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Here’s some statistics. Since the start of 2003, Daniel Vettori has had 48 Test innings and averaged 41.60 with two hundreds and 11 fifties. Since the start of 2005, he’s averaged 48.18.
Not half bad for a number eight batsman. You’ve really got to redefine what the middle-order is with New Zealand. In that period since the start of 2003, England’s combined number eights have produced five fifties – two of which were from Matt Prior when a nightwatchman had gone in.
What’s even more remarkable about that fact is that England’s number eight came to the crease 98 times during that period. That’s over twice as many innings as Vettori’s had.
Ah, but Vettori doesn’t always bat at eight, you say? No, he doesn’t. When he’s batted at eight since 2003, he’s averaged 53.95.
Duncan Fletcher must be frothing at the mouth – and if he found out about this, who knows what would happen.
it’s the glasses isn’t. Speckoids have special powers. I fear them.
Daniel Vettori, Curtis Mayfield… er, Dennis Taylor.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’d switch teams for him.
He averages 78 this year, and 75 last year. Admittedly that;s only 7 innings, but that’s pretty good.
I reckon Young Buck Rashid, is our only chance of getting a bowler anywhere near that good.
So what is going on, New Zealands possibly match winning partnership of 148 was by a batsman who went into the match averaging 11 and their no. 8. That same partnership was broken by Englands premier strike bowlers Kevin Peiterson and Paul Collingwood. Hoggard’s batting at number 3 for England. What’s going on? Maybe a double hundred from Monty followed up by Ian Bell returning figures of 5 – 12 to win the match.
Number 8 has to be Rashid and pretty damn soon. The England tail is a disgrace, even Sidebottom himself had to stifle a laugh when asked if he was good enought to bat at 8 in Tests…
Ben, re what’s going on: England are generously making it interesting for us.
Daniel was just out for a duck in NZ’s second innings but even that followed a fine 50 not out in the first innings. Whatever his batting secret is, it’s working well. He’s certainly a very fine cricketer, no secret at least about that.