To say that most countries watch and follow cricket like it is their religion would be an understatement. In countries such as India and New Zealand cricket is more or less a way of life and people live for it. Questions are asked, arguments are made and the loyalty is unbreakable. Once in a while these question will be answered and fans will be happy. Some of these question are pretty good and insightful. Below are some that were asked and answers provided.
These question were about the New Zealand vs India 5 day test series that took place. It was a cliff hanger match that both sides played. The sides also played some brilliant cricket. So the questions will only give one added insight to what both sides called a brilliant game played.
Can the Black Caps achieve their best-case scenario?
The best-case scenario for the Black Caps would be for them to bat all day on Tuesday, while scoring at a faster clip than they did on Sunday, where they crawled to 101-2 from 49 overs – a run rate of slightly more than two runs per over.
If they were to bat all 98 overs on offer, their lead would be 80, if they scored at two runs per over; 129, if they scored at 2.5 runs per over; or 178, if they scored at three runs per over.
Then the big decision for Gary Stead, Kane Williamson and co would be whether to declare overnight or to bat on for a bit on the final morning.
Can India achieve their best-case scenario?
Standing between the Black Caps and full control of this match is India’s disciplined bowling attack, which was better than its ultimate haul of two wickets on day three.
They will head into day five knowing they have a new batsman in the crease in the form of Ross Taylor, and one that will have to reassert himself in the form of Kane Williamson, and that they have every chance to wrestle back the right to dictate terms.
The Black Caps are coming off two tests against England where their first innings ended with collapses of 90-7 and 96-7, and India will be hoping there is a repeat in store.
How many of the remaining overs will actually be bowled?
Rain isn’t expected to be an issue on days five and six, with the Met Office predicting no more than a 10 per cent chance of precipitation in Southampton in the next 48 hours.
But bad light could still be a problem, especially on day five, where it is expected to be cloudy, more than sunny.
Then there’s the issue of slow over rates. While all 98 overs will have to be bowled, weather permitting, on the final day, any of the 98 not bowled by stumps on day five will simply disappear into the aether. So count on there being somewhere between 180 and 190 left in reality, rather than 196, a total that could shrink further if the gloomy weather persists.
