LIVE – New Zealand v Zimbabwe: 1st Test – New Zealand steady after early loss – Match Update
New Zealand made steady progress against Zimbabwe after losing an early wicket in the one-off Test of the series at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045 on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
Kiwi opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BB-McCullum-c1129 was unable to make most of the flat batting pitch and gave his wicket away in an attempt to play an aggressive stroke. He managed 14 runs in his short stay at the crease.
However, opening batsman http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KS-Williamson-c1813 steadied the innings with an unbeaten half-century partnership. They played sensible cricket and have settled down in the middle now, guiding their team closer to 100.
Earlier, the tourists skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LRPL-Taylor-c1849 won the toss and decided to bat first. He rated the pitch as ‘pretty flat’ and expected his side to pile a big first innings total. There was no moisture in the wicket and the surface was hard, which suggested that
the seamers might get some bounce with the new ball.
Despite the batting friendly conditions, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 lost one wicket early. Wicketkeeper batsman McCullum came out to open the innings, but was unable to get going.
The 30-year-old player was cleaned up after scoring 14 runs off 27 balls with the help of a couple of boundaries. He attempted a pull shot off a short and wide delivery, but only managed an inside edge.
Fortunately for the Zimbabwean bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kyle-Malcolm-Jarvis-c71974, the ball crashed into the stumps after hitting McCullum’s bat. The ball did not deserve a wicket, but the rash shot from the batsman saw the visitors’ one down for 40 runs on the board.
This allowed the home team to attack the opposition, but the batting friendly conditions helped the batsmen to steady the ship.
Guptill is known to be an aggressive player, but did not take any risks during his stay at the wicket. However, he will look to make most of the start to his innings, as he has been criticised for throwing his wicket away after getting used to the conditions.
On the other hand, Williamson has a calm head on his shoulders. He has settled down nicely in the middle and will now look forward to make a big one.
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