Cricket on Prozac.....1st Test Preview

So the Black Caps have survived the Lion's den and now face a true grilling in front of the Egg and Bacon brigade at Lords starting Thursday. There are several positives to come from the drawn game against the Lion's, none more so than seeing our team emerge with our collective limbs largely intact. Keeping up the traditions of all good New Zealand cricket touring sides the opening exchanges of the tour have provided a good opportunity for our players to spend some quality time in the Emergency ward. Dan the Man, Iain O'Brien, and my brother's mate have all spent time sifting through the first aid kit, and the tour is barely 3 weeks old.

Moving on, it was encouraging to see Aaron Redmond amongst the runs, disconcerting to see Jeets amongst the wickets, frustrating to watch B-Mac once again let his guns get the better of him, and downright predictable that the rest of top order largely failed. Especially worrying is the form of Ross Taylor, who wasn't exactly in the runs over in the bright lights of the IPL. The bowling was largely anodyne, but hopefully with Millsy's knee taped back together, and if the sticking plaster can hold Dan the Man's finger they can inject a bit of verve into proceedings.

In other news....Flintoff has ruled himself out with a suspicious side strain, and Shrek has rolled over and found himself in the England dressing room again. The English have a strong side heading into this first test, the nucleus of which should be pushing for Ashes spots in 2009. New Zealand's hopes rest on ripping England out for not very many, and then building a strong score to defend. It isn't rocket science, but successful New Zealand cricket strategies rarely are (okay okay the Australian tour in 2001/2002 exempted).

Paddles has been spending his time away from the selection panel wisely by bagging our top order, the same top order that he picked don't forget . He's backing Sidebottom to take a packet of wickets in the early season conditions and land us on our proverbial passion cushions. Again, not rocket science, but neither very helpful when the combined mental strength of the New Zealand top order can be compared to a carrot stick. Good one Paddles.

Finally, my team for the 1st Test at Lords: Aaron Redmond, Jamie How, James Marshall, Ross Taylor, Daniel Flynn, Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Chris Martin, Michael Mason (12th Man). Very obvious, very green, and very hopeful.

Gods speed Gentlemen.