Cricket in the Ides

It's not their fault but gee New Zealand cricketers are a boring lot.

The first Test against the Sheep Shaggers has begun at the Puddy Basin Reserve (is there any other Test venue in the world that is called a reserve?) and several things went as planned or should I say expected. Shane Watson, long overdue an injury, is out with a thigh strain and with those thighs it's no wonder they are strained. I think its caused by flexing them in black and white. Apparently the Australia conditioner and part time souvlaki supplier Alex Kountouris has received the most mail since Bradman was the sheet anchor, with offers from young woman claiming the credentials needed to massage that wounded thigh.

Watson out injured ... surprise, surprise, surprise and if that's not enough, Hughes drops into the team and is caught in the slips after four quick boundaries in another act fully anticipated. I for one am now prepared to say its not going to happen for the Hughes kid. He should go back to first class cricket and in all likelihood stay there. Be a hero in a Blue cap because Green's not going to be your colour.

Australia to win both these games comfortably because Dan Vettori is not a number six and the fact he has scored more runs, taken more wickets and more catches than any other Kiwi in this 1st Test line-up is wonderful for him but a sad testiment on the rest. All of our state sides and most of the 2nd XI's would beat this NZ side. In fact, I'd back the NSW U/19's. They'll be competitive with the ball but their batting has no spine and at times, were it an offence like the voluntary tackle in league, many of NZ's top six (for that read anyone above Vettori) could easily be accused of voluntary dismissals. Vettori will battle away and McCullum and Martin will snort like a bull but to no avail.

The selction of Ryan Harris was necessary against such weak opposition why not take a few giant leaps and bring in Josh Hazelwood and even better, the by now well prepared Steve Smith. The kid is a brilliant fieldsman, an aggressive bat and serviceable leg spinner. If not, send him off on camp with Shane Warne. Sure, he'll come back smoking and with numb texting fingers but he'll be able turn something, hopefully the leg break. Abandon North? Probably but let's face it, he would have been a surer bet opening than Hughes.

Meanwhile, in a match that has some meaning, Victoria and Queensland are going to play this one to the death but its unlikely they'll need the fifth day. Neither side has blokes who can play the long innings but both have handy attacks. It should be attacking cricket.