Love how all the haters have come back to have a pop at the Black Caps now they are struggling again.
It is one test in a desert sharkhole. Relax.
Not a hater, just sick of being let down when they get a group of guys together that show some potential only to get arrogant and then screw up more often than not.
As for this test, Latham has shown that the pitch is like ashphalt and that any batsman is going to hit a big score. The wicket is offering absolutely nothing to the bowlers, kinda makes the test a waste of time.
On the contrary Buffon we get this press about how they have worked hard and the culture is all important and we are seeing signs of improvement. As Connery said 'Losers talk about doing their best, winners go home and fudge the prom queen' and as much as they talk, how often do they consistently go out and fudgeing well do it. All we ever hear is how well they are going to do but when do they consistently produce? As you say, 1 test in a desert sharkhole. McCullums 300. One innings built around more than a few failures so the argument goes both ways yeah? They very much lack application and the mid 200s is a consistent score for this team in test matches.
This team is not a test team and they very much prefer to get their 14 off 16 and sit back thinking their job is done. They have 4 world class players I think in Taylor, Williamson, Boult and Southee but only 1-2 ever perform at the same time.
As for popping in once and a while, I think my message has been pretty consistent.
This cricket team has delivered much more than it has failed us of late. Hate McCullum opening, but can see why they gambled on it. Anyone who scores a triple century in a test match is a world class player. Someone who can write off a triple century, needs to take a heck of a lot of time out, maybe check the mirror a couple of times and go and sit through a few sessions in the stands.
Sure we have seen a top order failure, except for Latham. But we do get another dig.
But yes, very much in need of another test opener. The missing piece of the puzzle. Or one of them. Think we will have to choose between Anderson and Neesham in the end, unless we go with 5 seamers or something.