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Justin Langer's Postcards |
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TUESDAY 21 March 2000
Bumpy ride to windy Wellington with Test record in sight
Central Districts played good, hard cricket and provided excellent
competition but at the end of the day the past three days have been hard
work for other reasons. Firstly, the pitch on day one was as lively as
John Travolta's dance moves and, secondly, a three-day game in the
middle of the Test series did nothing for team motivation. Having played
so much cricket over the past six months it was tough for a number of
the guys to get pumped up for this particular encounter. While it gave
Michael Kasprowicz the opportunity to have a long bowl you could tell by
the body language that it was not the most inspired effort by the
Australian cricket team.
On a positive note Mark Waugh continued his excellent form with the bat
and there was valuable time spent in the middle by 'Marto' and yours
truly. In the bowling department it was heartening to see Damien Fleming
back in the game after a week's rest for his knees. He took no time at
all to find his rhythm as his five-wicket haul in the first innings
reflected. Depending upon the Wellington pitch for the second Test, it
will be a very difficult meeting for the tour selectors. As good a
problem as it is to have more options than less, Brett Lee and Colin
Miller who both had great first Tests will now be competing with a fit
'Flemo', who has been a star all summer.
An inspection of the Wellington conditions may make the decision easier
but all things being equal I wouldn't like to have to leave one of these
guys out of the starting XI. Whatever way, the team that walks out onto
the ground on Friday is sure to be a tough one for New Zealand. With the
opportunity to win the most ever consecutive Test matches by an
Australian team, the motivation will be electric in our preparation and
performance. It is not every day that you can be a part of history and
after the buzz of Warney's record last week I for one wouldn't mind
being a part of it again later this week.
Taking the flight from Napier to Wellington this morning was a little
eerie considering the size of the plane and the route to one of the
windiest parts of the world. Affectionately known as 'Windy Wellington'
we enjoyed our first taste of the weather conditions from high up above.
I have had some rough flights in my time but this morning's journey was
up there with the roughest of them. Hopefully the cloudy and windy
welcome to New Zealand's capital isn't a sign of things to come this
week.
From Wellington, JL
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