Monty Panesar is coming of age with each next test match...and is proving his worth with match-winning performances. English team got a win under their belt in the 2nd Test Match against New Zealand, all set up with a brilliant bowling performance from the spinster....with figures of 6 for 37 in the second innings to set up an unlikely victory....
Where Kiwis were pretty much dominant after a breezy 154 from Ross Taylor which reminded many of Martin Crowe and a the routine 5 wicket hall from Vettori, Kiwis looked well set for cruising to victory.
Not to be. Monty turned around and some good pressure applied by all English players...made the Kiwis crack under pressure and wrapped up at 114. That set up England with a much achievable 294.
A good solid start and a much required Andy Strauss century, made that a rather comfortable run-chase ending the test match on the 4th day but it was Monty who made a match out of it for England who were pretty much looking at a 400+ target to chase with Vettori on the last day.
Lots of positives for both teams but Kiwis are unable to come out of the underdogs label by such give-away performances. Test matches are played in sessions and the more sessions you win or lose decides the match. The most consistent throughout wins. Thats what makes it more interesting.
UTP, that's remain the problem with the Kiwis, cricket's nearly men. Till Mony came to bowl, things were going their way but then you can't have a team better adept at self-destruction.
ReplyDeleteWho do you think is a better spinner... Monty or vettori?
ReplyDeleteNZ showed their age old problem...freezing at final hurdle...
ReplyDelete@som - nearly men...they have been a much better team than what records show...
ReplyDelete@scorpicity - tough one but I think Vettori is much more than just a spinner...hence he is definitely the better brain and better all-round cricketer. Spin-wise...I think Monty at his age...would be a more dangerous...even though Vettori is no less...right now....
@straight point - true that...I wonder how will this change....
Monty has more weapons, he can take more wickets and he has more quality help, Vettori doesn't have any help if runs flow from the other end then he cant do much.
ReplyDelete@wasim - agreed on that...Monty with the same experience at Vettori has today...will come to be a better choice in any form of the game...
ReplyDelete