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Preview - 2nd Test - Pakistan vs New Zealand
It’s just a quick one tonight before we head into tomorrow’s second Test match. As I’ve said in previous blogs this Test is a special one for a few reasons. It will be the 50th Test match held at the Basin Reserve. This ground holds a very special place in my heart as it’s my home ground, where I’ve learnt how to play cricket, not just take part.
Tonight our caps were presented to us by a proud 93 year old; he’s been to every Test match at the Basin. This kind of love for the game means a lot to us players. We love the game, but we also love to play in front of a crowd. No point more proven than last week in Dunedin where the crowd pulled us along and possibly shaped an amazing final day.
It’s been a tough build up for this Test. We’ve not been able to get outside even once to train since we arrived in Wellington. This is not perfect, but it is also not the worst. It was a tired team that walked off the park last Saturday the enforced lower key training sessions may well play a part in helping us stay stronger for longer. We’ve still be training, but you cannot train at the same intensity indoors as you can out.
I’ve just been out for a curry with a very good mate and feel really good; properly excited in anticipation of another Test at the Basin. Test wins at the Basin are special, they are celebrated differently to other Test matches; why? I don’t really know, but it is such a great ground to play at and that may have something to do with it. I’m not getting ahead of myself here, we’ve got some bloody hard work in front of us to achieve a win here, but we will be ‘balls out’ going for it from ball one.
Wellington, if you’re reading this, get along, help us out, make some positive noise like there was in Dunedin last week. Make it a special five days, make it a Test to remember for you and for us.
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Unlucky
Going through the commentary on cricinfo, seems the figures dont do justice to you as you seemed to be bowling real well (read you clocked 141) and should have had atleast 3 wickets. Maybe not your day. Whats the fastest you have bowled at?
Kayomarz If O'brien gets a
Kayomarz
If O'brien gets a ten wicket win and wins the game, I will take up a collection and ensure we get you to a match in New Zealand.
I have faith in your six sense and in O'brien so cant wait to see you in New Zealand ;)
Good luck for the welly test mate, should be a good one.
Thanks Scott
Now i will follow each and every ball on my mobile on cricinfo (as sadly sports sites are banned in office) and keep counting the wickets OB takes. 9 more to go :)
man of the match
Hoping my sixth sense is right (it usually is) and you get a 10 wicket haul in this match. You will then have to treat me to watch a match in NZ if that happens (just kidding)
great win and good luck
Belated congrats on the win, really gutsy effort by all but espeically by yourself bondy and tom.
Watched the last session at the local after playing club cricket, both our club teams lost but that win sure put a smile back on our faces you should of heard the roar from all the patrons it was epic.
Good luck for tomorrow, your right about the basin tests there are just the little bit more special.
Will be at Napier cheering you guys on from the bank, my team has a bye the saturday so will be a bunch of us there, look for the green shirts and give us a wave.
Wiggy
Ps When you win the man of the match in napier for your ten wicket bag remember the name Celtic Cricket when it comes to giving out the $500 prize to a local cricket club LOL
thanks, finger should be
thanks, finger should be fine!
Good Luck!
Assuming the link still works ok, will be watching the first session online tonight. Good luck & if you're fielding hope you bowl really well. Mind the finger!