Fleming asks for more out of top order
New Zealand were shell-shocked by the game's turnaround and Stephen Fleming asked for more out of his top order for the second Test at Adelaide
Wisden Cricinfo staff
21-Nov-2004
New Zealand were shell-shocked by the game's turnaround, and Stephen Fleming asked for more out of his top order for the second Test at Adelaide. Fleming told the press that he would not throw a "blanket" behaviour rule over his team, while John Bracewell, the coach, made some cryptic comments about the use of technology:
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Stephen Fleming
On what went wrong
The turning point was yesterday when the game was well balanced. We had Australia five down and if we could have bowled them out for parity, or for 50 to 100 runs ahead, we could have looked to set them a target. But that period in the afternoon gave them an advantage and that last partnership took the game away from us. The team that turned up today probably had a hangover from that.
The turning point was yesterday when the game was well balanced. We had Australia five down and if we could have bowled them out for parity, or for 50 to 100 runs ahead, we could have looked to set them a target. But that period in the afternoon gave them an advantage and that last partnership took the game away from us. The team that turned up today probably had a hangover from that.
On what was most disappointing
Today is extremely disappointing, but I think yesterday was more disappointing.
Today is extremely disappointing, but I think yesterday was more disappointing.
On some unlucky decisions
We're working with pretty small margins against a pretty good Australian side. We need things to go our way and when they don't it makes it hard. It hurt us at times during this game, but it's not why we lost.
We're working with pretty small margins against a pretty good Australian side. We need things to go our way and when they don't it makes it hard. It hurt us at times during this game, but it's not why we lost.
On the tension between the teams
There's nothing more than usual. I'd be disappointed if it was all cuddles and handshakes.
There's nothing more than usual. I'd be disappointed if it was all cuddles and handshakes.
On the McMillan and Gilchrist disagreement
I was interested in how it finished when I saw that conversation in the middle of the field. Craig said it was sorted and I take his word for that. He seemed pretty relaxed about it.
I was interested in how it finished when I saw that conversation in the middle of the field. Craig said it was sorted and I take his word for that. He seemed pretty relaxed about it.
On the walking situation
Just because one or two guys are on a crusade doesn't mean it changes the way of 95% of the other cricketers. We all like the game played in the best spirit, but if individuals don't it has to be respected either way.
Just because one or two guys are on a crusade doesn't mean it changes the way of 95% of the other cricketers. We all like the game played in the best spirit, but if individuals don't it has to be respected either way.
On a team agreement
I'm not going to put a blanket on my side that says they must walk or follow every gentlemanly agreement. It's still international sport and some guys are playing for their livelihoods. It's been happening for too long to be changed overnight, and putting pressure on players to do it is wrong.
I'm not going to put a blanket on my side that says they must walk or follow every gentlemanly agreement. It's still international sport and some guys are playing for their livelihoods. It's been happening for too long to be changed overnight, and putting pressure on players to do it is wrong.
On the side's batting
Today's batting was poor. In the first innings, to have No. 7 get us through to a score is becoming too much of a trend for my liking, and the top order have to improve. To get 350 is a par score ... just.
Today's batting was poor. In the first innings, to have No. 7 get us through to a score is becoming too much of a trend for my liking, and the top order have to improve. To get 350 is a par score ... just.
On any mental damage
I don't think it damages us too much because I think you expect the best to come out.
I don't think it damages us too much because I think you expect the best to come out.
John Bracewell
On more technology coming into the game for decisions
Clearly Hawk-Eye has been shown to be inadequate throughout this match. Some balls were hitting the stumps or not hitting the stumps, and the umpires, who aren't wrong, were in difference to that. Clearly the technology is not up to it yet, and shouldn't be used.
Clearly Hawk-Eye has been shown to be inadequate throughout this match. Some balls were hitting the stumps or not hitting the stumps, and the umpires, who aren't wrong, were in difference to that. Clearly the technology is not up to it yet, and shouldn't be used.
On changes to the team for Adelaide
Everybody except James Franklin is fit in the squad. We will be looking at the surface first, and obviously the history. Losing James could have made some difference for us here.
Everybody except James Franklin is fit in the squad. We will be looking at the surface first, and obviously the history. Losing James could have made some difference for us here.
On the bowling
Chris Martin was magnificent for long periods, and it was good to see him get the snap back that he lost in our winter. Dan [Vettori] bowled beautifully and to a plan for several batsmen coming in. A number of these [Australian] guys are great cricketers, they are establishing records of greatness, and there are very small windows of opportunity.
Chris Martin was magnificent for long periods, and it was good to see him get the snap back that he lost in our winter. Dan [Vettori] bowled beautifully and to a plan for several batsmen coming in. A number of these [Australian] guys are great cricketers, they are establishing records of greatness, and there are very small windows of opportunity.
On how they dealt with the Australian batsmen
Perhaps only Martin, of the quicks, had bowled against them before, and the counter-attacking may have become a little bit too much for them.
Perhaps only Martin, of the quicks, had bowled against them before, and the counter-attacking may have become a little bit too much for them.