ONE-DAY SERIES, ADELAIDE:
New Zealand 210 bt England 120 by 90 runsDespite another encouraging bowling display, England slumped to a disastrous 90-run defeat thanks to a woeful batting performance. Only Ed Joyce put up any kind of resistance for England as Andrew Flintoff's side slumped to a new low on this Australia tour.
LATEST ACTION - all times GMT
ENGLAND INNINGS
38th over: WICKET - England 120 all out (Lewis 5)
And it's all over next ball - Lewis playing a loose flick outside his off stump and succeeding only in edging it to Fleming once again at slip to hand New Zealand a 90-run victory. A woeful end to a dismal batting performance and any hopes of England achieving anything substantial in this form of the game in the near future are beyond reason. The Black Caps gain a bonus point as well to move above England in the table.
38th over: WICKET - England 120-9 (Panesar 6)
Oi! Shane Bond bounces one into Monty's helmet! What's he playing at? The nicest man in showbusiness and this is how you treat him? You may be named after England's favourite spy sir, but you've gone right down in my estimation! Still, it does have the desired effect - having clipped through mid-wicket for two, Panesar launches a swift delivery high into the air and Nathan Astle takes a stunning diving catch over his shoulder on the run. That is Bond's 100th one-day wicket in just his 54th one-day international - the second fastest 100-wicket haul ever behind Saqlain Mushtaq (53 ODIs).
37th over: A glance at the England dressing room shows Chris Read, head buried in a book. It can't be "How to win friends and influence people" surely, otherwise he'd take up his rightful place in this one-day side no? Jonathan Lewis is doing his best to keep England alive, clipping a nicely timed stroke through mid-wicket for four. 118-8
36th over: Of course, myself and New Zealand have reckoned without the mighty Monty Panesar! Five from the over as he shows decent poise to fend away Shane Bond. He almost runs himself out of course, but he only does that to keep it interesting! He really is a man of the people! 112-8
35th over: WICKET - England 107-8 (Dalrymple 0)
When I say staring down the barrel, what I of course mean is climbing down the barrel, wearing a crash helmet and with pockets filled with gunpowder. Dalrymple is the latest to return to the hut to leave England eight down, slicing another accurate but rather tame Vettori delivery to Fleming at slip. That's Vettori's best figures against England, with the spinner currently on 4-18 from eight overs.
35th over: WICKET - England 107-7 (Joyce 47)
Well, that's that then! Joyce comes down the wicket but, having got to the pitch of a Vettori delivery nicely, merely chips it towards long-on where Gillespie plucks out a fine catch over his head. Just when he was looking in good shape, Joyce throws it away and England are staring down the barrel.
"Tell Ben from Manchester to start saving for Valentines Day because his wife isn't getting a birthday present."
Paul Boshell
34th over: WICKET - England 107-6 (Nixon 6)
Jacob Oram strikes - snaring his 100th one-day wicket in the process - but there's more than element of good fortune about it. McCullum and Oram are convinced that Nixon edged behind, but replays suggest the ball came off his thigh pad. A slice of bad luck just when England could have done without it and in comes Jamie Dalrymple. Could we be looking at the most unlikely of winning partnerships between Dally and Joycey? Well, no, I'm not convinced either. 107-6
33rd over: A few scares for Joyce in the nervous forties. Vettori beats his outside edge and then launches a vociferous appeal after catching him on the pads on leg stump. England are still ahead of New Zealand in the comparison, but have they got anyone who can hit out late in the order as Oram and McCullum did? 107-5
32nd over: New Zealand are racing through their overs, perhaps in the hope - or even belief - that England will fail to realise that time is running short and forget to start swinging the bat at it. Joyce keeps England just about in line with a required rate of a run a ball with a neat drive behind point for three and that's six from the over. 104-5
31st over: Vettori continues and Nixon reverse-sweeps at the earliest opportunity for a single. A couple of Joyce singles and a flick over the infield from Nixon make it five from the over. 98-5
"What's it looking like? Is a win out of the question? Got the wife's birthday present money on this, am at work and the boss wont turn the radio over. Come on England!"
Ben Manchester
30th over: So much rests on the shoulders of Ed Joyce now. Has it really come to this? He's looking comfortable but all too willing to get off strike, nicking a single first ball and leaving Nixon to negotiate the rest of Oram's over. Which he manages without incident. 93-5
"Why oh why is Nixon in ahead of Dalrymple again?? Let's hope I'm proved wrong, but it's not really worked so far has it?"
Baz
29th over: WICKET - England 92-5 (Flintoff 9)
Disaster! The England skipper departs, nicking the thinnest of inside edges behind to wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum. If he had not caught it, McCullum would have had an age to stump Flintoff anyway after he had shuffled well down the pitch. Top bowling from Vettori. Nixon comes to the crease, engages in a spot of gardening and takes up his place at the non-striker's end. 92-5
28th over: Bond continues but Flintoff and Joyce eke a couple of singles apiece. Freddie almost succumbs to New Zealand's plan of packing the offside field behind square, but his dab over the slips falls short of the boundary and he survives. 90-4
"I'm watching/reading the game on the live updates whilst at work and am just pondering which is more boring - the game or the work! Lets take the fight to 'em and slap some sixes!"
Adam Taylor
27th over: Joyce enjoys a slice of luck against Vettori as a leading edge off an attempted cut loops in the air and back over the bowler's head. Otherwise no alarms for England, who always look more threatening with Freddie at the crease. Latest on the PA system is Chumbawamba's classic "Tubthumping". You know - "I get knocked down, but I get up again, you aint ever gonna keep me down" - that one. Let's hope it applies to England. 86-4
26th over: Sensing England's vulnerability in the batting past Flintoff, New Zealand bring Bond back into the attack. But it's a decent over for England, Flintoff punching a two, a three and a single, to add to Joyce's single for seven from the over. 83-4
"Looks to me like whoever writes your headlines at the BBC will be able to copy last week's: "Flintoff holds nerve to seal win"."
Michael, UK
25th over: WICKET - England 76-4 (Collingwood 10)
Collingwood's turgid 37-ball innings finally comes to an end, Vettori ending a frustrating knock by trapping the number five bat lbw on the sweep. What is it with that shot? Can England's batsman not play straight anymore? Still, it does bring Freddie to the crease - can the big man fulfil my earlier prediction? Will the commentator's curse strike again? Will he ever shave that soppy beard off? These are the burning questions out in Adelaide ladies and gentlemen. 76-4
24th over: You can always tell when the cricket is getting a little dull - the eye is drawn to the crowd in search of entertainment. It would appear a good deal of beer is being drunk, which is fair enough I suppose, while there is also a fair amount of folk sporting silly wigs, hats and costumes - pure madness in this heat surely?! Three singles from England, while Fulton fields well on the dive at mid-on to prevent a Collingwood drive reaping runs. 75-3
23rd over: Collingwood is really struggling to get going here as Joyce takes a single off Vettori's over for the only scoring shot. 72-3
22nd over: A short delivery, wide of his leg stump, is hooked fine for four by Joyce and the Dubliner then steps down the wicket and hooks another short one in front of square for another boundary. A two from Collingwood off his hips makes it 11 from the over - much better from England. 71-3
21st over: Daniel Vettori is brought into the attack and almost brings an immediate wicket, Collingwood edging him just past slip off a backfoot drive for two. A sweep from the third ball brings a single, a stroke and result repeated by Joyce off the final delivery. The required rate is now 5.21 - achievable, but England might have to put their foot on the pedal soon. 60-3
20th over: Blimey, and I thought the New Zealand innings was slow-paced. The Black Caps are not really throwing down anything too awe-inspiring at the moment, but England, and Collingwood in particular, are well and truly under the cosh. I'm all for a period of rebuilding but it's hardly stuff to get the adrenalin going. And now the powerplays are complete, you get the feeling we might have to survive this turgid effort for a while longer. A maiden and, at this stage of their innings, New Zealand were 60-3. 56-3
19th over: It's dogged and gritty stuff from Collingwood at the moment, pinching one run to take his score to four off 25 balls. Joyce, on the other hand, looks to be finding his touch and flicks another single away comfortably. 56-3
"I don't know why Ed Joyce wants to play for England anyway - Ireland are a better ODI team!"
Matthew Stringer, Skipton
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18th over: A fine over - Joyce is tearing New Zealand apart! Well, sort of anyway. A clip off his legs brings two, before an aggressive hook goes for four despite it coming off the toe of the bat. Joyce then dabs one fine off his hips for another four and, before you know it, he has reached his highest score in one-day internationals. I may have to take back all my baiting of the Middlesex batsman if he keeps this up. We'll see. 54-3
17th over: Collingwood decides now is the time to attack but he fails to connect with a swished drive having danced down the wicket. Another tight over from Oram ensures the Black Caps keep England firmly under control and that will be drinks. Mine's a tea, one sugar if you don't mind. 44-3
16th over: Gillespie's second over is a maiden, with Collingwood displaying all his defensive wares in the face of some accurate line and length bowling. 43-3
"Paul Collingwood has not been in the best of form since his double hundred in the second Ashes Test at this ground, but he has all the attributes needed to push England along here."
Angus Fraser on Test Match Special
15th over: Jacob Oram's introduction makes it a double change - and speaking of change, Joyce creams the all-rounder's first ball through cover for four. That was a proper cricket stroke and everything. Maybe he's not an imposter! Five dot balls follow, but Joyce and Collingwood will definitely settle for four an over for the time being. 43-3
14th over: Mark Gillespie comes on to bowl. His passport says he's 27, but judging by the thinning hair and face wrinkles, I'm guessing he's actually 42. Still, a tidy enough over, though Collingwood grabs a fine three with a neat drive down the ground. 39-3
"Re: the James saga. If the boys lose this one I'm switching allegiance to the cricketing giants in my host country!"
Mike in Yokohama, Japan
13th over: England have got to dig in here and Collingwood could well be the man for the task. He doggedly resists another fine Franklin over, grabbing a single at the end, and that's the first Franklin over in four that he has not taken a wicket. 35-3
12th over: Joyce - nicknamed 'Spud', presumably because of his Irish background - faces Bond steaming in, the Black Caps paceman regularly hitting 94mph. He does well to negotiate the first four deliveries and then gets off the mark with a punch for two through the covers. 34-3
"The gloating has already started - just had a phone call from the boss the other side of the office asking 'What's happening mate?'"
Richard in Brisbane
11th over: WICKET - England 31-3 (Bell 2)
Franklin is doing for England at the moment and Bell is the latest man to fall to the paceman, tamely edging to first slip with captain Fleming pouching his second catch of the innings low down. Collingwood is next man in and he sees out the over without alarm. 31-3
10th over: Ed Joyce strides to the wicket, beaming with a smile and obviously brimming with confidence. If only. He looks a broken man before he's even taken strike. Bell prods a single, bringing the Middlesex man onto strike, and the left-hander survives three deliveries. Hurrah! First port of call is to pass his top score in one-dayers - a mighty 13. 31-2
9th over: WICKET - England 30-2 (Strauss 19)
Strauss brings up a timely boundary first ball, steering Franklin fine behind square. He then meets the next delivery with an excellent drive, full of timing, that sends the ball rocketing to the point boundary. However, as if to remind England fans not to get too comfortable, he misses a fence at a wide one and, sure enough, Franklin traps him lbw next delivery. Replays suggest it was hitting the top of leg stump and that decision could have gone either way. 30-2
8th over: With Mal Loye gone, England resume normal form at the top of the innings, with Bell prodding at every delivery and Bond emerges with the first maiden of the innings. 22-1
7th over: WICKET - England 21-1 (Loye 8)
No repeat of Loye's fireworks against Australia last week as he holes out to Stephen Fleming at a wide first slip attempting an ambitious drive off Franklin. Some are claiming justice has been done given his not out decision earlier. I, on the other hand, am not. Bell comes to the crease and gets off the mark with a quick single. No repeat of his two-step tango run out of last week. 22-1
6th over: Strauss cuts behind square for one before Loye goes down on one knee in an attempt to sweep a pacy Bond delivery. He misses and wears it in the ribs but, unlike Kevin Pietersen a couple of weeks ago, he does not make a drama out of it and cuts the next ball for a single. 21-0
"It looked to me like Loye was out but then there are a few of the guys up here who say the bat hit the ground. Who knows!"
Bryan Waddle on Test Match Special
5th over: Franklin continues and he and Brendon McCullum launch a huge appeal for caught behind off Loye. Replays suggest the opener's bat hit the ground rather than the ball and Darryl's Harper's not out decision seems to have been correct. Although, one can safely say that New Zealand are far from convinced. He'd have walked if he'd hit it wouldn't he? Maybe not. Two singles precede a decent Loye drive for two. 19-0
4th over: Strauss opens his shoulders a bit - driving a two through the off side and then clipping a wide, bouncing Bond delivery over the slip cordon for four. 14-0
An update from James in Sydney's allegiance dilemma...
"I hope that my patriotic fellow countryman have calmed down. I have to confess that I wasn't being entirely serious. Where is your sense of humour, guys?"
James in Sydney (now in hiding)
3rd over: Loye is living a little dangerously here. Having survived a good lbw shout in the over before, he fails to edge one to the keeper by a matter of a coat of varnish from Franklin. A single from it. "Push It" by Salt 'n' Pepa rings around the stadium at the end of the over - in keeping with the poor quality of music that has been broadcast all day really. 8-0
2nd over: A wild opening from Shane Bond, a full toss wide of off-stump, but Strauss misses out. Strauss then goes for a quick single having dropped the ball by his feet but he would have been a mile short of his ground had Ross Taylor's shy hit. Luckily he survives and it brings Mal Loye on strike, who thrashes his third ball through deep point with a flowing stroke. An lbw appeal off the final delivery is turned away, but Loye is fortunate to survive with Hawkeye suggesting it would have hit leg stump. 7-0
1st over: And we're underway again in Adelaide. James Franklin begins with a no-ball but finds his line and length thereafter, with Andrew Strauss happy to let most deliveries go by, except one attempted pull that misses the ball by some way. The Middlesex opener has yet to convince me in the one-day format and heaven knows he's due a score. A single off the last. 2-0
NEW ZEALAND INNINGS
So, England have to chase 211 to win, at a rate of just over four an over. The pitch still looks good to me so, if they can build partnerships, they should be able to knock these runs over. Patience might well be the key - as proved by Oram and McCullum's partnership - but I'm tipping Flintoff to round off a superb display with the ball with a match-winning one with the bat. See you at 0730!
"The best way to describe matches such as these - low scoring ones - is intense rather than thrilling. England will have to apply themselves to knock over this total."
Simon Mann on Test Match Special
50th over: WICKET - New Zealand 210 all out (Franklin 14)
A frustrating over from Anderson to finish. James Franklin, with a Test hundred to his name, is no slouch with the bat and he proves that with a series of bludgeoned strokes - the best of which brings him a six with a flick off his legs. He is then run out off the final ball of the innings, but 14 runs from the over will not please skipper Freddie. 210 all out
49th over: WICKET - New Zealand 196-9 (Bond 2)
And that's four wickets for nine runs in the past three overs for England as Flintoff bowls Bond leg stump with a text-book yorker. A fine late-innings comeback from England. Flintoff finishes with figures of 4-21 from his 10 overs. 196-9
"Hey Freddie - what's with the beard? You look like a cross between Monty Redhead and a mad mullah. It don't work, mate ¿ shave it off!!"
David Moreton
49th over: WICKET - New Zealand 194-8 (Vettori 2)
Flintoff picks up a fully-deserved third wicket of the innings, drawing the edge from Daniel Vettori flailing away outside off and Nixon takes a fine diving catch to his left. Shane Bond takes a couple off the first ball.
48th over: WICKET - New Zealand 191-7 (Oram 86)
And James Anderson follows suit with the vital wicket of Oram. Flintoff is the most relieved man in the park after dropping the all-rounder at mid-on after he had skied a pacy Anderson delivery. Next ball, Oram, giving himself room, clips a full Anderson delivery off his legs and straight to Andrew Strauss at backward square leg who takes a comfortable catch. 192-7
47th over: WICKET - New Zealand 187-6 (McCullum 30)
Cometh the hour, cometh the man! Flintoff strikes again in the first over of his new spell, bowling McCullum comprehensively as the wicket-keeper looked to hook him for another boundary. His partnership with Oram was worth 120 crucial runs. James Franklin pinches a single first ball, although Flintoff throws down the stumps with the Kiwi scrambling to get home. He's safe. 189-6
46th over: Collingwood finishes off ahead of two overs each from Anderson and Flintoff I'd imagine. Again Oram dictates the scoring though, top-edging to third man for four after a series of singles and twos and then hooking a full toss through mid-wicket for another four. He moves to 83 not out, his highest score in one-dayers, and England are in danger of throwing away a very decent position. Come on Freddie, tie them up! 185-5
45th over: Panesar continues. A couple of singles are taken before a sweep off McCullum falls short of Joyce in the outfield - he receives some stick from the crowd for not running in to catch it on the dive. Oram then rubs salt into the wound with a big six on the slog-sweep to bring up the 100 partnership. 172-5
"I agree with Ian Chappell. I can't understand why Paul Nixon is playing instead of Chris Read. He is not a better keeper by any means. He chatters a lot behind the stumps but I am not aware that this is a prerequisite for a keeper.
"Could it be that Read just has the misfortune to not be one of 'Fletcher's boys'?"
Theresa Challoner, Worcester
44th over: Collingwood continues but New Zealand are running brilliantly between the wickets as they pinch singles and twos. England keep throwing at the stumps and England keep missing. Where's Gary Pratt when you need him? Paul Nixon then appeals for a stumping chance off the final ball, but Oram just got his foot back down in time. A missed opportunity perhaps. Six from the over, all run. 161-5
43rd over: Panesar almost makes the breakthrough, drawing Oram into a false stroke but the all-rounder's thick-edged slog falls over Ed Joyce's head in the forward sweeping position. A reverse sweep brings Oram a four next ball, before Panesar repeats his pirouette trick ambitiously appealing for lbw when striking Oram outside the line. All of a sudden, New Zealand look like posting a score as 10 come from that over. 155-5
42nd over: You have to say, it's hardly been inspiring viewing but this has been a crucial partnership for New Zealand. With wickets in hand, one might expect a late-innings slog when at one point it looked like they would do well to see out the overs. However, Collingwood, replacing Dalrymple, is finding some bounce off a length and concedes just a single off the first three balls. Oram, who is finding his range, sweeps powerfully for four next ball, but just five come off the over. 145-5
41st over:
Jacob Oram brings up his fifty on his return to the side with a glanced reverse sweep behind square. A couple of other singles are taken but it's another tight over from Panesar on his return to the attack. 140-5
40th over: Now I don't want to say I told you so because that would just be childish, but Oram has finally taken a fancy to Dalrymple's bowling. Thirteen runs come from the over, including a huge straight six from the all-rounder, and that should be the end of Dalrymple thank you very much. 134-5
39th over: You get the feeling both sides are waiting for the final 10 overs here. New Zealand are prodding away for singles and England are happy enough with that. That said, Flintoff could barely be doing more - tight lines, excellent pace and good bounce are causing problems but the Black Caps eke three from the over and survive without great alarm. 121-5
38th over: A wide brings up the 50 partnership between Oram and McCullum - valuable runs for New Zealand - and four come from Dalrymple's over. 118-5
"I'm a Scotsman in Sydney and am finding the Aussie gloating so unbearable that I've been cheering on England!! So James, me thinks you need your head examined!!"
Fraser, Sydney
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37th over: Flintoff is back on. His first spell produced figures of 1-9 from six overs - far more impressive than the soppy beard he is currently sporting. Seriously, you may be away from your misses Freddie, but have a shave! Oram refuses to have a go at a couple of wide ones and just three come from the over, including a wide. 114-5 114-5
36th over: Jamie Dalrymple is on, sparking fear among the New Zealand ranks no doubt at the thought of his half-paced dobbers. Still, as he so often does to be fair, he keeps things relatively tight and five come from the over. I keep expecting someone to work Dalrymple out and slap him out of the park and yet he continues to get by... am I alone in thinking he's bang average? 111-5
35th over: A big shout for lbw as Anderson catches McCullum on the pads but, again, the wicket-keeper was probably just outside the line. An attempted flick off his pads third ball sweeps him off his own feet and Anderson bowls out another maiden with some excellent full and straight bowling. Elsewhere, news coming through from the dressing room that Jon Lewis has twisted his ankle and is receiving treatment. Looks like he could struggle to bat if needed. 106-5
34th over: And so it continues with Panesar's over. Four runs come from it, one of those as a result of a mis-field by Andrew Strauss, but it's all a little quiet at the moment. 106-5
33rd over: After a drinks break, Anderson continues and New Zealand are faring better at pinching runs. Singles are mainly the order of the day as they rotate the strike nicely. 102-5
A few responses to James in Sydney's allegiance dilemma (27th over)...sorry James...
"Is James for real? I'm another Englishman with residency in Sydney and would never consider switching allegiances, despite the recent results."
Gareth in Sydney
"Surely we don't want anyone who questions their allegiance. Sydney can keep James.
Andrew in Sydney
"You will loose all respect from your fellow countrymen living in Australia and the pommie accent will never get past the fanatics anyway."
Neil Viney
"I believe James in Sydney will be committing treason with such actions, I believe this still carries the death sentence."
The Englishman in Singapore
32nd over: Panesar, skipping like a schoolgirl, appeals for another lbw against Oram on the sweep, but this time it was ambitious and was correctly waved away. The spinner really is racing through his spell and before you know it that's the over, three from it. 96-5
31st over: Anderson returns in place of Collingwood, who took a bit of stick in his last over. In the context of the innings so far, he was positively carted around the park - even though it was only two boundaries. The Lancashire seamer beats Oram outside the off stump second ball in an otherwise uneventful over. 92-5
"I like Panesar, not least because he gives this England side a bit of energy and they seem to feed off his enthusiasm. He's developing into a really important cog in the England machine."
Ian Chappell on Test Match Special
30th over: Panesar catches Oram on the pads but his lonely appeals for lbw are dismissed. It might have hit him outside the line but was otherwise worth asking. Just a single from the over. 89-5
29th over: Finally, Oram opens his shoulders and punches Collingwood through mid-wicket for the Black Caps' first boundary in exactly 10 overs. Flintoff attempts to make things a little more interesting with a foolish sliding attempt to stop it before the boundary rope, succeeding only in digging his knee into the turf Simon Jones-style and crumpling in a heap. He walks away gingerly but looks OK. Why risk it though? Oram then pushes through the covers for another four and it's a decent over for New Zealand. 88-5
28th over: Panesar, wheeling away with that repetitive action of his, concedes three singles and you can't help but feel Andrew Flintoff can afford to be a bit more positive with his field placings to the spinner. 79-5
27th over: Collingwood throws down another accurate over, and just two come from it. A run rate of under three an over isn't going to trouble anyone - even England - surely? In other news, shockingly James in Sydney is considering switching his allegiance...(see below)...don't do it man! Your country needs you! 76-5
"An Englishman living in Sydney, I have my Australian Citizenship ceremony on Friday. I have to admit that I have been reconsidering my allegiance to the Mother Country in recent weeks and thinking the unthinkable ¿ supporting Australia in future. A comfortable win today and a few 'therapy' pints should help my recovery."
James in Sydney
26th over: Panesar continues and New Zealand pinch just three from the over. It's now over seven overs since the last boundary and the Black Caps are crawling along. 74-5
25th over: Flintoff and Lewis take a breather, meaning a quick - and rare - appearance for Liam Plunkett as well as Ravi Bopara. Collingwood concedes just three from another decent over, including two byes off the last ball. Meanwhile, in complete disregard for my own hunger pangs, the New Zealand team are spotted chomping away on rather delicious-looking sandwiches. That's just mean. 71-5
24th over: WICKET - New Zealand 67-5 (Taylor 15)
The Montster strikes! Introduced in place of Andrew Flintoff and the spinner becomes the fourth England bowler to strike in his first over - drawing the edge off a waft outside off-stump from Ross Taylor and Collingwood at slip takes his third catch, and it's a sharp one diving to his right. 68-5
23rd over: Another tidy over from Colly, conceding just three runs. In other news, Lee on the M1 claims it is snowing in London - if anyone's up for a snowball fight, give me a shout. You're never too old!
22nd over: Flintoff really does look as though he's getting better with every game - how England could have done with him in full flow during the Test series! Another accurate and quick over yields just one run and New Zealand are well and truly under the cosh. 62-4
21st over: WICKET - New Zealand 61-4 (MacMillan 2)
Paul Collingwood is on for England, which might not be a bad move considering the pace of the pitch and New Zealand's tame attempts to up the scoring. And so it proves - just call me Mystic Meg! - as Colly brings one back in from outside off-stump, catching McMillan on the pads halfway up for a plumb lbw. Jacob Oram survives the remaining two deliveries unscathed. 61-4
"England will be very happy indeed with the way things have gone so far, undoubtedly. They've bowled well, kept a tight line, and going for three runs an over at the start of an innings is a great effort."
John Etheridge on Test Match Special
20th over: The ever-accurate Flintoff returns and ties Ross Taylor up with a shorter one into the ribs second ball. Having said that, Taylor's reaction - doubled up as he is on the Adelaide pitch clutching his groin area - suggests it struck a little lower than his ribs. Cue grimaces all round. He recovers manfully though and three quick singles see New Zealand to 60 at the end of the powerplays. 60-3
19th over: WICKET - New Zealand 55-3 (Fulton 24)
Jon Lewis, in his 10th and final over, strikes again. Having been hoiked over the boundary rope for six first ball, the Gloucestershire seamer draws a false stoke from Fulton with a slower ball, and Paul Collingwood takes a simple catch at backward point. Craig MacMillan clips a couple and Lewis finishes with figures of 1-31 from 10 overs. 57-3
18th over: The Black Caps are again restricted to singles by Flintoff, while Monty Panesar misses the chance to run out Fulton when his shy at the stumps misses by a whisker with the batsman short of his ground. Your latest suggestions of England reading matter are listed below... 49-2
"They should read 'The Book of English Cricket Miscellany' which has records of England actually beating Australia! Imagine that! Also, Geoff Boycott did the foreword for that book so it has a stamp of approval."
Jake Fisher
"Probably 'HOW TO PLAY CRICKET IN THREE EASY LESSONS'"
Bill
"They should be reading 'The Art of War' by the 6th century BC Chinese general and author Sun Tzu - they need some definitive tactics and military know-how to properly take the fight to the Aussies and all the rest at the world cup!"
Eldro, burning the midnight oil at Edinburgh Uni
17th over: David Morgan, chairman of the England Cricket Board, is spotted chatting away with Michael Vaughan in the England dressing room. He appears to be holding an Adelaide tourist guide booklet. And who says he's on a jolly-up? Lewis continues - his ninth straight over - and Ross Taylor breaks the shackles by punching him through the covers for four. 46-2
"Hi - is the egg butty and brandy in bed for breakfast or supper? Go on England - shock us all win one!"
Bill L
16th over: After conceding just 11 runs from the second powerplay, England unsurprisingly opt for the third and final one. Mal Loye signs autographs on the boundary in between balls - clearly now he has a name on his shirt, supporters assume he is worthy of a scribe or two. Another immaculate Flintoff over and it's a maiden. 41-2
15th over: And as you were from Lewis as well, who has now completed eight overs for just 18 runs. Excellent stuff. Meanwhile the debate is on on TMS over what the England players are reading in their spare time on tour...as always, your suggestions are welcome. 41-1
"I'm not sure Andrew Flintoff has even read his own autobiography to be honest!"
John Etheridge on Test Match Special
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14th over: Freddie's right on the money here and ripping the ball through at over 90mph as well. A couple of singles from the over, but England have picked up where they left off in Brisbane and are impressing with the ball again here. 40-2
13th over: Can I just say at this juncture, hearing from all you lot out there about how you're enjoying an egg butty/fry up/beer/brandy or whatever does not help when I'm hungry like the wolf and stuck in the office in the early hours of the morning. If anyone happens to be in the Shepherd's Bush area and fancies dropping me off a dram, feel free! Back in Adelaide, England are earning their alcoholic refreshment at the end of the day by putting the squeeze on, Lewis conceding just one off that over. 38-2
"Don't worry - New Zealand's slow pace is just a ruse to make us believe we're not as bad as we are! I cant bear the excitement of clicking this refresh button. I'll take a slow walk to the pavilion, sorry, fridge for a beer."
Dave, Canada
"Having a fried egg butty and a brandy whilst listening to the cricket in bed. Brilliant."
Adrian in Warwickshire
12th over: WICKET - New Zealand 37-2 (Fleming 20)
Flintoff brings himself into the attack and immediately hits the mark with a wicket maiden. After leaving the first five deliveries alone, Fleming chases one that's a little wider but only succeeds in giving the thinnest of edges to Nixon behind the stumps. Excellent stuff from Freddie Flintstone. 37-2
11th over: England skipper Flintoff, resembling a captain caveman lookalike with a rather unsightly beard, springs no surprise by taking the second powerplay. Fleming replies by flicking masterfully off his legs for a six, though in fairness he'd have been hard pressed not to beat such a short boundary. However, as he looks to up the pace, Fleming almost holes out to point and then slip in successive balls as Lewis gets some movement off the pitch. 37-1
"I am keeping up to date, watching the scores on the work computer whilst working as a midwife on a quiet(ish) labour ward! Roll on the morning and bed and the highlights!"
Christine A
10th over: Finally Fleming decides to take advantage of the fielding restrictions and clips Anderson over mid-wicket for four. An attempted repeat of the shot though sees the Black Caps skipper miss and an ugly hoik almost swivels him off his feet. Anderson then fakes a shy at the stumps despite spilling the ball, very crafty, before a cut stroke from Fulton brings another boundary. Still time for Anderson to beat Fulton outside off stump, but a better over from New Zealand. 30-1
9th over: A huge cry from Lewis for lbw as Fulton misses his second delivery, but umpire Ian Howell adjudges it hit him outside the line and was probably going over. A good decision. A couple of singles from another tight over. 21-1
8th over: Totty-watch is in full gear at the Oval and one pair of lovelies are advertising their wares with a placard displaying a phone number. Unfortunately I was far too slow with my pen to jot it down. Darn. In the middle, Fleming takes advantage of a rare wide one from Anderson to drive for four off the last ball. Can't help but think totty-watch is a little more interesting at this point though. 19-1
"Come on England! Good to see the Kiwi top order is just as fragile with the bat. Living and working in Dunedin, New Zealand, I'm not sure I could take any more Pommie bashing this year!"
David Peck
7th over: It has been rumoured that the New Zealand camp is an unhappy one at the moment, with the rotation of the players cited as one reason behind the discontent. Coach John Bracewell's abrasive manner might not help I suppose, but then if you lose seven out of the last nine one-dayers, you've got to expect changes haven't you? Another maiden and New Zealand are practically crawling along. 14-1
6th over: To say New Zealand are in cautious mood at the moment is a mighty understatement. Clearly bereft of confidence, it would appear they are keen to keep wickets in hand. Still, Fulton leaving the first five deliveries of Anderson's over alone smacks of resignation. Do they realise this is one-day cricket? A couple off the last ball do little to boost the total. 14-1
"Who's Joyce paying to stay in the team? Just I reckon my grandad might like the idea of playing for England, any contacts greatly appreciated!"
Tom at Edinburgh Uni
5th over: Fleming does his best to get an edge on a wide from Lewis that had Nixon scrambling across the slip cordon, but otherwise a decent over. Ed Joyce fields one neatly as well. It's all coming together nicely! 12-1
"I wonder if Paul Nixon warms up his jaw before a match? He never stops talking. To be honest, if he kept chirping away at me every single ball I'd be tempted to turn around and thump him."
Angus Fraser on Test Match Special
4th over: The very latest from your eagle-eyed correspondent - Loye has a name and number on his shirt! Hurrah! He has opted for the number 48 - contrary to popular opinion not his age - and his name is spelt correctly and everything. Splendid. A less impressive over from Anderson, yielding four to Fulton off his hips and then a wide next ball. A more than optimistic lbw shout is almost laughed off by umpire Darryl Harper - Fulton was a mile outside off stump to be fair. Give or take anyway. 11-1
3rd over: Lewis picks up where Anderson left off with another accurate over. The wicket looks a touch slow, but with the odd one bouncing and carrying nicely through to the keeper, there's plenty of encouragement for the bowlers, not least when Lewis misses Fleming's edge by a whisker last ball. Just a no ball from the over and that's Lewis's second of the innings - perhaps he'd be better trimming that ridiculous fringe so he can see the line of the crease. 6-1
2nd over: WICKET - New Zealand 5-1 (Astle 1)
And it's the perfect start for Anderson! The Lancashire seamer looked in fine fettle against Australia last time out and the funky-haired paceman serves up an accurate opening over that reaps its reward here again. Having nibbled at a wide one already, Nathan Astle pokes loosely at another and edges to Paul Collingwood at second slip. A wicket maiden and excellent start. 5-1
1st over: Fleming leaves the opening ball before pinching a couple off a thick edge on the drive. The Black Caps skipper clearly decided on a second run only upon seeing that it was 'meek-armed Montster' fielding. A couple of singles and a no-ball make it five from the over, though Lewis did get one to rise steeply off a length, suggesting there might be something in it for the bowlers early doors. 5-0
"I for one am looking forward to the match! Good luck to England from a very snowy Aberdeen."
Heather
0314: The umpires lead the teams out onto the field. An interesting array of face-paints and sun-cream among the England players, who perform the customary huddle before splitting cheerleader-style with jumps, woops and I believe I even detected a "hell yeah". Stephen Fleming takes strike for New Zealand and Jonathan Lewis will bowl the opening over.
"Is Liam Plunket still topping up his sun tan on his free holiday?"
Simon in Notts
0311: By the way, if you haven't already guessed, Ed Joyce keeps his place in the side ahead of Ravi Bopara. Clearly 41 runs in five innings at an average of 8.20 is exactly what the England management have in mind as ideal for a middle-order batsman. I don't get it myself, but I'd love to be proved wrong of course. Let's not hold our breath though.
0306: A shock in the New Zealand line up, with fast bowler Shane Bond passed fit just a week after it was feared his back injury may be a stress fracture. The Black Caps also welcome back all-rounder Jacob Oram. A much stronger-looking line-up for Flemming's outfit.
"We are often tempted to play two spinners in Adelaide, but it's a fresh wicket so we're hoping Daniel Vettori can do the job for us. Our performance in the field last time out was disappointing so we're looking to improve on that and hopefully get on the board with a win."
Stephen Fleming
"If we'd have won the toss we'd have batted, but now we must bowl well and then chase a score under lights and we're prepared to do that. Against Australia last week we bowled and fielded brilliantly, so now we just hope to get both disciplines firing together."
Andrew Flintoff
0301: And he'll be in the front line sooner rather than later after New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming won the toss and opted to bat first. The old 'tails never fails' trick works wonders again.
0258: Clearly in no rush to reveal the starting line ups, the teams are revealed just over 15 minutes before the start. Still, it's good news for the mob of Monty Panesar fans in Adelaide and back home, with the popular spinner recalled in place of Chris Tremlett. With spin traditionally favoured at the Adelaide Oval, the 'Montster' could have a big role to play here today.
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