Sound's more like mind games. A bit like Ajmal Teesra and Shane Warne next new delivery for the Ashes.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was a bit of mind games, although England tend not to go down that route much, but he is certainly bowling fast and his new run up does seem to have added a bit of pace. Not sure if it's 100mph though.

Would they use speed guns during nets? I don't think so. His 90-95 range is more than enough? But needs to make sure he's not hitting the wickets with the re rule change

Would they use speed guns during nets? I don't think so.

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England do use a sped gun in the nets and have done for a couple of years now.

HMM makes this the match thread for tonight

Title changed.

Wasnt aware of that bearded

At least with NZ tests you can watch the first innings comfortably with work the next day. I think New zealand might suprise a few of us. Not saying they will win the series, but will give it a good shot.

100 mph does sound like trying to put the wind up the NZ batsmen.

Wasnt aware of that bearded

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Think the tech guys who spend their time on computers looking at the bowlers actions and things like that seem to like the speed gun there so Flower asked for one at net sessions. Apparently they feel your form as a bowler is directly linked to your speed, as your form dips so does your speed so it lets them keep an eye on all bowlers form and confidence. Don't see it myself but then again never seen why a computer can help any cricketer so no surprise there.

I agree I think its mind games, they also said that Broad was bowling over 82mph.... No way!.

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they also said that Broad was bowling over 82mph....


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Surely for mind games to be effective they have to be half way believeable !

Looking forward to this, test cricket is back, I think NZ will be competitive but England should win and hopefully in some style. Really hoping Jimmy gets a load of wickets and starts to close on the 300 club.

Sounds like the weather will effect this first day but with three tests and a better start time than the India series I should get some good viewing in.

Any chance of making this a live article?

Think only HMM can do that.

NZ have won toss and field first. Right decision to bring in broad?

Match delayed by bad light and it's 10:30 in the morning

I would have liked to see Onions get a game but he did nothing in the warm up to put pressure on Broad. Lets hope hes bowling a bit faster than he did in India.

Hope Monty has a good game, if Swanns injury is a recurring one he could play a big part over the next year and he is definitely a confidence player.

Oh well its raining

Swann has gone home to have surgery on elbow.

Think it's a good thing. Better for him to be missing now, and fully fit for the Ashes.

Hi all. No much point in making this live yet, given the lack of play.

Agreed, get it done now then he's fit for the ashes. We will hopefully beat New Zealand comfortably anyway.

http://www.vitalcricket.com/article.asp?a=1042

Compton

Hard to see him opening in the Ashes unless he gets a few big scores in the two NZ series.

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Could do with this being live - doing the night shift.

I reckon this first test will be a draw. England will be a bit rusty, and with a day's play gone already, a draw is my bet.