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END OF DAY TWO: Black Caps 404-8 (S Bond
8*, I O'Brien 2*)
Partnership 2 runs, 0.1 overs, RR: 12.00 (Bond
0, O'Brien 2)
2002: And that's stumps for the day. Marvellous
regard effort from the Black Caps and Daniel Vettori will be
bitterly disappointed to miss out on a Test century. But not to
detract from his performance, pulling his side out from a
precarious situation at 276-6 at the end of day one. They are now
firmly in the box seat, and if the tail enders can hang around for
a bit tomorrow and add another 30 runs then things will look even
better.
Do join us tomorrow at the earlier time of 1130 for the third day's
play. Be sure to read Max Bania's report in the morning. Thanks and
goodnight!
1938: Still waiting on official confirmation that there won't be anymore play today.
1915 Bania From the boundary: Hard to see the light improving at 7:10pm. That must be it for the day. 'I'm going where the sun keeps shining through the pouring rain', croons Harry Nilsson over the PA system. Lucky him.
And the television guys have decided that's it for them as well,
as they believe that will be it for the day. It's not official yet
though.
1907: Black Caps 404-8 (S Bond 8* I
O'Brien 2*)
The light has been offered and the Black Caps have gone off. Dan
Vettori sits in the dressing room looking furious with himself.
1906 WICKET: D Vettori OUT b Gul c
Akmal for 99 (FOW 402-8)
Tragedy for Vettori! He's gone for 99! Oh dear, just a
little tickle to Akmal behind the stumps. What a shame, not to many
at the ground to see the disappointed captain slump off.
1906: Black Caps 399-7 (D Vettori 98* S Bond 8*)
Single for Vettori takes him to 99 and brings up the Black Caps'
400. Gul tests Bond with a short one, but it's too short and
Taufel calls it wide. Bond is very watchful and lets all the decent
deliveries go outside off stump. Big yell for LBW against Bond
after a good yorker cannons into his pad. Looked like it was going
down leg, but they have gone for the review. Taufel's decision
stands after it was seen to be sliding down legside.
1854: Black Caps 399-7 (D Vettori 98* S Bond
8*)
Vettori looking for his 100 now. Is looking a little edgey. Works a
single to get to 98. Then Bond, Shane Bond, smahes Asif over the
covers for a cracking four!
1851 Bania From the boundary: Only the diehard fans are still here. The light is ok and the rain threat has subsided. Huge credit to the groundstaff for their cleanup effort.
1849: Black Caps 392-7 (D Vettori 96* S Bond
4*)
Vettori edges and is dropped at first slip! Goes through the hands
of Farhat and down to the boundary for four. There was
confusion between the wicket keeper and first slip and that is
Farhat's third dropped chance.
1844: Black Caps 386-7 (D Vettori 91* S Bond
4*)
Bond's defence is excellent. He has worked on his batting and it
shows. Good forward defence as he sees of Asif. Pakistani captain
Mohammad Yousuf is complaining to umpire Doctrove, trying to
get his side off the field. Maiden over.
1839: Black Caps 386-7 (D Vettori 91* S Bond
4*)
And we're back underway believe it or not. Gul to finish the over,
Bond facing. Bond gets Vettori back on strike and next ball the
skipper smashes Gul through mid-off for four runs, superb
placement.
1827:Good news! We will have some more play this evening, if there is no more rain. The scheduled restart is 1835.
1811: Still waiting for some word on when/if there will be anymore play. Our man at the ground, Max Bania, has thrown in the towel as have 98% of all other journalists' and spectators at the University Oval. As soon as we know what's happening we will let you know.
1743: In saying that, going back to the ground and the rain appears to have stopped! There's movement from the grounds staff and the word is that there might yet be some play. Umpires Billy Doctrove and Simon Taufel are meeting with the grounds staff. Not much more news than that but the rain has stopped and there is hope of maybe an hours play or so. The Black Caps will be eager to get out there one suspects, in order to advance the game. Vettori will also have a chance to bring up his ton. The Pakistanis are loitering around their dressing room but they don't look to keen to get back out there!
1732: Still raining at the ground. Everyone's just waiting for the officials to call stumps for the day..
1712 Bania From the boundary: Coming down as hard as ever now. It's just a question of what will run out first: the groundsmen's patience of my repertoire of pithy one-line updates.
1702: A very interesting and informative Dilmah Tea Party with former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq talking about bowling the doosra. Now we're back to the archives as it's still bucketing down at the University Oval.
1659 Bania From the boundary: A reggae re-mix of Chris Isaac's "Wicked Game" has made it onto the PA system now. A new low point for the day. Still raining steadily, in case you were wondering.
1653 Bania From the boundary: The rain has stopped! Nostradamus Bania strikes again. But the groundsmen are saying it'll take at least an hour to dry out, by which point light will be a factor. And now it's raining again... Something for Dunedinites to smile about though: Central Districts 81 for 7 in Napier in reply to Otago's 594 for 8 declared. Skippy Sinclair's rollicking start to the season has come to a screeching halt with a four ball duck.
1644 Bania From the boundary: If today's play
was a dog, it would've been put out of its misery now. Yet
because the day is scheduled to go so late, we could be sitting
here in the rain until 6pm before it gets called off. Time
for the officials to make a sensible decision because it's clear
this rain isn't going anywhere fast.
On the television we have the Dilmah Tea Party.
1624 Bania from the boundary: Rain fully set in now. I'd be lying if I said I'd come prepared. T-shirt and shorts weather this is not. Anyone in the North Dunedin area with a spare umbrella and/or raincoat who feels like going for a wander down to Uni Oval? There's a case of Southern Gold in it for anyone who's keen.
1621 Bania from the boundary: There are now officially more seagulls than people at the ground now. I know because I've counted.
1610 Bania from the boundary: Rain coming down
as hard as it has at any stage and it doesn't look promising at all
from the south either. Expect play to be abandoned and beer
o'clock to be called within the next half hour if this doesn't ease
up.
1558 Bania from the boundary: Lo and behold, it's
raining again and on come the covers. This could be the
pattern for most of the afternoon, I'm afraid. "Here comes the rain
again" by the Eurhythmics comes on over the PA system. They
haven't missed a trick so far today.
1551 Bania from the boundary: Play to resume at
4.05pm, so 16mins from now. Tea to be taken at 6pm, with play to be
extended until 8.30pm if necessary. Fat chance. And even if it is,
I won't be here to see it.
1544 Bania from the boundary: The main covers come
off to hearty applause - or at least there would be, if there was
anyone left at the ground - but the hessian covers remain on the
pitch. And bad news reaches me from Waihola, 40km or so to the
south of here. "It's bucketing down here, mate", says a TVNZ
insider, albeit in slightly cruder terms than that.
1541:
Update from the telecast is that the groundsmen will
start removing the covers shortly. No word on how long it will take
to get play back underway.
1538 Bania from the boundary: The rain has
stopped and the groundsmen are milling around on the boundary.
Don't forget this ground has had its drainage issues. Perhaps
not a huge surprise since it used to be a swamp. I was here
last December for the West Indies Test and that was ruined as much
by the poor drainage as the persistent Dunedin drizzle.
1531:
Nothing from the broadcast. Still showing archive
footage.
1524 Bania from the boundary: No news is bad news, I'm afraid. Wispy rain still falling, although the sky to the south is looking brighter all the time. In the meantime, plenty of runs being scored at Plunket Shield level. Congratulations to Chris Harris, who made 105 today at the ripe old age of 40. In Napier, Neil Broom was finally out for 196 today. Good to see plenty of runs being scored at domestic level.
1512 Bania from the boundary: "It's a pretty bleak sight out there at the moment. The covers are on and the groundsmen are nowhere in sight. The drizzle is only light but the word is that even if it stopped now it'd take an hour to get play back underway. The bank is devoid of fans now. On the plus side, the covered Otago Daily Times stand is as full as I've ever seen it"
1509: The SKY commentators say that the weather is getting better and the rain is easing up. Fingers crossed.
1506: The rain is heavier now so that's not such good news. We will keep you posted.
1459 Bania from the boundary: "Weather with
you" by Crowded House comes over the PA system for the first time
this summer, but certainly not the last, you suspect. But the
sky is brightening to the south already and it could well be that
this is just a passing shower.
1456: Black Caps 381-7 (D Vettori 87*, S Bond
3*)
And thanks must go to Max Bania for putting the knockers on the
Dunedin weather. Drizzle continues into the Gul over and only one
delivery and the players are strolling off. It's not heavy rain but
there is also no wind which is not good news.
1455 Bania from the boundary: A few drops of rain falling, and before you know it it's a shower, and in the immortal words of the 12th Man/Tony Greig, "I can't help but feel that it won't be very long at all before this match gets pissed on from a great height
1454: Black Caps 381-7 (D Vettori 87*, S Bond
3*)
Two runs off the Ajmal over as Vettori and Bond work singles.
1452: Black Caps 379-7 (D Vettori 86*, S Bond
2*)
Gul bowling to Bond. He drives at a good length delivery outside
off and misses. Maiden over.
1447: Black Caps 379-7 (D Vettori 86*, S Bond 2*)
Ajmal starts, and Vettori is confident enough in Bond and
rotates the strike. Bond holds out the rest of the deliveries.
1443: Black Caps 375-6 (D Vettori 83*, S Bond
0*)
Welcome back. Mr Bond takes up strike. And he can hold a bat, he
should be able to stick around with Vettori for a bit. Good start
for Pakistan as it's a maiden.
1440 Bania from the boundary: At this point can I
just say what a truly heartwarming sight it is to see a stand going
up on the site of the new rugby stadium across the road. It's
an impressive looking structure, even in its infancy.
Meanwhile the players are back on the field and it's the prodigal
son, Shane Bond, replacing Brendon McCullum.
LUNCH: Black Caps 375-7 (D Vettori
83*, B McCullum 78)
Partnership 164 runs, 117.2 overs, RR: 3.71 (Vettori
84, McCullum 78)
1400 Bania from the boundary: A hearty cheer from
the Basin as Umar Gul brings up his hundred - and next ball
McCullum departs to a lazy shot. Terrible time to get out but
it's still been well and truly New Zealand's session. 99 runs in
the session for just the loss of McCullum.
1358: Black Caps 375-6 (D Vettori 83*, B McCullum
78*)
That's lunch. Unfortunate time to lose a wicket for the Black Caps
but what a partnership. 164 runs between McCullum and Vettori and
they've really put the New Zealanders on top.
1358 WICKET: B McCullum OUT bowled Gul
for 78 (FOW 375-7)
Bowled him! Gul gets his reward finally. He's tried hard
all morning and delivers a fantastic yorker which swings in a tad,
McCullum gets an inside edge and his middle peg is flattened.
1358: Black Caps 374-6 (D Vettori 83*, B McCullum
78*)
The talking has stopped between the fielders, lots of hands in
pockets. Four from McCullum as he punches back past Ajmal.
1356: Black Caps 370-6 (D Vettori 83*, B McCullum
74*)
Good over, just the one off it from Gul. Threw in a bouncer to
Vettori who ducked underneath no worries.
1351: Black Caps 369-6 (D Vettori 83*, B McCullum
73*)
McCullum edges Ajmal for four, played with soft hands and the ball
ran straight into the ground, no slips and four.
1348: Black Caps 364-6 (D Vettori 83*, B McCullum
68*)
Gul continues, Vettori is heading towards another Test century.
Good over this, the line and length is spot on not allowing room
for either batsman to loosen the arms. Probing just outside off and
Vettori is punching into the covers. Maiden.
1343: Black Caps 364-6 (D Vettori 83*, B McCullum
68*)
Ajmal over the wicket. Singles to Vettori and McCullum.
1341: Black Caps 361-6 (D Vettori 80*, B McCullum
68*)
Gul is approaching the century on the bowling firgures, 98 runs off
27 overs. He's bowled better than that. Maiden over.
1337: Black Caps 361-6 (D Vettori 80*, B McCullum
68*)
Single as McCullum cuts to point. Vettori bashes a four on the
sweep through midwicket. 150 run partnership comes up.
1334: Black Caps 356-6 (D Vettori 76*, B McCullum
67*)
Just a single to McCullum as he works to third man.
1330: Bania from boundary: Ajmal varied his
pace nicely in that over. Vettori is having to wait for the ball
and there's always the danger he'll go through with the shot too
soon and spoon one in the air.
1329: Black Caps 355-6 (D Vettori 76*, B McCullum
66*)
Ajmal to Vettori and the captain is looking for the favoured sweep
shot. Can't find the gap and finds the man stationed at midwicket.
First maiden over of the morning!
1326: Black Caps 355-6 (D Vettori 76*, B McCullum
66*)
More Gul, and a quick single as Vettori dabs to backward
point. Gul has been a bit expensive so far, going at nearly
four runs an over. The partnership is worth 144 now, superb stuff
from these two.
1323: Black Caps 354-6 (D Vettori 75*, B McCullum
66*)
Vettori smashes Ajmal through midwicket for four, and
there's a single to McCullum.
1319: Black Caps 348-6 (D Vettori 70*, B McCullum
65*)
Pakistan hold a quick summit meeting, no clues as to what
they're discussing. We need a plan to get a wicket boys! A few
singles for both batsman just picking out the gaps. a no-ball off
the last ball of the over which means a frustrated Gul storms back
to his mark to bowl another delivery.
1313: Black Caps 344-6 (D Vettori 69*, B McCullum
63*)
Vettori sweeps a Ajmal delivery away on the onside for
four, six runs off the over.
1309: Black Caps 338-6 (D Vettori 64*, B McCullum
62*)
Gul to take up the attack. McCullum crashes a four through
point. Hot Spot shows the balls flew right off the middle of the
bat and away to the fence. McCullum hooks for four to finish
the over. He's starting to look dangerous
now.
1302: Black Caps 329-6 (D Vettori 63*, B McCullum
54*)
More Ajmal, and McCullum is almost undone by a huge spinning
delivery, he manages to work it onto the legside. Drinks time and
it's been a fantastic morning for the Kiwi's who are working
towards the 350 mark now. Pakistan are still searching for the
crucial breakthrough.
1258: Black Caps 326-6 (D Vettori 61*, B McCullum
54*)
Here comes Gul for Pakistan, will he be the one to get the
breakthrough? Starts off well, good line and length. Pitching up to
Vettori a bit more than Aamer and Asif who were bowling too
short. More singles for both batsmen, finding the gaps with
ease now. McCullum goes to flick through midwicket but gets a
leading edge. It flies up in the air but falls safe of the
fielder running back from
midwicket.
1251: Bania from boundary: How long will it take Pakistan's bowlers to realise short and wide is not the place to bowl to Vettori? There doesn't seem to be much of a plan so far.
1251: Black Caps 321-6 (D Vettori 59*, B McCullum
51*)
Bowling change as the spinner Ajmal comes into the attack. McCullum
brings up his half century with a well timed cut through point.
1248: Black Caps 317-6 (D Vettori 59*, B McCullum
47*)
Pakistan will need a wicket soon or the alarm bells will really
start ringing. Asif continues, McCullum gets two as he clips
through midwicket.
1243: Black Caps 313-6 (D Vettori 58*, B McCullum
44*)
Vettori reaches his 50, and eases a couple of fours down through
third man. His favorite shot. McCullum on strike and he clips
a four through fine leg. 100 partnership up and the Pakistanis are
starting to look a bit ragged.
1239: Black Caps 300-6 (D Vettori 49*, B McCullum
40*)
The 300 comes up for the Black Caps as Vettori works down to thrid
man for one. The Pakistanis appeal to umpire Taufel for a ball
change but they're told to get on with it.
1234: Black Caps 299-6 (D Vettori 48*, B McCullum
40*)
Couple of runs to both batsmen as they rotate the strike.
McCullum receives a nasty one right on the side of the
helmet. He does well to get the gloves and bat out of the way and
their was no danger of being dismissed in the end. Great
bowling by Aamer though.
1228: Black Caps 297-6 (D Vettori 47*, B McCullum
39*)
Asif continuing, and Vettori under the gun at the moment. He gets
another short delivery and is hit on the shoulder, and the skipper
takes a walk around the crease in frustration. He's hit a second
time in the over after playing too early.
1223: Black Caps 296-6 (D Vettori 47*, B McCullum
38*)
Vettori starts the over by hammering Aamer
through backward point for four, great shot. He then
eases one through backward point for a single. Vettori flays at a
wide one and misses the edge. Aamer gives Vettori some chin music,
ripping in a great bouncer to finish the over.
1218: Black Caps 276-6 (D Vettori 42*, B McCullum
37*)
The SKY commentary team are scrutinising the Umpire Review System,
with the two reviews yesterday involving Taylor and McCullum.
McCullum drives nicely through the covers for a couple. He's
batting a long way out of his crease, taking LBW out of play.
McCullums smashes a poor Asif half volley down
through mid-off.
1214: Black Caps 276-6 (D Vettori 42*, B McCullum
31*)
Aamer continues, and Vettori finds a single as he works
the ball out through square leg. Two off the over as McCullum runs
through for a single.
1213: Bania from boundary: Strangely cautious field from Pakistan this morning: just two slips, a gully, deep point, cover, mid off, mid on, mid wicket and a fine leg. Surely Yousuf has to attack more early on with a relatively new ball.
1208: Black Caps 276-6 (D Vettori 41*, B McCullum
30*)
McCullum edges and it's just wide of second slip!
Runs down to the boundary for four. McCullum decides he'll play the
rest of the over safe and defends back to the bowler
Asif.
1204: Black Caps 276-6 (D Vettori
41*, B McCullum 26*)
Aamer starts up for the Pakistanis and he gives Vettori a bouncer
first up. Vettori races through for a quick single off the second
ball. Aamer maintains a good line and length just outside off and
McCullum remains watchful, shouldering arms. He races through for a
single off the last ball.
1155: Umpires making their way out to the middle, and we're almost set for the morning session. Vettori taking guard at the strikers end.
1148: Weather looks great for today, fine throughout and the light should stay good as well.
1136: Good morning and welcome to the second
day of the first Test between the Black Caps and Pakistan. The
Kiwis will be looking to push on from 276/6 with McCullum and
Vettori at the crease.
