interesting stat turned up today;

since the 1st test vs Pak in '03 NZ have averaged a respectable 422 or so in their first innings. in all completed second innings since that date the average is 191. apparently this doesn't include a 90-odd for 8 somewhere along the way.

i can think of two games (vs PAk) where NZ have converted a 100+run 1st innings lead into a rather spectacular loss by the 3rd or 4th innings

this coupled with last years ODI form where NZ had the best win/loss ratio for all teams ('05 of course is a different story) makes me wonder . . .

all this has become apparent since bracewell became coach, gaining an NZ contract after forging a very good record in county one-day games - of only one innings

is there a link? i have no idea - but this current NZ teams ability to conspire to lose a game on the fourth day after a competitive (even dominant) first innings is quite uncanny