Interesting party for New Zealand – Bairstow and Roy out, and uncapped Sibley, Crawley, and Mahmood . plus Pope with two Tests to his name, added. The frustrating thing about the lack of TV coverage is that I have never seen any of these four in action, so it is a matter of looking at their stats. Sibley, with twelve centuries in 65 first class matches and an average of 41.55 – and seemingly has improved over tha last couple of seasons – looks a pretty good bet. Crawley is only 21 years old with just 35 first class matches under his belt – three centuries and an average of 31.80 seems less of a stand-out – but as I say - never seen him play. Pope’s first class record is impressive – 30 first class matches, seven centuries and an average of 57.55 – although his two Tests weren’t a roaring success. Three innings, highest score of 28, average of 14 – but it’s early days and he is another 21 year old, so hopefully time is on his side. Now I think about it, I am sure that I watched the highlights of the series, but just about nothing has stuck in my memory! Must see of I have them recorded.
Mahmood, 22 years old and with just 16 first class matches to his name – 42 wickets at 28.90. Hasn’t done a lot of first class bowling – in those 16 matches he averages sending down 12.3 overs a match – Fred could send down that many before lunch!
And as a general comment – just two Tests. Scarcely a ‘series’ to my mind.
Mike
