Thoughts

Last time the Kiwis played a 3 match test series in these conditions they didn’t do too badly. India no1 at time.

That legside nudger Peter Fulton is no longer favoured in selection. Imagine him on these wickets.

Australia have never lost a CWC semi.

28^th February = Aus v NZ. In Auckland just like 1992 fixture. Fitting that NZ get home tie with Aus getting the final.

7 host cities from both countries.

21 pool games each.

18^th March = this is where the ecstasy and heartache starts.

India – only lost 1 game in their last 15 ICC ODI tournament games.

Dhoni has won 12 of his last 13 games in ICC Events.

On this day the tickets for CT13 went on sale. 2012.

Azhar Ali and Waqar Younis were common in the 3 consecutive Test victories over Australia.

This year we have had the quickest century in both formats – Tests and ODIs.

Azhar Ali vs Australia. Leeds got a 4^th innings maiden 50 in a shaky 3 wicket win. Dubai rebuilt after 7/2. Abu Dhabi twin tons.

I have seen him get the following since December 2012:

85* from 47 balls in T20

72* from 47 balls in T20

40 from 26 balls in ODI

119* from 82 balls in List A game

53 from 43 balls in ODI

So not surprised by quickest 50. Such a big lead, first innings runs behind him, getting a friendly full toss first up.

Next year key year for Kiwi sport. Defending the rugby. Hosting the cricket.

Misbah ul Haq averaged 49.6 in the 2011 event. Can he better this in 2015?

People have asked why 9^th in my bio. Bowling them out in a session, winning by 10 wkts inside 3 days. His first Test win.