At Lord's, as the threat of Graeme Swann and the left-armers' footmarks
hung above an unusually slow and turning pitch, New Zealand imploded
like a science experiment gone wrong against the swing and seam of
Stuart Broad and James Anderson. With Daniel Vettori
ruled out of the second Test, Brendon McCullum will now have to trust
in pace at Headingley, one of the most capricious grounds in England.
Even he's not sure how it will pan out.
Vettori's lack of fitness
after six weeks on the sidelines at the IPL is perhaps unsurprising
but, having elected not to call up Jeetan Patel, in the country and
bowling fruitfully for Warwickshire, after Bruce Martin's injury, New
Zealand will field a four-man fast-bowling attack of Tim Southee, Trent
Boult, Neil Wagner and Doug Bracewell, with Kane Williamson's offspin
for backup. When asked whether Headingley was as good a place as any to
be without a frontline spinner, McCullum shrugged and said "I don't
know". Perhaps he was more concerned about the batting, after a second
sub-100 kneecapping of 2013, but given Wagner's assertion
on Wednesday that McCullum would have Vettori to fall back on as he
combines batting and wicketkeeping with the captaincy, his lack of
conviction may have been reflective of a greater loss.
Vettori would have become New Zealand's most-capped Test player had he
been involved but they will have to do without his great reservoir of
experience - not to mention his great beard - as they seek a first Test
win in England since 1999 that would help them square the series. For
England, there is the chance to build up some irresistible momentum
ahead of the Ashes, as well as seal the series.
For three drawn Tests in New Zealand, followed by three close-fought
days at Lord's, there was little to tell between the two teams but,
having punched a hole, England will now hope the dam bursts. Headingley
has borne witness to some of the more inglorious moments of their recent
history - Darren Pattinson's selection, Kevin Pietersen's unravelling
- but, with Joe Root batting like a young Len Hutton, they will hope
Yorkshire turns out in force to oversee another ecky thumping. The local
bean-counters will certainly have their fingers crossed.
Form guide
(Most recent first)England WDDDD New Zealand LDDDL
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