Class Is Permanent

Shane Bond takes his chance to announce his return, and boy does the Black Caps attack need him. The big worry is how long he and Vettori can carry the rest.

But enough negativity, they won when they could have lost, so well done fellas.

Just Leave It, Mon

So many games in so many places at the moment, each with a different atmosphere and script.

The 'Gabba Test is the one that feels the most "authentic" to me but it looks like it could be over a little too soon. If only the Windies can find a way to score enough to make a game of it.

I get all nostalgic for a knock down/drag out Aussie/Windies test match on a bouncy wicket, under blue skies, with lots of flies and bouncers.

I can dream, can't I.

Ring A Ring A Dhoni

Despite all of the test action going on I could not resist this image.

Talk about the loneliness of leadership.

I would also feel safer with less hand holding and more guns, but then I am an old fashioned sort of guy.

There, There

It's not easy doing everything and sometimes even the captain, coach, selector, batsman, bowler needs a hug. Which is why the selection of the team physio is crucial and not a role Vettori will seek.

Sri Lanka Unbalanced

To be fair to Angelo Mathews it is not easy to keep your poise when Gambhir, Sehwag, Dravid and Tendulkar are on fire!

Redmond - Stakeholder

Loved Great Uncle Jrod's recent post on Aaron Redmond's "apology".

Speaking as a cricket stakeholder, albiet a very small stake, I think he should have been made to give all future match fees to the street poor of Dunedin. Which should buy them a couple of warm blankets.

Collie's Big Day Out

When it is going well everything sticks and when there are plenty of down days you have got to enjoy the good 'uns.

Gambhirs Gone!

Kumar Sangakkara and Rangana Herath have every right to celebrate but given the 100 odd runs that Gambhir scored he should perhaps be given the biggest hand.

Ain't No Sunshine - Then They're Gone

The loneliness of the early season spectator. Be it The Wanderers or, God(s) help us, Dunedin in November, the chances of a full days play are always stacked against the keen cricket viewer at this time of year.

Hopefully we can rely on the Aussies to produce enough fine days or else I may have to watch the Indian wickets slowly crush the life out of a test match or two.

All that cricket and so little to watch.

Caption Time!

You know the drill - and "Great minds think a like" is not an option.

Up And Over

Always good to see the young fellas getting over that front leg!

Young, Gifted and Indian

To continue the dodgy musical references - It was 20 years ago today.

Fresh faced and curly as the Little Masteronce was he still looks much better than he should after 20 seasons of professional sport.

Local Lads

"So which stand are all of your family sitting in?"

Sachin In Sand

Not the greatest likeness of the Little Master but a great sentiment.

There will be more permanent reminders made over the years but the place he holds in Indias conciousness will probably be the lasting legacy.

Not Even Close

That was the run out, and the game.

I do hope this doesn't become one of those lengthy winter tours where The England limps from one headline to another.

Dodgy Reception

But very important. The Black Caps may have lost focus but they were able to sharpen up when it really mattered. The series was eventful enough to make me wish there was another game or two instead of the up coming hit and giggle.

Ask And You Shall Receive

Classic Vettori appeal if just a little stylised.

He may have been asking for an LBW or just pleading for someone to get Aamir out!

Drive On

OK, I would normally do an image of one of the winners but I just happen to like the strength of this photo. Besides we have all seen plenty of Ponting surpressing his glee.

This is one of those series which is setting things up for some great battles in the future - I just hope they finally get my Sky on so I can watch!

Trumper Enhanced

A recent Cricinfo article sent me back to one of the great historical cricket images to see if I could give old Vic Trumper a tweak. In the end I just cleaned up the image a little - it is hard to improve on the damn near perfect.

This Little Piggy

Cheer up Styro the great thing about being an allrounder is you can stuff up batting and then come back and take a crucial three wicket bag.

Green And Gold Group Grope

Seems like this series is developing a bit of momentum and excitement, despite the lack of enthusiam from all us jaded bloggers. I guess that is another reason why they play the game rather than just read about it.

Orange Moon, Orange Moon

Those of you who saw the original photo on cricinfo probably anticipated it's appearance on this blog.

There certainly is a surreal element to NZ v Pakistan in Abu Dhabi which this image does nothing to dispel. Queenstown or Karachi, it is not.

The moon's resemblance to a cricket ball is, I am sure, purely coincidental.

The Eyes Have It, Again

The enigmatic Afridi contemplates yet another demoralisation of the Kiwis.

The Black Caps only chance to even things up is to put Vettori and Afridi head to head and let the rest just watch. It would make it more interesting for the bookies as well.

A Bit Of Fizz

Young Bollinger displays some bubble and sparkle in taking one of his three wickets.

The potential for PUNishment is great - any one care to contribute their ideas or thoughts on a champagne series? Or has your glass gone flat?

Mr Bingle

Posting may be a little patchy over the next week as I am moving house to a no braodband environment.

Couldn't resist this little charmer - sultry and sweet - you decide which is which.