England v New Zealand, 2nd ODI, Birmingham, 18th June

Dello wrote:Same again for England, I'd imagine. Although Shah doesn't seem overly thrilled to be batting six...

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvnz/content/current/story/355044.html

"I don't really enjoy it, it is just something I have to do," he said. "A No.6 has to be able to play those two roles. That is my opportunity, that is what I have got to do and that is what I have got to deliver."

He's a cocky and confident lad, is Owais. Both when speaking and with a bat in his hand. He's Not unlike Pietersen in that regard. If he has something to say, he'll say it.

Can't imagine Ian Bell saying he doesn't like batting in a certain position. It would be all of the usual BS like "Yeah, i'm happy to be contributing to the team, whatever the team wants me to do, i'm happy to do it" etc....

Alastair Cook has been ruled out of the 2nd ODI by a shoulder injury according to the Beeb.

Good news then...

You lucky barsteward! You might have him back sooner than later. Well - for a match or two before the Saffies, at least.

Henry wrote:

Dello wrote:Same again for England, I'd imagine. Although Shah doesn't seem overly thrilled to be batting six...

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvnz/content/current/story/355044.html

"I don't really enjoy it, it is just something I have to do," he said. "A No.6 has to be able to play those two roles. That is my opportunity, that is what I have got to do and that is what I have got to deliver."

He's a cocky and confident lad, is Owais. Both when speaking and with a bat in his hand. He's Not unlike Pietersen in that regard. If he has something to say, he'll say it.

Can't imagine Ian Bell saying he doesn't like batting in a certain position. It would be all of the usual BS like "Yeah, i'm happy to be contributing to the team, whatever the team wants me to do, i'm happy to do it" etc....

Does SSB need to whinge though?

'I like batting at 5 in Tests because the hard work has all been done and I can score a nice 50 and make sure my average stays at 40 ...and I like batting early in a JAMODI so I can score a nice leisurely 50 and not have to worry about playing in a hurry at the end of the innings ...I am the shermanator goo goo gajoob '

Actually Bell was gutted when he was dropped down the order from 3. He's desperate to bat there.

Lara Lara Laughs wrote:Actually Bell was gutted when he was dropped down the order from 3. He's desperate to bat there.

His brain is as big as his balls

New Zealand unchanged I believe for tomorrows game. Which should fill the England lineup with confidence as they are all bowling shoite!

Easy England win I would guess if McCullum doesn't fire.

NPB would do what he's told. He's got it cushty right now, hence you've not heard a bean from him in the press.

holcs wrote:New Zealand unchanged I believe for tomorrows game. Which should fill the England lineup with confidence as they are all bowling shoite!

Easy England win I would guess if McCullum doesn't fire.

NPB would do what he's told. He's got it cushty right now, hence you've not heard a bean from him in the press.

Maybe not unchanged - apparently they're going to play Grant Elliott instead of James Marshall. Isn't he the bloke who looked like he'd be out of his depth in minor counties cricket?

Anyway... looks like its going to rain as has been predicted. Reduced game, win toss - stick the oppo in...
http://www.accuweather.com/ukie/forecast-hourly.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&postalcode=B12%200PS&metric=1&hbhday=2&hbhhour=7

I heard somewhere that Grant Elliot has been drafted into the sheep-botherers squad and goes straight into the side in place of Marshall.

Well I habve been told the bowlers are staying the same.

Read that about Elliot. He's been playing Surrey Div 1, and has just recovered from a split webbing. Not even in the Premier league. That'll but the shoites up us!!!

holcs wrote:Well I habve been told the bowlers are staying the same.

Read that about Elliot. He's been playing Surrey Div 1, and has just recovered from a split webbing. Not even in the Premier league. That'll but the shoites up us!!!

You know you're out of form when you get dropped for Elliott.

Your not wrong. Its the extra bowling option, but he's worse than Styris. To be fair, they look in all sorts. Their batters I am told again, were woeful in nets today aswell.

*And as an aside, whats the point of having a batphone into the squad if you get duff info! Useless human being!*

Beats me why they let Martin go after the tests.

Basil wrote:Beats me why they let Martin go after the tests.

He has always tended to go round the park in ODI's. I am surprised they haven't changed the makeup of their attack though. A few Kiewi's I know are livid with it.

Seems they are trying to blood Southee in ODI stuff irrespective of his performances. Problem with their seamers is they all bowl the same pace and the same length......

I'd love to know what Jeetan Patel's done wrong behind the scenes.