England’s Middle Order Collapse - Surely Not?!
May 18, 2008
England have been bowled out for 319 in their first innings in the 1st test against New Zealand - a lead of just 42.
With a match full interruptions due to rain and bad light - and surely heading for a draw - England failed to open up a good first innings lead, despite being 120-0 at one stage.
Cook’s wicket then initiated a collapse of the proportions that maybe we have to come to expect from the England test team.
120-0 to 180-4, to 208-6. Only a patient century from Michael Vaughen saved England from a first innings deficit. Vaughan’s knock of 106 from 214 balls confirmed a return to form for the former captain.
Only Cook, Strauss, and Vaughan reached a score worthy of any mention. Kevin Pieterson never looked like he was comfortable, before falling on just 3 runs. Perhaps his thoughts were on the reported £2million he has been offered to appear in next years Indian Premier League.
The game looks certain to end as a draw. Especially so as New Zealand reached stumps unscathed, just 2 runs behind at 40-0. England must be frustrated as they were desperate to force a result from this 1st test. If New Zealand are bowled out quickly tomorrow morning, then England may have a chance of gaining victory. This seems highly unlikely though.
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