Would it really matter even if it was turned to a dust bowl? Look at the facts and look at who the kiwis are playing for goodness sake. The Aussies are that strong at test level that they can (and regularly do) beat even the subcontinent teams on their own dusty dead surfaces. Then there's the kiwis who are so weak at test cricket that they struggle to take it to the low ranked teams like West Indies and Bangladesh. Hell, the Aussies could play blindfolded and still beat New Zealand when it comes to test cricket.

patel better then Dan!, bahahahhahahaha, give arnel a run what have we got to lose!

To those people who claim that NZ does not produce fast bowlers, I suggest that you get out and watch some club cricket some time. There are any number of pace bowlers out there. The problem appears that we do not develop them and they geniunely don't have the figures to back them up in First Class games. However, now that pitches for these fixtures are getting better, it should only be a matter of time before this type of bowler starts to rise to the top.

I always laugh at boosting comments about fringe players like Patel. Patel had a poor game against Bangladesh on a wicket that should have suited his style of bowling. His fielding is sharp, so he will play some part in the Basin game, but with Guptill starting to take on a greater role in bowling, the end may be in sight for Jeets?

I hope they give Ingram a go. I know everyone hates him now, but you can't deny the runs he's put on in domestic. Skippy has had his chances, let Ingram have these couple of test matches and see if he doesn't settle in.

nz will try but even on the best test surface in NZ (basin) the blackcaps will not be able to get 20 wickets. The batting lineup is so fragile the only proven test batsman in the lineup is Ross Taylor. With extra time on there hands the aussies will bowl NZ out both innings for less than 300.

As others have alluded my comment was no reflection of Vettori as a bowler, just that he doesn't turn it much so I don't think it would be of benefit.

However, I'm all for preparing a pitch to suit the home team. This global standardising of surfaces isn't good for competition and merely suits batting Juggernauts like the Indians. If we played them on a pre Xmas seamer we'd kick them.

shiekh of tweak #8

Couple of things (i) Least I'm putting my opinions forward (ii) What is wrong with my comments anyhow?

Vettori hasnt spun the ball for a while, im sure he injured himself (his back or something) and ever since then he hasnt really given it a good rip. But doesnt mean he isnt class, he gets them in flight.

However we will lose these 2 tests. Who cares about our bowlers, our batters cant even survive 50 overs of an odi let alone a test.

Bertram # 6 - you really know nothing about cricket. Vettori is the only respected bowler NZ has had for years. And Vettori for PM #4 - Vettori is an amazing bowler but Keith is right in that he doesn't spin the ball. Being a great spin bowler is far more complex than simply 'spinning' the ball.

Bertram #6

Never seen a more ridiculous comment in all my life