As expected, this bowling attack is a joke.
As we've seen, the difference between Southee + Boult and Southee or Boult is tremendous. Henry, Bracewell, Milne should not be operating as lone wolves. I can't see what they'd be learning from being punished for runs upon runs. Learning to bowl to defensive fields? sorry, but we have limited overs cricket for that.
Definitely starting to sympathise with Flem's "pick the best team" stance.
I disagree. It's not pretty, but this is a realistic bowling balance for these conditions.
2 fast bowlers
2 spinners
1 3rd seamer
Where it does get unrealistic is NZ would never play 2 leg spinners, but that can't be helped as there are no finger spinners who fit the 'A' criteria. Although Sodhi's average is now getting close to Johnson.
From an opportunity POV. It would be criminal to waste the opportunity of 4 'A' tests in the SC and not find out about our spinners. We're all learning valuable knowledge. But for a test we would rightly play 3 fast bowlers with current stocks.
As for the fast bowlers I assume they are learning in SC conditions; attack with the new ball, a spell in holding pattern, and then attack with a reversing old ball.
3rd seamer performs his role of permanent holding pattern. Which would have been Anderson or Neesham ideally, but circumstance mean it is Ellis.
This a valuable game, with a realistic attack, we are learning a lot about the players (I hope) and the players are learning about about SC pitches, batsmen, ball conditions, and climate/ fitness. This is good stuff, getting stuffed on day 1 is not unrealistic.
