NZ v England at Westpac
0
Tradition can be a fine young thing, especially when it comes to cricket matches played at Westpac Stadium. Especially when it comes to England who don’t get here that often.
The teams have met three times at this venue and the home side have won all three; one of them famously.
- New Zealand won by 155 runs
That was the tour most remembered for Nathan Astle’s 222, the strange Eden Park Day Night test, and the untimely passing of Ben Hollioake.
Not so remembered was the ODI at Westpac Stadium, where there was a comprehensive victory for the home side.
If it is to be remembered, it will be as Andre Adams’s ODI. New Zealand struggled to make 244/8 from their 50 overs. And Adams’s 25 from 18 at the death got them there. But let’s not overlook Chris Nevin’s pinch hitting at the top of the innings.
The tragic part about England’s chase is that it took them over 37 overs to make 89. Now that was a cautious approach to things.
And just take a look at those bowling figures.
Adams. 3/13 off 7
Harris. 2/18 off 9.
And the best of them all.
Astle 3 /4 off 2.2.
In between innings Peter Jackson got the crowd to make a range of noises that he would later dub into the background of a Lord of the Rings movie. Early days for Westpac Stadium and the pitch probably looked the part.
- New Zealand won by 6 wickets
Just look at that innings. It’s one thing to be bowled out for 130; but with two balls to spare.
He may have humiliated New Zealand later in the our but let’s salute Ryan Sidebottom’s 4 off 28 at the end of the innings.
Once again, glory days for the latter era dibbly dobblies; Styris 2/22 off his ten, and Jeets bowling at the death to pick up 2/14 off almost seven overs.
- New Zealand won by 8 wickets
That surreal Friday afternoon at the World Cup.
Southee ripping through the side with a ball that swung. The chant from 34.000 patrons evoking the Hadlee era. Those that were where will never forget those chants.
And then tThe McCullum assault on Steve Finn. Four sixes; all of them over deep extra cover. Those that were where will never forget those chants either.
And that strange moment when the lunch / dinner was called with about 10 runs needed. Imagine if the bars had been shut for that 45 minute break. You know the rest.