The Series between New Zealand and
England was not the part of ICC Test Championship but it couldn’t deny the fact
the series involved some good traditional cricket where New Zealand outwitted
England to maintain their impressive home record
As
the rain poured on the last day at Seddon Park, England’s hope of winning
their first test in New Zealand, since was dashed, on the other hand, New
Zealand continued their impressive home record, Since April 2012 they have
lost only two home series (against Australia in 2016 and South Africa in 2017).
New Zealand – Report Card
Positives
The
main positive was that almost everyone apart from Jeet Raval contributed to the
cause of the team. Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, and Ross Taylor made hundreds at
Seddon Park while Mitchell Santner and BJ Watling dominated England in the
First Test. Henry Nicholls looked good in patches without contributing much. On
the other hand all-rounders, Colin de Grandhomme and Daryl Mitchell scored
crucial half-centuries contributing to the team’s cause. These players formed 7
out of top 8 from New Zealand’s top order.
In
the bowling, Neil Wagner was brilliant he picked up 13 wickets on what was
mixed surfaces and majority of the time needed something extra from the
bowlers. Tim Southee bowled with a lot of control and Mitchel Santner bowled a
fine spell on the fourth evening in Mount Maunganui.
Weak Areas
The
fitness of Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme is a crucial one for New Zealand
as they head off to Australia for a three-test match series, On the other hand, New Zealand need to decide
whether they would like to have another spinner apart from Santner because while
Santner is a useful all-rounder but he does not seem to be a match-winner bowler.
The next five Tests are a very crucial one
for New Zealand as they take on India at home after the series against
Australia and they seek to build on their reputation and championship points
they need to perform
England – Report Card
Positives
The
biggest positive for England on this tour was Joe Root coming to the form and
that is something which he team needs desperately now as they take on South
Africa in South Africa. Joe Burns, Olie Pope seem to have sealed the spot but
England’s Test side just does not have clarity about their game and batting
order . Ben Stokes is only other member
in top 7 who seem to have certainty about his place , there are still three
places up for grabs.
While
England toiled in bowling,Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes had a decent tour but
the youngsters like Jofra Archer and Jack Leach were disappointment particular
Leach who just after one test seem to have fallen own the choice .If James
Anderson and Mark Wood are fit they will surely return
Weak Areas
The
Rise of England’s One day Cricket started in 2015 and the T-20I cricket also
improved with the time, today they are force to recon with in limited over
cricket, they have two world cup in both the editions, however all this success
has come at a cost, England’s Test fortunes have continued to dwindle as ECB’s
priorities have also changed. The England’s test side does not look settled and
the problem is that England is losing one test specialist after another without
having proper replacements. The Rise of Jofra Archer in the bowling might have
given them relief but England need more players between age of 20-22 who can
take their cricket forward especially the batsmen.
England
next assignment is against South Africa, a team which has been facing some
serious issues on and off the field but still they have enough arsenal to put
England down and if does not put all their plans in line a series loss that may
lead to disastrous returns ,with championship points at stake next few months
are very crucial for England
Some of the Key highlights from the
series
·
New Zealand and England have played 105
tests ,with England winning 48 and New Zealand winning 11 of them , 46 of them
have resulted in draw
·
In New Zealand , New Zealand and England
have played 51 tests, with England winning 18 and New Zealand winning 06 of
them , 27 of them have resulted in draw
·
Ross Taylor(7022) became the second New
Zealand batsman to score 7000 runs after Stephan Fleming (7172 runs)
·
Kane Williamson now has 21 centuries
while Ross Taylor has 19 , both of them stand as the top two century makers for
New Zealand
·
Joe Root who has now captained England
in 35 tests over took Graham Gooch (34) and now sits at no.7 in the list topped
by Alistair Cook with 59 Tests
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