'Catches Win Matches 1'

Having a message session with a friend last night, I commented that West Indies' targets for New Zealand's first innings were to bowl them out in around 80 overs or less, for a score of around 250 (which can be interpreted as not much higher than 275). As things stand at close of the second day, it looks unlikely that my stern targets will be achieved. Certainly, the idea of getting 8 more wickets in 12 overs is implausible in the context of the usual shoddy standards of West Indies' fielding. However, there's still a small chance that the bowlers can make the runs target, so the true West Indies' fan won't give up hope yet.

So, let's turn yesterday's exercise around. What happens when New Zealand, batting second, puts on around 120-150 for the second wicket, starting from 20 or less? There's one example, a 1981 test between New Zealand and India. This ended in a draw.

Yesterday I showed lots of examples of West Indies' winning from the situation that Chanderpaul and Nash's stand had put them. They also drew a couple. So, all in all, this is quite a balanced Test in a series where there's all still to play for. But I think all eyes (except those of India and England fanboys) will be on Perth once play starts there.