Not as Unexpected

Day Five: England vs New Zealand 2008 : First Test Match

Scorecard

The top three relevant stats for England in the fourth innings are as follows -


370 off 100.1 overs versus Australia at Brisbane 2006. (Match Lost)

369-6 off 110 versus India at The Oval 2007 (Match Drawn)

350 off 122.2 versus Australia at Perth 2006. (Match Lost)

The first two are probably more relevant to the situation, but first England has to bowl out the Kiwis.

Just as I typed that and got over the Google server problems which keep interrupting this post, Danny boy goes for an almighty hoick and Sidebot scalps ten for the match. First English paceman to do so this far away from home, Atherton tells us.

Meanwhile Jeet scampered for three to retain strike while Athers egged Jonty Hoggy to let it go...over the boundary. Or even better, kick the ball over so England could bowl at Martins who couldn't bat.

Vettori appeared to agree with the last part and declared...sporting chap, confident chap.

So England have 300 to get in just over 80 overs...possible, capable. The question is can England find it within themselves to turn aggressors in this match on a wicket which has begun to spin just a bit? Surely after Sidebottom and Vettori's inspiring declaration, one would expect them to make a dash for it. Not unexpected as the above stats suggest....England can score in the fourth innings.

Also, Captain Danny scores an important point here over Vaughny. With this challenge, he's snatched the effect of Sidebottom right back....the onus is on England again...Win? Good for you. Lose...or draw? The Kiwis would be pecking at the Lions before the next test.

My apologies to readers that I cannot continu with Google interrupting me so...and I'll also have to wait to reply to the comments already posted. Tedious trying to get this on the blog...Sorry about that.