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« Bouncer barrage | Wind, flying and me don't mix »
December 14, 2008Posted by Iain O'Brien on 12/14/2008 in West Indies in New Zealand 2008-09
Just not my day
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As I always say, it's great to be off the park. Seeing that last wicket fall is one of the best feelings there is, only beaten by actually taking that wicket yourself. Something that didn't happen for me today, but it was Dan's honour and by bowling Shiv he picked up his sixth wicket for the innings and his 50th wicket for the calendar year. An outstanding performance from just an outstanding bowler, player and guy!
Today just wasn't my day. Things just didn't work for me. I tried as hard as I could to bowl my maidens, to string together dots. For some unknown reason, I wasn't up to it. I wasn't trying too hard and getting tense; I wasn't too relaxed and had no intensity: it just wasn't my day. It's easy to say that, but I have to sit down tonight and have a good think about the day, what happened and why. These are often the toughest nights; a bit of soul-searching and every effort to turn it around for the next day. Although we don't have to go out and bowl straight away, hopefully not for quite a while actually, I will hit the nets in the morning and work some things through.
I did have a look at the computer tonight that records the proceedings of the day to have a look at my action. There was one thing that wasn't quite how it should be. My front arm wasn't doing the work it should have been. I'll have a bowl tomorrow and work though it in preparation for the second Test.
So, a day in the park in windy and cold Dunedin. It wasn't that bad actually, if you could keep your hands warm that is. It could have been a whole lot worse too. We could still be bowling; Jerome Taylor Jerome could still be batting with Shiv and, I guess, it could have been colder.
Taylor had one of those innings that I'm sure he had only dreamed about before today. Everything hit the middle of his bat. His previous high score was around 30 and today he pumped us around the park for 106 off 107 balls. A special innings, well played. Shiv, on the other hand, took his time. His 76 took 200 balls. Now that's a weird technique, it obviously works, but when you're standing at cover fielding and you can see the whole of the back of his bat, it just seems strange.
Millsy came out today with a couple of points to prove, and had a great day. Kyle did the job that I was trying to do, but couldn't do today. He bowled in the areas the pitch asked for and kept it tight and was rewarded with three very good wickets including a stunning catch at square leg by me. Okay, so it lobbed to me and was the easiest catch I've ever had in a match. But nevertheless, I did have enough time to think about a pretty straightforward catch I dropped off Kyle here in Dunedin last summer against Bangladesh while it was travelling to me. The brain is a crazy organ! It plays so many silly games with you.
I hit the hot-colds tonight after we got off, and then to the dining room for a meal once the day's play was over. A quick chat reflecting on today's efforts and a preview of tomorrow in the changing room and then straight back to the hotel and on here to get this done before my massage at 10pm. It'll be straight to bed after that too.
Posted by: Matthew Laing at December 14, 2008 9:32 PM
Iain - you're awesome!
Posted by: Robbi at December 14, 2008 11:49 PM
Bad luck Iain, just one of those days I guess. Taylor's innings was crazy, I don't think anyone could do much against him yesterday, and with Chandapaul at the other you guys getting someone out was made a whole lot harder.
Also a shame about the rain today, hope you get some play in and good luck!
Posted by: AP at December 15, 2008 12:13 AM
I think Chris (Martin) should have been in this team rather than (either) yourself or Mark.
Posted by: Kieran at December 15, 2008 12:14 AM
The life of a cricketer aye! Haha i love the way you bat, the blank faced glare is priceless! Easily the best quick bowler we have in NZ, keep up the good work hope to see you in Hamilton!
Posted by: Ross at December 15, 2008 12:24 AM
Don't beat yourself up about your bowling Iain, everyone has off-days. At least with the rain it means nothing except to Vettori and Taylor. Quite telling that in your picture Dan Vettori's caption is an outstanding bowler and player. His normally effective captaincy wasn't there.
Posted by: Harrison Verry at December 15, 2008 12:26 AM
What was the feeling like when Jerome was smashing the bowlers and the great lead you guys had was diminshing?
Posted by: Stu at December 15, 2008 1:01 AM
Yes for the 1000th time Shiv Chanderpaul has an odd batting stance but he gets in the correct position as the ball is delivered and the fact that he is the number ONE batsman in the world right now highlights the fact that it does work for him.
Good blog, entertaining stuff, and it could have been a good test match if the rain would go away.
Posted by: Bossy at December 15, 2008 2:11 AM
Nice blog Iain! I was watching the Test on Fox Sports in Oz, and wondered why the umpires didn't take your "referral" seriously when you were batting. As they need to look at whether the bowler has bowled a no ball, I think the last batsman (probably better if it is the last specialist batsman!) should always use the referral if some are still available, even if they are clean bowled. If the bowler has bowled a no ball then the batsman comes back. Perhaps the no striker should be looking at the front foot to advise the striking batsman as well. Are such referrals allowed, and if so, has the team thought about using the system that way?
Posted by: John at December 15, 2008 3:08 AM
Hey, nice blog mate. You've taken 31 wickets this year at an average of sweet FA. That is a super performance. I was disappointed Vettori didn't bowl you more in this game but I am certain you'll take a bag full at Napier. Good luck there.
Posted by: Tristan at December 15, 2008 3:56 AM
Hi Iain, great to hear your inner dialogue about your frustrations when things aren't going your way. Keep up your icy stare when facing bouncers too! Legend stuff.
Posted by: Iain at December 15, 2008 3:59 AM
Bring back Donkey Kong Flemming and Pin stick Carins, Bond for o'brian and martin for that other dude who cant bowl a ball.O'brian should stick to indoor cricket
Posted by: surya at December 15, 2008 6:11 AM
O come'on Iain...Bring back crowe for ryder and hadlee for mills!!!...Move on man...Ofcourse bond not in the team is unfair...
Posted by: Satheesh at December 15, 2008 6:26 AM
Hey mate,
I am from India and a strong supporter of Shivyy...He's probably the most determined player you ever see!! Can you kindly explain what sort of stuff you would bowl to such a batsman with the most unorthodox technique because you know that he's never gonna play in the V that often?? What is it like when you've got rid of Half of the West Indian lineup and this one tiny guys defies you...Do you try something different to get him off his cool..
Posted by: JimmyAdams at December 15, 2008 12:39 PM
Iain I have been very impressed with your bowling this year and your blog is now a must read for me and a lot of my cricketing mates but please please please talk me through the big decisons you clearly had to make regarding your haircut on the photo at the top of this page.
Posted by: Manoj Sankav at December 15, 2008 1:39 PM
Your blog makes a nice reading, I am writing from my laptop on a Goan Beach, with guys playing cricket on the beach same as in Windies. Check out my blog www.goagoangoa.blogspot.com for some sun kissed beach pictures.
- Iain O'Brien must type as fast as he bowls. After stumps most days he adds to his popular personal blog, covering his take on the play, dressing room snippets and personal insights (he really doesn’t like bouncers). A fast-medium bowler, O’Brien has become a regular member of the New Zealand Test side over the past year and is enjoying his time at the top.