What it feels like...

... to be a Black Caps supporter listening to an Aussie TV commentary.

Spooky

Khawaja On The Pull

Welcome back Usman.

Golden

The end of one golden time and perhaps the start of yet another golden era?

A Great Occasion

It was certainly a day and a game to remember, but it felt a bit like the occasion was a little too big for the players.

Waiting, In An..tici..pation

The review system is going to bring about some unexpected changes. Players are going to have to rethink the post wicket celebration - no point getting too excited until all the required agencies have been consulted.

Any one got any ideas for the slightly delayed celebration?

Warner Strikes

Steady on David. We have all felt that way about wicketkeepers, but there are some things you just can't do in the modern era.

Refer That!

What a strange test match. Funny coloured wicket, on and off weather and almost more referrals than runs. As a Black Caps supporter I am more than happy with the result but I have some sympathy with Warner and Lyon. Not their fault - have a look at the middle order.

Getting On

He is 37 and perhaps best known for what he can't do, but no one can say that Chris Martin doesn't keep running in hard.

A Little Off Balance

Sporting wicket?
Over confidence?
Good bowling?

It will be very interesting to see if the Aussie second innings can regain some of the composure they had coming into this test.

Yes, Yes, No

The art of good captaincy and batting is to know your own mind and keep things simple.

Seems like Michael Clarke is achieving a high level of clarity.

One For The Album

David Warner will have lots of things to remember his first test by.

He might want to keep this photo, just to prove to the grandchildren that he was once a test leg spinner.

Words Of Wisdom

"Keep your feet on the ground Dougie - and behind the line!"

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.

Looking For A Bit Of Sparkle

Big smiles, fresh captain faces, a positive attitude and little bit of added sparkle - anything to distract from that bloody horrible trophy.

How Big Is Too Big?

So long as it goes over the fence does it matter how much weight is behind the shot? The Big Jesse debate will add some spice (and extra carbs) to the Brisbane Test. My advice to the newbie Aussie bowlers - "Don't bowl no pies."

Golden Day/Golden Boy

Thank God Ross Taylor had one of those days where everything goes for you. Now the Black Caps need a bowler to "get hot" and the test may get interesting on Day 5.

Sit On It!

It is only fitting that in the land that gave the world bungy jumping we should witness the first Xtreme cricket test.

A whole new cricketing genre can be developed around playing in extreme conditions. Yesterday it was 130 km/hr winds but think how interesting it could be in a snow storm or perhaps a thunderstorm while playing with aluminium bats?

The spectator numbers will be low but the TV ratings could be huge.

Close observers will not that the hardy Kiwi groundstaff, seen here preventing the covers from crossing Cook Strait, remain stoically in their shorts - more a reflection of their pay rates than their toughness?

Dougie, Dougie, Dougie

Nana's Boy

He may not do what he is told but this young Basin Reserve streaker could really move. So fast and elusive in fact that he was not able to be caught.

He will remain a mystery to most of us but for the girls in the photo he seemed to have made an indelible impression.