Cricket ODI tri-series: New Zealand, England and Australia

A good start yes, but they seem to be slowing down just a little bit...

 

Let's hope they pick up the pace soon.

 

Fleming needs to get a wriggle on, although Flintoff is bowling brilliantly.

That runout was a shocker though.

 

Cripes. Gonna need some pretty impressive batting from Fleming & Vettori to see this one home.

 

Bugger.

 

You had a chance with Oram in, but after he left cheaply it was over. A good knock by Fleming, at least.

You started off so well, NZ. What happened? You slowed down to a crawl.

I guess we face England then.

 

Yes the mighty mighty England.

 

Well England have a 100% winning record against Australia in their last 1 match, so they're the in form team

 

Oh noes!

We now have Hodge though. Still one ball away from his century.

 

We are the army, the barmy barmy army

 

Isn't Pietersen coming back for the finals?

 

That was an even worse choke that Sunday night

 

If you mean the World Cup, then yes. If you mean the final against Australia next week, then I don't think so.

 

Cricinfo

Pietersen set for finals recall?
Cricinfo staff
February 5, 2007

Kevin Pietersen could be set to make a surprise return to England's one-day team, just three weeks after breaking a rib while batting against Glenn McGrath in the opening match of the CB Series at Melbourne.

Pietersen, who was criticised by Australia's former captain, Allan Border, for "getting on the plane before the X-ray was back," is an outside bet for a recall should England win their make-or-break encounter with New Zealand and qualify for next week's finals against Australia.

Asked if there were plans for Pietersen to return, an England official told reporters in Australia: "No, not at the moment, but that may be re-assessed if we beat New Zealand." The statement follows the assertion of England's wicketkeeper, Paul Nixon, who said last week, before England's crucial win over Australia: "He [Pietersen] was very keen to possibly get back for the finals."

The news, if true, is a double boost for an England team that claims to have discovered a new lease of life as an arduous tour draws to a close. Yesterday it was confirmed that the captain, Michael Vaughan, has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in Hobart and is ready to lead the team in their must-win match.

 

Makes a mockery of him flying all the way home if he does return to play though, smacks of we didnt think we would make the finals, although it will be good of he does play to get in some match practice before the world cup.

 

I'm still not sure it's the best idea in the world bringing him in for this final. If he suffers a setback, and is out for the World Cup, then that's much worse than playing without him next week.

 

I totally agree, if he is not 100% fit then he should not play. If he is however I think the practice would be good for him.

 

My thought is why change the team that just had two victories in a row? Since when was the last time England had that?

Leave it be for the first game. If the Aussies smash 'em, and Pietersen is fit, then give him a go.

I didn't even think of it like that. Huh.

 

So the first final gets underway in just over 2 hours... I am thinking that there will be no need for a third final, Australia will conquer all!

 

Should one team go 2-0 up, do they play the 3rd? I'd imagine so, for pre-world cup practise and gate-takings / advertising dollars.

 

No, they don't. I would hope for the third one being necessary (since it'll be played here) but it turns out I won't be able to go anyway.

 

Australia all out for 252 with about 9 balls spare.

 

Good fightback from England, just got to bat properly now !!

 

England 1/6 after 3 overs

 

15 for 3 after 6. Ho hum.