England will be hoping to bounce straight back when they take on New Zealand
in the second test match of the three match England New Zealand test series
in Manchester this coming Thursday. England were consigned to a disappointing
draw after dominating much of the match last time around against New Zealand last
time around and will be hoping for a much more resolute performance against a
resolute New Zealand cricket outfit this Friday in Manchester.
Click for Live Score Card of England vs New Zealand
England put up a fine show in the first test match and could have gone on to
secure a win at Lords if not for a resolute performance by Jacob Oram and some
rain interruptions. The new look England bowling attack again impressed with
some fine individual performances by the likes of Ryan Sidebottom and Monty
Panesar, both of whom have impressed in recent matches. The middle order batting
will however still remain a cause of major concern for the English test cricket
outfit as the likes of Bell and Pietersen failed to capitalise on some good
starts up front. However, the return to form of Michael Vaughan and Andrew
Strauss will give them immense confidence going into this clash and much will
depend on their performances in this crucial clash in Manchester. Vaughan was
particularly impressive in his first innings century dispelling all doubts about
his lack of fitness and will be determined to go one better and lead his side
to victory in the test match in Manchester this coming Friday.
New Zealand on the other hand will consider themselves lucky to have scrapped
through after being on the rug for most of the match. The likes of Hoggard and
Sidebottom kept the opening batsmen on their toes and much of their batting
success in that clash would go down to the excellent Jacob Oram who saved
the day with a fine century. New Zealand cricket is undergoing a transition
phase at the moment with a lot of newcomers in the side and that showed in the
first test match when they were guilty of playing rash shots far too often.
This tour will be critical for the emergence of Kiwi cricket and the likes of
Matthew Sinclair, Ross Taylor and Jamie How will be hoping for a better batting
performance this time around. The bowling however still remains competitive
as proved by a fine five-wicket haul by spinner Daniel Vettori. The wily left
arm finger spinner holds all the cards for the New Zealand attack and he will
be expected to lead from the front when New Zealand take on England in the second
test match at Manchester this coming Friday, 23rd of May 2008.
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