A three day nonsense of a game rather than a proper 1st class fixture... and against a county line up that looks incapable of starting as clear favourites against a decent 'A' side... but such is the way of tours these days.

Pretty, meaningless runs for Aaron Redmond, Brendon McCullum and Peter Fulton: see Cricinfo - Tour Match: Northamptonshire v New Zealanders at Northampton, May 30-Jun 1, 2008

I can see about half the Kiwi's next team in there Rachael, you seem to be a bit harsh about the value of the fixture.

I noted after the Australian's finish this test in the Carribean that they have a 9 day break prior to the 3rd test with no tour matches scheduled.

I'd be interested to see how many Aussie players find their way to Miami or New York for a quick R&R.

I'd say that Fulton should take Marshall's place in the side.

Agreed.

Either Marshall or Redmond should be dropped, but Redmond has just started his NZ career, and that 80 stand was NZ best opening stand in a test snice the days of Richardson.

Marshall has had about 8 tests now, nothing to note of. Add to the fact Redmond has 2 100s on tour, he should open with How, Fulton at 3.

Anyone know whether Oram and Flynn will 100% make the test? Flynn should as he is playing here, hoping Orams rest will allow him to be fully fit for both sides of his game. Also wouldn't mind seeing Southee back, perhaps at the expense of Mills.

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Yes, they've had three good partnerships out of four, which is better than they could have wished for previously with Bell at the crease. How's been something of a revelation- I don't think anyone expected him to do much (although I always defended him) but the focus was always on Redmond. But How's chipped in with a couple of 60s, and he's scored at a pretty decent rate too.

Southee hasn't been in the best of form either. I'd keep Mills, but I don't know how match-fit Oram will be. He bowled in the second innings, though, so I expect it isn't too bad.

13 runs for Marshall = out.

5 wkts for Southee = in

Thats how i see the next line up, with Fulton coming in and Mills/O'Brien dropping out. Mills did take 3 wkts too in this tour game but was out performed by the lesser of O'Brien, interesting choice for the selectors.

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