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Justin Langer's Postcards |
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SATURDAY 25 March 2000
Day two second test, Basin Reserve, Wellington
Today is the first time in my 10 years of first-class cricket that I
have seen the two batsmen run off the field during the drinks break for,
how should I say it ... a wee break! It wasn't that Slats and Tugga were
going through particularly nervous times against the New Zealand
bowlers; rather it was a case of the freezing cold conditions leaving
both of their bladders bursting at the seams. Having played county
cricket for the past couple of years I have had to contend with icy
climatic conditions on a number of occasions. Today was without doubt as
cold as I have seen in the UK. It was absolutely freezing cold and very
windy in Wellington.
The iceblock fingers and colder-than-usual blood pumping through the
veins of the Kiwi fieldsmen played to our advantage throughout this
excellent day for the good guys. It is always very difficult standing in
the field wearing a couple of cricket sweaters, a shirt, a t-shirt and a
couple of pairs of socks. In a funny sort of way I almost felt sorry for
our opposition as they battled the bleak skies and frosty wind. Having
said that it was a delight watching Slats bring up his 14th Test century
and Tugga blast his mandatory ton for a Test series.
Both New South Welshmen batted beautifully on a fantastic batting strip.
Slats was at his belligerent best, in a return to form which was always
'just around the corner'. He is so exciting to watch and his style of
play must be heart-breaking to any opposition bowling attack. At tea it
was impossible to predict just how many he may end the day on. But for
one false hook shot he looked set to break many records. Such is
cricket.
At the other end Tugga answered all the questions of concern that were
raised at our team meeting this morning. We as a team talked about the
need for hunger and determination to ensure we win this Test match.
Yesterday was a bit slack, and apart from two early dismissals, today
wasn't.
With a 20-run lead, Marto looking in awesome touch, Tugga as hungry as
Jacks and Gilly still to come, we have reversed the momentum of this
game and look forward to nailing home the advantage when the first ball
is bowled in the morning. The longer we can bat the better, not only for
the state of the game but also for the comfort of the warm changing
room.
From Wellington, JL
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