Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Black Caps Save Face in First Test Cricket Against Bangladesh

The New Zealand Black Caps saved face in the first test of their series against Bangladesh in Bangladesh. After a weak batting effort in their first innings, the Black Caps compiled their highest total in a 4th innings in a test on foreign soil in a 343-test history. Full scorecard at cricinfo.com

Needing 317 to win, opener Aaron Redmond (79), Daniel Vettori (76) and Daniel Flynn (49) provided the necessary backbone to position Oram and Mills to add the final few runs to complete the victory.

Vettori provided a stable and experienced presence for his younger batsmen in the middle after he came in as nightwatchman near the close of the 4th day. This settled the innings and turned the innings in New Zealand's favour as the Vettori and Flynn partnership consolidated then chipped away at the run total.

Given the level of youth and inexperience in the Caps' batting line up, more thought should be given to Vettori moving up the batting line-up to play the kind of role he played in this test that would likely not only improve game results but also bring on the younger batsmen's development at a faster pace.

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