straight down to point
157.4 Murphy to Parore, no run, flighted full on the legs, clipped firmly
to wide midwicket
157.5 Murphy to Parore, no run, mistimes a cover drive, played straight
to extra cover
157.6 Murphy to Parore, no run, stretches well forward, shapes to defend
but shoulders arms through to the keeper
End of over 158 (1 run) New Zealand 404/5
BA Murphy 43-8-119-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 124* (391b 15x4 1x6) AC Parore 13* (48b 2x4)
a big sweeping shower comes in, it's thoroughly miserably out
there, but on they go
the crowd is thinning by the minute
158.1 Whittall to Astle, one run, shortish ball, tapped into the covers,
good quick single taken with the turn and throw at the bowler's
end misses, equalling his highest Test score
158.2 Whittall to Parore, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
158.3 Whittall to Parore, no run, goes for the expansive cover drive but
misplays it, inside edging it back along the pitch, up towards mid
on
158.4 Whittall to Parore, no run, full and wide outside off stump,
strongly square driven straight to point
158.5 Whittall to Parore, no run, driving, again gets an inside edge up
towards mid on
158.6 Whittall to Parore, FOUR, uppishly driven through wide mid off,
just between two fielders, Olonga times his dive poorly and lets
it race past him
End of over 159 (5 runs) New Zealand 409/5
GJ Whittall 19-5-39-0 (2w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 125* (392b 15x4 1x6) AC Parore 17* (53b 3x4)
159.1 Murphy to Astle, two runs, sweeps very fine, poor fielding to kick
it away and Astle gets his highest score in Tests, beating the
previous best of 125 against the West Indies at Bridgetown in
1995/96
159.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, beautiful ball, pitching on leg stump and
turning right acorss the right hander, past the outside edge
159.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, defends a full flighted ball on his legs,
to midwicket
159.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, turning around the legs, tries to swivel
pull but misses
159.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, defends back on the leg side of the pitch
159.6 Murphy to Astle, one run, stroked up towards wide mid off, easy
single with the shot
End of over 160 (3 runs) New Zealand 412/5
BA Murphy 44-8-122-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 128* (398b 15x4 1x6) AC Parore 17* (53b 3x4)
160.1 Whittall to Astle, no run, straight ball on off stump, driving,
gets an inside edge into the front pad, rolls back down the pitch
to the bowler
160.2 Whittall to Astle, no run, full and wide outside off stump, Astle
goes for the trademark cover drive but doesn't get quite to the
pitch of it, mistiming it off the bottom of the bat back to the
bowler
160.3 Whittall to Astle, SIX, unbelievable shot! charges down the track,
and fair launches into Whittall, sending back many a mile over his
head, into the lower deck of the RA Vance Stand, tremendous stuff
Olonga is now posted back at long off (despite the hit going over
long on) and the keeper is brought up to teh stumps as a
reactionary measure
160.4 Whittall to Astle, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends down in
close on the off side
160.5 Whittall to Astle, one run, short and wide outside off stump, cut
away strongly through to the man placed out at deep cover, very
defensive field now for Astle on strike
160.6 Whittall to Parore, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
End of over 161 (7 runs) New Zealand 419/5
GJ Whittall 20-5-46-0 (2w 1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 135* (403b 15x4 2x6) AC Parore 17* (54b 3x4)
time for the final drinks break of the day
another fairly useful hour's play for New Zealand, 47 off 14 overs
Zimbabwe's over rate continues to depreciate with 19 to be bowled
today - we'll be doing about 15 minutes overtime
Strang replaces Murphy, with the new ball now in hand
161.1 Strang to Astle, FOUR, short ball, Astle immediately rocks back and
hooks superbly over square leg, just bouncing inside the boundary
161.2 Strang to Astle, two runs, angling down the leg side, well glanced
down to fine leg, Olonga around from long leg to field
161.3 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
161.4 Strang to Astle, (noball) no run, oversteps, full ball quietly
defended down to short cover
161.4 Strang to Astle, OUT: driving outside off stump, gets a thick edge
that flies to gully, and Carlisle pulls off a truly splendid
diving catch, about the only way Zimbabwe were going to dislodge
Astle
New Zealand 426/6, Partnership of 59
NJ Astle c Carlisle b Strang 141 (408b 16x4 2x6)
AC Parore 17* (54b 3x4) BC Strang 38.4-14-100-2 (1w 2nb)
off walks Astle to rapturous round of applause, he joins McMillan
in the Pavilion with a score in the 140s, both fine but
contrasting knocks, both doing jobs ideally suited to the
situation they were placed in
both answering their critics in emphatic style
Brooke Walker the new batsman
161.5 Strang to Walker, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
161.6 Strang to Walker, no run, forward, watchfully defends back on the
leg side of the pitch
End of over 162 (7 runs) New Zealand 426/6
BC Strang 39-14-100-2 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 17* (54b 3x4) BGK Walker 0* (2b)
Streak returns at the Vance Stand End, to have a rip with the third
new ball, replacing Whittall
162.1 Streak to Parore, no run, defends back on the off side of the pitch
162.2 Streak to Parore, one run, angling down the leg side, helped on its
way down to fine leg
162.3 Streak to Walker, no run, attempted slower ball, poorly directed
wide outside off stump
162.4 Streak to Walker, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
162.5 Streak to Walker, no run, forward, defends into the covers
162.6 Streak to Walker, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
End of over 163 (1 run) New Zealand 427/6
HH Streak 33-8-61-1 - Vance Stand End
AC Parore 18* (56b 3x4) BGK Walker 0* (6b)
163.1 Strang to Parore, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, carved away
through cover point
163.2 Strang to Parore, no run, defends down towards midwicket
163.3 Strang to Parore, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, defended
down into the covers
163.4 Strang to Parore, no run, a bit of width, tries to cut but chops it
into the ground towards point
163.5 Strang to Parore, no run, short ball outside off stump, strongly
cut straight down to backward point set quite deep
163.6 Strang to Parore, no run, compactly forward in defence, played down
in close on the off side
End of over 164 (4 runs) New Zealand 431/6
BC Strang 40-14-104-2 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
BGK Walker 0* (6b) AC Parore 22* (62b 4x4)
164.1 Streak to Walker, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
164.2 Streak to Walker, no run, defends down to forward square leg
164.3 Streak to Walker, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
164.4 Streak to Walker, FOUR, short rising ball outside off stump, cut
down just wide of gully, down to the vacant third man boundary to
get off the mark
164.5 Streak to Walker, no run, shoulders arms to a full ball wide
outside off stump
three slips, gully and point as well as a short leg in place for
Walker now, the most attacking field for quite some time by
Zimbabwe, but visibility is poor, a swirling shower continues to
hover overhead but they soldier on
164.6 Streak to Walker, FOUR, and again, Walker cheekily guides it off
the edge between gully and the slips, down to the vacant third man
boundary
End of over 165 (8 runs) New Zealand 439/6
HH Streak 34-8-69-1 - Vance Stand End
AC Parore 22* (62b 4x4) BGK Walker 8* (12b 2x4)
165.1 Strang to Parore, no run, forward, defends quietly away towards
point
165.2 Strang to Parore, no run, forced off the back foot, straight to
cover
165.3 Strang to Parore, no run, forward, defends quietly down into the
covers
165.4 Strang to Parore, no run, full ball on off stump, reaching for the
drive, played to cover
165.5 Strang to Parore, no run, firmly driven back on the leg side of the
pitch, Strang palms it away awkwardly and shakes his hand
gingerly, Zimbabwe don't need any more tour calamities!
he recovers and charges in once more, thank goodness for that
165.6 Strang to Parore, no run, forward, defends straight back down the
pitch to the bowler
End of over 166 (maiden) New Zealand 439/6
BC Strang 41-15-104-2 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
BGK Walker 8* (12b 2x4) AC Parore 22* (68b 4x4)
166.1 Streak to Walker, no run, shortish ball, fends down short of short
leg
166.2 Streak to Walker, no run, withdraws inside a lovely shaped delivery
moving away outside off stump
166.3 Streak to Walker, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
166.4 Streak to Walker, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
166.5 Streak to Walker, no run, stretches well forward outside off stump,
taken on the front knee roll, big appeal for lbw as it jagged
back, but given not out, perhaps struck just a touch outside the
line, and was reasonably well forward
166.6 Streak to Walker, no run, defends up towards mid off
End of over 167 (maiden) New Zealand 439/6
HH Streak 35-9-69-1 - Vance Stand End
AC Parore 22* (68b 4x4) BGK Walker 8* (18b 2x4)
167.1 Strang to Parore, FOUR, short and wide outside off stump, neatly
dispatched through backward point
167.2 Strang to Parore, no run, props well forward, defends towards point
167.3 Strang to Parore, no run, firmly driven up on the off side, great
diving stop by Madondo strops a certain boundary, both batsman
have to smartly get back into their creases too as a throw is
forthcoming at the bowler's end
167.4 Strang to Parore, no run, forward, defends away to cover point
167.5 Strang to Parore, no run, full ball, firmly driven to extra cover
167.6 Strang to Parore, no run, forward, defends away towards cover point
End of over 168 (4 runs) New Zealand 443/6
BC Strang 42-15-108-2 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
BGK Walker 8* (18b 2x4) AC Parore 26* (74b 5x4)
168.1 Streak to Walker, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
168.2 Streak to Walker, no run, full ball on leg stump, dropped away from
the pad towards midwicket, Parore says no to teh run that Walker
is half eager to try on
168.3 Streak to Walker, no run, straight ball on middle and leg, hops on
the crease, dropping it down to short leg from the pad
168.4 Streak to Walker, no run, good lifting ball froma length, Walker
shuffles across to off stump and shoulders arms, but it comes back
at him, brushing the body through to the keeper
168.5 Streak to Walker, no run, angling down the leg side, left through
to the keeper
168.6 Streak to Walker, no run, hops on the crease, defending a straight
rising ball down towards mid on
End of over 169 (maiden) New Zealand 443/6
HH Streak 36-10-69-1 - Vance Stand End
AC Parore 26* (74b 5x4) BGK Walker 8* (24b 2x4)
169.1 Strang to Parore, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
169.2 Strang to Parore, no run, straight ball squares Parore around in
defence, solidly played straight back to the bowler
169.3 Strang to Parore, no run, strongly driven straight down to cover
point
169.4 Strang to Parore, no run, shortish ball, mistimes a cut down into
the covers
169.5 Strang to Parore, no run, forward, defends into the pitch back
towards the bowler
169.6 Strang to Parore, no run, leaves alone a shortish ball angling
across the right hander outside off stump
End of over 170 (maiden) New Zealand 443/6
BC Strang 43-16-108-2 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
BGK Walker 8* (24b 2x4) AC Parore 26* (80b 5x4)
170.1 Streak to Walker, no run, defends a shortish ball at his feet on
the pitch
170.2 Streak to Walker, one run, angling down the leg side, clipped away
through backward square leg, they amble a single, not keen to push
the second that may have been offer as long leg had to come around
and field
170.3 Streak to Parore, no run, full outside off stump, taps it away
towards point
it's getting very dark here, the poor weather continues to swirl
around the ground, the scoreboard stands out like a beacon in the
conditions, but on they go, not even minor contemplation of coming
off
170.4 Streak to Parore, FOUR, short ball down the leg side, Parore
swivels to pull well in the air through backward square leg, just
bouncing inside the rope
170.5 Streak to Parore, no run, forward, defends down in close, square on
the off side
170.6 Streak to Parore, no run, tight ball on off stump, shuffles in
behind it in defence, playing it into the pitch back towards
Streak
End of over 171 (5 runs) New Zealand 448/6
HH Streak 37-10-74-1 - Vance Stand End
BGK Walker 9* (26b 2x4) AC Parore 30* (84b 6x4)
the umpires have their first conference in the middle, but move
back to their positions, they do it at a moment when things have
briefly becalmed
171.1 Strang to Walker, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
171.2 Strang to Walker, no run, full ball, firmly driven straight up to
mid off
171.3 Strang to Walker, no run, forward, quietly defends a shortish ball
in close on the off side
171.4 Strang to Walker, two runs, angling down the leg side, well turned
around the corner fine, good running from Walker to get back for
an easy second on Olonga's throw, that brings up the New Zealand
450
171.5 Strang to Walker, no run, Strang comes around the wcket now,
forward in defence back on the off side of the pitch
171.6 Strang to Walker, no run, low full toss, mistimed back down the
pitch, back to the bowler
End of over 172 (2 runs) New Zealand 450/6
BC Strang 44-16-110-2 (1w 2nb) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 30* (84b 6x4) BGK Walker 11* (32b 2x4)
Olonga replaces Streak at the Vance Stand End
172.1 Olonga to Parore, FOUR, and is promptly welcomed to the crease with
a marvellous pull shot through forward square leg, too short
172.2 Olonga to Parore, no run, full and wide outside off stump, left
well alone
172.3 Olonga to Parore, no run, similar ball again, and again leaves well
alone
172.4 Olonga to Parore, no run, cuts and misses outside off stump,
bounces just short of the keeper
172.5 Olonga to Parore, no run, tight rising ball on off stump, hops on
the crease to defend down into the covers
172.6 Olonga to Parore, no run, quick and straight, shuffles right across
the crease to defend up to mid on
End of over 173 (4 runs) New Zealand 454/6
HK Olonga 28-2-94-0 (1w 3nb) - Vance Stand End
BGK Walker 11* (32b 2x4) AC Parore 34* (90b 7x4)
the weather gets considerably worse, but Whittall comes on to bowl,
replacing Strang at the Scoreboard End as the umpires don't even
flinch
173.1 Whittall to Walker, no run, shoulders arms to a widish ball outside
off stump
173.2 Whittall to Walker, no run, props forward, defends away towards
extra cover
173.3 Whittall to Walker, no run, forward, driven straight up to mid off
173.4 Whittall to Walker, no run, forward, defends a full ball out on the
leg side of the pitch
173.5 Whittall to Walker, no run, attempted yorker, dug out with a dead
bat
173.6 Whittall to Walker, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
End of over 174 (maiden) New Zealand 454/6
GJ Whittall 21-6-46-0 (2w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 34* (90b 7x4) BGK Walker 11* (38b 2x4)
174.1 Olonga to Parore, no run, short rising ball outside off stump, hops
to defend it down to extra cover
174.2 Olonga to Parore, no run, shuffles across to off stump, defends
down into the covers again
174.3 Olonga to Parore, no run, full ball, defends up towards mid off
174.4 Olonga to Parore, one run, straight ball, worked up wide of mid on
for a well placed single
174.5 Olonga to Walker, no run, goes for a big drive off the back foot,
gave himself a bit too much room, plays and misses
174.6 Olonga to Walker, one run, full on his legs, worked up towards
vacant mid on, easy run with the shot as the fielder slips over
trying to stop it
End of over 175 (2 runs) New Zealand 456/6
HK Olonga 29-2-96-0 (1w 3nb) - Vance Stand End
BGK Walker 12* (40b 2x4) AC Parore 35* (94b 7x4)
175.1 Whittall to Walker, one run, angling down the leg side, turned away
through backward square leg, Olonga in from the deep to field
175.2 Whittall to Parore, no run, full and straight on leg stump, quietly
pushed up to mid on
175.3 Whittall to Parore, no run, defends down on the leg side of the
pitch
175.4 Whittall to Parore, FOUR, too short, pulls sweetly fine of Olonga
at long leg, Parore scoring a fair proportion of his runs in
boundaries, though overall a well measured innings
175.5 Whittall to Parore, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
175.6 Whittall to Parore, FOUR, shocking short ball, Parore dispatches
it, pulling through backward square leg, make that 36 of 43 in
boundaries now, from the man who holds the record for most runs in
an ODI innings without a boundary!
End of over 176 (9 runs) New Zealand 465/6
GJ Whittall 22-6-55-0 (2w 1nb) - Scoreboard End
BGK Walker 13* (41b 2x4) AC Parore 43* (99b 9x4)
176.1 Olonga to Walker, legbye: one run, angling down the leg side,
helped on its way down to fine leg
Bryan Strang motions to the umpire that he lost sight of the ball -
it's that dark!
he motions again, but little response, as it's in the hands of the
batsmen, but they haven't even offered them the light yet!
176.2 Olonga to Parore, one run, full ball outside off stump, forced wide
of mid off, quick single taken with the shot, Streak fumbles it to
his left to make it a whole lot more comfortable
176.3 Olonga to Walker, FOUR, short and wide outside off stump, classic
square cut through cover point, cracking stroke from the lower
order batsman
176.4 Olonga to Walker, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
stroked up to mid off
176.5 Olonga to Walker, no run, shortish ball angling down the leg side,
Walker doesn't know much about this one, brushing the hip through
to the keeper on the bounce
176.6 Olonga to Walker, FOUR, Walker does it again! superb square cut
through backward point this time, the field just stand and watch,
great clean strokeplay
End of over 177 (10 runs) New Zealand 475/6
HK Olonga 30-2-105-0 (1w 3nb) - Vance Stand End
AC Parore 44* (100b 9x4) BGK Walker 21* (46b 4x4)
now the umpires confer once more, will this be it tonight? we've
still got 3 further overs scheduled, and we're 12 minutes over
time
and off we go, that will be it tonight for certain, with those 3
overs still to bowl
a thoroughly satisfying day's play for New Zealand, advancing the
score at a fair pace, electrifying by comparison with yesterday,
scoring 285 runs off 87 overs, losing just the wickets of big
centurions McMillan and Astle in the prcess
New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has suggested they will bat on
for a short time tomorrow morning, just to make the total that
much more imposing
Astle and McMillan completely dominated the day's play, batting
almost two sessions together, McMillan the dominator while they
were together as Astle played himself back into international form
with a rock solid knock
McMillan gave one genuine chance during his innings along with the
occasional other close shave when batting a bit too impetuously,
while Astle gave none until being superbly caught in the gully by
Carlisle
Parore and Walker have cashed in on the Kiwi dominance, with
Zimbabwe very much outplayed now, making useful scores and looking
to have a chance to add more in the morning if the weather clears
no Zimbabwe bowler looked the goods at all today, sometimes tidy,
sometimes containing, but never, ever threatening in even just one
over - perhaps a total of 10 balls all day threatened to take a
wicket, it was that easy in the middle
(at least, as viewed from afar!)
play will resume tomorrow at midday local time (2300 GMT), please
join us then on CricInfo for further coverage of this one-off
National Bank Series Test, until then however it's goodbye from
gloomy Wellington
any comments on today's coverage, send them on in to
comms@cricinfo.com - we appreciate all feedback received
Match State: Stumps - Day 2
welcome to day three of the one-off National Bank Test between New
Zealand and Zimbabwe at the Basin Reserve
the weather ain't so crash hot this morning, with strong gusts of
wind and very fine drizzle, the forecast is so-so with it likely
to clear later but the wind will remain very strong and it will be
quite muggy with the odd drizzly patch
the scrim was being taken off the pitch just a few minutes ago, but
the drizzle got a fraction stronger and now it has been replaced,
at least the main covers have been rolled up and taken away, so
it's not that bad
the wind is really making it a big struggle to get the few layers
of hessian on to the pitch and keep it there - very strong indeed!
the crowd, needless to say, is virtually non-existent - an exact
count says there's 62 people in the ground at the moment
on come the umpires and Zimbabwean players, while the groundsmen
still struggle to remove the hessian, the New Zealand batsmen make
an appearance on the field of play much later, but we'll start on
time
it'll be Brian Murphy to bowl to Adam Parore from the Scoreboard
End
177.1 Murphy to Parore, no run, flighted full down the leg side,
immediately Parore shows his intent, looking to sweep hard but not
getting on to it, turning into the front pad
177.2 Murphy to Parore, no run, similar again, into the front pad as he
tries to sweep it away
177.3 Murphy to Parore, no run, slightly straighter and shorter ball,
stands tall to defend it quietly down in close on the leg side
177.4 Murphy to Parore, no run, shortish ball on off stump, nudged down
into the covers, looking for a quick single but both batsmen are
hesitant, wisely staying back in their creases
177.5 Murphy to Parore, no run, well flighted and turning in, Parore
stands on the crease and lets it strike the back pad, plumb in
front of the stumps and it brings an appeal, but he knew he was
safe as it pitched miles outside leg stump
177.6 Murphy to Parore, no run, defends down in close on the leg side
End of over 178 (maiden) New Zealand 475/6
BA Murphy 45-9-122-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
BGK Walker 21* (46b 4x4) AC Parore 44* (106b 9x4)
Bryan Strang to open up from the Vance Stand End
178.1 Strang to Walker, no run, straight ball on leg stump, turned away
to wide midwicket in defence
it's already gotten considerably darker, rather like towards the
end of last evening's play
178.2 Strang to Walker, one run, tapped up towards mid off, quick single
taken with the shot, New Zealand underway today as Olonga's shy on
the fly at the bowler's end just misses
178.3 Strang to Parore, no run, props well forward in defence, compactly
plays up towards mid off
178.4 Strang to Parore, one run, short ball outside off stump, guided
down to third man
178.5 Strang to Walker, two runs, angling on leg stump, neatly clipped
off his legs through midwicket, slows in the outfield, easily
overhauled by Madondo from square leg
178.6 Strang to Walker, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
stroked straight up to mid off in defence
End of over 179 (4 runs) New Zealand 479/6
BC Strang 45-16-114-2 (1w 2nb) - Vance Stand End
AC Parore 45* (108b 9x4) BGK Walker 24* (50b 4x4)
the wind gets stronger and stronger, this is oppressive stuff, so
bad that the sightscreen at the Scoreboard End is moving across on
its own!
these sightscreens are so big and bulky, they make huge noises to
get moving when a bowler switches sides, and it takes a force of
3-4 people to move them at the best of times - it's crazy stuff
with it comes the rain, and that's what sends them from the field,
on comes the covers, and a team of about 20 groundstaff and
security officers grapple with them, falling over, sitting on
them, but even then they're dragged all over the show
the main cover is only just covering the pitch, the rest is all to
one side - we think they're just settling for this as they can't
move it any further!
now the rain just sheets in sideways, it's not pleasant stuff at
all
Match State: Rain delays play
the rain has died off but the wind is still howling, the
groundstaff have slowly managed to peel off the covers inch by
inch, and we may have a resumption in play some time soon
no announcement has been made on the lunch interval yet either, and
the longer range forecast for today isn't so crash hot, with
widespread rain set to strike
we're ready to restart, and it'll be Murphy to continue to Parore
179.1 Murphy to Parore, no run, forward, defends down in close on the off
side
179.2 Murphy to Parore, one run, flighted full down the leg side, sweeps
away wide of short fine leg, easy run taken with the shot
179.3 Murphy to Walker, one run, angling on leg stump, whipped away
through to deep midwicket, the field's already set rather deep for
this pair, obviously expecting some hitting out before a possible
declaration
179.4 Murphy to Parore, no run, angling on leg stump, tries to flick it
away, into the pad
179.5 Murphy to Parore, FOUR, sweeps very well, in the air down in the
gap between deep midwicket and deep backward square leg, but the
outfield is greasy and the fielder slides back towards the rope,
and is still in contact with the ball before he lets it go, two
turned into four
and that brings up Parore's 50 as a result, off 112 balls, 10x4
179.6 Murphy to Parore, no run, angling down the leg side, swept straight
to short fine leg
End of over 180 (6 runs) New Zealand 485/6
BA Murphy 46-9-128-1 (1w) - Scoreboard End
BGK Walker 25* (51b 4x4) AC Parore 50* (113b 10x4)
180.1 Strang to Walker, two runs, tight ball on off stump, well guided
down through backward point, super running by both batsmen to
scurry back through for a second as it's played short of the deep
fielder, the throw goes to the bowler's end, Parore easily home
180.2 Strang to Walker, no run, uppishly driven straight up to Olonga at
mid off on the bounce
180.3 Strang to Walker, no run, tight ball on off stump, stroked back up
on the off side again
180.4 Strang to Walker, OUT: Walker's squared around trying to loft
Strang over midwicket, it was a bit uppish on him and was through
the stroke too soon, spoons it straight up in the air and Olonga
comes in from mid off to take an easy catch just behind the stumps
New Zealand 487/7, Partnership of 61
BGK Walker c Olonga b Strang 27 (55b 4x4 0x6)
AC Parore 50* (113b 10x4) BC Strang 45.4-16-116-3 (1w 2nb)
an obvious sacrifice for quick runs
Paul Wiseman the new batsman, at the non-striker's end as they
crossed during the skied shot
180.5 Strang to Parore, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defended away
towards cover point
180.6 Strang to Parore, no run, full ball on middle and leg, firmly
defended to short midwicket
End of over 181 (2 runs) New Zealand 487/7
BC Strang 46-16-116-3 (1w 2nb) - Vance Stand End
PJ Wiseman 0* (0b) AC Parore 50* (115b 10x4)
and here comes the rain again, will we be on for much longer? it's
going to be one of these days, obviously
the umpires look at one another, a quick glance is all that is
needed, Andy Flower's already jogging towards the boundary before
the signal for the covers to be dragged on comes
we're doing this in two-over instalments per hour at this rate, so
expect a 10-12 over day ...
dear oh dear, the weather just keeps getting worse and worse, the
poor groundstaff are earning their pay today, a huge gust of wind
has fair lifted one of the covers up, and any limbs attached to
it, people go flying as to hats and other paraphernalia
it is absolutely bucketing down now, and coming vertically - a rare
sign in Wellington as suddenly, just like that, the wind has
instantly died
it's safe to assume we'll be having an early lunch, and if this
persists much longer, an early tea too
wacky stuff, now the wind appears again, and it starts getting
lighter - who knows what this Wellington weather will do, we've
had 4 seasons in 10 minutes
Match State: Rain delays play
the latest update from here in Wellington is that they've taken an
early lunch, the rain had died off as had the wind, but the
conditions were still suitably murky not to do anything with the
covers
in fact, the wind has been mostly warm, muggy northerlies, but that
hasn't helped at all, just managing to keep enough moisture in the
air to maintain doubt in the future conditions
and just as we speak, the rain starts coming down again vertically,
only to die off within a matter of two minutes, but there's still
light drizzle about
it's going to be one of those afternoons folks, we're afraid, don't
expect much play any time soon, an early tea is looking
increasingly likely
lunch should've just been completed now (at 2:40pm local time, 0140
GMT) however it's one soggy affair - thoughts must go out to the
groundstaff most of all today, they've had an incredibly torrid
time of it, struggling grimly to keep covers under
control when unravelling them, only to see them fly away out of
their grasp and not only must somehow regather them, but their
hats too, and then start the whole process all over again, before
another sudden gust wrecks it once more
there should be some classic photographs of sprawling groundsmen
and airborne covers appearing in tomorrow's newspapers - it has
been the dominating feature of the day which has seen just four
overs play
the umpires have had another short inspection, 5 minutes ago at
2:50pm local time (0150 GMT), and the simple statement back is
"while the weather continues to be indecisive, so will we" - that
says it all
4pm update: the wind continues to bluster away with some force, but
the rain is in and out, the umpires have had another inspection
and decided that if they can get the surface water cleared off the
top of the covers, then the ground can be prepared for
a 5pm start and go right through until 8pm tonight
however, that would also be conditional on the fielding side
agreeing to the conditions being safe enough to bowl and field -
presently that's Zimbabwe, and they're unlikely to want to play
given the situation of the match
however, with the time lost today, and the progression of the match
in general, New Zealand are sure to declare, so that they become
the fielding side - except Zimbabwe have the out-clause that with
the light being so-so to poor at present, they could
then be offered it by the umpires and be off like a shot in this
scenario also
the umpires are back out in the middle now, having a look around
and getting some readings as the wind picks up to its ferocious
worst, one half of the main pitch block covers has now been
unrolled
today's play is really just waiting for one final bucket of rain to
conclusively put an end to this miserable day - knowing how it's
gone so far, it's likely to come just as the players walk back on
to the field
oh dear, as they haul off the other half of the main covers, a huge
gust of wind lifts it up and has one poor female security staff
member losing the ground from beneath her feet, landing hard on
her back unceremoniously
one can only hope these people are being paid triple normal rates
for their efforts today, it's been a real 'mare
things have cleared up pretty decently for the time being, just
after 4:30pm, but the wind is still strong, the umpires have taken
some readings, there's plenty of talk with the Zimbabwe camp about
near the pitch with them, while the New Zealanders warm
up in the outfield, we're aiming for a 5pm start now officially,
with play until 8pm, weather, light and acts of God permitting
the official announcement has been made, we're starting in 5
minutes at 5pm, with 40 overs to be bowled today, a 20 minute
break will be taken between 6:40pm and 7pm, meaning two sessions
of 1 hour 40 minutes and 1 hour
New Zealand have predictably declared, so it'll be Guy Whittall and
Gavin Rennie to open the batting, Chris Martin to bowl from the
Vance Stand End
0.1 Martin to Whittall, no run, good short straight climbing ball,
jumps on the crease to fend it down short of short leg
two slips, two gullies, point, mid off, mid on, short leg and fine
leg in place
0.2 Martin to Whittall, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
0.3 Martin to Whittall, no run, quick and wide ball outside off stump,
left well alone
0.4 Martin to Whittall, no run, shoulders arms to a tighter ball
outside off stump, brings a few excited cries from the slips
0.5 Martin to Whittall, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
Whittall stands tall to play a cracking cut shot but can't defeat
Walker falling forward to palm it down at point
0.6 Martin to Whittall, no run, short straight ball, defends with a
dead bat down in close on the leg side of the pitch
End of over 1 (maiden) Zimbabwe 0/0 (trail by 487 runs)
CS Martin 1-1-0-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 0* (0b) GJ Whittall 0* (6b)
it'll be Shayne O'Connor to charge into the wind from the
Scoreboard End to Gavin Rennie
two slips, gully, point, short cover, mid off, mid on, square leg
and long leg in place for the left hander facing the left arm over
the wicket O'Connor
1.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, short straight ball, hops on the crease
to defend down in close on the leg side of the pitch, McMillan in
from square leg to field
1.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shuffles in behind a straight ball
outside off stump, defending with a vertical blade back down the
wicket
1.3 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, quicker ball angling down the leg side,
tries to tickle it fine but doesn't get a touch to it, Parore
makes a fine diving take to his right
1.4 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, tucked off the hip quietly down
backward of square leg, thoughts of a quick single quashed by
McMillan actively up to field
1.5 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, short ball, defends down to McMillan at
square leg
O'Connor pulls out of his run-up for the first time at the
Scoreboard End, just 14 behind Strang's efforts over the past two
and a bit days
1.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
End of over 2 (maiden) Zimbabwe 0/0 (trail by 487 runs)
SB O'Connor 1-1-0-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 0* (6b) GJ Rennie 0* (6b)
2.1 Martin to Whittall, no run, quick ball wide outside off stump,
leaves alone after briefly lining it up
2.2 Martin to Whittall, FOUR, too short, too wide, hammered away
through the gap between the slips and the gullies, an emphatic way
to get the innings underway
2.3 Martin to Whittall, one run, props forward, nudging away a full
ball into the covers, sets off for a very quick single as Walker's
qwuickly to it from point, has a shy at the bowler's end, just
missing, replays suggest it was very tight indeed
2.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, good tight ball on off stump, squares
Rennie around in defence, dead batting it straight back down the
wicket
2.5 Martin to Rennie, FOUR, overpitched on leg stump, well clipped away
through backward square leg, a long race around the boundary for
O'Connor at long leg but no chance to catch up with it as it
trickles over the boundary rope
2.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, hops on the crease to a straight ball,
defending down into the leg side
End of over 3 (9 runs) Zimbabwe 9/0 (trail by 478 runs)
CS Martin 2-1-9-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Whittall 5* (9b 1x4) GJ Rennie 4* (9b 1x4)
3.1 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, leaves alone one angling across the
right hander outside off stump
3.2 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, short ball outside off stump, guided
down to Walker at point
3.3 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, similar again, short and straight on
off stump, defends down from a height to Walker at point
3.4 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, shapes to play but shoulders arms to
a quick rising ball outside off stump
3.5 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, shuffles right across to off stump,
defends quietly down on the leg side of the pitch
3.6 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside
off stump
End of over 4 (maiden) Zimbabwe 9/0 (trail by 478 runs)
SB O'Connor 2-2-0-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 4* (9b 1x4) GJ Whittall 5* (15b 1x4)
4.1 Martin to Rennie, no run, full outside off stump, firmly driven
straight to Walker at point
4.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, ducks underneath a short rising ball on
leg stump
4.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, tight ball on a good rising length
outside off stump, defneds down from the inside edge into his pad,
drops in close on the off side
4.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, angling on leg stump, rebounds up from
the pad to Richardson under the helmet at short leg
4.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
fends down to gully in defence
4.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, stretches forward outside off stump,
shouldering arms through to the keeper
End of over 5 (maiden) Zimbabwe 9/0 (trail by 478 runs)
CS Martin 3-2-9-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Whittall 5* (15b 1x4) GJ Rennie 4* (15b 1x4)
5.1 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, forward, defends up to Wiseman at mid
on
5.2 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
shapes to cut but gets a bottom edge into the deck, away to point
5.3 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, short ball angling outside off stump,
hops on the crease in defence down towards cover point
5.4 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, strongly cut off the back foot but
straight down to Walker at point
5.5 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, shuffles right in behind a good
length ball on off stump, defending back down the pitch
5.6 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, slower ball, pretty short, guided
quietly down to gully in defence
End of over 6 (maiden) Zimbabwe 9/0 (trail by 478 runs)
SB O'Connor 3-3-0-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 4* (15b 1x4) GJ Whittall 5* (21b 1x4)
6.1 Martin to Rennie, one run, angling on leg stump, tucked away
towards vacant midwicket for an easy run with the shot
6.2 Martin to Whittall, no run, defends a shortish ball down towards
Walker at point
6.3 Martin to Whittall, FOUR, cuts outside off stump, doesn't climb as
much, gets an underedge through towards the keeper, Parore diving
to his right, deflects it away from Fleming's hand at first slip
behind it, and away to the boundary
6.4 Martin to Whittall, no run, forward, defends towards cover point,
Walker forward to field
6.5 Martin to Whittall, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
6.6 Martin to Whittall, (noball) no run, oversteps, forward in defence
into the covers
6.6 Martin to Whittall, no run, drawn forward by a full ball, firmly
defends up towards mid on
End of over 7 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 15/0 (trail by 472 runs)
CS Martin 4-2-15-0 (1nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 5* (16b 1x4) GJ Whittall 9* (27b 2x4)
an interesting early bowling change, off spinner Paul Wiseman being
brought on for O'Connor at the Scoreboard End after just 7 overs,
with O'Connor's contribution 3 maidens
7.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, reaching forward in defence, guides it
away to Walker at backward point
7.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, stretches forward, quietly defending
down in close on the leg side
7.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, watchfully defends from the crease,
turning into the legs, defending down to silly point
7.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, reaching forward, defends straight to
Richardson in close on the off isde again
7.5 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, stretches well forward, turning one
angling into the legs away backward of square leg for an easy
single as it trickles away into open space
7.6 Wiseman to Whittall, no run, reaching forward in defence, turns it
away just behind short leg, looking for the quick run but told no
by Rennie as leg gully scampers after it
End of over 8 (1 run) Zimbabwe 16/0 (trail by 471 runs)
PJ Wiseman 1-0-1-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 6* (21b 1x4) GJ Whittall 9* (28b 2x4)
8.1 Martin to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
8.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, full ball on leg stump, firmly pushes
into the deck, straight to short leg
8.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends down
to gully
8.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, props forward, defending up towards
McMillan at wide mid off
8.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, stretching forward, leaves alone outside
off stump
8.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, forward, again leaves alone a widish ball
outside off stump
End of over 9 (maiden) Zimbabwe 16/0 (trail by 471 runs)
CS Martin 5-3-15-0 (1nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Whittall 9* (28b 2x4) GJ Rennie 6* (27b 1x4)
9.1 Wiseman to Whittall, bye: one run, angling down the leg side, tries
to flick it away but misses, rebounds away from Parore's gloves
towards backward square leg
9.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
9.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
9.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full, well forward, defends
quietly up towards mid on
9.5 Wiseman to Rennie, FOUR, a bit too full, well swept through square
leg, too well timed for McMillan at deep backward square
9.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, stretches forward, kicking away to silly
point
End of over 10 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 21/0 (trail by 466 runs)
PJ Wiseman 2-0-5-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 9* (29b 2x4) GJ Rennie 10* (32b 2x4)
10.1 Martin to Whittall, no run, short rising ball, defends down into
the covers where McMillan fields from straighter
10.2 Martin to Whittall, OUT: what a beauty of a ball! lovely yorker
angling in to his toes, Whittall played all around it, not much he
could do with that
Zimbabwe 21/1, Partnership of 21
GJ Whittall b Martin 9 (31b 2x4 0x6)
GJ Rennie 10* (32b 2x4) CS Martin 5.2-3-15-1 (1nb)
Stuart Carlisle the new batsman
10.3 Martin to Carlisle, no run, Martin goes for another yorker very
next delivery but overpitches, low full toss tapped away into the
covers
10.4 Martin to Carlisle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
10.5 Martin to Carlisle, no run, forward, defends away to Walker at
point
10.6 Martin to Carlisle, no run, full ball, firmly driven straight up to
mid off
End of over 11 (maiden) Zimbabwe 21/1 (trail by 466 runs)
CS Martin 6-4-15-1 (1nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 10* (32b 2x4) SV Carlisle 0* (4b)
11.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends back down the pitch to
the bowler
11.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, teasing ball on a length, defends down
into the slips
11.3 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, flighted a bit full down the leg side,
turned quietly away past the keeper for an easy run
11.4 Wiseman to Carlisle, no run, goes back on the crease, turning into
the front pad, drops down in close on the off side
11.5 Wiseman to Carlisle, no run, stretches well forward in defence to a
flighted ball outside off stump, defending down to silly point
11.6 Wiseman to Carlisle, legbye: one run, angling on leg stump and
turning down, shuffles right across the crease to get a flick from
the top of the pad down backward of square leg, Wiseman gives a
cry as he's nearly beaten
End of over 12 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 23/1 (trail by 464 runs)
PJ Wiseman 3-0-6-0 - Scoreboard End
SV Carlisle 0* (7b) GJ Rennie 11* (35b 2x4)
12.1 Martin to Carlisle, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
driven up to McMillan at wide mid off
12.2 Martin to Carlisle, no run, tight ball on off stump, defending down
to Horne at short cover
12.3 Martin to Carlisle, no run, short ball outside off stump, cut hard
down to Walker at point
12.4 Martin to Carlisle, OUT: full on off stump, drives firmly in the
air, spooning it up, Horne grabs at it in the air at short cover,
parrying it in the air, regaining his balance and running forward
to grab it on the second take, a fine catch
Zimbabwe 23/2, Partnership of 2
SV Carlisle c Horne b Martin 0 (11b 0x4 0x6)
GJ Rennie 11* (35b 2x4) CS Martin 6.4-4-15-2 (1nb)
it seamed in late, Carlisle was turned inside out, fine delivery
from Martin and Zimbabwe are on their heels early
Alistair Campbell the new batsman
12.5 Martin to Campbell, no run, good quick rising ball from a length,
fends it down in close on the off side from the glove
12.6 Martin to Campbell, no run, defends down on the bounce to short leg
End of over 13 (2 runs, maiden) Zimbabwe 23/2 (trail by 464 runs)
CS Martin 7-5-15-2 (1nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 11* (35b 2x4) ADR Campbell 0* (2b)
13.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, props forward in defence, rebounds away
from the pad in close on the off side
13.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward in defence again, dropping it
away towards extra cover
13.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, well forward, defends back on the leg
side of the pitch
13.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
13.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, tries to sweep a fully flighted ball,
into the front pad, rebounds away in close on the off side, brings
some excited cries from the close fielders
13.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends on the off side of the
pitch
End of over 14 (maiden) Zimbabwe 23/2 (trail by 464 runs)
PJ Wiseman 4-1-6-0 - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 0* (2b) GJ Rennie 11* (41b 2x4)
14.1 Martin to Campbell, no run, leaves alone a ball angling well down
the leg side
14.2 Martin to Campbell, no run, well forward to a good full ball,
driven up to mid off
14.3 Martin to Campbell, no run, shoulders arms to a good rising ball
just outside off stump
14.4 Martin to Campbell, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump again
14.5 Martin to Campbell, no run, good tight straight ball on middle and
leg, hops on the crease to defend back down to the bowler
14.6 Martin to Campbell, no run, short rising ball on off stump, defends
down into the off side
End of over 15 (maiden) Zimbabwe 23/2 (trail by 464 runs)
CS Martin 8-6-15-2 (1nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 11* (41b 2x4) ADR Campbell 0* (8b)
15.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
15.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, kicks away a full ball outside
off stump
15.3 Wiseman to Rennie, two runs, short ball outside off stump, mistimed
cut away through cover point, gets enough wood on it for a couple
as Walker fields from point
15.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, looks to force it away through the off
side again, a bit too tight on him, inside edges into teh pitch to
silly point
15.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, shorter ball, defends from the crease
down in close on the leg side to Richardson under the helmet
15.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, stretches well forward outside off
stump, leaves well alone
End of over 16 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 25/2 (trail by 462 runs)
PJ Wiseman 5-1-8-0 - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 0* (8b) GJ Rennie 13* (47b 2x4)
Brooke Walker on to bowl, replacing Martin after a fine opening
spell with unusual figures of 8-6-15-2 at the Vance Stand End
16.1 Walker to Campbell, no run, flighted up on to a good length
immediately, forward in defence to a ball on off stump, played
back to the bowler
16.2 Walker to Campbell, two runs, turning a fair way in to the left-
hander, Campbell swivels on the crease to work it away fine down
the leg side, O'Connor fielding from long leg
16.3 Walker to Campbell, no run, stretches well forward to a full
flighted ball outside off stump, defends to short cover
16.4 Walker to Campbell, no run, stretches well forward again outside
off stump, this time shoulders arms
16.5 Walker to Campbell, no run, poor ball, high full toss, but not
dispatched, turned away firmly straight to wide midwicket
16.6 Walker to Campbell, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side
End of over 17 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 27/2 (trail by 460 runs)
BGK Walker 1-0-2-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 13* (47b 2x4) ADR Campbell 2* (14b)
17.1 Wiseman to Rennie, three runs, flighted full down the leg side,
neatly lapped very fine, Fleming has to go after it from slip, the
outfield slows it right up inside the rope
17.2 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, chops
it into the pitch down to Fleming in the slips on the bounce
17.3 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, tries to sweep, a straight one angling
down the leg side, misses, into the front pad, big appeal from
bowler and captain but turning down leg
17.4 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitc h
17.5 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, flatter ball, tries to lay it away
backward of point but is hurried on, played to Walker squarer at
point
17.6 Wiseman to Campbell, legbye: one run, pushed through straight and
flat again, trying to sweep, straightens into the pad and trickles
away down the leg side, another loud appeal from the bowler
End of over 18 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 31/2 (trail by 456 runs)
PJ Wiseman 6-1-11-0 - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 2* (19b) GJ Rennie 16* (48b 2x4)
18.1 Walker to Campbell, one run, stretches well forward, turning one
around the corner to vacant backward square leg
18.2 Walker to Rennie, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, stands
tall, forcing it down into the covers to McMillan
18.3 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted full on off stump, jams it away
in close on the off side
18.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, straight ball on leg stump, defends down
to Richardson at short leg
18.5 Walker to Rennie, no run, stretches well forward outside off stump,
looking to kick one away but it goes straight on, angling away,
shoulders arms to it
18.6 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted full on off stump, squeezes away
into the covers in defence
End of over 19 (1 run) Zimbabwe 32/2 (trail by 455 runs)
BGK Walker 2-0-3-0 - Vance Stand End
ADR Campbell 3* (20b) GJ Rennie 16* (53b 2x4)
it's getting rather dark now, we're still 21 overs from a finish,
very unlikely all of these will be bowled
the wind picks up again, this time from the west, it's swinging
around, and thus getting colder
19.1 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, forward, defends back on the leg side
of the pitch
19.2 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, stretches well forward, quietly
pushing it back along the pitch to the bowler
19.3 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, watchfully forward, defends down in
close on the off side of the pitch
19.4 Wiseman to Campbell, one run, flighted full down the leg side, well
swept down to O'Connor at fine leg
19.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to Sinclair at
silly point
19.6 Wiseman to Rennie, FOUR, flighted full and straight, Rennie works
it away, paddling it very fine of the keeper, Fleming's chase from
first slip is in vain as the ball just trickles over hte rope
End of over 20 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 37/2 (trail by 450 runs)
PJ Wiseman 7-1-16-0 - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 4* (24b) GJ Rennie 20* (55b 3x4)
20.1 Walker to Campbell, no run, forward, turns into the pad down the
leg side, deflected down to leg slip
20.2 Walker to Campbell, FOUR, overtossed outside off stump, crashed
away through extra cover with effortless easy, there to be
punished
huge gusts of win start sweeping across the ground, the
unpleasantness continues
20.3 Walker to Campbell, no run, again similar delivery, this time
Campbell doesn't fully middle it and Martin has time to slide
across to his right at mid on to field it
20.4 Walker to Campbell, no run, forward, defends away to Horne at wide
midwicket
20.5 Walker to Campbell, no run, shortish ball on off stump, gives
himself a little room but can only dab it away as far as Astle at
backward point
20.6 Walker to Campbell, no run, forward, defends back on the leg side
of the pitch
End of over 21 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 41/2 (trail by 446 runs)
BGK Walker 3-0-7-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 20* (55b 3x4) ADR Campbell 8* (30b 1x4)
21.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, stretches forward on off stump,
defending down to Richardson under the helmet at short leg
21.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, good length ball, dipping just short of
Rennie, forced back to defend, dead batting it down in close on
the off side
21.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, stretches well forward outside off stump
with the front pad, leaves alone with bat held back out of the
way, passing through to the keeper
21.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, turns into the front pad,
bringing a half cry from Wiseman but struck outside the line
21.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full on leg stump, tries to
turn it away but misses, rebounds off the pad to Richardson at
short leg, unconvincing appeal for the bat/pad catch, Wiseman only
joined the others late
21.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
End of over 22 (maiden) Zimbabwe 41/2 (trail by 446 runs)
PJ Wiseman 8-2-16-0 - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 8* (30b 1x4) GJ Rennie 20* (61b 3x4)
22.1 Walker to Campbell, no run, stretches well forward, defending
quietly down in close on the off isde, Parore around from behind
the stumps to tidy up
22.2 Walker to Campbell, no run, flighted full and straight, comes
forward to drive, playing it straight up to Wiseman at mid on
22.3 Walker to Campbell, no run, forward, driven straight back to the
bowler
22.4 Walker to Campbell, no run, turns sharply away from the left-hander
down the leg side, glances it delicately fine but Sinclair pulls
off a fine diving save to his right at leg slip to prevent any
runs
22.5 Walker to Campbell, no run, forward, defends with the pad in close
22.6 Walker to Campbell, no run, stretching well forward to a full ball
outside off stump, defends with bat/pad towards short cover
End of over 23 (maiden) Zimbabwe 41/2 (trail by 446 runs)
BGK Walker 4-1-7-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 20* (61b 3x4) ADR Campbell 8* (36b 1x4)
23.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends into the off side
23.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full outside off stump, firmly
jammed into the deck, bouncing up towards Wiseman whose attempt to
palm it away misses, up to mid off
23.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, shortish ball, defended down to
Richardson at short leg
23.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump, straight
through to the keeper
23.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
23.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, leaves alone one going straight
through to Parore outside off stump
End of over 24 (maiden) Zimbabwe 41/2 (trail by 446 runs)
PJ Wiseman 9-3-16-0 - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 8* (36b 1x4) GJ Rennie 20* (67b 3x4)
the light meters are brought out, it's rather dark, but New Zealand
are only bowling spinners, so on we go
24.1 Walker to Campbell, FOUR, flighted full outside off stump,
tremendously off drive wide of a languishing Martin at mid off
24.2 Walker to Campbell, no run, shortish ball turning down the leg
side, defended down to leg slip
24.3 Walker to Campbell, no run, angling on leg stump, straightens and
bounces, squared around to dead bat it down at his bootlaces
24.4 Walker to Campbell, no run, shortish ball turning down the leg
side, firmly turned away but again Sinclair is equal to the
occasion and gets a hand to it, palming it down to prevent any
runs
24.5 Walker to Campbell, three runs, flighted full outside off stump,
strongly driven through cover, McMillan chases after it, getting a
boot on it, to stop it very close to the rope, third umpire
referred to and goes in McMillan's favour
24.6 Walker to Rennie, no run, stretches well forward in defence outside
off stump, turns a long way back around the pad, not far from off
stump, threatening signs from Walker
End of over 25 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 48/2 (trail by 439 runs)
BGK Walker 5-1-14-0 - Vance Stand End
ADR Campbell 15* (41b 2x4) GJ Rennie 20* (68b 3x4)
the umpires check their light meters again, offer the light to the
batsmen, no surprises what they want, and off we go
the interval was due after the next over anyway, so we'll have an
early adjusted tea break (at 6:37pm!), but will we get back on at
all?
still 15 overs to bowl today, the hessian is being brought on, and
the light is only going to get worse, so stumps are highly likely
to have the score at exactly what it is now, but they haven't been
officially drawn yet
we're going to be starting an hour early tomorrow regardless of
what transpires in the remainder of today, at 11am (2200 GMT)
the umpires go out for another inspection, they aren't yet
satisfied one way or another, so will come back for further
monitoring at some stage
this may still be a long evening for those hearty souls still
sitting in the ground, all 30-odd of them
and at 7:28pm, after lengthy inspections, the final signal comes,
the day is all over
just 29 overs bowled today, in which New Zealand added 12 runs off
their 4 overs faced (and losing the wicket of Brooke Walker),
while Zimbabwe struggled their way to 48/2 from the other 25
not a lot left to be said about the day, New Zealand will have to
hope for two full day's play, with an extra hour's play on each,
and bowl a lot of overs with the spinners to get the quotas up,
which seems to be Fleming's intention, the footmarks should
into real contention towards the end of day four and on on the last
day, Zimbabwe's options have been narrowed to basically one thing
- defend, for two whole days
reaching the follow-on avoidance mark of 288 will be their first
target, and if they manage that, it may well be enough to save the
match unless Fleming is daring and forces things
all the covers have been placed on the whole central area now, but
the ground staff are again dragged away by a massive gust, taking
both the cover and half a dozen people with it - what a dreadful
day!
the fourth day's play of the one-off National Bank Test will begin
at 11am tomorrow (2200 GMT), just us then on CricInfo, but until
then it's goodnight from a miserable Wellington
any comments on today's brief stanza's of coverage, please don't be
afraid to send them on in to comms@cricinfo.com - all feedback is
appreciated!
welcome to the Basin Reserve for the fourth day's play of the one-
off National Bank Test between New Zealand and Zimbabwe
unfortunately the early news isn't so flash hot, with plenty of
overnight rain coming down, and it's rather gloomy here at
present, meaning the covers have been left on right up until the
scheduled start time today
things are just clearing a bit now, and the covers are being
lifted, there's significantly less wind around at the moment which
is refreshing for the groundstaff after yesterday hair/hat/blood
pressure-raising efforts in bringing on and off the covers!
the New Zealand team are doing some warm-up exercises on the
boundary, the Zimbabweans are just coming out to join them
(separately!) now, so we may be optimistic of a start at around
midday - the originally scheduled start time for each day of this
Test
because we were meant to start an hour early today, it means that
play can't be extended an hour to 8pm tonight - that can only
happen on a normal day's play that gets affected during that day
itself
it has already been confirmed that we'll be starting at 11am again
tomorrow (conditions permitting!)
official word comes through, things are clearing sufficiently well
enough that we'll be attempting to start at 11:45am local time
(2245 GMT)
93 overs are to be bowled in the day's play, with a first session
of 2 hours 15 minutes, leading into a lunch interval at 2pm
the scrim has been removed from the pitch and the stumps are in
place, and dozens mill about the field looking official and busy -
that's a few dozen more people that are up in the stands
Match State: Play scheduled to start at 11:45am local time (2245 GMT)
my gosh, the sun has come out!
on to the field come the players and umpires - and with the Sky TV
camera crew following them out, there's officially more people on
the field of play than there is in the crowd - 18 in all right now
a far cry from the estimated 10,000 on Boxing day (7400 official
paid gate count)
Wiseman to continue to bowl from the Scoreboard End, with Alistair
Campbell on strike
25.1 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump, good
line and length immediately from the offie
25.2 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, shoulders arms again, this one's a
little more flighted, and there's a bit of turn and bounce
25.3 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, leaves alone yet again outside off
stump to one turning away
25.4 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, flatter, straighter ball, leaves alone
through to the keeper
25.5 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, props forward in defence, Wiseman gets
a beauty to rip away from the outside edge, super delivery
25.6 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, leaves alone outside off stump again
End of over 26 (maiden) Zimbabwe 48/2 (trail by 439 runs)
PJ Wiseman 10-4-16-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 20* (68b 3x4) ADR Campbell 15* (47b 2x4)
amazing scenes here all of a sudden, the sun is fully out and the
glare is almost unbearable! what a remarkable change in weather
from earlier in the morning
it'll be Chris Martin to open the bowling from the Vance Stand End
26.1 Martin to Rennie, one run, shortish ball on the leg stump, tucked
off the hip down to long leg, Zimbabwe underway today
26.2 Martin to Campbell, one run, short ball, swivels on the crease to
hook, misplays the shot, but at least keeps it down, to O'Connor
at long leg
26.3 Martin to Rennie, legbye: FOUR, angling down the leg side, glanced
very fine off the thigh, too quick to the boundary for O'Connor
26.4 Martin to Rennie, legbye: one run, again can't quite get his line
right, angling on leg stump, turned down to O'Connor who is
already quite busy at long leg
26.5 Martin to Campbell, two runs, and again! down the leg side, clipped
fine, O'Connor with a little work, time for a second on teh throw
26.6 Martin to Campbell, three runs, six from six, clipped much squarer
through vacant square leg, O'Connor will be exhausted now
End of over 27 (12 runs) Zimbabwe 60/2 (trail by 427 runs)
CS Martin 9-6-22-2 (1nb) - Vance Stand End
ADR Campbell 21* (50b 2x4) GJ Rennie 21* (71b 3x4)
27.1 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, forward, defends down from the pad in
close on the leg side
27.2 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, flighted full outside off stump,
watchfully pushed back down the pitch to the bowler
27.3 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, forward, driven firmly straight to
extra cover
27.4 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, props forward in defence, Wiseman gets
one to dip on a good length, pings up awkwardly at Campbell,
hitting the splice of the bat dangerously, but dropping down short
of the close field
27.5 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, another beauty of a delivery, driving
at one on a perfect length outside off stump, drawn out of is
crease, Parore belated on the stumping attempt and we go to a
replay, *just* in, very, very close call
27.6 Wiseman to Campbell, one run, another rough one for Campbell to
negotiate, zinging up from the deck, fends it down uncomfortably
towards point
End of over 28 (13 runs) Zimbabwe 61/2 (trail by 426 runs)
PJ Wiseman 11-4-17-0 - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 22* (56b 2x4) GJ Rennie 21* (71b 3x4)
28.1 Martin to Campbell, one run, seventh ball in a row on leg stump,
this time no runs conceded as it's played away past short leg
28.2 Martin to Rennie, (noball) no run, oversteps, angling on leg stump,
taken on the pad
28.2 Martin to Rennie, two runs, yet another down the leg side, turned
away through backward square leg
28.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside off
stump - at last one on that side of the wicket!
28.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, leaves alone another rising ball outside
off stump
28.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, straight ball on middle and leg, clipped
straight up to mid on
28.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, leaves alone a full ball outside off
stump
End of over 29 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 65/2 (trail by 422 runs)
CS Martin 10-6-26-2 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
ADR Campbell 23* (57b 2x4) GJ Rennie 23* (77b 3x4)
29.1 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, reaching forward in defence, played
down in close on the off side
29.2 Wiseman to Campbell, one run, flighted full outside off stump, well
driven wide of mid off for a quick run with the shot
29.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted very full, pushing forward in
defence, jams down on it but it still squeezes through under the
toe of the bat, dribbling through to the keeper
29.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full on the legs, driven up to
mid on in defence
29.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends on the leg side of the
pitch
29.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends on the leg side of the
pitch again
End of over 30 (1 run) Zimbabwe 66/2 (trail by 421 runs)
PJ Wiseman 12-4-18-0 - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 24* (59b 2x4) GJ Rennie 23* (81b 3x4)
30.1 Martin to Campbell, no run, leaves alone a full ball outside off
stump
30.2 Martin to Campbell, OUT: pushing half forward in defence, straight
ball straightens further and traps him on the crease, huge appeal
for lbw and up comes the finger from umpire Cooray
Zimbabwe 66/3, Partnership of 43
ADR Campbell lbw b Martin 24 (61b 2x4 0x6)
GJ Rennie 23* (81b 3x4) CS Martin 10.2-6-26-3 (2nb)
Campbell shakes his head as he walks off, replays show what looks
like a decided inside edge into the pad
Andy Flower the new batsman
Andy Flower the new batsman
30.3 Martin to Flower, no run, jumps on the crease in defence on off
stump, defends down in close on the leg side
30.4 Martin to Flower, no run, leaves alone one angling away from the
batsman outside off stump
30.5 Martin to Flower, no run, leaves alone outside off stump again
30.6 Martin to Flower, no run, shortish ball, defends down in close on
the leg side
End of over 31 (maiden) Zimbabwe 66/3 (trail by 421 runs)
CS Martin 11-7-26-3 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 23* (81b 3x4) A Flower 0* (4b)
31.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
31.2 Wiseman to Rennie, FOUR, drops it too short outside off stump, cuts
away through cover point, too good for the two chasing fielders,
well punished
31.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, defends down in close on the off side
31.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side to Richardson under the helmet
31.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, squared around in the crease trying to
defend, straightens into the pad on leg stump, rebounds away in
close on the leg side
31.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, back in the crease, guides it down to
gully in defence
End of over 32 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 70/3 (trail by 417 runs)
PJ Wiseman 13-4-22-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 0* (4b) GJ Rennie 27* (87b 4x4)
32.1 Martin to Flower, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
32.2 Martin to Flower, no run, shortish straight ball, hops on the
crease to defend down in close on the leg side
32.3 Martin to Flower, no run, jumps in defence to a straight rising
ball on off stump, played up to mid off
32.4 Martin to Flower, no run, hops on the crease in defence again,
defends up towards McMillan at widish mid off again
32.5 Martin to Flower, no run, defends down from the pad towards square
leg, Walker scoots in to field
32.6 Martin to Flower, no run, shuffles right across off stump, leaving
alone a widish ball through to the keeper
End of over 33 (maiden) Zimbabwe 70/3 (trail by 417 runs)
CS Martin 12-8-26-3 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 27* (87b 4x4) A Flower 0* (10b)
33.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to Richardson at
short leg
33.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
33.3 Wiseman to Rennie, three runs, flighted full down the leg side,
well swept very fine, Fleming has to chase from slip
33.4 Wiseman to Flower, no run, watchfully sits on the crease, defending
a straight ball quietly down in close on the off side
33.5 Wiseman to Flower, one run, flighted full, swept from off stump
down to O'Connor at deep backward square leg
33.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward. kicks away a flighted ball on
off stump towards backward point
End of over 34 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 74/3 (trail by 413 runs)
PJ Wiseman 14-4-26-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 1* (12b) GJ Rennie 30* (91b 4x4)
34.1 Martin to Flower, one run, angling down the leg side, turned away
through backward square leg
34.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, chopped
into the ground from the under edge near the stumps, safely guards
it away Horne to field from short cover
34.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, straight ball on off stump, defends down
to Horne at short cover
34.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms to a full ball reasonably
wide outside off stump
34.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, short rising straight ball, defends down
from the body towards square leg, Walker in to field
34.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
End of over 35 (1 run) Zimbabwe 75/3 (trail by 412 runs)
CS Martin 13-8-27-3 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
A Flower 2* (13b) GJ Rennie 30* (96b 4x4)
35.1 Wiseman to Flower, no run, leaves alone one turning away outside
off stump
35.2 Wiseman to Flower, one run, sweeps neatly down to O'Connor at fine
leg
35.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full on leg stump, tries to
sweep strongly but misses, balloons away from the pad over the
head of Richardson at short leg
35.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
35.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to Richardson at
short leg
35.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, same again, defends to Richardson in
close on the leg side
End of over 36 (1 run) Zimbabwe 76/3 (trail by 411 runs)
PJ Wiseman 15-4-27-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 3* (15b) GJ Rennie 30* (100b 4x4)
first bowling change of the morning, Shayne O'Connor on for Martin
at the Vance Stand End
36.1 O'Connor to Flower, no run, lovely ball seaming back in to Flower,
squared around and gets a streaky leading edge away towards point
36.2 O'Connor to Flower, no run, angling down the leg side, tries to
flick it away but misses, Parore takes well down the leg side
36.3 O'Connor to Flower, no run, good rising straight ball, defends back
down on the off side of the pitch
36.4 O'Connor to Flower, no run, angling down the leg side again, Parore
has to take well to his right
36.5 O'Connor to Flower, no run, good length ball on off stump,
watchfully defends from the crease with a vertical blade back to
the bowler on his follow through
36.6 O'Connor to Flower, legbye: one run, angling down the leg side,
dropped away from the pad to backward square leg for an easy run
End of over 37 (1 run, maiden) Zimbabwe 77/3 (trail by 410 runs)
SB O'Connor 4-4-0-0 - Vance Stand End
A Flower 3* (21b) GJ Rennie 30* (100b 4x4)
37.1 Wiseman to Flower, no run, forward, defends down towards Horne
jogging in to field from extra cover
37.2 Wiseman to Flower, no run, props forward in defence, balloons one
away in close on the off side
37.3 Wiseman to Flower, no run, well forward, defends quietly with
bat/pad down in close on the off side
37.4 Wiseman to Flower, one run, flighted full down the leg side, swept
down to O'Connor at long leg
37.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends a full flighted ball
down in close on the off side
37.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, stretches the front pad well forward,
keeps the bat back well out of the way, through to the keeper
outside off stump
End of over 38 (1 run) Zimbabwe 78/3 (trail by 409 runs)
PJ Wiseman 16-4-28-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 4* (25b) GJ Rennie 30* (102b 4x4)
38.1 O'Connor to Flower, two runs, overpitched on the legs, bread and
butter for Flower who lazily clips it through vacant midwicket for
an easy couple
38.2 O'Connor to Flower, no run, leaves alone a quick, full ball outside
off stump
38.3 O'Connor to Flower, no run, shoulders arms to a similarly wide and
full ball outside off stump
38.4 O'Connor to Flower, three runs, overpitched on his legs again,
Flower nips off a treble this time, through wide mid on across
this sluggish outfield
38.5 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, good ball seaming back in to Rennie,
taken in a rather uncomfortable region of the body, and is a
little incapacitated briefly as a result, O'Connor's briefly
excited
38.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone a shortish ball moving
away outside off stump
End of over 39 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 83/3 (trail by 404 runs)
SB O'Connor 5-4-5-0 - Vance Stand End
A Flower 9* (29b) GJ Rennie 30* (104b 4x4)
39.1 Wiseman to Flower, two runs, flighted full down the leg side,
Flower immediately lines up the sweep and gets it away past the
keeper very fine, scrambling back for the second as O'Connor's
quickly to it from fine leg
39.2 Wiseman to Flower, no run, flighted full on off stump, watchfully
defends into the ground to Sinclair at silly point
39.3 Wiseman to Flower, one run, nudged away into covers, easy single
into open space
39.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
39.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, props forward, defending down in close
on the leg side
39.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full, sweeps along the ground
but straight to sub fielder Stephen Cross (from the Naenae club
here in Wellington) at short fine leg
End of over 40 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 86/3 (trail by 401 runs)
PJ Wiseman 17-4-31-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 12* (32b) GJ Rennie 30* (107b 4x4)
Cross has been 12th man for the last two days with selected 12th
man James Franklin required elsewhere in domestic cricket - only
to be named 12th man for Wellington today in their Shell Cup match
against Northern Districts at Mt Maunganui!
New Zealand also have a 13th man in the form of Wellington
representative Regan West, also not required for their Cup side
40.1 O'Connor to Flower, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
driven back to the bowler on his follow through
40.2 O'Connor to Flower, no run, full again, this time much straighter,
shuffles across the crease, mistiming a straight drive up to
Wiseman at mid on
40.3 O'Connor to Flower, no run, drawn forward in defence by a good
length ball on off stump, played up to Cross at mid off
40.4 O'Connor to Flower, two runs, overpitched on his toes, well driven
up through straight mid on, Wiseman turns after it but lets Cross
scamper after it from mid off, time for two
40.5 O'Connor to Flower, no run, shortish ball, forced up to Cross at
widish mid off, thoughts of a quick run with the shot briefly
40.6 O'Connor to Flower, two runs, overpitched on leg stump, well
clipped away through vacant midwicket, Flower looking very
comfortable at the crease against both pace and spin
End of over 41 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 90/3 (trail by 397 runs)
SB O'Connor 6-4-9-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 30* (107b 4x4) A Flower 16* (38b)
Walker replaces Wiseman at the Scoreboard End
41.1 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the off
side
41.2 Walker to Rennie, no run, tries to sweep, balloons away from the
pad over the head of the keeper, brief cries for a possible catch
41.3 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the leg
side
41.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends just past the
outstretched hand of silly point
41.5 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends in close on the leg side
41.6 Walker to Rennie, one run, a little short, swivels on the crease to
pull down to O'Connor at long leg
End of over 42 (1 run) Zimbabwe 91/3 (trail by 396 runs)
BGK Walker 6-1-15-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 31* (113b 4x4) A Flower 16* (38b)
42.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, very full ball, strongly driven back
down the pitch on the off side, O'Connor fields on his follow
through
42.2 O'Connor to Rennie, two runs, turned down to long leg, Rennie turns
back for a very tight second run, Martin rockets in a throw from
long leg, Parore whips off the bails and the third umpire is
quickly referred to, but Rennie isn't flustered, replays show he's
well in
42.3 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, stretches the front pad forward outside
off stump, shoulders arms as it passes straight through
42.4 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, driving at a full ball outside off
stump, moves back in a little, getting an inside edge away towards
Walker at forward squareleg
42.5 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside off
stump
42.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shortish ball on off stump, shuffles
across to off stump to defend down to Walker at square leg
End of over 43 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 93/3 (trail by 394 runs)
SB O'Connor 7-4-11-0 - Vance Stand End
A Flower 16* (38b) GJ Rennie 33* (119b 4x4)
time for the first drinks break of the day
43.1 Walker to Flower, two runs, Flower gets innovative, lining up a
reverse sweep immediately after drinks, swats it away through
backward point pretty well too
43.2 Walker to Flower, no run, flighted very full, stretches well
forward to smother the spin, defending to silly point
43.3 Walker to Flower, three runs, another reverse lap! again he gets
away well, straight ball on a sweepable length, played away
through backward point
43.4 Walker to Rennie, FOUR, overtossed, Flower shows off the more
conventional sweep this time, swinging it away strongly through
forward square leg, O'Connor barely moves in the deep as it races
away well wide of him
43.5 Walker to Rennie, one run, goes for another sweep, this time
slightly less authoritative as he's made to reach for it, dragging
it away along the ground to O'Connor at deep square leg
43.6 Walker to Flower, no run, props forward, defending quietly down in
close on the off side
End of over 44 (10 runs) Zimbabwe 103/3 (trail by 384 runs)
BGK Walker 7-1-25-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 38* (121b 5x4) A Flower 21* (42b)
it'll be spin at both ends, Wiseman replaces O'Connor at the Vance
Stand End
44.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full and straight, props
forward in defence in close on the off side
44.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full, driven straight up to
Horne at mid on
44.3 Wiseman to Rennie, two runs, clipped away through vacant midwicket
44.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down towards backward
point
44.5 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, flighted full down the leg side, well
swung away through backward to square leg to O'Connor in the deep
44.6 Wiseman to Flower, one run, flighted full on leg stump, turned away
quietly wide of mid on for an easy single with the shot as Horne
fields to his left
End of over 45 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 107/3 (trail by 380 runs)
PJ Wiseman 18-4-35-0 - Vance Stand End
A Flower 22* (43b) GJ Rennie 41* (126b 5x4)
45.1 Walker to Flower, no run, turns sharply into the pad, rebounds up
towards short leg off the pad, hints of a glove but just hopeful
thinking
45.2 Walker to Flower, bye: two runs, tries to sweep but it turns too
sharply down the leg side, through Parore's gloves and his legs,
away for a couple of byes, O'Connor fields as it trickles to a
stop in front of the sightscreen
45.3 Walker to Flower, one run, turning in, just nudged away past short
leg towards forward square leg
45.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the off
side
45.5 Walker to Rennie, no run, props forward in defence, rebounds away
in the air just past Richardson under the helmet at short leg, big
cries for a possible catch as it just drifts away
45.6 Walker to Rennie, one run, turned away through backward square leg
End of over 46 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 111/3 (trail by 376 runs)
BGK Walker 8-1-27-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 42* (129b 5x4) A Flower 23* (46b)
46.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, kicks forward with the front pad,
rebounding away to slip
46.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch
46.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted very full and straight,
mistimed drive straight back down the pitch to the bowler
46.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full down the leg side, kneels
for a big sweep shot but into the pad it goes
46.5 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, full on his legs, clipped away through
wide midwicket for an easy single
46.6 Wiseman to Flower, FOUR, short and wide outside off stump, well
hammered away through cover point, lovely shot
End of over 47 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 116/3 (trail by 371 runs)
PJ Wiseman 19-4-40-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 43* (134b 5x4) A Flower 27* (47b 1x4)
47.1 Walker to Rennie, one run, angling down the leg side, turned away
to O'Connor at deep backward square leg
47.2 Walker to Flower, no run, shortish ball, turned away towards Astle
at wide midwicket
47.3 Walker to Flower, one run, shortish ball, turned down through
backward square leg quietly, O'Connor ambles in from the deep to
field
47.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, turns into the front pad, drops down in
close on the leg side
47.5 Walker to Rennie, no run, shortish ball, stands tall on the crease
to force it up towards mid off
47.6 Walker to Rennie, no run, tries to sweep, doesn't get on to it,
drags it up towards mid on
End of over 48 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 118/3 (trail by 369 runs)
BGK Walker 9-1-29-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 28* (49b 1x4) GJ Rennie 44* (138b 5x4)
48.1 Wiseman to Flower, one run, flighted full on middle and leg, Flower
on to the sweep again, down to Astle at fine leg
48.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted very full down the leg side,
tries to sweep again but into the pad, a huge appeal for lbw from
Wiseman but rather optimistic as it pitched outside the line of
leg stump and then straightened
48.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward to a flighted ball on off stump,
defends down to silly point
48.4 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, arm ball, a bit too short, sits up
early for Rennie who chops it down into the covers for an easy run
with the shot
48.5 Wiseman to Flower, one run, flighted full outside off stump,
stroked through wide mid off, good quick run with the shot
48.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, stretches forward to a straight one,
defends down to Ricahrdson at short leg
End of over 49 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 121/3 (trail by 366 runs)
PJ Wiseman 20-4-43-0 - Vance Stand End
A Flower 30* (51b 1x4) GJ Rennie 45* (142b 5x4)
49.1 Walker to Flower, no run, defends a tight ball on off stump from
the crease, dead batted in close on the off side
49.2 Walker to Flower, one run, flighted full down the leg side, sweeps
quietly away towards vacant backward square leg, Richardson fields
from under the helmet, a single is jogged ever so casually
49.3 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted up full outside off stump,
firmly driven straight up to Martin at mid off
49.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, shuffles forward to off stump, taken on
the pad looking to leave, a fair appeal for lbw but perhaps not
quite coming back enough as it turned quite sharply from wide out
49.5 Walker to Rennie, no run, defends down a shorter ball in close on
the leg side
49.6 Walker to Rennie, no run, similar again, tries to leave as it takes
him high up, drops down in close on the leg side
End of over 50 (1 run) Zimbabwe 122/3 (trail by 365 runs)
BGK Walker 10-1-30-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 31* (53b 1x4) GJ Rennie 45* (146b 5x4)
Craig McMillan gets a bowl, replacing Wiseman at the Vance Stand
End
50.1 McMillan to Flower, no run, an unsurprising start, a bouncer, a bit
ill directed outside off stump, but that's the bowling McMillan
the Basin crowd have become used to
50.2 McMillan to Flower, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends
down into the covers
50.3 McMillan to Flower, no run, straight ball, stands on the crease to
defend back down into the pitch
50.4 McMillan to Flower, no run, good length ball with a little bit of
swing from McMillan, watchfully defended away firmly to cover
point
50.5 McMillan to Flower, no run, shortish rising ball outside off stump,
Flower stands tall to get over it, defending firmly down to Horne
in the covers
50.6 McMillan to Flower, no run, full on leg stump, defends down to
Richardson at shortish midwicket
End of over 51 (maiden) Zimbabwe 122/3 (trail by 365 runs)
CD McMillan 1-1-0-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 45* (146b 5x4) A Flower 31* (59b 1x4)
Wiseman switches ends, replacing Walker at the Scoreboard End -
already this is his third spell of alternating ends today
51.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full on off stump, defends down
in close on the leg side with bat in front of the leading pad
51.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, watchfully hops across to off stump on
the crease, defending quietly down on the leg side
51.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, half forward, taps it down quietly in
close on the leg side, brief thoughts of a quick single before a
loud shout of no!' from Flower as Richardson turns from under the
helmet at short leg to field
51.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, sweeps very strongly, Richardson turns
and shies away from it at short leg, but it strikes him in the
back of the calf, and he goes down, that must've been very painful
but he's a good keen tough Otago man, and gets up after a few
moments and soldiers on
51.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to Richardson
again, a little less threatened by that stroke
51.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, good ball climbing from a length, fizzes
up past the outside edge as he tries his best to defend or keep
the bat away from it outside off stump
End of over 52 (maiden) Zimbabwe 122/3 (trail by 365 runs)
PJ Wiseman 21-5-43-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 31* (59b 1x4) GJ Rennie 45* (152b 5x4)
52.1 McMillan to Flower, no run, forward, defends a good length ball
back down the pitch on the off side
52.2 McMillan to Flower, no run, forward, defending quietly back down
the pitch to the bowler
52.3 McMillan to Flower, no run, forward, defends away towards cover
point, Astle fields from short cover
52.4 McMillan to Flower, no run, straight ball on middle and leg,
defends to Richardson at short midwicket
52.5 McMillan to Flower, two runs, overpitched on his legs, well clipped
through square leg, Martin fields from around at deep backward
square
52.6 McMillan to Flower, FOUR, widish ball outside off stump, Flower
gropes after it, gets a genuine edge, guiding it just wide of
Fleming at slip, down to the vacant third man boundary
End of over 53 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 128/3 (trail by 359 runs)
CD McMillan 2-1-6-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 45* (152b 5x4) A Flower 37* (65b 2x4)
53.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, tries to sweep a full flighted ball,
strikes him on the toe, turning away and well forward, big appeal
for lbw but it was turning, missing off stump
53.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch
53.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, tries to sweep again, misplayed, back to
the bowler
53.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full down the leg side, tries
to flick it away, fails to get a touch
53.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, kept back on the crease in defence, good
tight ball has Rennie in two minds, defends down in close on the
leg side
53.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, shortish ball, guides it down to Walker
at backward point in defence, climbed from a length at him, good
bowling from Wiseman
End of over 54 (maiden) Zimbabwe 128/3 (trail by 359 runs)
PJ Wiseman 22-6-43-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 37* (65b 2x4) GJ Rennie 45* (158b 5x4)
54.1 McMillan to Flower, no run, short length ball, Flower hops on the
crease and has to wait for it to arrive a little, defending down
towards point
54.2 McMillan to Flower, no run, full ball outside off stump, shoulders
arms with an outstretched front pad to it
54.3 McMillan to Flower, no run, hops on the crease to off stump,
defends down towards down to Richardson at short midwicket
54.4 McMillan to Flower, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside off
stump
54.5 McMillan to Flower, no run, leaves alone again outside off stump
through to the keeper
54.6 McMillan to Flower, no run, leaves alone yet again outside off
stump
End of over 55 (maiden) Zimbabwe 128/3 (trail by 359 runs)
CD McMillan 3-2-6-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 45* (158b 5x4) A Flower 37* (71b 2x4)
55.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends a shortish ball down
backward of point to Walker
55.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, stretches well forward down the line of
a flighted ball on off stump, smothering the spin to defend to
Sinclair at silly point under the helmet
55.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full and straight, watchfully
driven straight back to the bowler
55.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full on leg stump, tries to
sweep but misses, into the pad, big appeal from Wiseman
unsupported by anyone, pitching just on or outside leg stump
55.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, swept away straight to O'Connor at short
fine leg
55.6 Wiseman to Rennie, two runs, swept a little squarer this time,
pulling it well around through backward square leg, McMillan
scampers around from deep square to field well
End of over 56 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 130/3 (trail by 357 runs)
PJ Wiseman 23-6-45-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 37* (71b 2x4) GJ Rennie 47* (164b 5x4)
McMillan switches to come around the wicket to Flower
56.1 McMillan to Flower, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
away to Walker at point
56.2 McMillan to Flower, no run, full outside off stump, strongly driven
square but can't beat Sincalir fielding well to his left at gully
56.3 McMillan to Flower, no run, stretches well forward, compactly
defending a full ball on off stump with bat/pad tucked together,
back to McMillan
56.4 McMillan to Flower, FOUR, too short and wide, well cut down through
the gully, the bounce doing in Sinclair's athletic attempt at
plucking it, down to the vacant third man boundary
56.5 McMillan to Flower, two runs, overpitched outside off stump,
strongly driven through cover but the outfield slows it down,
Walker fields just inside the rope from point
56.6 McMillan to Flower, no run, full ball, mistimes a drive straight to
Astle at short cover
End of over 57 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 136/3 (trail by 351 runs)
CD McMillan 4-2-12-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 47* (164b 5x4) A Flower 43* (77b 3x4)
57.1 Wiseman to Rennie, FOUR, short and wide outside off stump, well cut
down through the vacant covers and away to the boundary for his 50
off 165 balls, 5x4, a well measured knock to hold the top order
together
57.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side
57.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, stretches well forward, defending to
Sinclair at silly point
57.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, angles the blade to lap it fine, but
can't get it past a good diving stop by O'Connor to his left at
short fine leg
57.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full outside off stump,
watchfully pushed back along the deck straight to Wiseman
57.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, straight ball, props forward and dead
bats it down at his toes, Sinclair walks in to tidy up from silly
point
End of over 58 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 140/3 (trail by 347 runs)
PJ Wiseman 24-6-49-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 43* (77b 3x4) GJ Rennie 51* (170b 6x4)
58.1 McMillan to Flower, no run, shortish ball that doesn't climb quite
as much as expected outside off stump, Flower goes for a slashing
cut shot but plays right over the top of it, bringing many 'ooh's
from this growing crowd on a sunny afternoon
58.2 McMillan to Flower, no run, full ball on off stump, dug out towards
Walker at point
58.3 McMillan to Flower, no run, tight ball angling in to him from
around the wicket, Flower again somewhat impetuously decides to
cut but is playing with his life now, that was far too close in,
can be thankful he got no touch on it, any piece of willow on it
was only going to drag
it on to his stumps
58.4 McMillan to Flower, no run, defends to Astle at short cover
58.5 McMillan to Flower, no run, well forward, defends a straight ball
back up towards mid on
58.6 McMillan to Flower, no run, full outside off stump, goes for an
expansive square drive but plays it directly to Walker at point
End of over 59 (maiden) Zimbabwe 140/3 (trail by 347 runs)
CD McMillan 5-3-12-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 51* (170b 6x4) A Flower 43* (83b 3x4)
this will be the last over before lunch
59.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to silly point
59.2 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, flighted full on leg stump, lapped
fine, O'Connor dives well to his left to stop it, can't prevent a
quick run with the shot
59.3 Wiseman to Flower, one run, flighted full and straight, swept
quietly down to O'Connor back at fine leg for Flower
59.4 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, Wiseman targeting the same line again,
swept through backward square leg, McMillan around from deep
square leg to field
59.5 Wiseman to Flower, no run, stretches well forward down the line of
a straight ball, defending back up the off side of the pitch
59.6 Wiseman to Flower, two runs, short and sits up outside off stump,
well cut away through backward point, and an equally good chase by
Walker keeps it down to two, and off we go for lunch
End of over 60 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 145/3 (trail by 342 runs)
PJ Wiseman 25-6-54-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 53* (173b 6x4) A Flower 46* (86b 3x4)
Zimbabwe enjoying a fair session, advancing their score by 97 runs
for just the slightly controversial loss of Campbell, in 35 overs
it's a fairly nice day now today, in stark contrast to yesterday
and this morning, but as soon as the players walked on to the
field it immediately brightened
the crowd has significantly grown from 18 at the start of play to
around 500 now, enjoying throwing around the odd frisbee or
cricket ball on the outfield during the break
Wiseman's toiled away manfully from both ends for almost the entire
duration of the innings with little luck, but producing a few gems
that haven't quite produced breakthroughs
Martin the only successful bowler at present, picking up Campbell,
bowling with economy but like O'Connor, struggling to get anything
out of this wicket otherwise
Rennie has been gritty and deserved his half century, but Zimbabwe
need him to bat on for a lot longer if they are to guarantee a
draw in this Test, while Flower continues to look the class
batsman that he is
earlier surpassing 1000 runs in the calendar year, only the second
player to do so after Inzamam-ul-Haq - and in 3 fewer Tests (and 3
Test innings)
play will resume with Zimbabwe needing a further 143 runs to avoid
the follow-on, at 2:40pm local time (0140 GMT), in just under 30
minutes
Match State: Lunch - Day 4
the players return after lunch, it'll be Chris Martin to bowl from
the Vance Stand ENd to Rennie
60.1 Martin to Rennie, no run, low full toss on off stump, quietly
stroked up towards McMillan at extra cover
60.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, straight ball, defends down to Wiseman
coming in to field from mid on
60.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
60.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, shortish straight ball on off stump,
defends down to Horne at square leg
60.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, shapes to play at a good full ball
outside off stump, shapes to drive but just holds the bat back out
of the way at the last moment, through to the keeper
60.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, forward, leaves alone a good ball in the
channel outside off stump
End of over 61 (maiden) Zimbabwe 145/3 (trail by 342 runs)
CS Martin 14-9-27-3 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
A Flower 46* (86b 3x4) GJ Rennie 53* (179b 6x4)
Walker replaces Wiseman from before lunch at the Scoreboard End
61.1 Walker to Flower, one run, flat ball, a bit short, gives Flower
plenty of time to sit back on the crease and glance it down fine
on the leg side, O'Connor at fine leg
61.2 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted full outside off stump, tries to
clamp down on it in defence, almost drags it back on to the
stumps, inside edging it back across the pitch to short leg
61.3 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defefnds down to Fleming at
silly point
61.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, watchfully forward in defence, tapped
down to Fleming again
61.5 Walker to Rennie, no run, tries to sweep one held back well, taken
high on the pad and drops down in close on the leg side as he
fails to read it and is miles too early through the shot
61.6 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the off
side
End of over 62 (1 run) Zimbabwe 146/3 (trail by 341 runs)
BGK Walker 11-1-31-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 47* (87b 3x4) GJ Rennie 53* (184b 6x4)
62.1 Martin to Flower, no run, hops on the crease to a shortish ball on
off stump, defends down towards McMillan coming in from cover to
field
62.2 Martin to Flower, one run, shortish ball on leg stump, tucked down
towards square leg, good quick run taken with the shot as Horne
has a bit of distance to scoot in to field from, shies and misses
62.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, good quick straight ball on off stump,
hurries up Rennie a little who just gets in behind it in defence
in close on the off side
62.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, defends a straight ball on middle and off
stump, up to Wiseman at mid on
62.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, shortish ball on leg stump, defends down
to Horne at square leg
62.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, full outside off stump, stretches forward
to it, shouldering arms
End of over 63 (1 run) Zimbabwe 147/3 (trail by 340 runs)
CS Martin 15-9-28-3 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
A Flower 48* (89b 3x4) GJ Rennie 53* (188b 6x4)
63.1 Walker to Flower, no run, flighted full, Flower immediately on to
the reverse sweep but has to hurry it through, hit into the ground
to Astle who fields to his left on the bounce at slip
63.2 Walker to Flower, two runs, sweeps much better through square leg
conventionally, out to sub fielder Cross roaming in the deep, time
for two to bring up his 50 off 91 balls, 3x4
63.3 Walker to Flower, one run, stroked away through vacant extra cover
for an easy single
63.4 Walker to Rennie, one run, sweeps, dragging it away from full
outside off stump, into Richardson at short leg, and away for a
single
63.5 Walker to Flower, no run, shortish ball, guided down just wide of
slip but there's ample protection to prevent a single
63.6 Walker to Flower, two runs, shortish ball, forced away out through
vacant cover for an easy couple
End of over 64 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 153/3 (trail by 334 runs)
BGK Walker 12-1-37-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 54* (189b 6x4) A Flower 53* (94b 3x4)
64.1 Martin to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
64.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
driven up to Cross at mid off
64.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, short rising ball outside off stump, hops
on the crease to defend down towards McMillan charging in from the
covers
64.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, tight ball on off stump pins Rennie back
in the crease, defends standing tall, playing it down on the off
side of the pitch
64.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, defends a straight ball, up to mid off
64.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, short rising ball on off stump, defends
with a dead bat down in close on the off side
End of over 65 (maiden) Zimbabwe 153/3 (trail by 334 runs)
CS Martin 16-10-28-3 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
A Flower 53* (94b 3x4) GJ Rennie 54* (195b 6x4)
Andy Flower certainly is in the form of his life at the moment -
his last 7 Test innings have been 48, 65 (v NZ at Harare), 183*,
70 (v India at Delhi), 55, 232* (v India at Nagpur) and now 53*
65.1 Walker to Flower, one run, short pitched ball angling down the leg
side, swivels on the crease to pull down through backward square
leg, Martin fields from the deep
65.2 Walker to Rennie, one run, clipped away out to sub fielder Cross at
deep midwicket
65.3 Walker to Flower, no run, turned inside out by a good ball from
Walker, tried to work it on the leg side but it pops up a bit more
on him, just dropping down in close on the off side, short of
Fleming off balance going back at silly point
65.4 Walker to Flower, no run, forward, defends down in close on the off
side
65.5 Walker to Flower, no run, forward, defends to Richardson at short
leg
65.6 Walker to Flower, no run, forward, clamps down in defence on a full
ball outside off stump, Parore tidies up from behind the stumps
End of over 66 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 155/3 (trail by 332 runs)
BGK Walker 13-1-39-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 55* (196b 6x4) A Flower 54* (99b 3x4)
66.1 Martin to Rennie, no run, full ball on off stump, strongly driven
straight up to Cross at mid off
66.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, short rising ball on off stump, mistimes
a cut down in close on the off side from the bottom edge
66.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, quick and full on leg stump, struck flush
on teh pad, very stifled appeal as it pitched outside the line
66.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, hops on
the crease to defend down in close on the off side
66.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, full ball outside off stump, mistimed
drive up to Cross at mid off
66.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, good short straight rising ball, squares
Rennie around in defence, dropping it down in close on the off
side
End of over 67 (maiden) Zimbabwe 155/3 (trail by 332 runs)
CS Martin 17-11-28-3 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
A Flower 54* (99b 3x4) GJ Rennie 55* (202b 6x4)
67.1 Walker to Flower, no run, forward, defends down to Fleming at silly
point
67.2 Walker to Flower, no run, forward, defends back along the pitch to
Walker on the leg side
67.3 Walker to Flower, no run, stretches well forward, defends quietly
down in close on the leg side of the pitch
67.4 Walker to Flower, three runs, shortish ball, no width but Flower
generates it himself, forced through vacant cover very smartly,
they have to stop and think about the third on the throw before
hurrying through comfortably for it
67.5 Walker to Rennie, one run, swept away from outside off stump, out
to Cross at deep midwicket
67.6 Walker to Flower, one run, stretches forward, nudging away a full
flighted ball outside off stump wide of mid off, for an easy
single jogged with the shot
End of over 68 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 160/3 (trail by 327 runs)
BGK Walker 14-1-44-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 58* (104b 3x4) GJ Rennie 56* (203b 6x4)
Wiseman replaces Martin at the Vance Stand End
68.1 Wiseman to Flower, no run, flighted full, yet again Flower is on to
the reverse sweep, played straight to Walker at backward point
68.2 Wiseman to Flower, no run, flighted up on leg stump, dances down
the pitch to defend back down the pitch to Wiseman
68.3 Wiseman to Flower, no run, shortish ball, sits back to cut but
plays over the top of it, Parore can't take cleanly and it
balloons away towards slip
68.4 Wiseman to Flower, no run, forward, defends away towards backward
point, Astle across to field from slip
68.5 Wiseman to Flower, no run, low full toss, doesn't cash in as it
drifts into him, stroked straight up to Cross at mid off
68.6 Wiseman to Flower, one run, flighted full but not quite as full as
the last one, gets inside it well to stroked up between mid off an
extra cover, well placed for a run with the shot
End of over 69 (1 run) Zimbabwe 161/3 (trail by 326 runs)
PJ Wiseman 26-6-55-0 - Vance Stand End
A Flower 59* (110b 3x4) GJ Rennie 56* (203b 6x4)
69.1 Walker to Flower, no run, pads away outside off stump, brushes the
front pad and balloons up to the keeper
69.2 Walker to Flower, two runs, flighted full outside off stump, well
driven through cover point, again not a whole lot of power on it
but gets it away for an easy couple
69.3 Walker to Flower, two runs, flighted too full outside off stump,
well driven through vacant cover, O'Connor fields from mid off
69.4 Walker to Flower, no run, tries to sweep, but has to drag it from
well outside off stump, drops down in close on the off side from
the pad
69.5 Walker to Flower, two runs, short and wide outside off stump, cut
down through point, again milked away with ease for a couple more
69.6 Walker to Flower, one run, shortish ball, sits back and turns down
the leg side, turned down to long leg, brings up the 100
partnership off 238 balls
End of over 70 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 168/3 (trail by 319 runs)
BGK Walker 15-1-51-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 66* (116b 3x4) GJ Rennie 56* (203b 6x4)
Nathan Astle replaces Wiseman at the Vance Stand End
70.1 Astle to Flower, two runs, immediately Flower is on to the
offensive, cracking a full ball outside off stump through cover
point, but good fielding in tandem between Walker and McMillan to
keep it just inside the rope and fire it back halves the final
impact
70.2 Astle to Flower, no run, forward, defends a straight ball back to
Astle
70.3 Astle to Flower, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly pushes
straight to Fleming at short cover
70.4 Astle to Flower, no run, straight and full on off stump, firmly
driven straight up to Cross at mid off
70.5 Astle to Flower, no run, shortish ball, jags back in to the body,
defends down in close on the off side
70.6 Astle to Flower, no run, a bit of late swing back in, Flower
confidently drives up to Cross at mid off
End of over 71 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 170/3 (trail by 317 runs)
NJ Astle 1-0-2-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 56* (203b 6x4) A Flower 68* (122b 3x4)
Wiseman swaps ends again, Walker being hauled off after a not-so-
special spell, never quite gaining his rhythm
71.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends in close on the off
side, Fleming picks up from silly point
71.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, looks to lap, turning it straight down
to Martin at short fine leg
71.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, swept quietly straight to Martin again
at short fine leg
71.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to Fleming at
silly point
71.5 Wiseman to Rennie, FOUR, short and wide outside off stump, sits up
begging to be hit and Rennie happily does so, dispatching it
through vacant cover
71.6 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, goes for a strong sweep, struck into
Sinclair at short leg, and another man is down! he's not quite as
sore as poor Richardson (haematoma to the calf), rebounds away to
midwicket for an easy run
End of over 72 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 175/3 (trail by 312 runs)
PJ Wiseman 27-6-60-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 61* (209b 7x4) A Flower 68* (122b 3x4)
72.1 Astle to Rennie, no run, full ball outside off stump, driven to
McMillan at cover
72.2 Astle to Rennie, no run, shortish ball on off stump, stands tall to
defend down on the off side, to Fleming at short cover
72.3 Astle to Rennie, no run, shortish ball on leg stump, clipped away
straight to Wiseman at square leg
72.4 Astle to Rennie, no run, full and wide outside off stump, Rennie
looks to carve him away through the covers but mistimes it into
the deck, away to McMillan on the bounce
72.5 Astle to Rennie, FOUR, cut away in the air through point, too much
width, didn't quite fully control it but got it away, beats
Walker's sprawling dive forward at it to the rope
72.6 Astle to Rennie, no run, straight ball, driven into the deck, back
to Astle who palms it down for Martin to tidy up at mid on
End of over 73 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 179/3 (trail by 308 runs)
NJ Astle 2-0-6-0 - Vance Stand End
A Flower 68* (122b 3x4) GJ Rennie 65* (215b 8x4)
73.1 Wiseman to Flower, no run, forward, defends down to Fleming at
silly point
73.2 Wiseman to Flower, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side
73.3 Wiseman to Flower, no run, forward, driven straight back to the
bowler
73.4 Wiseman to Flower, no run, stretches well forward to kill the spin,
defending straight into the pitch, Fleming fields from silly point
73.5 Wiseman to Flower, one run, sweeps a flighted ball, dragging it
around down to Martin at fine leg
73.6 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, flighted outside off stump, swept down
to Cross at deep backward square leg
End of over 74 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 181/3 (trail by 306 runs)
PJ Wiseman 28-6-62-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 66* (216b 8x4) A Flower 69* (127b 3x4)
74.1 Astle to Rennie, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, defends
down to Fleming at short cover
74.2 Astle to Rennie, no run, stretches well forward with the front pad
outside off stump, defending down to Fleming again in close on the
off side
74.3 Astle to Rennie, no run, forward, keeps the bat hanging well out of
the way, left through to the keeper
74.4 Astle to Rennie, no run, forward, defends away to McMillan at cover
74.5 Astle to Rennie, no run, shortish straight ball, defends straight
back to the bowler
74.6 Astle to Rennie, no run, floated full, driven straight back along
the pitch to Astle, a rare maiden over of late
End of over 75 (maiden) Zimbabwe 181/3 (trail by 306 runs)
NJ Astle 3-1-6-0 - Vance Stand End
A Flower 69* (127b 3x4) GJ Rennie 66* (222b 8x4)
75.1 Wiseman to Flower, no run, forward, quietly pushed straight back
down the pitch to the bowler
75.2 Wiseman to Flower, one run, flighted full outside off stump, swept
down to Martin at fine leg
75.3 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, strongly swept out to Cross at deep
square leg
75.4 Wiseman to Flower, no run, flighted full outside off stump, comes
well forward to drive very firmly but straight to Horne at cover
75.5 Wiseman to Flower, no run, flighted very full, Flower comes right
over the top of it to drive straight back along the pitch to the
bowler
75.6 Wiseman to Flower, one run, forward, nudges a straight ball away to
vacant midwicket for the most leisurely of singles imaginable
End of over 76 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 184/3 (trail by 303 runs)
PJ Wiseman 29-6-65-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 71* (132b 3x4) GJ Rennie 67* (223b 8x4)
it's all rather slow and lazy here, Zimbabwe are cruising on a
pitch that isn't deteriorating a bit, the follow-on target is
looking easily attainable at this rate
76.1 Astle to Flower, no run, shortish ball, forced off the back foot to
McMillan in the covers
76.2 Astle to Flower, no run, full on the toes, driven straight up to
Martin at mid on
76.3 Astle to Flower, no run, angling down the leg side, through to
Parore a sit's left alone
76.4 Astle to Flower, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, guided
away to Walker at backward point
76.5 Astle to Flower, no run, floated up full outside off stump,
watchfully caressed away towards point, Walker again in the action
coming in from behind square to field
76.6 Astle to Flower, no run, shuffles across to off stump, shapes to
defend again but holds the bat back out of the way, leaving
through to Parore
End of over 77 (maiden) Zimbabwe 184/3 (trail by 303 runs)
NJ Astle 4-2-6-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 67* (223b 8x4) A Flower 71* (138b 3x4)
77.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side to Sinclair under the helmet
77.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, shapes to defend but holds the
bat back inside the line of it, through to Parore
77.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flatter ball, watchfully forward in
defence, played down to Fleming at silly point
77.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, arm ball outside off stump, too wide to
merit a stroke, holds the bat back well out of the way, through to
Parore
77.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted more on off stump, forward,
defending quietly down in close on the off side, to Fleming again
77.6 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, angling down the leg side, flighted
full, well lapped to Martin at short fine leg, quick run taken
with the shot on Flower's call, very comfortable in teh end as it
goes to Martin's wrong hand
End of over 78 (1 run) Zimbabwe 185/3 (trail by 302 runs)
PJ Wiseman 30-6-66-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 68* (229b 8x4) A Flower 71* (138b 3x4)
time for a drinks break, 18 overs delivered in the hour, Zimbabwe
cruising, adding a further 40 runs in easy going fashion
78.1 Astle to Rennie, no run, forward, defends a straight ball down to
Horne at short midwicket
78.2 Astle to Rennie, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, defends
down to Fleming at short cover
78.3 Astle to Rennie, no run, angling on leg stump, glanced down to
Wiseman at backward square leg
78.4 Astle to Rennie, no run, full and wide outside off stump, goes for
a crashing cover drive but plays and misses
78.5 Astle to Rennie, one run, angling on leg stump, turned away through
backward square leg, down to O'Connor on the boundary
78.6 Astle to Flower, no run, defends down square on the off side
End of over 79 (1 run) Zimbabwe 186/3 (trail by 301 runs)
NJ Astle 5-2-7-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 69* (234b 8x4) A Flower 71* (139b 3x4)
79.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, turns a shortish ball around
the corner straight to Martin at short fine leg
79.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full from around the wicket on
off stump, sweeps but misses, into the base of the pads
79.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, squared around on the crease, defends
down in close on the leg side, dropping it just short of Sincalir
at short leg
79.4 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, sweeps in the air, down to Cross at
deep square leg on the bounce
79.5 Wiseman to Flower, no run, stretches well forward, defends quietly
down in close on the leg side of the pitch, Fleming wanders over
to pick up and toss back to Wiseman
79.6 Wiseman to Flower, three runs, flighted very invitingly outside off
stump, Flower quickly moves the feet to give himself some room,
driving handsomely through extra cover, great teamwork in the
field between Horne and O'Connor to scoop it back and cut off one
run
End of over 80 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 190/3 (trail by 297 runs)
PJ Wiseman 31-6-70-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 74* (141b 3x4) GJ Rennie 70* (238b 8x4)
immediately as it is due after 80 overs, Fleming asks for the new
ball from umpire Cooray
and as a result, Astle is hauled off and Martin will have a bowl
from the Vance Stand End
80.1 Martin to Flower, no run, defends a straight ball on middle and leg
up to Cross at widish mid on
80.2 Martin to Flower, one run, shortish ball, hops on the crease to
drop it down in close on the off side, great understanding between
the batsmen to sneak the quick single as the field is defensively
set on the off side at mid off and point
80.3 Martin to Rennie, one run, short on leg stump, tucked off the hip
down to O'Connor at long leg
80.4 Martin to Flower, no run, defends a good tight ball on off stump
down to Walker at point
80.5 Martin to Flower, no run, similarly tidy straight delivery, hops on
the crease to play it back to the bowler
80.6 Martin to Flower, no run, well forward to a full ball, quietly
defends up to Wiseman at mid off
End of over 81 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 192/3 (trail by 295 runs)
CS Martin 18-11-30-3 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 71* (239b 8x4) A Flower 75* (146b 3x4)
O'Connor appears at the bowling crease, a bit rare so far today,
replacing Wiseman at the Scoreboard End
81.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
defends down to Sinclair at gully
81.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
81.3 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
81.4 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shapes to defend but doesn't need to,
allowing another one to pass through harmlessly outside off stump
81.5 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, short ball outside off stump, tries to
leave late but it hurries on to hit the bottom of the bat,
deflecting into the ground and through to the keeper, lucky not to
drag it on to his castle
81.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, full ball moving in outside off stump,
jams it out back to the bowler
End of over 82 (maiden) Zimbabwe 192/3 (trail by 295 runs)
SB O'Connor 8-5-11-0 - Scoreboard End
A Flower 75* (146b 3x4) GJ Rennie 71* (245b 8x4)
82.1 Martin to Flower, no run, short ball outside off stump, hops into
it, cutting down to Walker at point
82.2 Martin to Flower, FOUR, short rising ball outside off stump, cuts
hard at it, lifting it just over the head of Sinclair at the finer
of two gullies, down to vacant third man
82.3 Martin to Flower, no run, good straight ball, tucks Flower up,
forced to defend down towards forward square leg
82.4 Martin to Flower, no run, shuffles across to off stump, shapes to
defend but then just raises the bat out of the way late, brushes
past the pad through to the keeper
82.5 Martin to Flower, no run, short ball outside off stump, left
through to Parore
82.6 Martin to Flower, OUT: super delivery, pushing forward in defence,
gets a regulation thick edge towards first slip, Parore dives
across in front of him and takes a fine catch
Zimbabwe 196/4, Partnership of 130
A Flower c Parore b Martin 79 (152b 4x4 0x6)
End of over 83 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 196/4 (trail by 291 runs)
CS Martin 19-11-34-4 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 71* (245b 8x4)
the crowd awaken from their slumber, a fine catch to end a fine
innings, it was a good ball to move away slightly in the air,
Flower tried to play inside it but it traced the outside edge and
Parore smartly took it as it may not have quite carried to
Fleming at first slip
Trevor Madondo the new batsman at the non-striker's end
83.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
83.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves again, but this one's a fair bit
closer in to him, tight judgement
83.3 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, full ball outside off stump, Rennie
stops the shot, suddenly a bit of uncertainty creeps in, it
rebounds away towards vacant cover, an easy single on offer and
neither batsman is in the slightest bit interested
83.4 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
83.5 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, stretches forward, leaves alone outside
off stump again
O'Connor pulls out of his run-up, the wind catches him mid-stride
83.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
End of over 84 (maiden) Zimbabwe 196/4 (trail by 291 runs)
SB O'Connor 9-6-11-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 0* (0b) GJ Rennie 71* (251b 8x4)
84.1 Martin to Madondo, no run, shapes to play but leaves late, good
rising ball outside off stump
84.2 Martin to Madondo, one run, full outside off stump, taps it down
into the covers, sets off for a very tight quick single, Walker
scoops it up from point and has a shy at the bowler's end, just
missing, Madondo in huge trouble had it hit
84.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, shuffles in behind a short rising
straight ball on off stump in defence, played back down to the
bowler
84.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, another good straight ball, defends back
on the leg side of the pitch
84.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, driving at a full ball outside off stump,
plays and misses, big noise but it's just the bottom of the bat
hitting the pitch, the crowd went up but take a while to realise,
some excitement here now!
84.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, forward, defends firmly into the covers
End of over 85 (1 run) Zimbabwe 197/4 (trail by 290 runs)
CS Martin 20-11-35-4 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 1* (2b) GJ Rennie 71* (255b 8x4)
there's a bit of swing with this new ball, making things far more
interesting as the pitch is loaded in the batsman's favour
85.1 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, leaves alone a shortish ball angling
across him outside off stump
85.2 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, drawn forward in defence, stroked away
to Walker at point
85.3 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, short and quite wide outside off
stump, no need whatsoever to play a stroke and Madondo heeds wise
judgement
85.4 O'Connor to Madondo, two runs, shortish ball outside off stump,
well cut down through cover, Walker has a bit of a chase from
point
85.5 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, short and straight, Madondo hops on
the crease to defend down to Horne at shortish extra cover
85.6 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump to
one moving away through to Parore
End of over 86 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 199/4 (trail by 288 runs)
SB O'Connor 10-6-13-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 71* (255b 8x4) TN Madondo 3* (8b)
86.1 Martin to Rennie, no run, short rising ball outside off stump, left
alone through to Parore
86.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, leaves alone a short ball outside off
stump
86.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, forward, defends a tight one on off stump
with bat/pad together, played up to Wiseman at mid off
86.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, similar again, lets it hit the bat,
played away towards Walker at cover point
86.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, good short climbing ball, angling away
outside off stump, Rennie almost hopped in to defend it but holds
back to leave safely alone through to parore
86.6 Martin to Rennie, one run, slightly overpitched, well straight
driven up the ground, beats the diving Wiseman at mid off
End of over 87 (1 run) Zimbabwe 200/4 (trail by 287 runs)
CS Martin 21-11-36-4 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 72* (261b 8x4) TN Madondo 3* (8b)
87.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, full ball outside off stump, quietly
tapped up towards Wiseman at wide mid off
87.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shortish ball, defends down towards
Cross at wide mid on
87.3 O'Connor to Rennie, one run, shortish ball, tapped down on the leg
side for an easy quick single with the shot
87.4 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside off
stump
87.5 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, wide ball angling down the leg side,
through to Parore
87.6 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, tight ball on off stump, firmly
defended out to point
End of over 88 (1 run) Zimbabwe 201/4 (trail by 286 runs)
SB O'Connor 11-6-14-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 73* (264b 8x4) TN Madondo 3* (11b)
88.1 Martin to Rennie, no run, leaves alone a full and wide ball outside
off stump
88.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, full ball, firmly driven up to Cross at
mid on
88.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, hops on the crease to defend a short
rising ball down to square leg
88.4 Martin to Rennie, two runs, overpitched outside off stump, well
driven up the ground straight of Wiseman at mid off, Cross chases
it down from mid on first
88.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, shuffles back and across to off stump,
leaves alone through to the keeper
88.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, straight ball, turns on the crease to
defend down to square leg
End of over 89 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 203/4 (trail by 284 runs)
CS Martin 22-11-38-4 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 3* (11b) GJ Rennie 75* (270b 8x4)
O'Connor is replaced at the Scoreboard End by Wiseman, spin after 9
overs of the second new ball
89.1 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, shortish ball, turned down to Sinclair
under the helmet at short leg
89.2 Wiseman to Madondo, two runs, short and flat, quickly swivels on
the crease to strongly pull down through backward square leg,
Martin around to field from long leg
89.3 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward then shuffles back to a
shortish ball turning in from outside off stump, watchfully
stroked back to the bowler
89.4 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, thrusts the front pad well forward
outside off stump, leaving alone through to the keeper
89.5 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward then back, quietly defending
down to Fleming at silly point
89.6 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, stretches well forward down the line of
the delivery, smothering the spin, played down on the off side of
the pitch
End of over 90 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 205/4 (trail by 282 runs)
PJ Wiseman 32-6-72-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 75* (270b 8x4) TN Madondo 5* (17b)
O'Connor switches ends, replacing Martin at the Scoreboard End
90.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
90.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shortish ball on off stump angling
slightly in, tries to pull but plays right over the top of it,
almost gets a bottom edge through to Parore
90.3 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, half forward, defends quietly down in
close on the off side
90.4 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, short rising ball on off stump, defends
down in close on the off side again
90.5 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, straight ball, seams into the front
pad, big appeal for lbw but turned down by umpire Cooray, replays
suggest it's a good call, perhaps just drifting down leg
90.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down into the covers
End of over 91 (maiden) Zimbabwe 205/4 (trail by 282 runs)
SB O'Connor 12-7-14-0 - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 5* (17b) GJ Rennie 75* (276b 8x4)
91.1 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends straight back along
the pitch back to Wiseman
91.2 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, turning into the pad and drops
down at his feet in close on the leg side, unconvincing defence
91.3 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, props well forward in defence again,
drops it down in close on the leg side
91.4 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends down to Fleming at
silly mid off
91.5 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends to Fleming again
91.6 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, yet again defends down in
close
End of over 92 (maiden) Zimbabwe 205/4 (trail by 282 runs)
PJ Wiseman 33-7-72-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 75* (276b 8x4) TN Madondo 5* (23b)
O'Connor to bowl what should be the last over before tea
92.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone a shortish ball outside
off stump
92.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, full on leg stump angling down, taken
on the pad and drops down in close on the off side of the pitch
92.3 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, short ball, ducks underneath a rare
bouncer today
92.4 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends
down to Walker at point
92.5 O'Connor to Rennie, two runs, full ball angling down the leg side,
clipped away through backward square leg, fielded by Cross out in
the deep
92.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside off
stump
End of over 93 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 207/4 (trail by 280 runs)
SB O'Connor 13-7-16-0 - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 5* (23b) GJ Rennie 77* (282b 8x4)
and off we go for tea
another reasonably pain-free session for Zimbabwe, but did lose top
form batsman Andy Flower, to a superb piece of bowling and wicket-
keeping, and there was the odd tickle up as the new batsman came
to the crease, but Madondo has settled down reasonably
Zimbabwe are just 81 runs short of avoiding the follow-on, a mark
which should essentially seal the fate of this match unless some
generous declarations are made all round
Martin continues to impress, while the othershave mostly struggled
to extract any consistency in threat on this placid wicket, Walker
most notably being quite loose
play will resume in just over 15 minutes time at 5pm local time
(0400 GMT)
Match State: Tea - Day 4
93.1 Wiseman to Madondo, FOUR, first ball after tea, a fine way to
start, lofted over wide mid on, confident stuff from Madondo
93.2 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side
93.3 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends again in close
93.4 Wiseman to Madondo, two runs, firmly driven through extra cover,
Madondo in a positive frame of mind post-tea
93.5 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch back to the bowler
93.6 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, stretches well forward, defending
quietly back along the pitch to Wiseman
End of over 94 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 213/4 (trail by 274 runs)
PJ Wiseman 34-7-78-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 77* (282b 8x4) TN Madondo 11* (29b 1x4)
Martin to bowl from the Vance Stand End, replacing O'Connor from
prior to tea
94.1 Martin to Rennie, three runs, overpitched on leg stump, crisply
clipped away through midwicket, well chased down by Wiseman from
mid on, just scooping it back inside the boundary rope
94.2 Martin to Madondo, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside off
stump, shoulders arms as he stretches forward to it
94.3 Martin to Madondo, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends firmly
up towards mid off
94.4 Martin to Madondo, no run, firmly stroked straight up to Wiseman at
mid off again
94.5 Martin to Madondo, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
down into the covers, Wiseman across to field again
94.6 Martin to Madondo, no run, ducks underneath a short rising ball
outside off stump
End of over 95 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 216/4 (trail by 271 runs)
CS Martin 23-11-41-4 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 80* (283b 8x4) TN Madondo 11* (34b 1x4)
95.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, well forward in defence to a full
flighted ball on off stump, defends to Fleming at silly point
95.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to Fleming again
95.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms, kicking one away outside
off stump
95.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full down the leg side, swept
straight to O'Connor at short fine leg, loud calls of 'no!' come
between teh batsmen
95.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down on the leg side of
the pitch, Richardson fields from under the helmet
95.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends quietly in close on the
off side
End of over 96 (maiden) Zimbabwe 216/4 (trail by 271 runs)
PJ Wiseman 35-8-78-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 11* (34b 1x4) GJ Rennie 80* (289b 8x4)
96.1 Martin to Madondo, no run, shortish ball, defends down towards
point
96.2 Martin to Madondo, no run, straight on leg stump, firmly taps it up
towards Cross at straight mid on
96.3 Martin to Madondo, two runs, short ball, hops on the crease to get
right over the top of it, stroking it well down through vacant
cover
96.4 Martin to Madondo, no run, stretches forward outside off stump,
shoulders arms
96.5 Martin to Madondo, no run, forward, shoulders arms outside off
stump
96.6 Martin to Madondo, no run, straight ball on leg stump, defends
straight up to Cross at mid on
End of over 97 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 218/4 (trail by 269 runs)
CS Martin 24-11-43-4 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 80* (289b 8x4) TN Madondo 13* (40b 1x4)
Walker replaces Wiseman at the Scoreboard End
97.1 Walker to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms to a ball turning in from
wide outside off stump
97.2 Walker to Rennie, FOUR, overtossed and quickly dealt with, clipped
strongly through midwicket, beating the despairing dive of
McMillan in the infield
97.3 Walker to Rennie, no run, turns into the pad angling down the leg
side, drops away just backward of square
97.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, guides one down in defence to
the left of Astle at slip
97.5 Walker to Rennie, no run, stretches forward outside off stump, lets
it turn past the pad through to the keeper
97.6 Walker to Rennie, no run, shortish ball, turning a fair way in and
down the leg side, shuffles inside it and flicks the pad down to
Cross at fine leg, they take a run but umpire Dunne dead balls it,
no shot offered
End of over 98 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 222/4 (trail by 265 runs)
BGK Walker 16-1-55-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 13* (40b 1x4) GJ Rennie 84* (295b 9x4)
98.1 Martin to Madondo, no run, a beauty! good quick ball in the probing
channel outside off stump, straightens on Madondo who is well
beaten trying to defend, just sliding past the outside edge
through to Parore
98.2 Martin to Madondo, one run, short ball on leg stump, tucked off the
hip down to long leg
98.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
98.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, hops on the crease to defend a rising
ball on off stump, dead batting it down in close on the off side
of the pitch, Horne in to field from cover
98.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, quick ball on leg stump, squares Rennie
around, rebounding away from the pad towards cover
98.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, quick and straight on leg stump, taken
high on the pad, Martin turns to ask the question but a bit high
End of over 99 (1 run) Zimbabwe 223/4 (trail by 264 runs)
CS Martin 25-11-44-4 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 14* (42b 1x4) GJ Rennie 84* (299b 9x4)
99.1 Walker to Madondo, no run, shortish ball, goes to force it through
the off side from the back foot but under edges it, back along the
pitch to Walker
99.2 Walker to Madondo, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
99.3 Walker to Madondo, one run, flighted full down the leg side, swept
out to Cross running around to field at long leg
99.4 Walker to Rennie, two runs, shortish ball down the leg side,
glanced very fine by shuffling across the crease, down to Martin
at fine leg, and that's Rennie's highest Test score (previous best
of 84 against India at Harare in 1998/99)
99.5 Walker to Rennie, one run, turned away through square on the leg
side again for another leisurely single
99.6 Walker to Madondo, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch
End of over 100 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 227/4 (trail by 260 runs)
BGK Walker 17-1-59-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 87* (301b 9x4) TN Madondo 15* (46b 1x4)
100.1 Martin to Rennie, no run, attempted yorker, just jams down on it,
defending into the pad, back down the pitch
100.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, shortish ball on off stump, stands tall
to defend back down on the off side of the pitch
100.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch
100.4 Martin to Rennie, one run, forward, nudged away into the covers,
good quick single taken with the shot, it's worth a shy at the
bowler's end from Horne but misses, well home in any case
100.5 Martin to Madondo, no run, hops on the crease to defend down a
shortish ball outside off stump, played to Horne at short cover
100.6 Martin to Madondo, no run, forward, defends away to Walker at cover
point
End of over 101 (1 run) Zimbabwe 228/4 (trail by 259 runs)
CS Martin 26-11-45-4 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 88* (305b 9x4) TN Madondo 15* (48b 1x4)
Wiseman replaces Walker at the Scoreboard End, Fleming rolling
through the changes
101.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, shortish ball turning in, cuts crisply
but straight to Horne making a good falling stop at cover
101.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, another tight ball turning on him,
defends down in close on the leg side
101.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, turns into the pad and balloons
up to Sinclair at short leg, unconvincing appeal for a bat/pad
catch, Rennie looks on amused
101.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, pads away a fuller ball outside off
stump
101.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, firmly defends back on the off side of
the pitch, Wiseman collects in his own time
101.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full, defended straight back to
the bowler
End of over 102 (maiden) Zimbabwe 228/4 (trail by 259 runs)
PJ Wiseman 36-9-78-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 15* (48b 1x4) GJ Rennie 88* (311b 9x4)
the bowling changes continue to come thick and fast, on comes
McMillan to replace Martin at the Vance Stand End
102.1 McMillan to Madondo, no run, oooh, not a bad first ball from Macca!
seams right in to take Madondo on the front pad stretching
forward, big appeal turned down by umpire Cooray, just striking
him in line, but perhaps going down leg? very close
102.2 McMillan to Madondo, one run, attempts to bounce him next delivery,
hooks only slightly convincingly, playing it in the air a bit
loosely, but easily gets away with it, bouncing a few times before
it reaches long leg
102.3 McMillan to Rennie, no run, short rising ball on off stump, Rennie
doesn't know how to approach it, probably not expecting it to
climb that much at McMillan's pace, fending it nastily down
towards point
102.4 McMillan to Rennie, FOUR, drifts a bit too far down the leg side
next ball however, deftly flicked very fine past the keeper, using
the pace of the delivery nicely, giving O'Connor absolutely no
chance to field it from long leg
into the 90s goes Rennie for the first time in his Test career
102.5 McMillan to Rennie, no run, straight ball, defends with a vertical
blade straight back to the bowler
102.6 McMillan to Rennie, no run, shortish ball down the leg side,
shoulders arms, leaving it through to Parore
End of over 103 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 233/4 (trail by 254 runs)
CD McMillan 6-3-17-0 - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 16* (50b 1x4) GJ Rennie 92* (315b 10x4)
103.1 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, straight ball, defends straight back to
the bowler
103.2 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, guided away to Martin at
backward point
103.3 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, stretches well forward, defending
quietly down in close on the leg side of the pitch
103.4 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, flighted on a good length, Madondo
stands back and gets squared around, scooping it back towards the
bowler low down, Wiseman dives to his right but can't quite
snaffle up the catch
103.5 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward to a straightish ball, dead bat
defends it back down into the pitch
103.6 Wiseman to Madondo, one run, strongly driven up the ground on the
leg side, good diving stop by O'Connor to his left at mid on keeps
it down to just the single from the shot
End of over 104 (1 run) Zimbabwe 234/4 (trail by 253 runs)
PJ Wiseman 37-9-79-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 17* (56b 1x4) GJ Rennie 92* (315b 10x4)
104.1 McMillan to Madondo, no run, good tight ball on off stump seaming
in, defends down to Horne at midwicket
104.2 McMillan to Madondo, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
104.3 McMillan to Madondo, no run, full ball, comes forward to drive but
plays it inside edgily back along the pitch, McMillan quickly
pounces on it, threatening to throw down the stumps with Madondo
firmly entrenched in his crease
104.4 McMillan to Madondo, no run, short pitched ball, a little wayward
down the leg side, forces Madondo to duck nonetheless, McMillan
advances to have a few words with his opponent
104.5 McMillan to Madondo, no run, stretches forward outside off stump,
shoulders arms
104.6 McMillan to Madondo, no run, another poorly directed attempted
bouncer angling down the leg side, ducks partially to ensure his
head's well clear
End of over 105 (maiden) Zimbabwe 234/4 (trail by 253 runs)
CD McMillan 7-4-17-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 92* (315b 10x4) TN Madondo 17* (62b 1x4)
105.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down into the pitch in
close on the off side, Astle fields from slip
105.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flatter ball on middle and leg, defends
down to Sinclair under the helmet at short leg
105.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
down to McMillan hovering at backward point
105.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full, sweeps sweetly, but
straight along the ground to Martin at short fine leg
105.5 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, prods forward in defence, getting an
outside edge to fly away well wide of slip for an easy run,
McMillan fields from backward point while Wiseman just stands with
hands on head
105.6 Wiseman to Madondo, two runs, flighted full outside off stump,
drags it from a long way to sweep down through fine leg, McMillan
again required to field, from deep backward square
End of over 106 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 237/4 (trail by 250 runs)
PJ Wiseman 38-9-82-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 93* (320b 10x4) TN Madondo 19* (63b 1x4)
106.1 McMillan to Rennie, no run, good full ball on off stump, resolutely
defends up towards Wiseman at mid on
106.2 McMillan to Rennie, no run, lovely ball from McMillan seaming away
from the defensive blade, just tucked inside the front pad
106.3 McMillan to Rennie, OUT: but he can't avoid it this time, another
cracker of a ball, seaming away and Rennie fishes, getting a
genuine nick, Parore dives across in front of Fleming again to nab
another fine diving catch
Zimbabwe 237/5, Partnership of 41
GJ Rennie c Parore b McMillan 93 (323b 10x4 0x6)
TN Madondo 19* (63b 1x4) CD McMillan 7.3-4-17-1
both established left hand batsmen are dismissed in similar
fashion, Parore taking two very good catches - Rennie is denied a
maiden Test century by 7 runs
the slightly injured Doug Marillier is the new batsman
106.4 McMillan to Marillier, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
106.5 McMillan to Marillier, one run, angling on leg stump, clipped away
through backward square leg to get off the mark
106.6 McMillan to Madondo, no run, ooooh! shoulders arms outside off
stump, gets it to really seam back and just shaves the off stump,
amazingly close to clipping the wickets then
End of over 107 (1 run) Zimbabwe 238/5 (trail by 249 runs)
CD McMillan 8-4-18-1 - Vance Stand End
DA Marillier 1* (2b) TN Madondo 19* (64b 1x4)
McMillan completes a fine over, the all-rounder this Test!
107.1 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, props forward in defence, rebounds
from the pad straight to Fleming at silly point, throws the ball
up in delight, but half jest, only pad involved, the crowd go up
with him, well fooled
107.2 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, defends on the off side of
the pitch again
107.3 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward in defence, another one
balloons up from the pad, to Richardson under the helmet, another
half appeal
107.4 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
107.5 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch
107.6 Wiseman to Marillier, FOUR, overtossed wide outside off stump,
Marillier cashes in, strongly driving through extra cover
End of over 108 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 242/5 (trail by 245 runs)
PJ Wiseman 39-9-86-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 19* (64b 1x4) DA Marillier 5* (8b 1x4)
108.1 McMillan to Madondo, no run, shortish straight ball on off stump,
defends from a height back down the wicket to McMillan
108.2 McMillan to Madondo, no run, full on leg stump, tries to whip it
away but misses, into the pads and rebounds away to Horne at short
midwicket
108.3 McMillan to Madondo, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
stands very tall to get over the top of it, defending down to
Walker at point
108.4 McMillan to Madondo, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, superb
extra cover drive, perhaps shot of the day so far, at this late
stage
planted one foot forward and simply drove through the line,
classical, clean stroke perfectly into the gap
108.5 McMillan to Madondo, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
Madondo hops across to off stump to shoulder arms but it comes
back at him, just going through to keeper safely
108.6 McMillan to Madondo, no run, ducks right underneath an attempted
bouncer, doesn't climb all that high, bouncing before it reaches
the keeper
End of over 109 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 246/5 (trail by 241 runs)
CD McMillan 9-4-22-1 - Vance Stand End
DA Marillier 5* (8b 1x4) TN Madondo 23* (70b 2x4)
time for the final drinks break of the day
109.1 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, props forward in defence, played into
the pitch
109.2 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, well forward outside off stump,
defends in close on the leg side
109.3 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, defends down to Fleming at
silly point
109.4 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cuts
but plays a bit too much over it, bottom edging into the deck and
into a pretty tender area of Parore's anatomy behind the stumps,
but at least it wasn't played with full force
109.5 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, defends back along the track
to the bowler
109.6 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, turned away to wide
midwicket
End of over 110 (maiden) Zimbabwe 246/5 (trail by 241 runs)
PJ Wiseman 40-10-86-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 23* (70b 2x4) DA Marillier 5* (14b 1x4)
yet another bowling change, Walker on for McMillan at the Vance
Stand End
110.1 Walker to Madondo, no run, flighted full down the leg side, tries
to sweep but misses, turns in a little around the legs through to
Parore
110.2 Walker to Madondo, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch
110.3 Walker to Madondo, no run, well floated up on middle and leg,
defends down in close on the off side
110.4 Walker to Madondo, no run, forward, defends back down the pitch on
the off side
110.5 Walker to Madondo, one run, flighted full down the leg side, swept
down to Cross at deep backward square leg
110.6 Walker to Marillier, no run, props forward with bat/pad together in
defence, dropping it down in close on the off side
End of over 111 (1 run) Zimbabwe 247/5 (trail by 240 runs)
BGK Walker 18-1-60-0 - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 24* (75b 2x4) DA Marillier 5* (15b 1x4)
111.1 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends away quietly towards
point, Astle jogs across to field from slip
111.2 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, similar again, guiding it down
backward of point, Astle scoots across to his right to field
111.3 Wiseman to Madondo, two runs, flighted full on leg stump, swept
down to 13th man Regan West (on for McMillan) at long leg
111.4 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends to Fleming at silly
point
111.5 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends away quietly towards
point
111.6 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends down to short leg
End of over 112 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 249/5 (trail by 238 runs)
PJ Wiseman 41-10-88-0 - Scoreboard End
DA Marillier 5* (15b 1x4) TN Madondo 26* (81b 2x4)
112.1 Walker to Marillier, one run, sweetly cut down to O'Connor at
deepish point, time for an easy run with the shot
112.2 Walker to Madondo, no run, forward, driven firmly straight up to
mid off
112.3 Walker to Madondo, no run, forward, defends in close on the off
side
112.4 Walker to Madondo, one run, flighted full and straight, swept down
to deep backward square leg
112.5 Walker to Marillier, one run, nudged away to vacant square leg, an
easy single jogged
112.6 Walker to Madondo, no run, shortish ball, forces off the back foot
up to mid off
End of over 113 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 252/5 (trail by 235 runs)
BGK Walker 19-1-63-0 - Vance Stand End
DA Marillier 7* (17b 1x4) TN Madondo 27* (85b 2x4)
113.1 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, props forward with bat/pad in
defence, turns and bounces further than expected by Marillier,
rebounds away from the top of the pad, going past the glove,
Sinclair grabs the catch and he and Wiseman celebrate, but this
doesn't impress either the batsman
nor umpire Dunne, and Mirillier rightfully stays
113.2 Wiseman to Marillier, one run, tucked away through vacant square
leg for an easy single
113.3 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
113.4 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, flighted full outside off stump,
defends down to Fleming at silly point
113.5 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, flighted outside off stump, left well
alone as it's rather wide
113.6 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, stretches well forward outside off
stump, shoulders arms, leaving it through to Parore once more
End of over 114 (1 run) Zimbabwe 253/5 (trail by 234 runs)
PJ Wiseman 42-10-89-0 - Scoreboard End
DA Marillier 8* (19b 1x4) TN Madondo 27* (89b 2x4)
114.1 Walker to Marillier, no run, flighted full on middle and leg,
driven straight to Wiseman at midwicket
114.2 Walker to Marillier, no run, shorter ball outside off stump, dabbed
down to Astle at backward point
114.3 Walker to Marillier, no run, flighted full outside off stump,
firmly driven up towards West at wide mid off
the wind starts to really pick up now, after being relatively calm
most of the day, and it's just getting a bit darker and colder,
but still sufficiently light to continue
114.4 Walker to Marillier, one run, flighted full down the leg side,
swept down to Cross at deep backward square leg
114.5 Walker to Madondo, no run, watchfully forward to a full ball,
played circumspectly back down the wicket to Walker
114.6 Walker to Madondo, no run, props forward, letting it go straight on
into the front pad, ballooning away in close on the leg side,
Parore around from behind the stumps to tidy up
End of over 115 (1 run) Zimbabwe 254/5 (trail by 233 runs)
BGK Walker 20-1-64-0 - Vance Stand End
DA Marillier 9* (23b 1x4) TN Madondo 27* (91b 2x4)
115.1 Wiseman to Marillier, FOUR, dances down the track, lofting it
neatly over midwicket, bouncing a few times inside the rope, a
good clean emphatic stroke to keep Zimbabwe ticking over
115.2 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, defends with the front pad
in close on the off side, Cross jogs all the way in from extra
cover to tidy up
115.3 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, flighted full and straight, driven
firmly straight up to O'Connor at mid on
115.4 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, stretches well forward in defence,
popping one up low to the air just wide of Sinclair under the
helmet on the leg side, cry of 'catch!' but no real suggestion of
bat on it
115.5 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side
115.6 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, driven straight back down
the pitch to the bowler
End of over 116 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 258/5 (trail by 229 runs)
PJ Wiseman 43-10-93-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 27* (91b 2x4) DA Marillier 13* (29b 2x4)
116.1 Walker to Madondo, one run, flighted full down the leg side, turned
away through backward square leg, easy single on offer
116.2 Walker to Marillier, one run, angling too full down the leg side,
easily turned towards square leg for another single, Wiseman
scoots across to flick it back to the keeper from midwicket
116.3 Walker to Madondo, no run, stretches well forward, trying to work
it down fine on the leg side, turns into the pad and drops down a
couple of feet past Parore, no chance for a quick run
116.4 Walker to Madondo, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
116.5 Walker to Madondo, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, driven
down towards O'Connor at deepish point, time for an easy single
with the shot
116.6 Walker to Marillier, no run, comes well forward in defence, squared
around, played back on the off side of the pitch
End of over 117 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 261/5 (trail by 226 runs)
BGK Walker 21-1-67-0 - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 29* (95b 2x4) DA Marillier 14* (31b 2x4)
117.1 Wiseman to Madondo, one run, turned away backward of square leg
117.2 Wiseman to Marillier, one run, shortish ball, turned towards vacant
square leg for an easy run with the shot
117.3 Wiseman to Madondo, one run, angling down the leg side yet again,
turned down to long leg
117.4 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, props forward in defence, rebounds up
in the air to Sinclair who catches it directly off the pad at
short leg
117.5 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, short ball, shuffles right back in
the crease as it turns sharpyl from middle to down leg, Parore
fumbles the take down the leg side as Marillier leaves alonee
117.6 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, props forward in defence, dead
batting it down in close on the off side
End of over 118 (3 runs) Zimbabwe 264/5 (trail by 223 runs)
PJ Wiseman 44-10-96-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 31* (97b 2x4) DA Marillier 15* (35b 2x4)
the full quota of 93 overs have been bowled for the day, but with
the spinners dominating, we're a full 30 minutes ahead of
schedule, so on we go
Walker at last decides he'll have a bowl from around the wicket
118.1 Walker to Madondo, no run, flighted full on middle, turning across
and away from Madondo, left alone through to Parore
118.2 Walker to Madondo, one run, flighted up on leg stump, well swept
away to Cross at deep backward square leg
118.3 Walker to Marillier, no run, trying to turn it in from the
footmarks from well outside leg stump, only gets moderate turn,
kicked away
118.4 Walker to Marillier, no run, similar again, stretches the front
foot well forward to it, kicking it back down on the leg side of
the pitch
118.5 Walker to Marillier, no run, forward, this one's flatter, fuller
and much quicker, just get bat/pad in behind it, defending back up
on the off side of the pitch
118.6 Walker to Marillier, no run, well flighted outside leg stump,
Marillier really has to stretch to kick it away
End of over 119 (1 run) Zimbabwe 265/5 (trail by 222 runs)
BGK Walker 22-1-68-0 - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 32* (99b 2x4) DA Marillier 15* (39b 2x4)
119.1 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, tries to sweep a full ball down the leg
side, into the pad
119.2 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch
119.3 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, shortish ball, tries to whip it away
from the hip but gets it no further than short leg
119.4 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side, Parore up to tidy up
119.5 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, flighted full on off stump, stretches
forward to defend away square on the off side
119.6 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, turns down the leg side
through to Parore
End of over 120 (maiden) Zimbabwe 265/5 (trail by 222 runs)
PJ Wiseman 45-11-96-0 - Scoreboard End
DA Marillier 15* (39b 2x4) TN Madondo 32* (105b 2x4)
McMillan finally reappears on the field, off goes 13th man Regan
West
O'Connor returns, replacing Walker at the Vance Stand End
120.1 O'Connor to Marillier, one run, shortish ball, tucked away towards
midwicket, good quick run taken with the shot as Wiseman fields
fromsquarer
120.2 O'Connor to Madondo, FOUR, short ball outside off stump, sits up a
bit, Madondo pokes at it, getting a thick edge through vacant
second slip, down to the empty third man boundary
120.3 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
120.4 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, shortish ball, hops on the crease to
defend down into the covers
120.5 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, short rising ball, Madondo stands
back, defending down into the covers once more
120.6 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, squared around in defence, guided away
to point from the open face
End of over 121 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 270/5 (trail by 217 runs)
SB O'Connor 14-7-21-0 - Vance Stand End
DA Marillier 16* (40b 2x4) TN Madondo 36* (110b 3x4)
121.1 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, foolishly elects to reverse sweep,
misses and is struck on the body, lucky not to get a glove on it
and pop up to a close in fielder
121.2 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, firmly defends into the
deck, to Fleming at silly point
121.3 Wiseman to Marillier, two runs, flighted full outside off stump,
driven through vacant cover, Cross fields from wide mid off
121.4 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, flighted full outside off stump,
turned away to Walker at short midwicket
121.5 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, flatter ball on off stump, defends
straight back down the pitch to Wiseman
121.6 Wiseman to Marillier, SIX, dances down the track, lofting strongly
over the head of mid on, just bouncing it into the hoardings over
the rope, good clean blow to get Zimbabwe that much closer to the
all important follow-on avoidance target
End of over 122 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 278/5 (trail by 209 runs)
PJ Wiseman 46-11-104-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 36* (110b 3x4) DA Marillier 24* (46b 2x4 1x6)
122.1 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
defends firmly down to Walkera t point
122.2 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, bouncer, ducks underneath, angling
across through to the keeper
122.3 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, another short pitched delivery,
Madondo ducks underneath it again, umpire gives him the signal for
the bouncer
122.4 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, short ball outside off stump, Madondo
shuffles right across to defend it down into the covers
O'Connor switches to come around the wicket to the right handed
Madondo now
122.5 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, short rising ball, hops in to defend
it down towards gully, Sinclair makes a good diving stop to grab
it on the turf behind him to his left
122.6 O'Connor to Madondo, FOUR, another widish ball outside off stump,
Madondo again gets a thick edge to fly directly through the gap
between gully and the sole slip, down to the vacant third man
boundary, O'Connor does the teapot with hands on hips
End of over 123 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 282/5 (trail by 205 runs)
SB O'Connor 15-7-25-0 - Vance Stand End
DA Marillier 24* (46b 2x4 1x6) TN Madondo 40* (116b 4x4)
123.1 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, stretches well forward, defending
down in close on the leg side of the pitch
123.2 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, flighted full and straight, dug out
to midwicket
123.3 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, stretches well forward, defending
quietly away into the covers, Cross jogs in from extra cover to
field
123.4 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, back in the crease to a shortish
ball, defends away towards mid off
123.5 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, flighted full on his toes, firmly
clipped straight to Walker at short midwicket
123.6 Wiseman to Marillier, two runs, driving outside off stump, not
quite there to the pitch of it, gets a thick outside edge that
flies just low and wide of Astle who is a fraction slow to dive to
it, a fair chance, a tough one though
End of over 124 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 284/5 (trail by 203 runs)
PJ Wiseman 47-11-106-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 40* (116b 4x4) DA Marillier 26* (52b 2x4 1x6)
124.1 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, angling in to the right hander,
defends from the crease into the covers
124.2 O'Connor to Madondo, FOUR, driving at a full ball outside off
stump, gets a thick edge through the slips along the ground, down
to the vacant third man boun dary, and the follow-on is avoided
124.3 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, leaves alone outside off stump, keeps
a little low through to Parore
124.4 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, straight ball on middle and leg,
squared around in defending back down the pitch to O'Connor on his
follow through
124.5 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
defends down towards McMillan at mid off
124.6 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, stretches forward, guiding away a
thick bottom edge along the ground to gully
End of over 125 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 288/5 (trail by 199 runs)
SB O'Connor 16-7-29-0 - Vance Stand End
DA Marillier 26* (52b 2x4 1x6) TN Madondo 44* (122b 5x4)
this should be the last over of the day's play, we're alread 7 in
credit thans to teh spinners bowling
125.1 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, defends straight back to the
bowler
125.2 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, defends down to Fleming at
silly point
125.3 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, defends into the turf square
on the leg side, Walker fields from leg gully
125.4 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, shortish ball, turned up to Horne at
wide midwicket from the crease
125.5 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, rather short ball on leg stump, turns
away well down the leg side through to Parore
125.6 Wiseman to Marillier, no run, forward, turns a full ball along the
ground straight to Sinclair under the helmet at short leg, and
that's the end of the fourth day's play of this one-off National
Bank Test
End of over 126 (maiden) Zimbabwe 288/5 (trail by 199 runs)
PJ Wiseman 48-12-106-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 44* (122b 5x4) DA Marillier 26* (58b 2x4 1x6)
a good day for Zimbabwe, they battled hard through on a pitch that
was mostly unresponsive for the bowling side, the turn was there,
but too slow to trouble
Match State: Stumps - Day 4
welcome to the Basin Reserve for the fifth and final day's play of
this doomed one-off National Bank Test between New Zealand and
Zimbabwe
it's overcast and very windy, but little rain to speak of, only the
occasion passing spot that disappears before you know it had ever
arrived
Zimbabwe have chosen to bat on this morning, suggesting they aren't
adventurous enough to try and force a result in this game in
tandem with New Zealand
it'll be Chris Martin to open up from the Vance Stand End to
Marillier
welcome to the Basin Reserve for the fifth and final day's play of
this doomed one-off National Bank Test between New Zealand and
Zimbabwe
it's overcast and very windy, but little rain to speak of, only the
occasion passing spot that disappears before you know it had ever
arrived
Zimbabwe have chosen to bat on this morning, suggesting they aren't
adventurous enough to try and force a result in this game in
tandem with New Zealand
we've got 105 overs to bowl today, if we go the full distance, as
we're starting an hour early
it'll be Chris Martin to open up from the Vance Stand End to
Madondo
126.1 O'Connor to Madondo, two runs, shortish ball outside off stump,
Marillier shows his intentions immediately, cutting strongly down
through vacant cover for an easy couple
126.1 Martin to Madondo, three runs, shortish ball outside off stump,
Madondo shows his intentions immediately, cutting strongly down
through vacant cover for an easy couple
126.2 O'Connor to Madondo, two runs, straying down leg, clipped off
through vacant midwicket for a couple more
126.2 Martin to Marillier, two runs, straying down leg, clipped off
through vacant midwicket for a couple more
126.3 O'Connor to Madondo, no run, shoulders arms to a widish ball
outside off stump
126.3 Martin to Marillier, no run, shoulders arms to a widish ball
outside off stump
126.4 Martin to Marillier, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
leaves through to the keeper
126.5 Martin to Marillier, no run, full and swinging up, strongly driven
up to wide mid on
126.6 Martin to Marillier, no run, shortish rising ball, seams back in to
take Marillier on the top of the pads hopping back on the crease
in defence, rebounds away to gully
End of over 127 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 293/5 (trail by 194 runs)
CS Martin 27-11-50-4 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 47* (123b 5x4) DA Marillier 28* (63b 2x4 1x6)
it's Paul Wiseman to resume from the Scoreboard End from last night
127.1 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side
127.2 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, flighted full on off stump, strongly
driven straight back down the pitch to the bowler
127.3 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, defends down in close
127.4 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, flighted up outside off stump, tries to
sweep from a bit wide, goes straight through to the keeper under
the bottom edge
127.5 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, stretches well forward outside off
stump, defending down to short cover
127.6 Wiseman to Madondo, two runs, down the leg side, helped on its way
fine, Martin around from long leg to field, firing it back on the
fly, can't prevent a couple of runs
End of over 128 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 295/5 (trail by 192 runs)
PJ Wiseman 49-12-108-0 - Scoreboard End
DA Marillier 28* (63b 2x4 1x6) TN Madondo 49* (129b 5x4)
128.1 Martin to Marillier, no run, straight ball on off stump, shuffles
in behind it to firmly stroke straight up to sub fielder Cross at
mid on
128.2 Martin to Marillier, OUT: drives at a widish ball, trying to force
the pace and pays with his wicket, getting a regulation nick
straight through to Parore, Martin is delighted, his first 5-
wicket bag in Tests
Zimbabwe 295/6, Partnership of 58
DA Marillier c Parore b Martin 28 (65b 2x4 1x6)
TN Madondo 49* (129b 5x4) CS Martin 27.2-11-50-5 (2nb)
Heath Streak the new batsman
128.3 Martin to Streak, no run, high full toss to great Streak, defends
watchfully down to mid on
128.4 Martin to Streak, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
128.5 Martin to Streak, no run, full ball, shoulders arms through to the
keeper outside off stump
128.6 Martin to Streak, one run, attempted yorker, almost got it through,
Streak equal to it and neatly jams it out towards vacant midwicket
to get off the mark
End of over 129 (1 run) Zimbabwe 296/6 (trail by 191 runs)
CS Martin 28-11-51-5 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
HH Streak 1* (4b) TN Madondo 49* (129b 5x4)
129.1 Wiseman to Streak, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
129.2 Wiseman to Streak, no run, forward, defends down to Sinclair at
short leg from the pad
129.3 Wiseman to Streak, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch
Wiseman pulls out of his approach twice, the gusts of wind are
rather strong
129.4 Wiseman to Streak, no run, forward, leaves alone a straight one
turning away well down the leg side
129.5 Wiseman to Streak, no run, well forward, dead bats it down in close
on the off side, Fleming fields
129.6 Wiseman to Streak, no run, forward with bat/pad, defends just away
from Fleming in close on the off side
End of over 130 (maiden) Zimbabwe 296/6 (trail by 191 runs)
PJ Wiseman 50-13-108-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 49* (129b 5x4) HH Streak 1* (10b)
130.1 Martin to Madondo, no run, very full ball outside off stump, goes
for a big crashing cover drive but plays over it, came back a
little through the air, helped by the strong northerly, through to
the keeper
130.2 Martin to Madondo, no run, similarly full ball, but this time more
watchfully punches it to Walker at cover point
130.3 Martin to Madondo, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, nudged
away just backward of point, time for an easy single with the shot
and Madondo salutes the dressing room for his maiden Test 50 off
132 balls, 5x4
130.4 Martin to Streak, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, goes for
a big pull but misses
130.5 Martin to Streak, no run, full and wide outside off stump, goes for
a big drive and misses, just past the outside edge
130.6 Martin to Streak, no run, full outside off stump, driven straight
up to Wiseman at mid off
End of over 131 (1 run) Zimbabwe 297/6 (trail by 190 runs)
CS Martin 29-11-52-5 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 50* (132b 5x4) HH Streak 1* (13b)
there are thoughts circulating around the ground that Zimbabwe want
to bat for 15 overs today and then declare - somehow making a game
of it, but it seems to be time wasting, in actual fact
if they wanted to advance proceedings, an early declaration now
would make far more sense, and let New Zealand advance the game in
their second dig immediately
it does at least explain a more aggressive approach so far this
morning, it just doesn't explain why they are doing it!
131.1 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, shortish ball, turns into the front pad
on the crease, stifled appeal for lbw
131.2 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, forward, pads away in defence
131.3 Wiseman to Madondo, FOUR, shortish ball outside off stump, superbly
driven off the back foot through cover point
131.4 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, short and straight, turns well down the
leg side though to the keeper, Madondo stands well clear
131.5 Wiseman to Madondo, two runs, flighted full and straight, swept
fine, super running to come back for the second as Martin's a bit
slow to it in the deep
131.6 Wiseman to Madondo, no run, stretches well forward, dead batting it
in defence in close on the off side
End of over 132 (6 runs) Zimbabwe 303/6 (trail by 184 runs)
PJ Wiseman 51-13-114-0 - Scoreboard End
HH Streak 1* (13b) TN Madondo 56* (138b 6x4)
132.1 Martin to Streak, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump through
to the keeper
132.2 Martin to Streak, two runs, overpitches outside off stump, driven
firmly through vacant extra cover for an easy couple
132.3 Martin to Streak, no run, shortish ball on leg stump, tries to pull
it away but is through the shot too early, hits the thigh apd and
balloons up to land at his feet, guards it with his body to make
sure there's no spin back on to the stumps
132.4 Martin to Streak, no run, straight ball, defends up on the leg side
of the slip, mid on in to field
132.5 Martin to Streak, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, hops on
the crease to defend down from the under edge into the pitch back
to the bowler
132.6 Martin to Streak, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, nudged
away to cover point
End of over 133 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 305/6 (trail by 182 runs)
CS Martin 30-11-54-5 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
TN Madondo 56* (138b 6x4) HH Streak 3* (19b)
the players struggle their way to their marks for the new over as
huge gusts of wind buffet the ground, kicking up some surface dust
from the pitch
133.1 Wiseman to Madondo, one run, turned away through backward square
leg
133.2 Wiseman to Streak, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
133.3 Wiseman to Streak, no run, shortish ball turning in, defends from
the crease out to McMillan at extra cover
133.4 Wiseman to Streak, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
133.5 Wiseman to Streak, three runs, short ball outside off stump, well
played driven through backward point, opening the face
sufficiently as it tightened on him
133.6 Wiseman to Madondo, one run, turned away backward of square
End of over 134 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 310/6 (trail by 177 runs)
PJ Wiseman 52-13-119-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 58* (140b 6x4) HH Streak 6* (23b)
134.1 Martin to Madondo, three runs, short ball outside off stump, jumps
on the crease to force it through cover point
134.2 Martin to Streak, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, driving
firmly through backward point, beating the dive of Sinclair at
gully and the forlorn chase of Walker from point
134.3 Martin to Streak, no run, fishes and misses outside off stump,
trying to run it away one-day style wide of the slips
134.4 Martin to Streak, no run, full outside off stump, tees off again,
driven straight to Horne at cover
134.5 Martin to Streak, legbye: one run, shortish ball angling down the
leg side, turned away from the hip to vacant short fine leg for an
easy run, Parore jogs across to tidy up
134.6 Martin to Madondo, no run, shortish ball, defends down to Cross at
mid on
End of over 135 (8 runs) Zimbabwe 318/6 (trail by 169 runs)
CS Martin 31-11-61-5 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
HH Streak 10* (27b 1x4) TN Madondo 61* (142b 6x4)
135.1 Wiseman to Streak, no run, flighted full on the legs, turned away
to Walker at midwicket
135.2 Wiseman to Streak, SIX, flighted full outside off stump, Streak
quickly strikes, lofted straight down the ground over the head of
the bowler, clearing the boundary comfortably, good clean hit
pitching over the boundary hoardings and into the crowd
135.3 Wiseman to Streak, no run, shuffles across to ff stump, defends
down on the leg side, Walker in from midwicket to field
135.4 Wiseman to Streak, one run, angling down the leg side, works it
fine for Martin to field coming in from fine leg
135.5 Wiseman to Madondo, two runs, shortish ball outside off stump,
sweetly forced off the back foot through vacant cover for a
leisurely couple
135.6 Wiseman to Madondo, one run, short ball turning into the pads,
quietly turned away to vacant backward square leg for another
lazy, hazy summer day single
End of over 136 (10 runs) Zimbabwe 328/6 (trail by 159 runs)
PJ Wiseman 53-13-129-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 64* (144b 6x4) HH Streak 17* (31b 1x4 1x6)
though the bit about it being a summer day is a little bit of a
stretch ... the wind continues to roar and the sun just won't make
an appearance
136.1 Martin to Madondo, no run, short ball, pulls straight down to
McMillan at square leg
136.2 Martin to Madondo, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
136.3 Martin to Madondo, one run, shortish ball, tucked down off the hip
towards vacant midwicket, sets off for a tight single, McMillan in
from square leg to have a big shy at the bowler's end but misses,
safely home anyway
136.4 Martin to Streak, one run, forward, drops it down in close on the
off side, well short of the cover field and nabs a good quick
single with the shot, Horne in to under arm it over the stumps at
the bowler's end
136.5 Martin to Madondo, no run, short rising ball down the leg side,
ducks back out of the way
136.6 Martin to Madondo, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
watchfully stroked away towards point
End of over 137 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 330/6 (trail by 157 runs)
CS Martin 32-11-63-5 (2nb) - Vance Stand End
HH Streak 18* (32b 1x4 1x6) TN Madondo 65* (149b 6x4)
137.1 Wiseman to Streak, no run, props well forward in defence, balloons
up from the pad in close on the leg side, big shout for a catch
but Sinclair can't take it, no genuine chance anyway
137.2 Wiseman to Streak, no run, forward, defends straight back to the
bowler
137.3 Wiseman to Streak, no run, flighted full outside off stump, driven
firmly straight to McMillan at extr acover
137.4 Wiseman to Streak, one run, flighted down the leg side, swept down
to Martin at long leg
137.5 Wiseman to Madondo, one run, swept down to Martin at long leg again
137.6 Wiseman to Streak, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
End of over 138 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 332/6 (trail by 155 runs)
PJ Wiseman 54-13-131-0 - Scoreboard End
TN Madondo 66* (150b 6x4) HH Streak 19* (37b 1x4 1x6)
138.1 Martin to Madondo, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
138.2 Martin to Madondo, no run, good quick rising ball from a back of a
length, Madondo has to hop on the crease to fend it down towards
gully
138.3 Martin to Madondo, FOUR, too much width, Madondo quick to lay into
it, playing a fine drive through backward point, beating the
diving Walker to his left at point
138.4 Martin to Madondo, no run, full ball outside off stump, stroked
away towards cover point, Horne across to field from cover
138.5 Martin to Madondo, FOUR, short and wide outside off stump, scooped
away through backward point, away for four more, Martin's figures
being beaten up a bit now, not a fair reflection as this is a bit
of a declaration batting/bowling period
but that's it, off they come, Streak calls it a day then and there,
before Madondo gets too close to a possible maiden ton and it
becomes too delicate for Streak
interesting move by Streak, we'll see how New Zealand decide to
pick up the gauntlet, with a lead of 147 at present and a further
minimum of 90 non-weather affected overs available, chances are a
target in the order of 300 on 60 overs may be being eyed
up as being reasonable if New Zealand do indeed want to push the
pace
Matthew Horne to open with Mathew Sinclair, with Mark Richardson
still sufffering from the blow to the calf whilst fielding in
close yesterday
Heath Streak will open the bowling from the Vance Stand End
0.1 Streak to Horne, no run, shortish ball, tries to nudge it away from
the crease, gets a bottom edge into the deck, just bouncing away
from the stumps - almost playing on first ball of the innings!
0.2 Streak to Horne, no run, lovely rising delivery from a length,
climbs on a helpless Horne, deflects from something through to the
keeper and the Zimbabweans celebrate, but Horne and umpire Dunne
stand their ground
suggestions it too him just above the wrist, rather than glove,
Horne never turned around, just acknowledged he was well beaten
0.3 Streak to Horne, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
the wind gusts something dreadful again, halting play as the bails
fall off, Horne replaces them himself
0.4 Streak to Horne, no run, another lovely ball from Streak on a
difficult length, Horne shoulders arms to only see it seam right
back, passing directly over middle stump through to the keeper!
Horne playing that one purely for length, remarkable first over
here
0.5 Streak to Horne, no run, shapes to defend a wider one outside off
stump, raises the bat out of the way late
0.6 Streak to Horne, no run, rising ball on off stump, another ripper
from Streak, Horne plays inside the line as it beats the outside
edge and t he top of off stump in one go
End of over 1 (maiden) New Zealand 0/0 (lead by 147 runs)
HH Streak 1-1-0-0 - Vance Stand End
MS Sinclair 0* (0b) MJ Horne 0* (6b)
wonderful opening over by Streak, he doesn't want to give away the
quick runs clearly
Bryan Strang to bowl into the nasty northerly from the Scoreboard
End
1.1 Strang to Sinclair, no run, defends a shortish ball outside off
stump down into the covers
1.2 Strang to Sinclair, no run, leaves alone through to the keeper
1.3 Strang to Sinclair, no run, moves away outside off stump, leaves
alone again
Strang pulls out of his run-up for the umpteenth time, completely
losing his balance as he was about to deliver, wisely doesn't go
through with teh delivery
1.4 Strang to Sinclair, FOUR, overpitched wide outside off stump,
superb drive through the small gap at cover point, leaves the
fielders for dead
1.5 Strang to Sinclair, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
1.6 Strang to Sinclair, no run, leaves alone through to the keeper
End of over 2 (4 runs) New Zealand 4/0 (lead by 151 runs)
BC Strang 1-0-4-0 - Scoreboard End
MJ Horne 0* (6b) MS Sinclair 4* (6b 1x4)
2.1 Streak to Horne, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends down into
the covers
2.2 Streak to Horne, no run, shoulders arms through to the keeper
2.3 Streak to Horne, no run, angling on leg stump, turned straight to
square leg
2.4 Streak to Horne, OUT: angling down the leg side, tries to flick it
away but only manages to feather a touch through to the keeper,
this time the Zimbabweans have their man, strangled down the leg
side for a duck
New Zealand 4/1, Partnership of 4
MJ Horne c Flower b Streak 0 (10b 0x4 0x6)
MS Sinclair 4* (6b 1x4) HH Streak 1.4-1-0-1
Stephen Fleming the new batsman
that will be the last Horne will be seen playing for New Zealand
for a while - a double failure and no more Test cricket until
March, with him highly unlikely to be making any appearances in
the ODI team in the span in between
2.5 Streak to Fleming, two runs, overpitched down the leg side,
strongly clipped off the legs towards forward square leg, off the
mark immediately
2.6 Streak to Fleming, no run, straight ball on off stump, firmly taps
it down to square leg
End of over 3 (2 runs) New Zealand 6/1 (lead by 153 runs)
HH Streak 2-1-2-1 - Vance Stand End
MS Sinclair 4* (6b 1x4) SP Fleming 2* (2b)
3.1 Strang to Sinclair, one run, shortish ball on leg stump, easily
turned away to vacant forward square leg for an easy single
3.2 Strang to Fleming, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
Strang pulls out of his run-up yet again
3.3 Strang to Fleming, one run, shortish ball, hops to off stump to
work it down to forward square leg for a quick run with the shot
3.4 Strang to Sinclair, no run, straight ball, defends back on the leg
side of the pitch
3.5 Strang to Sinclair, no run, forward, firmly defended back down the
pitch to Strang
3.6 Strang to Sinclair, no run, full outside off stump, strongly driven
straight to short cover
End of over 4 (2 runs) New Zealand 8/1 (lead by 155 runs)
BC Strang 2-0-6-0 - Scoreboard End
SP Fleming 3* (4b) MS Sinclair 5* (10b 1x4)
4.1 Streak to Fleming, FOUR, short rising ball outside off stump, goes
for a big drive, gets a thick edge that flies well clear over the
head of the slips, down to the vacant third man boundary
4.2 Streak to Fleming, no run, very full outside off stump, strongly
drives straight but back to the bowler, dragging it around a bit
much
4.3 Streak to Fleming, two runs, shortish ball, stands tall on the
crease to punch it from a height straight up the ground on the off
side
4.4 Streak to Fleming, no run, rising ball on off stump, defends firmly
straight up to mid off
brand new father Andy Flower's hat flew off just as Streak was
delivering, the ball, not his team-mate's new born, that is, very
disconcerting stuff
his first slips man has to chase almost all the way to the boundary
to collect it for him, tucking it into the back of his pants,
really little point in wearing it on a day like today, even if the
sun has now come out
Streak comes around the wicket now to Fleming
4.5 Streak to Fleming, two runs, driven well straight up through mid
on, milking the doubles
4.6 Streak to Fleming, one run, straight ball, again nudged back up on
the leg side of the pitch, Olonga across to field from wider
End of over 5 (9 runs) New Zealand 17/1 (lead by 164 runs)
HH Streak 3-1-11-1 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 12* (10b 1x4) MS Sinclair 5* (10b 1x4)
Brian Murphy on at the Scoreboard End to replace Bryan Strang, not
even he can bear bowling into this wind at that end
5.1 Murphy to Fleming, no run, rank short ball, Fleming is quick to try
and pull it savagely away, but turns it straight into the shoulder
of Carlisle under the helmet at short leg, "ouch!"
all the close in players near him approach to check he's OK, but
he's up again in a few moments to battle on
5.2 Murphy to Fleming, no run, defends straight back down the pitch to
the bowler
a massive gust of wind stops Murphy from coming in to bowl twice,
this is amazingly strong
now a hold up as they try to adjust the sightscreen, that is a
chore in itself, trying to pull it into the wind, causing a bit of
a delay
5.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, guided
away to Olonga at backward point, thoughts of a quick single but
then realise it's too tight and stay at home
the bails come off at the keeper's end, one wouldn't be surprised
if they're already using the heavy bails too
5.4 Murphy to Fleming, FOUR, overtossed outside off stump, lovely
straight drive back up the ground, beating the dive of mid off and
away with the wind it goes
5.5 Murphy to Fleming, no run, reaching well forward for a better
flighted delivery, watchfully stroked along the ground straight to
cover
5.6 Murphy to Fleming, no run, forward, defends back along the pitch to
the bowler
End of over 6 (4 runs) New Zealand 21/1 (lead by 168 runs)
BA Murphy 1-0-4-0 - Scoreboard End
MS Sinclair 5* (10b 1x4) SP Fleming 16* (16b 2x4)
6.1 Streak to Sinclair, no run, straight ball, defends back on the leg
side of the pitch
6.2 Streak to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends
down to Olonga in the covers
6.3 Streak to Sinclair, one run, full on leg stump, well whipped away
down to long leg
6.4 Streak to Fleming, one run, shortish ball down the leg side, well
turned down to long leg
6.5 Streak to Sinclair, no run, straight ball, turned away towards wide
midwicket
6.6 Streak to Sinclair, three runs, overpitched, driven straight up the
ground past mid on, just slows up inside the boundary rope
End of over 7 (5 runs) New Zealand 26/1 (lead by 173 runs)
HH Streak 4-1-16-1 - Vance Stand End
MS Sinclair 9* (15b 1x4) SP Fleming 17* (17b 2x4)
7.1 Murphy to Sinclair, no run, flighted up outside off stump, driven
straight to short cover on the bounce
7.2 Murphy to Sinclair, FOUR, overtossed, dispatches a juicy full toss
on the legs through vacant midwicket
7.3 Murphy to Sinclair, no run, reaching outside off stump at one
turning away, misses through to the keeper
7.4 Murphy to Sinclair, no run, props forward in defence straight down
the line of a full and straight ball, played quietly back downt eh
pitch on the leg side
7.5 Murphy to Sinclair, no run, flighted full outside off stump,
stroked quietly into the covers for short cover to dart across to
his left to field
7.6 Murphy to Sinclair, no run, props forward in defence, rebounds from
the pad to short cover
End of over 8 (4 runs) New Zealand 30/1 (lead by 177 runs)
BA Murphy 2-0-8-0 - Scoreboard End
SP Fleming 17* (17b 2x4) MS Sinclair 13* (21b 2x4)
8.1 Streak to Fleming, no run, full ball on off stump, mistimed into
the deck back up towards Olonga at mid on
8.2 Streak to Fleming, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
hops on the crease to defend down towards point
8.3 Streak to Fleming, no run, very full ball outside off stump,
squeezed out directly to point
8.4 Streak to Fleming, two runs, angling on leg stump, well worked
through forward square leg for an easy couple
8.5 Streak to Fleming, no run, wide outside off stump, tries to hammer
it away through the covers but mistimes it completely, baubles up
to mid off
8.6 Streak to Fleming, no run, good attempted yorker, drawn forward to
dig it out towards mid off
End of over 9 (2 runs) New Zealand 32/1 (lead by 179 runs)
HH Streak 5-1-18-1 - Vance Stand End
MS Sinclair 13* (21b 2x4) SP Fleming 19* (23b 2x4)
time for a drinks break as umpire Dunne's hat flies off, well
fielded by square leg
9.1 Murphy to Sinclair, no run, props forward in defence outside off
stump, defends back to the bowler on the off side of the pitch
9.2 Murphy to Sinclair, one run, shortish ball on leg stump, worked
away to vacant square leg
9.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, stretches well forward, turning away to
midwicket in defence
9.4 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted up outside off stump, stroked
up towards mid off
9.5 Murphy to Fleming, FOUR, flighted up, Fleming swings across the
line, dragging it away through midwicket with plenty of oomph
behind it
9.6 Murphy to Fleming, no run, shuffles back in the crease, trying to
whip away a shorter, straighter ball, into the back pad, bringing
an appeal but going down leg
End of over 10 (5 runs) New Zealand 37/1 (lead by 184 runs)
BA Murphy 3-0-13-0 - Scoreboard End
MS Sinclair 14* (23b 2x4) SP Fleming 23* (27b 3x4)
Bryan Strang gets a bowl with the wind at the Vance Stand End,
replacing Streak
10.1 Strang to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends
down in close on the off side
10.2 Strang to Sinclair, no run, forward, driving firmly at a full ball,
up to Olonga at mid off
10.3 Strang to Sinclair, FOUR, short ball on leg stump, well whipped
away through backward square leg, away it races, no chance for
long leg to cut it off
10.4 Strang to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball, defends down towards
cover
10.5 Strang to Sinclair, no run, defended straight up to mid off
10.6 Strang to Sinclair, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, fended
away towards point
End of over 11 (4 runs) New Zealand 41/1 (lead by 188 runs)
BC Strang 3-0-10-0 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 23* (27b 3x4) MS Sinclair 18* (29b 3x4)
11.1 Murphy to Fleming, two runs, angling down the leg side, glanced
fine past the keeper, a bit of work around the boundary for long
leg
11.2 Murphy to Fleming, one run, glanced down to long leg again
11.3 Murphy to Sinclair, OUT: tries to sweep, plays through it too
early, gets a glove to it as it turns back in, pops up to Flower
and up goes the finger, Sinclair on his way
New Zealand 44/2, Partnership of 40
MS Sinclair c Flower b Murphy 18 (30b 3x4 0x6)
SP Fleming 26* (29b 3x4) BA Murphy 3.3-0-16-1
he swept and missed, it rebounded up from the pad, it was only when
the follow through of the bat came through that the glove brushed
it - another one snuck out
Nathan Astle the new batsman
11.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, stretches well forward, defending down to
forward short leg
11.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends away towards short extra
cover
11.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full, defends away into the
covers again
End of over 12 (3 runs) New Zealand 44/2 (lead by 191 runs)
BA Murphy 4-0-16-1 - Scoreboard End
SP Fleming 26* (29b 3x4) NJ Astle 0* (3b)
12.1 Strang to Fleming, no run, straight ball on off stump, defends down
away towards point
12.2 Strang to Fleming, no run, stretches well forward to a full ball
outside off stump, dead bats it into the deck
12.3 Strang to Fleming, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
12.4 Strang to Fleming, no run, forward to a straight ball on off stump,
turned down to midwicket
12.5 Strang to Fleming, no run, props forward in defence, played away
towards cover point
12.6 Strang to Fleming, two runs, well clipped off the legs through
backward square leg with some timing and power, equally good
fielding to slide in and stop it inside the boundary, fire back a
return in time and prevent a third
End of over 13 (2 runs) New Zealand 46/2 (lead by 193 runs)
BC Strang 4-0-12-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 0* (3b) SP Fleming 28* (35b 3x4)
13.1 Murphy to Astle, bye: one run, widish ball outside off stump, plays
through it and the keeper misses as well, time for a bye
13.2 Murphy to Fleming, no run, shortish ball turning in, turned away
straight to forward square leg
13.3 Murphy to Fleming, one run, shortish ball, pulled away in the air
down to deep backward square leg, fielder almost overcompensates
for the spin back, just stopping it falling in the deep on the
second bounce
13.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends in close on the off side
13.5 Murphy to Astle, one run, Astle off the mark, forced through cover
point
13.6 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted full outside off stump, goes
for a crashing cover drive but mistimes it away to shortish cover
End of over 14 (3 runs) New Zealand 49/2 (lead by 196 runs)
BA Murphy 5-0-18-1 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 1* (6b) SP Fleming 29* (38b 3x4)
14.1 Strang to Astle, no run, straight ball angling on leg stump,
squared around to watchfully defend back on the off side
14.2 Strang to Astle, no run, similar again, this time pushing directly
towards point
14.3 Strang to Astle, no run, straight and full, mistimed drive straight
back to the bowler
14.4 Strang to Astle, no run, full ball on off stump, circumspectly
forward to jam it out in defence, played up towards mid off
14.5 Strang to Astle, one run, overpitched on his toes, clipped away
towards wide midwicket, good quick single taken with the shot
14.6 Strang to Fleming, no run, forward to a full ball, jammed back out
to the bowler
End of over 15 (1 run) New Zealand 50/2 (lead by 197 runs)
BC Strang 5-0-13-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 2* (11b) SP Fleming 29* (39b 3x4)
15.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full on leg stump, defends down
to forward short leg
15.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down in close on the leg
side
15.3 Murphy to Astle, one run, flighted full down the leg side, swept
down to long leg
15.4 Murphy to Fleming, no run, driving at a very flighted ball outside
off stump, drags it right around however, playing up towards mid
on, can't beat a deep set Madondo there
15.5 Murphy to Fleming, no run, forward, defends in close on the off
side
15.6 Murphy to Fleming, no run, forward, driven up to mid off
End of over 16 (1 run) New Zealand 51/2 (lead by 198 runs)
BA Murphy 6-0-19-1 - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 3* (14b) SP Fleming 29* (42b 3x4)
16.1 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends square on the off side
16.2 Strang to Astle, no run, firmly driven straight up to mid off
16.3 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball on leg stump, tucked off the
hip straight to square leg
16.4 Strang to Astle, no run, firmly forced off the back foot straight
to cover point
16.5 Strang to Astle, no run, a bit of width, strongly cut but straight
down to point
16.6 Strang to Astle, no run, good attempted yorker, dug out from the
toes back down the pitch to the bowler
End of over 17 (maiden) New Zealand 51/2 (lead by 198 runs)
BC Strang 6-1-13-0 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 29* (42b 3x4) NJ Astle 3* (20b)
17.1 Murphy to Fleming, no run, floated up full outside off stump,
sweetly driven towards extra cover, well pounced on there to
prevent any runs at all
17.2 Murphy to Fleming, no run, reaching forward a well flighted ball
outside off stump, steering it away along the ground to backward
point
17.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
leg side
17.4 Murphy to Fleming, (noball) two runs, oversteps, shortish ball down
the leg side, glanced down to fine leg
17.4 Murphy to Fleming, no run, stretches forward in defence, played
quietly up towards wide midwicket
17.5 Murphy to Fleming, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
17.6 Murphy to Fleming, no run, watchfully forward, defends straight
back to the bowler
End of over 18 (3 runs) New Zealand 54/2 (lead by 201 runs)
BA Murphy 7-0-22-1 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 3* (20b) SP Fleming 31* (49b 3x4)
18.1 Strang to Astle, no run, full ball outside off stump, jammed back
down the pitch on the leg side, partially stopped by Strang with
his right hand, scoops it back towards the stumps at the bowler's
end
18.2 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends square on the off side
18.3 Strang to Astle, FOUR, shot of the afternoon so far, superbly cut
down through cover point
18.4 Strang to Astle, no run, full ball, driven straight up to mid on
18.5 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball, Astle lines up the cut
again but it straightens on him, played down to mid off
18.6 Strang to Astle, no run, leaves alone a slower ball outside off
stump, bounces twice before reaching the keeper
End of over 19 (4 runs) New Zealand 58/2 (lead by 205 runs)
BC Strang 7-1-17-0 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 31* (49b 3x4) NJ Astle 7* (26b 1x4)
19.1 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted full outside off stump, drives
and misses over the top of it
19.2 Murphy to Fleming, no run, drawn forward, turns sharply into the
front pad as he tries to defend, brings an appeal from Murphy
alone, umpire Cooray isn't interested
19.3 Murphy to Fleming, FOUR, flighted full outside off stump, swung
away through wide midwicket, again dragging it away to the gaps in
the field
19.4 Murphy to Fleming, one run, flighted outside off stump, stroked
away through backward point, third man up to field
19.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full down the leg side, kicks
away, turns around the pad a fraction through to Flower who
doesn't take cleanly
19.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, stands on the crease to a straighter ball,
defending towards cover point
End of over 20 (5 runs) New Zealand 63/2 (lead by 210 runs)
BA Murphy 8-0-27-1 (1nb) - Scoreboard End
SP Fleming 36* (53b 4x4) NJ Astle 7* (28b 1x4)
20.1 Strang to Fleming, no run, shortish ball, turned from outside off
stump to wide midwicket
20.2 Strang to Fleming, one run, full ball on off stump, firmly driven
back up the pitch just past the outstretched hand of Strang on his
follow through, quick single taken with the shot as mid off's
across to field
20.3 Strang to Astle, no run, straight ball on a length, watchfully
defended down in close on the off side
20.4 Strang to Astle, no run, well forward to a straight ball on off
stump, defends away towards cover point
20.5 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, defends
down to cover point
20.6 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends to cover point again, and
they're off for lunch
End of over 21 (1 run) New Zealand 64/2 (lead by 211 runs)
BC Strang 8-1-18-0 - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 37* (55b 4x4) NJ Astle 7* (32b 1x4)
a reasonably drab session, despite the odd moment where batsmen
looked to get on with it, but there seems to be little genuine
intention to accelerate this game into an interesting final
contest this evening
play to resume at 2:10pm (0110 GMT), in around 40 minutes time
Match State: Lunch - Day 5
the players return to the field, 20 minutes late due to passing
showers during the lunch break, it means we've got 5 fewer overs
available to us now today
Murphy to continue from the Scoreboard End to Fleming
21.1 Murphy to Fleming, FOUR, flighted full outside off stump, crashed
away neatly through wide mid off, a good way to come back from
lunch
21.2 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted up on a much better length
coming around the wicket, reaches forward in defence for it but
isn't there, taken on the pad
21.3 Murphy to Fleming, no run, coming well forward, firmly defends back
on the off side of the pitch, Murphy across to his right to field
off his own bowling
21.4 Murphy to Fleming, (noball) one run, oversteps, drops it down
towards wide mid for an easy run with the shot
21.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted very full outside off stump,
leaves alone through to the keeper after initially shaping to
defend
21.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted even fuller, and wider, outside
off stump, left well alone
21.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, shortish ball, cut away down to point
End of over 22 (6 runs) New Zealand 70/2 (lead by 217 runs)
BA Murphy 9-0-33-1 (2nb) - Scoreboard End
SP Fleming 42* (59b 5x4) NJ Astle 7* (35b 1x4)
Henry Olonga gets his first chance in this innings, bowling from
the Vance Stand End in place of Strang from prior to lunch
22.1 Olonga to Fleming, (noball) no run, oversteps first up, full ball
swinging away, driven firmly straight up to Streak at mid off
22.1 Olonga to Fleming, two runs, stands tall on the crease to a
shortish ball, scoops it up in the air through straight mid on, an
unusual but effective stroke, overhauled just inside the rope on
this slowing outfield
22.2 Olonga to Fleming, FOUR, driving at a rising ball on off stump,
gets a thick edge that flies wide of the slips, down to the vacant
third man boundary
22.3 Olonga to Fleming, two runs, short ball, swivels on the crease,
pulls down through vacant midwicket for an easy two, bringing up
the easiest Test 50 of his career off 63 balls, 6x4
22.4 Olonga to Fleming, no run, cuts and misses outside off stump, keeps
a little low under the bottom edge
22.5 Olonga to Fleming, one run, shortish ball, dragged across the line
to vacant midwicket for an easy run
22.6 Olonga to Astle, legbye: FOUR, shortish ball, hops on the crease,
rebounds away from the pad through the slips, sloppy fielding sees
it down to the vacant third man boundary
End of over 23 (14 runs) New Zealand 84/2 (lead by 231 runs)
HK Olonga 1-0-10-0 (1nb) - Vance Stand End
SP Fleming 51* (65b 6x4) NJ Astle 7* (36b 1x4)
23.1 Murphy to Fleming, one run, shortish ball turning down the leg
side, worked away through backward square
23.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down in close to forward
short leg
23.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends away to point with
bat/pad together
23.4 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, too short, smacked away through midwicket,
Astle quick to rock back and punish it, the slow outfield does its
best but can't prevent this one just trickling over the rope
23.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, lovely ball, dipping on a good length and
turning across past the groping outside edge, extra bounce too
23.6 Murphy to Astle, one run, overtossed, low full toss driven up
towards wide mid on, keeps the pace off it to allow them to jog a
single with the stroke
End of over 24 (6 runs) New Zealand 90/2 (lead by 237 runs)
BA Murphy 10-0-39-1 (2nb) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 12* (41b 2x4) SP Fleming 52* (66b 6x4)
24.1 Olonga to Astle, no run, short rising ball on off stump, defends
down to mid off
24.2 Olonga to Astle, no run, quick and full but very wayward, well wide
down the leg side, extending Flower to dive to his left quite some
distance to prevent 4 byes
24.3 Olonga to Astle, no run, good length ball, Astle isn't afraid of
it, hitting on the up, cracking it into the covers, had 4 written
all over it but he didn't count of Rennie making a superb athletic
stop at shortish extra cover
24.4 Olonga to Astle, bye: FOUR, wayward ol '`enry again, full down the
leg side, this time Flower can't catch up to it and it crashes
into the sightscreen
24.5 Olonga to Astle, legbye: one run, full on leg stump, dropped down
in close on the leg side, easy quick run taken as the field are
lethargic to it
24.6 Olonga to Fleming, two runs, around the wicket to the left hander,
short rising ball angling into him, well tucked down through
vacant midwicket for another leisurely couple
End of over 25 (7 runs) New Zealand 97/2 (lead by 244 runs)
HK Olonga 2-0-12-0 (1nb) - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 12* (46b 2x4) SP Fleming 54* (67b 6x4)
25.1 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, flighted full, Astle's quick to strike,
lofting hard back over his head, down to the vacant long on
boundary
25.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, shortish ball, turns away wide outside off
stump
25.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full and straight, watchfully
defended with a straight bat back along the pitch
25.4 Murphy to Astle, one run, flighted full outside off stump, forced
up towards mid off, good quick run taken with the shot
25.5 Murphy to Fleming, no run, flighted on the toes, turned away
straight to midwicket
25.6 Murphy to Fleming, one run, flighted up again, firmly stroked up
towards mid on, quick single taken with the shot
End of over 26 (6 runs) New Zealand 103/2 (lead by 250 runs)
BA Murphy 11-0-45-1 (2nb) - Scoreboard End
SP Fleming 55* (69b 6x4) NJ Astle 17* (50b 3x4)
Henry's chance is short lived, back comes Bryan Strang
26.1 Strang to Fleming, no run, full outside off stump, firmly driven
straight to cover
26.2 Strang to Fleming, no run, low full toss, mistimed up towards
Olonga at wide mid on
26.3 Strang to Fleming, no run, a gimme ball, low full toss outside off
stump, well driven but great fielding by Madondo in the covers
prevents the single
26.4 Strang to Fleming, no run, driven up towards mid on, quick single
taken with the shot, direct hit from Olonga, taken very
laconically, and he's made to pay as the belated call for a replay
shows him well short
New Zealand 103/3, Partnership of 59
SP Fleming run out (Olonga) 55 (73b 6x4 0x6)
Fleming conspires to miss out on the easiest century on offer in
his Test career
Craig McMillan the new batsman
26.5 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends into the off side
26.6 Strang to Astle, no run, plays and misses outside off stump
End of over 27 (maiden) New Zealand 103/3 (lead by 250 runs)
BC Strang 9-2-18-0 - Vance Stand End
CD McMillan 0* (0b) NJ Astle 17* (52b 3x4)
27.1 Murphy to McMillan, FOUR, overpitched, cracked away through cover
point, not a bad way to get off the mark first ball
27.2 Murphy to McMillan, no run, forward, defends in close on the off
side
27.3 Murphy to McMillan, no run, shoulders arms, kicks away towards
backward point
27.4 Murphy to McMillan, no run, angling down the leg side, pads away
again, down to short fine leg
27.5 Murphy to McMillan, no run, yet again, to short fine leg, Murphy
targeting leg stump
27.6 Murphy to McMillan, no run, short and wide outside off stump,
McMillan has a slash at it from the crease, playing well over the
top of it, turned and kept a bit low on him
End of over 28 (4 runs) New Zealand 107/3 (lead by 254 runs)
BA Murphy 12-0-49-1 (2nb) - Scoreboard End
NJ Astle 17* (52b 3x4) CD McMillan 4* (6b 1x4)
28.1 Strang to Astle, no run, forward, defends a straight ball on middle
and leg back to Strang
28.2 Strang to Astle, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, angling
across the right hander and climbing a bit much for the cover
drive, plays and misses
28.3 Strang to Astle, no run, short again, this time stands tall on the
crease, slapping down towards extra cover, good partial stop,
Olonga backing up to stop it completely
28.4 Strang to Astle, one run, rank full toss down the leg side, pulled
hard, but again Madondo makes a good athletic stop, can't prevent
a quick run however
28.5 Strang to McMillan, two runs, the irrepressable Macca can't help
himself, charges down the pitch and lofts Strang back over his
head, scooping it a bit much though, just pitching it inside the
rope at long on, clear of the mid on fielder chasing back after it
28.6 Strang to McMillan, no run, oh dear, charges again, big swing and a
miss outside off stump, he's not going to die wondering
End of over 29 (3 runs) New Zealand 110/3 (lead by 257 runs)
BC Strang 10-2-21-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 18* (56b 3x4) CD McMillan 6* (8b 1x4)
29.1 Murphy to Astle, SIX, flighted full, Astle launches into it,
cleanly lofted into the hoardings at long off, hard and pretty
flat
29.2 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, a bit of width, sweetly cut through a narrow
gap at point, 10 off 2 balls
29.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, shoulders arms this time to a better
length ball turning away outside off stump
29.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, good ball on a similar length, Astle gets
a bit ambitious and tries to swing it over midwicket, just turns
away from off stump as he plays and misses
29.5 Murphy to Astle, two runs, this time more smartly worked away to
vacant midwicket, time for a couple
29.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, drawn forward, firmly stroking back up on
the leg side of the pitch, mid on across to field
End of over 30 (12 runs) New Zealand 122/3 (lead by 269 runs)
BA Murphy 13-0-61-1 (2nb) - Scoreboard End
CD McMillan 6* (8b 1x4) NJ Astle 30* (62b 4x4 1x6)
30.1 Strang to McMillan, FOUR, slowish ball angling down the leg side,
nonchalantly glanced fine, using what little pace there is on it
to the fine leg boundary
30.2 Strang to McMillan, OUT: another cheap wicket is chipped out, full
ball on his toes, clipped it low and flat, straight to Madondo at
midwicket, and Bryan Strang is very happy to snare another wicket
in the match after a long time toiling
New Zealand 126/4, Partnership of 23
CD McMillan c Madondo b Strang 10 (10b 2x4 0x6)
NJ Astle 30* (62b 4x4 1x6) BC Strang 10.2-2-25-1
Adam Parore the new batsman
30.3 Strang to Parore, no run, props forward in defence, played down to
gully
30.4 Strang to Parore, no run, full ball outside off stump, jammed out
in defence back up on the leg side of the pitch
30.5 Strang to Parore, no run, straight ball, held back, Parore
watchfully defends down to Madondo at shortish midwicket
30.6 Strang to Parore, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, nicely
laid away but straight to point
End of over 31 (4 runs) New Zealand 126/4 (lead by 273 runs)
BC Strang 11-2-25-1 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 30* (62b 4x4 1x6) AC Parore 0* (4b)
31.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down in close on the leg
side
31.2 Murphy to Astle, one run, forward, guides away from the open face
backward of point, easy single jogged
31.3 Murphy to Parore, no run, shortish ball, cut straight down to
backward point
31.4 Murphy to Parore, no run, flighted full down the leg side, sweeps
but misses, into the base of Flower's pads behind the stumps
31.5 Murphy to Parore, no run, well forward, driving but misses, turns
into the front pad and squirts down to slip, partial appeal from
the bowler
31.6 Murphy to Parore, one run, flighted full on leg stump, strongly
swept down to Olonga at long leg to get off the mark
End of over 32 (2 runs) New Zealand 128/4 (lead by 275 runs)
BA Murphy 14-0-63-1 (2nb) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 1* (8b) NJ Astle 31* (64b 4x4 1x6)
Guy Whittall gets a chance at the bowling crease, replacing Strang
at the Vance Stand End
32.1 Whittall to Parore, one run, short outside off stump, guided down
backward of point
32.2 Whittall to Astle, one run, shortish ball, slammed down into the
covers, Streak does well to parry it down, but too far away from
anyone to at least prevent the quick single as a result
32.3 Whittall to Parore, no run, full outside off stump, lovely looking
off drive straight up to Olonga at wide mid off
32.4 Whittall to Parore, no run, forward, defends with bat tucked
together with pad, down to cover point
32.5 Whittall to Parore, no run, full outside off stump, driven straight
up to Olonga at mid off
32.6 Whittall to Parore, no run, slower ball, full and angling down the
leg side, Parore tries to whip it away but is too quick through
the shot, missed through to Flower who takes low down
End of over 33 (2 runs) New Zealand 130/4 (lead by 277 runs)
GJ Whittall 1-0-2-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 32* (65b 4x4 1x6) AC Parore 2* (13b)
33.1 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, overtossed outside off stump, crashed away
through extra cover
33.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, props forward in defence, played down in
close on the off side of the pitch
33.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, leaves alone one turning away
outside off stump
33.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, flatter ball pushed through quicker, taps
at it, lobbing it away towards Madondo at point from the leading
edge, just can't quite scoop it up diving forward at it
33.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, shortish ball on leg stump, defends down
in close on the leg side
33.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends down in close on the off
side
End of over 34 (5 runs) New Zealand 135/4 (lead by 282 runs)
BA Murphy 15-0-68-1 (3nb) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 2* (13b) NJ Astle 36* (72b 5x4 1x6)
34.1 Whittall to Parore, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
34.2 Whittall to Parore, no run, leaves again outside off stump
34.3 Whittall to Parore, no run, firmly driven into the covers
34.4 Whittall to Parore, no run, forward, defends down into the off side
34.5 Whittall to Parore, no run, forward to a full ball, jammed into the
pitch from a bottom edge
34.6 Whittall to Parore, no run, short ball outside off stump, cuts but
plays over it, bottom edges into the ground, through to the keeper
End of over 35 (maiden) New Zealand 135/4 (lead by 282 runs)
GJ Whittall 2-1-2-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 36* (72b 5x4 1x6) AC Parore 2* (19b)
35.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted on leg stump, turns around the
legs through to the keeper as Astle leaves alone
35.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends back up on the leg side
of the pitch
35.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full down the leg side, sweeps
but has to reach a long way for it, dragging it down to a
straightish short fine leg
35.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, short ball outside off stump, pleasantly
cut down towards point, good diving stop made by Madondo to his
right
35.5 Murphy to Astle, two runs, Astle stands on the crease, using the
pace of the ball this time, running it off the face wide of slip,
Madondo with a bit of a chase from point
35.6 Murphy to Astle, two runs, driving outside off stump, plays right
over the top of it, getting a small bottom edge through past the
keeper, just overhauled inside the rope near the sightscreen
End of over 36 (4 runs) New Zealand 139/4 (lead by 286 runs)
BA Murphy 16-0-72-1 (3nb) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 2* (19b) NJ Astle 40* (78b 5x4 1x6)
New Zealand now lead by 286, with 49 overs minimum to be bowled
today
that would mean if they declared right now, Zimbabwe would need 287
off 47 overs - already a stiff ask, and New Zealand would be doing
incredibly well to take 10 wickets in 47 overs on this pitch
36.1 Whittall to Parore, no run, full ball outside off stump, strongly
drivne straight up to Olonga at mid off
36.2 Whittall to Parore, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
strongly but down to backward point
36.3 Whittall to Parore, no run, full outside off stump, driven straight
to extra cover
36.4 Whittall to Parore, no run, forward, defends down into the covers
36.5 Whittall to Parore, no run, short ball outside off stump, strongly
driven off the back foot but straight to cover point
36.6 Whittall to Parore, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
End of over 37 (maiden) New Zealand 139/4 (lead by 286 runs)
GJ Whittall 3-2-2-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 40* (78b 5x4 1x6) AC Parore 2* (25b)
on comes the drinks, for perhaps the last time in this Test as it
seems relatively clear nobody wants to make a move, and even if
they did, it's probably too late to prevent an early finish to
this match
37.1 Murphy to Astle, (noball) no run, oversteps, flighted full down the
leg side, left through to the keeper
37.1 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted rather wide outside off stump,
tries to sweep but misses, turns some distance in but never
threatening the stumps as it goes through to the keeper
37.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted very full, Astle just manages to
jam the bat down on it in time
37.3 Murphy to Astle, one run, flighted up on leg stump, Astle goes for
a big shot against the spin, looking to send it over midwicket but
not doesn't quite get it, top edges away through backward square
leg, safely pitching clear of any fielders, long leg in to field
37.4 Murphy to Parore, no run, tight ball on off stump, deflects away to
backward point for Madondo to field
37.5 Murphy to Parore, one run, sweeping, somewhat in the air for a
while, fielded on the bounce
37.6 Murphy to Astle, SIX, flighted up full, well swung away hard and
high over wide midwicket, caught wonderfully just beyond the
pickets by a chap in a 1980s New Zealand ODI uniform (the tan
one!), and isn't he happy! $1000 going his way thanks to a sponsor
End of over 38 (9 runs) New Zealand 148/4 (lead by 295 runs)
BA Murphy 17-0-81-1 (4nb) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 3* (27b) NJ Astle 47* (83b 5x4 2x6)
38.1 Whittall to Parore, no run, firmly driven straight up to mid off
38.2 Whittall to Parore, no run, drives and misses outside off stump, a
bit wide, never quite to it
38.3 Whittall to Parore, no run, nice ball shaping away from the outside
edge, Parore shuffled to get in behind it in defence, just held
inside the line, through to the keeper
38.4 Whittall to Parore, no run, full and straight on off stump, squares
around to defend up on the leg side of the pitch
38.5 Whittall to Parore, no run, good attempted inswinging yorker,
Parore just digs it out towards mid on
38.6 Whittall to Parore, no run, full ball outside off stump, tries to
clamp down on it but misses, through to Flower
End of over 39 (maiden) New Zealand 148/4 (lead by 295 runs)
GJ Whittall 4-3-2-0 - Vance Stand End
NJ Astle 47* (83b 5x4 2x6) AC Parore 3* (33b)
39.1 Murphy to Astle, FOUR, too short outside off stump, well cut down
through vacant cover, and Astle adds a 50 off 84 balls, 6x4, 2x6
to his 141 of the first innings
39.2 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, turning in from outside off
stump, defends down towards point
39.3 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, defends quietly back on the off
side of the pitch
39.4 Murphy to Astle, (noball) no run, oversteps, shortish ball, defends
up to mid off
39.4 Murphy to Astle, no run, turning in down the leg side, glanced to
short fine leg
39.5 Murphy to Astle, no run, flighted full down the leg side, turned
straight to short fine leg, Parore sets off for a quick single but
has to scurry back, no run on offer there!
39.6 Murphy to Astle, no run, forward, played up to mid off
End of over 40 (5 runs) New Zealand 153/4 (lead by 300 runs)
BA Murphy 18-0-86-1 (5nb) - Scoreboard End
AC Parore 3* (33b) NJ Astle 51* (90b 6x4 2x6)
the signal comes from the dressing room, New Zealand have declared,
and this very odd final day's play may well be extended towards
the very end
Zimbabwe will need 301 to win off a minimum of 43 overs, it seems a
crazy target, with neither team likely to be able to force a
result, one wonders what's really going on in both camps!
we have some delay at the start of the Zimbabwe innings - the
sightscreen at the Scoreboard End is stuck!
it has come off its railings, due to the heavy winds, and now an
attempt to move it with the tractor that normally brings on the
covers is being hatched
it seems partly successful, or at least enough that they can begin
play, as it's at the unimportant end for the first over to be
bowled by Chris Martin from the Vance Stand End
it's Guy Whittall on strike, Gavin Rennie at the other end
0.1 Martin to Whittall, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
driven back to the bowler on his follow through
0.2 Martin to Whittall, no run, short ball outside off stump, defends
down towards point
0.3 Martin to Whittall, one run, low full toss, Whittall flinches as he
manages to glance it away down to long leg
0.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
leaves alone as it moves away through to the keeper
0.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, drives and misses outside off stump,
beating the outside edge, good extra pace does Rennie in
0.6 Martin to Rennie, one run, well forward to a straight ball, nudged
back up on the off side of the pitch for a well measured quick run
with the shot as mid off has to field
End of over 1 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 2/0 (299 more runs req)
CS Martin 1-0-2-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 1* (3b) GJ Whittall 1* (3b)
Shayne O'Connor to bowl from the Scoreboard End
1.1 O'Connor to Rennie, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, nicely
driven straight back past the bowler
1.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, full and straight, turned from the pad
towards square leg
1.3 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, good short rising ball into the body,
fends down into the pads, almost trickles back on to the stumps,
just manages to stop it dead before the threat was imminent
1.4 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
1.5 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, angling on leg stump, turned away off
the hip to Walker roaming across to field at backward square leg
1.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, similar again, this time there's some
fleeting thoughts of a quick run, but Walker's quickly across and
smartly whips it back to Parore
End of over 2 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 6/0 (295 more runs req)
SB O'Connor 1-0-4-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 1* (3b) GJ Rennie 5* (9b 1x4)
2.1 Martin to Whittall, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, hops
in defence back up on the off isde
2.2 Martin to Whittall, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch
2.3 Martin to Whittall, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
2.4 Martin to Whittall, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends down
to Sinclair in the gully
2.5 Martin to Whittall, no run, quick on off stump, mistimes a drive
back up towards Wiseman at mid off
2.6 Martin to Whittall, no run, shapes to play but just withdraws
inside the line in time outside off stump
End of over 3 (maiden) Zimbabwe 6/0 (295 more runs req)
CS Martin 2-1-2-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 5* (9b 1x4) GJ Whittall 1* (9b)
3.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
3.2 O'Connor to Rennie, one run, shortish ball on leg stump, tucked off
the hip down to fine leg
3.3 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
mistimed pull down to mid on
3.4 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, similar again, shortish badll, pulled
down to Wiseman at mid on
3.5 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, props forward in defence, watchfully
playing it back on the off side of the pitch
3.6 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, shortish ball, defends from the back
foot up towards mid off
End of over 4 (1 run) Zimbabwe 7/0 (294 more runs req)
SB O'Connor 2-0-5-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 6* (11b 1x4) GJ Whittall 1* (13b)
4.1 Martin to Rennie, no run, angling on leg stump, turned down off the
pad to the keeper
4.2 Martin to Rennie, no run, shortish ball on off stump, hops in
behind it in defence, played down to mid off
4.3 Martin to Rennie, no run, low straight full toss, turned straight
to Walker at square leg
4.4 Martin to Rennie, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
4.5 Martin to Rennie, no run, quick ball down the leg side, tries to
glance it away but doesn't get a touch
4.6 Martin to Rennie, no run, straight ball, defends down to square leg
End of over 5 (maiden) Zimbabwe 7/0 (294 more runs req)
CS Martin 3-2-2-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Whittall 1* (13b) GJ Rennie 6* (17b 1x4)
Wiseman replaces O'Connor at the Scoreboard ENd
5.1 Wiseman to Whittall, no run, flighted up, defends down in close on
the leg side
5.2 Wiseman to Whittall, one run, flighted full on leg stump, swept
down to Martin at fine leg
5.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, straight ball on off stump, defends down
to short leg
5.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full outside off stump, well
forward, smothering the spin in defence to silly point
5.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to Fleming at
silly point again
5.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full on the toss, strongly
driven at Sinclair at short leg, rebounds away on the leg side
End of over 6 (1 run) Zimbabwe 8/0 (293 more runs req)
PJ Wiseman 1-0-1-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 2* (15b) GJ Rennie 6* (21b 1x4)
6.1 Martin to Whittall, two runs, nicely forced off the back foot,
straight back past the bowler who can't reach down far enough on
the follow through, time for an easy couple towards vacant
straight mid off
6.2 Martin to Whittall, no run, straight ball on middle and off, gets
in behind it to defend back down the pitch
6.3 Martin to Whittall, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
goes for the pull but is well held back in disguise, plays all
over and through it early
6.4 Martin to Whittall, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends
down towards point
6.5 Martin to Whittall, no run, well forward, firmly driven straight up
to McMillan at mid on
6.6 Martin to Whittall, no run, full ball, firmly driven back up on the
leg side of the pitch, McMillan does well to slide to his left to
stop it before thoughts of a quick run turned to fruition
End of over 7 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 10/0 (291 more runs req)
CS Martin 4-2-4-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 6* (21b 1x4) GJ Whittall 4* (21b)
7.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to short leg
7.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, flighted full, defends back on the leg
side of the pitch
7.3 Wiseman to Rennie, FOUR, short and wide outside off stump, cut away
sweetly through backward point
7.4 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, tries to sweep, doesn't get on to it,
balloons up towards Walker at leg gully from the pad
7.5 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, firmly driven straight to sub fielder
Franklin at extra cover
7.6 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, goes for a big sweep, misses, rebounds
up from the pad to silly point, but appeal for a bat/pad catch
from Wiseman but not backed up, umpire Cooray is unimpressede
End of over 8 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 14/0 (287 more runs req)
PJ Wiseman 2-0-5-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 4* (21b) GJ Rennie 10* (27b 2x4)
8.1 Martin to Whittall, no run, forward to a straight ball on middle
and leg, stroked up to mid on
8.2 Martin to Whittall, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cuts
into the ground towards point, completely mistimed stroke
8.3 Martin to Whittall, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends away
to point
8.4 Martin to Whittall, no run, shapes to defend a good ball outside
off stump but quickly raises the bat out of the way as it passes
safely through a fair channel outside off stump
8.5 Martin to Whittall, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
8.6 Martin to Whittall, two runs, full on leg stump, firmly clipped
through wide midwicket
End of over 9 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 16/0 (285 more runs req)
CS Martin 5-2-6-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 10* (27b 2x4) GJ Whittall 6* (27b)
the clock just ticks over to 4:40pm and that means it's time for
the final tea break of the match
Match State: Tea - Day 5
the players return from tea, we're going on, and it'll be Walker to
bowl
9.1 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down in close on the off
side
9.2 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to Sinclair at
forward short leg
9.3 Walker to Rennie, no run, the wrong'un, going the other way, keeps
low through to Parore as Rennie tries to cut but plays over the
top of it
9.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, leaves alone a wide ball outside off
stump
9.5 Walker to Rennie, no run, Rennie falls to temptation, and tries a
reverse sweep, misses poorly, through into the base of Parore's
pads
9.6 Walker to Rennie, two runs, he goes for it again, and gets some bat
on to it, down to vacant third man, O'Connor gives chase, fires
back a throw that threatens to hit Martin in the head, well away
from Parore behind the stumps
End of over 10 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 18/0 (283 more runs req)
BGK Walker 1-0-2-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Whittall 6* (27b) GJ Rennie 12* (33b 2x4)
O'Connor to bowl from the Vance Stand End
10.1 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, full ball on off stump, squeezes it
back up towards mid on in defence
10.2 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, short rising ball on off stump,
defends down into the covers
10.3 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cuts
strongly straight down to point
10.4 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, full on leg stump, tucked away
straight to square leg
10.5 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
through to the keeper
10.6 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
firmly tapped up to mid off
End of over 11 (maiden) Zimbabwe 18/0 (283 more runs req)
SB O'Connor 3-1-5-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 12* (33b 2x4) GJ Whittall 6* (33b)
11.1 Walker to Rennie, two runs, turning down the leg side, clipped away
through backward square leg, they scamper back for a good second
as sub fielder Franklin has to retrieve from deep square leg
11.2 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, firmly pushes into the covers
where Astle fields
11.3 Walker to Rennie, FOUR, flighted full outside off stump, well swung
away through midwicket, too well struck for Franklin to get around
to, on to the practice blocks and speeds up to the rope
11.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted up outside off stump, kicks away
with the well stretched front pad
11.5 Walker to Rennie, one run, sweeps from outside off stump, through
backward square leg, Franklin around to field
11.6 Walker to Whittall, no run, forward to a straighter one, defends
back on the leg side of the pitch
End of over 12 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 25/0 (276 more runs req)
BGK Walker 2-0-9-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 19* (38b 3x4) GJ Whittall 6* (34b)
12.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, forward to a full ball outside off
stump, firmly driven straight up to McMillan at mid off
12.2 O'Connor to Rennie, one run, rising ball outside off stump, fends
away from the shoulder of the bat, edging in the air wide of Astle
at second slip, down to third man, a rare genuine edge
12.3 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, straight ball, defends back up on the
leg side of the pitch
12.4 O'Connor to Whittall, no run, shortish straight ball, defends down
to Franklin at square leg
12.5 O'Connor to Whittall, OUT: Whittall gets out in rather Hornesque
fashion, slashing at a wide one, never there for the big cover
drive, gets a regulation nick straight through to Parore
Zimbabwe 26/1, Partnership of 26
GJ Whittall c Parore b O'Connor 6 (37b 0x4 0x6)
GJ Rennie 20* (40b 3x4) SB O'Connor 3.5-1-6-1
Whittall simple trudges off, the celebrations are low key, almost
non-existent, that is how dead this Test is
Stuart Carlisle the new batsman
12.6 O'Connor to Carlisle, no run, shapes to defend, quick, full ball
outside off stump, shoulders arms
End of over 13 (1 run) Zimbabwe 26/1 (275 more runs req)
SB O'Connor 4-1-6-1 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 20* (40b 3x4) SV Carlisle 0* (1b)
13.1 Walker to Rennie, no run, stretches the front pad well forward,
kicks away in defence outside off stump
13.2 Walker to Rennie, two runs, shortish ball outside off stump, drives
away off the back foot out through cover point, O'Connor fields
from backward point
13.3 Walker to Rennie, one run, swept along the ground out to Franklin
at deep backward square leg
13.4 Walker to Carlisle, FOUR, short ball outside off stump, slashed
away strongly through vacant cover, Franklin hares after it from
cover point but it's too well played
13.5 Walker to Carlisle, no run, almost done by a wrong'un, good ball
that shoots back in, just chops it out into the off side, good
shot
13.6 Walker to Carlisle, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch
End of over 14 (7 runs) Zimbabwe 33/1 (268 more runs req)
BGK Walker 3-0-16-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 23* (43b 3x4) SV Carlisle 4* (4b 1x4)
14.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shuffles in behind a straight ball
outside off stump, defends back down the pitch
14.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms through to the keeper
14.3 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, short rising ball down the leg side,
leaves well alone through to Parore as it angles further away
14.4 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends down
towards mid off
14.5 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, short rising ball angling down the leg
side, ducks down out of the way, through to Parore
14.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, jumps right across to off stump,
getting in behind a short ball to defend towards cover point
End of over 15 (maiden) Zimbabwe 33/1 (268 more runs req)
SB O'Connor 5-2-6-1 - Vance Stand End
SV Carlisle 4* (4b 1x4) GJ Rennie 23* (49b 3x4)
15.1 Walker to Carlisle, no run, flighted full on leg stump, quietly
defends down in close on the off side
15.2 Walker to Carlisle, no run, flighted right up outside off stump,
strongly driven straight to Wiseman at mid off
15.3 Walker to Carlisle, no run, teasingly floated before dipping just
in front of Carlisle, watchfully guides it away to Horne at
backward point
15.4 Walker to Carlisle, no run, stretches well forward, defending away
to Astle at wide midwicket
15.5 Walker to Carlisle, one run, flatter ball, keeps low on leg stump,
just sneaks it away down to O'Connor at fine leg
15.6 Walker to Rennie, no run, stretches well forward, defending back to
the bowler
End of over 16 (1 run) Zimbabwe 34/1 (267 more runs req)
BGK Walker 4-0-17-0 - Scoreboard End
SV Carlisle 5* (9b 1x4) GJ Rennie 23* (50b 3x4)
16.1 O'Connor to Carlisle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
16.2 O'Connor to Carlisle, no run, full ball outside off stump, driven
straight up to Wiseman at mid off
16.3 O'Connor to Carlisle, no run, forward to a straight ball, defends
down towards midwicket, McMillan across to field from wide mid on
16.4 O'Connor to Carlisle, no run, full outside off stump, driven
straight to point
16.5 O'Connor to Carlisle, no run, stands tall on the crease to defend
one from off stump, straight up to Wiseman at mid off
16.6 O'Connor to Carlisle, no run, full outside off stump, goes for a
big off drive but gets an inside edge into the front pad, rebounds
away on the off side of the pitch
End of over 17 (maiden) Zimbabwe 34/1 (267 more runs req)
SB O'Connor 6-3-6-1 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 23* (50b 3x4) SV Carlisle 5* (15b 1x4)
17.1 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted full outside off stump, kicked
away towards backward point
17.2 Walker to Rennie, no run, stretches forward, defending down in
close on the off side, Parore around from behind the sticks to
tidy up
17.3 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends in close on the off
side, Astle in from extra cover to field
17.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted full on off stump, driven up to
mid on
17.5 Walker to Rennie, one run, dear oh dear oh dear oh dear, goes for a
big shot over midwicket, trying to drag it from outside off stump,
gets a big top edge that lobs up towards Martin at mid off,
scrambles back and makes a complete hash of it
almost drops it into his face even! terrible attempt at a dolly of
a catch, just had to go back a few paces and he had it, but
stumbled right from the very start, that is a strong contender for
clanger of 2000
17.6 Walker to Carlisle, FOUR, poor Walker pays the price next ball,
swept away strongly through backward square leg
End of over 18 (5 runs) Zimbabwe 39/1 (262 more runs req)
BGK Walker 5-0-22-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 24* (55b 3x4) SV Carlisle 9* (16b 2x4)
18.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, forward, defends on the off side of the
pitch
18.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shortish ball, played down to point
18.3 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, hops on the crease to defend a rising
ball outside off stump, played away square on the off side
18.4 O'Connor to Rennie, legbye: one run, shortish ball angling on leg
stump, glanced down off the thigh pad to fine leg
18.5 O'Connor to Carlisle, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump to
one that dies on its way through to the keeper, bouncing just in
front of Parore
18.6 O'Connor to Carlisle, no run, stretches well forward, defends away
towards cover point
End of over 19 (1 run, maiden) Zimbabwe 40/1 (261 more runs req)
SB O'Connor 7-4-6-1 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 24* (59b 3x4) SV Carlisle 9* (18b 2x4)
19.1 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends down to Sinclair under
the helmet at short leg
19.2 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted up outside off stump, kicks down
from the front pad to short leg
19.3 Walker to Rennie, no run, kicks away towards point in defence
19.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, forward, defends back on the leg side of
the pitch
19.5 Walker to Rennie, one run, sweeps fine down the leg side, Horne
makes a good save diving to his left at backward point
19.6 Walker to Carlisle, no run, shortish ball, defends from the crease
back to the bowler
End of over 20 (1 run) Zimbabwe 41/1 (260 more runs req)
BGK Walker 6-0-23-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 25* (64b 3x4) SV Carlisle 9* (19b 2x4)
20.1 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, stretches forward, shoulders arms
outside off stump
20.2 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, angling in to the left hander, drifting
on leg stump, turned away straight to Walker at square leg
20.3 O'Connor to Rennie, two runs, turned away off the legs through
backward square leg
20.4 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, good seaming delivery coming back in
from the seam, hopping on the crease, taken high on the leg, not a
bad ball to make sure Rennie's still awake
20.5 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shuffles across to off stump, defending
a ball down towards Wiseman at mid on
20.6 O'Connor to Rennie, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
End of over 21 (2 runs) Zimbabwe 43/1 (258 more runs req)
SB O'Connor 8-4-8-1 - Vance Stand End
SV Carlisle 9* (19b 2x4) GJ Rennie 27* (70b 3x4)
21.1 Walker to Carlisle, no run, forward, defends down quietly in close
on the leg side, Parore scoots after it to field from behind teh
stumps
21.2 Walker to Carlisle, no run, tight ball on the stumps, forces off
the back foot up towards Wiseman at mid off
21.3 Walker to Carlisle, no run, shuffles across to off stump, defends
away to Horne at backward point
21.4 Walker to Carlisle, no run, stroked away off the back foot out to
Franklin at cover
21.5 Walker to Carlisle, FOUR, flighted full outside off stump, really
drags it a long way across the line, but does it very well,
swinging it away hard through backward square leg
21.6 Walker to Carlisle, no run, stretches a long way forward outside
off stump, defends down to silly point
End of over 22 (4 runs) Zimbabwe 47/1 (254 more runs req)
BGK Walker 7-0-27-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 27* (70b 3x4) SV Carlisle 13* (25b 3x4)
Wiseman replaces O'Connor at the Vance Stand End
22.1 Wiseman to Rennie, FOUR, flighted full and straight, strongly swept
away through backward square leg, just past the diving fielder on
the boundary
22.2 Wiseman to Rennie, FOUR, sweeps again, this time a bit of a top
edge, in the air just wide of Walker at short fine leg, down to
the boundary again
22.3 Wiseman to Rennie, one run, turned away towards vacant square leg,
easy run jogged with the shot as Walker is up to field, shies at
the bowler's end for the sake of it and hits directly
22.4 Wiseman to Carlisle, no run, flighted straight, lets it drop down
in close on the off side from the pad
22.5 Wiseman to Carlisle, no run, shortish ball, turns in to the top of
the pad, drops down in close on the off side again
22.6 Wiseman to Carlisle, no run, shuffles right across to off stump on
the crease, defending one that turns sharply in, from the pad,
drops away just behind the keeper, Wiseman pulls out of a brief
appeal quickly
End of over 23 (9 runs) Zimbabwe 56/1 (245 more runs req)
PJ Wiseman 3-0-14-0 - Vance Stand End
GJ Rennie 36* (73b 5x4) SV Carlisle 13* (28b 3x4)
we've got another 5 overs to bowl until the final hour (15 further
overs to bowl) commences
it's highly likely the pin will be pulled at this stage, but we'll
wait and see\
23.1 Walker to Rennie, no run, props forward, defending down towards
cover point, Parore fields from behind the stumps
23.2 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted down the leg side, left alone
through to the keeper
23.3 Walker to Rennie, no run, flighted full outside off stump, quietly
pushes forward in defence, squeezes under the bottom edge of the
bat and dribbles through to Parore
23.4 Walker to Rennie, no run, straight ball, watchfully turned down to
Horne at backward square leg
23.5 Walker to Rennie, one run, drops it in very short, swivels on the
crease to pull through to Franklin at deep backward square leg
23.6 Walker to Carlisle, no run, props right forward in defence,
defending to silly point
End of over 24 (1 run) Zimbabwe 57/1 (244 more runs req)
BGK Walker 8-0-28-0 - Scoreboard End
GJ Rennie 37* (78b 5x4) SV Carlisle 13* (29b 3x4)
24.1 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, short ball, turns away outside off
stump, leaves well alone
24.2 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, tight ball on off stump, nudges away to
Franklin at backward point
24.3 Wiseman to Rennie, no run, shuffles across to off stump, keeps
inside the line, leaving through to the keeper
24.4 Wiseman to Rennie, OUT: tries to sweep a fully flighted ball, but
it pops straight up from the top edge and is caught behind by
Parore, easy wicket, as the game is finally near its conclusion
Zimbabwe 57/2, Partnership of 31
GJ Rennie c Parore b Wiseman 37 (82b 5x4 0x6)
SV Carlisle 13* (29b 3x4) PJ Wiseman 3.4-0-14-1
that's the first wicket for the New Zealand spinners in this match
after a mere 526 deliveries - not quite what was expected at the
start of the match when both were selected!
Alistair Campbell the new batsman
24.5 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, forward, defends down in close
24.6 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, defends down in close on the leg side
End of over 25 (maiden) Zimbabwe 57/2 (244 more runs req)
PJ Wiseman 4-1-14-1 - Vance Stand End
SV Carlisle 13* (29b 3x4) ADR Campbell 0* (2b)
25.1 Walker to Carlisle, no run, flighted up outside off stump, props
forward in defence, doesn't fully clamp down on it, from the
bottom edge through to the keeper
25.2 Walker to Carlisle, one run, cuts out to Franklin at deep backward
point
25.3 Walker to Campbell, no run, shortish ball, turned away to McMillan
at midwicket
25.4 Walker to Campbell, no run, reaching well forward, defends up
towards Wiseman at mid on
25.5 Walker to Campbell, no run, kicks away a ball turning in from wide
outside off stump
25.6 Walker to Campbell, no run, props well forward in defence, rebounds
up off the pad, Parore takes the 'catch' and they all go up, but
can't convince umpire Cooray who holds firm, missed anything
remotely like bat by a mile
End of over 26 (1 run) Zimbabwe 58/2 (243 more runs req)
BGK Walker 9-0-29-0 - Scoreboard End
SV Carlisle 14* (31b 3x4) ADR Campbell 0* (6b)
26.1 Wiseman to Carlisle, one run, flighted down the leg side, turned
away through vacant short fine leg
26.2 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, squared around in defence by a
shortish ball turning in, played down to silly point
26.3 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump,
turning away
26.4 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, stretches well forward, defends down
to silly point again
26.5 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
26.6 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, flighted full and straight, defends
away towards square leg
End of over 27 (1 run) Zimbabwe 59/2 (242 more runs req)
PJ Wiseman 5-1-15-1 - Vance Stand End
SV Carlisle 15* (32b 3x4) ADR Campbell 0* (11b)
this could very well be the last over of the day's play - if there
are small mercies for those who have painfully endured many
moments of this Test, it will be, anyway
27.1 Walker to Carlisle, no run, stretches forward, defending down to
Sinclair at silly point
27.2 Walker to Carlisle, no run, flighted invitingly full but Carlisle
chooses to watchfully drive back to the bowler
27.3 Walker to Carlisle, no run, forward, defends straight back to
Walker again
27.4 Walker to Carlisle, no run, flighted up on off stump, defends down
to silly point
27.5 Walker to Carlisle, no run, leaves alone outside off stump, turns
away sharply
27.6 Walker to Carlisle, no run, flatter ball, cuts into the ground,
straight to McMillan at extra cover
End of over 28 (maiden) Zimbabwe 59/2 (242 more runs req)
BGK Walker 10-1-29-0 - Scoreboard End
ADR Campbell 0* (11b) SV Carlisle 15* (38b 3x4)
and on come drinks, we're going on, but at least the last hour
starts now
15 overs to bowl, word from TV Umpire Tony Hill is that 30 minutes
from now is a likely plug-pulling time
28.1 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, stretches well forward, defends down
in close on the leg side
28.2 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, forward, defends straight back to the
bowler
28.3 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, stretches well forward, defends down
in close on the off side, Parore fields from behind the stumps
28.4 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, forward, defends down to Sinclair at
silly point
28.5 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
28.6 Wiseman to Campbell, no run, flighted down the leg side, turned
away to Walker at short fine leg
End of over 29 (maiden) Zimbabwe 59/2 (242 more runs req)
PJ Wiseman 6-2-15-1 - Vance Stand End
SV Carlisle 15* (38b 3x4) ADR Campbell 0* (17b)
29.1 Walker to Carlisle, no run, shoulders arms to one turning away
outside off stump
29.2 Walker to Carlisle, no run, flighted full outside off stump, driven
straight to McMillan at short extra cover
29.3 Walker to Carlisle, no run, flighted full outside off stump, leaves
well alone through to Parore
29.4 Walker to Carlisle, no run, shortish ball, quietly defended down
towards point
29.5 Walker to Carlisle, one run, swept down to O'Connor at deep
backward square leg
29.6 Walker to Campbell, no run, kicks away a ball turning in from
outside off stump
End of over 30 (1 run) Zimbabwe 60/2 (241 more runs req)
BGK Walker 11-1-30-0 - Scoreboard End
SV Carlisle 16* (43b 3x4) ADR Campbell 0* (18b)
and at last they've pulled the plug, 13 overs short of the possible
end, but it was always reasonably unlikely Zimbabwe were going to
score 241 runs in that time
hands are shaken, and the one-off National Bank Test between New
Zealand and Zimbabwe at Wellington has been declared a draw
it was such a sluggish, odd Test, that it is hard to say who made
significant gains, either way
Man of the Match is likely to be a straight tussle between McMillan
and Astle, McMillan scoring in more entertaining fashion in the
first innings, though Astle backed up with an easy 50 in the
second
honourable mentions should probably be made to Chris Martin who
took his maiden 5-wicket bag in Tests, and Bryan Strang who toiled
away into the wind long and hard during this Test with modest
reward
the pitch is the ultimate winner of this match, and that makes this
game a loser, it was far too slow and stop/starty, with batsmen
complaining that whilst it was reasonably hard to get out on, it
was also just as hard to keep in on and build up any
significant momentum
the rain on the third day never helped, and to cap it off, odd
declarations on the final day took the game absolutely nowhere
towards a positive reslt - particularly the first by Zimbabwe,
when they chose to bat on for 12.5 overs this morning needlessly
Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak says he thought about declaring last
night, but said they preferred to come out and be positive with
their strokeplay instead, and was disappointed that New Zealand
didn't set them a more positive target in turn
New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming says his views differ to those
of Streak, believing there was an opportunity to open the game up
this morning but they weren't taken
Fleming reflects positively on Astle, McMillan and Martin's
contributions to the game - Astle batting purposefully, McMillan
opening the game up, and Martin able to generate good pace from
his height and bowl consistently
focus turns to the National Bank One-Day International Series, with
Fleming nodding to the suggestion that revenge for their 2-1
series loss in Zimbabwe earlier this year is on the mind
the National Bank Test Trophy sits on the table, and won't be
awarded - as nobody won it!
and Craig McMillan is named National Bank Man of the Match for his
fine 142 in the first innings
and that concludes the presentations, it's off to the National Bank
One-Day International Series now, starting with the 1st match at
Taupo, a day/nighter, beginning at 2:30pm local time (0130 GMT) on
January 2nd
the New Zealand side for that has just been announced, a hotly
followed naming, with Chris Nevin tipped out in favour of Mathew
Sinclair to open, while (sometimes) 12th man here James Franklin
is also named in the squad, along with Chris Martin, another
new face in the one-day side, Chris Cairns has been retained
despite ever-present injury concerns, and will bowl if given the
ball
one name all but selected for the side was Tama Canning, and
would've certainly been in the team, until a late ruling
confirmation with the ICC informed NZC that he's not a New
Zealander in their eyes for another couple of years!
he's played two first-class matches as an Australia a couple of
years ago, before he came to play for Auckland, so that rules him
out, bizarre stuff
that concludes our coverage of this one-off National Bank Test at a
wind-swept, wind-blown, wind-sapped Basin Reserve in Wellington -
it really was an ever recurring feature of a torrid Test that
never really got going, and labelled one of the most
boring to have been played in New Zealand ever, an unfortunate call
given the super Boxing Day Tests in the past two years since the
new 'tradition' began
join us for full coverage of the first One-Day International at
Taupo on January 2nd, but until then it's goodbye from CricInfo in
Wellington!
any feedback on our coverage for this Test can be sent to
comms@cricinfo.com - all feedback is gratefully received
Match State: End of match
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Date-stamped : 30 Dec2000 - 10:24