Dylan Cleaver provides five takeaways from day two of the first test between the Black Caps and Pakistan.
Harsh Review
Henry Nicholls had more than his fair share of luck in Wellington so maybe it was kismet, karma or some other law of fate that determined he would diddle himselfout of a chance for consecutive centuries. Nicholls did not glove the attempted hook that lobbed in the air off Naseem Shah. It hit both his forearms and it's difficult to understand how you don't feel that. It's also pointless asking your batting partner if you should review because you're the only one who can feel where it hit you.
Nicholls is not the first New Zealander to miss the opportunity to prolong their innings. Last year, openers Tom Latham (on this Bay Oval ground against England) and Jeet Raval failed to review when big inside edges would have reversed their leg before decisions.
Kane Williamson reach his 23rd test century on day two. Photo / Photosport
It is difficult to find new ways of explaining the singular gifts of Kane Williamson, and numbers can seem cold and unemotional. So, to try to put some perspective around his achievements, consider this. The Spark Sport commentary box yesterday was at various times manned by Brendon McCullum, Mark Richardson and Craig McMillan, three of the very-good-to-greats of New Zealand's test batting history. Williamson just passed their cumulative century count.
Cheap Digs
Expect to see New Zealand Cricket bring more tests to Bay Oval. They love a dollar at NZC HQ and hosting at Mt Maunganui has saved them at least $10,500 this week.
When a test is in your hometown, players are allowed to stay at home rather than the team hotel. That has meant Kane Williamson, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, BJ Watling and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen have all been given leave from the team hotel. The cheapest rooms at that particular hotel are $350 per night and the team will be booked in for six nights. It would normally be even greater cost savings were it not for an injury to fellow Mountie Colin de Grandhomme.
You wonder why there are no tests at University Oval this season? It's because there are no Dunedinites in the team.
Save BJ
BJ Watling scored 73 in the first innings against Pakistan at the Bay Oval. Photo / Photosport
Naseem Shah did not like the cut of BJ Watling's jib it would seem. The Pakistani quick greeted Watling to the crease with a half volley that the keeper pushed back down the ground for four. That prompted a barrage of bouncers, four from around the wicket. Fair enough, but what was weird was Naseem continually following through to get under Watling's grille and sledge him. The unflappable Watling didn't appear perturbed, but that sort of open hostility is rarely seen in this sanitised world.
All-rounder Shadab Khan has been ruled out of the remainder of the New Zealand tour and from the upcoming home series against South Africa after being diagnosed with a high-grade injury to his left thigh. Batsman Imam-ul-Haq has also been ruled out of the tour with a left thumb fracture and he left the squad to fly back to Pakistan to prepare for the test series against South Africa.
