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Justin Langer's Postcards |
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SATURDAY 1 April 2000
Day two first test, WestpacTrust Park, Hamilton
The great thing about cricket is that you just never know what is around
the corner. Sometimes, actually most times, the best-laid plans can come
unstuck as they did this morning. Before a ball was bowled today we were
hoping to only bat once in this Test match. After a fantastic display
yesterday it would have been our plan to score heavily in our first
innings and bowl out the New Zealanders without having to bat again. On
a pitch that seemed likely to flatten out this was a distinct
opportunity and one that seemed very attractive to every one of the
people in Hamilton wearing green and gold.
Unfortunately this scenario was blown out of the water by drinks as we
sat at 5-30 in the first hour of play. Who would have ever predicted
this? Certainly the personnel in the Australian changing room were in
some state of shock at what had occurred in the first 60 minutes. Thanks
to a fired-up Chris Cairns and the deceptive Shayne O'Connor we were in
all sorts of trouble.
Enter Damien Martyn and Adam Gilchrist. What a partnership we witnessed
for the next two hours. Replacing the baggy green cap for the gold
one-day cap, my Western Australian team-mates smashed the New Zealand
attack to every part of the ground. Their batting was entertainment at
its best as they counter-attacked brilliantly under immense pressure.
Scoring so quickly they stole back the advantage in the space of 20
overs. From the depths of despair rose two warriors who put us back into
the game.
Unfortunately Marto was left 11 runs short of his maiden Test century
but if today is anything to go by this milestone is not far away. He was
outstanding in defence and attack with his balance at the crease being a
feature of his classy innings. Once again, today was a testament to this
man who has fought hard to regain a place in the Australian Test team.
He is a class act who looks so at ease with himself that it seems a
shame that we haven't had the opportunity to enjoy his talent for so
long in the Test arena. It is a great pity that he wasn't rewarded with
a ton as he thoroughly deserved to achieve that in this Test match.
As for the state of this game I would say it currently lies in the
balance. Taking the wicket of Stephen Fleming before stumps was a huge
bonus that may have us just ahead on points. The first session tomorrow
is vital to the final result of this Test match. A couple of early
wickets may lead to a three-day match while a spirited fight by the
Kiwis will leave us with a Hobart-like run chase.
Only time will tell, as you just never know what is around the corner in
Test match cricket. That is why we love it so much.
From Hamilton, JL
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