The Orange Boult

Nice to see Trent Boult getting involved, although Macca does not seem that thrilled.

With Full Intent

Live by the sword and retire still slashing and thrusting - not a bad way to go out.

Coming Out Party

Some of us have been Black Caps supporters for too long to make really lengthy predictions, but it seems safe to say that Brendan McCullum came of age at the Basin Reserve. It wasn't some much what he did that impressed but the way he did it. There were times when he seemed as intense as a Steve Waugh - now that is a core you can build around.

Serious Stuff

Ok, I love what they have achieved, but I am even more pleased with the hard arsed manner in which they went about it. It is the sort of attitudinal stake in the ground that a team can build a culture around. Long may the Black Caps take things seriously.

A Mad Scramble

Good to see BJ Watling prepared to get down and dirty in an effort to save the second test. It may be a big ask but at least he and Brendan McCullum have shown they are prepared to graft.

Cutting A Bit Of A Dash

Short, wide and gone seemed to be the story of Day 1 in Dunedin. Not sure where the Windies will bowl tomorrow but at the stumps might be a cunning plan.

As I Suspected...

... normal service was resumed rather quickly. Oh well, only 3 one dayers and three tests to go.

Game On?

In the flaky and fickle world of T20 who knows what the win in Hamilton means for the games coming up? Black Caps supporters have had more than their share of false sunsets in the past!

The Captain's Job Description

Less Talk - More action

You got to think that Brendan McCullum has probably not looked forward to a plane flight with as much enthusiasm for a long time. Bye bye media scrum, hello best bowling attack in the world.

There is one way to sort things out real quickly, and improve his public perception - in the famous words of NFL owner Al Davis "just win, baby".

A Dark Dismissal

Brendan McCullum is not impressed.

Any Thing You Can Do...

And before the grammar police kick my door down I know it should be "you're" - get over it.

Brutal

Not so much the barrage of bouncers but the wimpy way the Black Caps lost 5 wickets for no/zero/naught/bugger all runs.

Pure Hitting

Brendan McCullum might not be happy about the result but you can bet he appreciated the pure quality of Richard Lev's striking. Winning the match from opener with 13 sixes is "boys own" stuff, something that McCullum knows a little bit about. 

Bright But Gloomy

Funny old day.

Lots of bright starts and good intentions, thwarted by stumbles and errors. The sun should lift the spirits and the concentration levels of both sides.

Hobson's Choice?

Be it the choice of the players or management, the decision has been made and we now wait to see how it all shakes out. If these two both make serious runs it won't really matter who is calling "heads" at the start of the game.

Speechless

This one is crying out for a caption but for the life of me I can't think of one.

A little help someone?

Deep In Ponder

Now what might, or more importantly, what should Brendan McCullum be thinking as he contemplates his early dismissal? All thoughts on the back of an envelope in 45 words or less - or just leave a comment!

Head Cases

The Black Collapse have just illustrated, yet again, one of the great mysteries of modern sport - why any one would employ a sports psychologist!?.

If these pussy willows are a product of a coordinated programme of coaching and mental preparation I can't help thinking that someone, perhaps the poor sods who turn up to watch in Hamilton, deserves a considerable refund on their investment. The only investment that seems dodgier is some one prepared to pay a million US dollars for Ross Taylor - good luck with that.

Red and Black

One thing about T20, you do have to stay focused.

Concentration is evident on both faces in this image.