Tony Blain: Low-scoring affairs still value for money

New Zealand Black Caps batsman Kane Williamson. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Opinion

Under normal circumstances if a one-day match lasts a total of only 40 or 50 overs, with just a couple of hundred runs scored between both sides, spectators would leave the arena feeling a little short changed.

But it's in the nature of sporting events, especially ones so significantly spiced with meaning, that an abbreviated game can still be so memorable. The Black Caps' demolition of the woeful Poms at the Cake Tin took just 40 overs in total, and Saturday's nailbiter at Eden Park against the Aussies just 15 more.

In both cases the punters got their money's worth, despite both games being conducted as though a military strike was imminent.

Call me old fashioned, but I don't mind a tight, low-scoring game. It's nostalgia on my part, I know - innings on a limited budget were the stock in trade for the teams in which I was a frontline batsman.

Not completely sure why that was, to be honest, but I'm blaming the big boundaries and inferior bats of the day.

It's a given that spectators want to see the white ball fly but from time to time I think it's healthy to see the bowlers have the whip hand.

It gives a reminder to the batsmen that even though batting surfaces tend to be near perfect these days, some shifts at the factory are tougher than others. It's on these days that batsmen of superior talent, technique and resilience distinguish themselves - Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson, take a bow.

But let's talk about the bowlers. Tim Southee and Trent Boult have both been outstanding in New Zealand conditions.

Southee is now a seasoned veteran of the highest pedigree and Boult the emerging talent who is coming into his best years.

It's worth noting, however, that a number of elements have combined to give our opening attack a tangible boost. The use of two new balls has given them an extension on the use-by date for swing in the innings.

Add to that the drop in pitches which contain a little extra zing. And don't undervalue the lushness of our rugby-player-friendly outfields that help maintain the shine, allowing the ball to stay swinging for longer.

The wicket block area, normally responsible for a considerable amount of ball scuffing, is also absent on grounds with a drop in pitch.

It pains me to say it but the favourable environs that Tim and Trent have enjoyed in Aoteoroa may be harder to conjure in the arid Australian arena, should we make it all the way to the final in Melbourne.

And what to make of the Eden Park melee last Saturday? It was like watching two cousins have a scrap at a 21st - you're not really sure what to make of it but it's entertaining all the same.

The short-of-a-gallop Aussies decided to wallop themselves into match readiness and in very short order were in freefall down a mineshaft.

In true Blue spirit they almost dragged us down with them to use as a mattress, in what would have been an unbearably humbling defeat.

Points to the Caps Noirs on the day but the ghosts of Kiwi batting collapses past was hovering until our bravest bearded schoolboy rescued us again.

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