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« There's a Buzz about Elliott | Welcome to NZ, boys »
February 12, 2009Posted by Iain O'Brien on 02/12/2009 in New Zealand in Australia 2008-09
The tragedy of bushfires, and a cold day in Adelaide
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So we head to Brisbane with the series drawn at 2-2. Tuesday night's loss had turned this series into a real nail bitter.
It was another typical belter at Adelaide, a ground known for its great batting decks, this one, no different. Dan won the toss and we wanted to bat first, so we did.
Before play both teams lined up for a moments silence in memory of the people that have lost their lives in the bushfires in Victoria. This has been a very surreal event to be over here and living through. The news is constant, the papers are full of pics and stories and I really just can't handle it. I'm on the outside looking in and I just can't watch or read any media. It just gets to me so much, my over active imagination starts thinking of what if it was my family over here going through this. What if it was our house that had gone, if my parents, my family had been caught up in it? I just can't imagine what these people are going through. I just play cricket for a living, it's the best job in the world, I'm so happy about where I'm at and what I'm doing and then there are these people that have just lost everything, and more! My deepest sympathies go out to all the people involved and the ones directly affected. And to the people out there fighting the fires, dealing with the misplaced families, the volunteers and the people that have given so generously to the funds, you people are amazing!
Baz's shoulder had come through ok, so he opened with Gups. Good little start from these two, 69 for the first wicket into the 18th over, sure they weren't racing along but nothing helps more at the end of an innings than wickets in hand, especially when setting a total. We then lost two more wickets for the addition of 17 runs. 69-1 to 86-3 is a big setback and it took another good partnership from Taylor and Elliott to put us back into a position that we could launch from at the death. Rossco and TS are in great form, they put on 55 in 11 overs through the middle of the innings, steadied the ship and calmed a few nerves in the viewing area.
When TS was dismissed for 26 off 28 we were 141, six wickets in hand and 16 overs left; pretty handy position to launch from and look for around 260. Not to be, we lost Cumming in the next over which was a huge loss for us and him; he's been in some pretty good form in the domestic competition back home, I should know, he's taken me for a few runs this summer.
We scrapped our way to 244 with a good knock from Millsy. Rossco innings was great; he was dismissed in the power play off a ball that he generally puts about 20 rows back, just one of those things, but his knock gave us a good chance!
It had been a pretty cold day so far, easily the coldest of the tour, and in saying that we've managed to miss pretty much all of the very hot weather that has been around. We've been playing in temps of 30-38C but the days either side of the matches have been up into the mid 40's; we've been very lucky, especially bowling first in the heat.
I headed out to the field with three layers on top as opposed to just the playing shirt as it has been in the previous three games, it was going to be hard to keep the hands warm and get the body back ready to bowl again in the later spells.
I bowled pretty well on Tuesday; my areas were more consistent than in the three previous games. I wasn't running in quite as quick and it felt pretty smooth through my action. I still have some consistency things to work on, but on the whole I was pretty happy with my bowling. My first ball I bowled Clarke hit me over the top of TS at mid on who got a couple of fingertips to it, a chance first ball, it just could be my day, and three balls later and I've got Clarke to hit one to Fults at short cover, happy days! As good a start as I could have asked for.
I came back on towards the end of the innings, we needed a wicket, and I couldn't deliver two overs for seven with two overs left in my ten.
We really needed to break the partnership, mid-on and mid-off up, a slip in and playing with the dice. My ninth over went for too many as Hussey took the bait to hit over the up field. He did it well and I didn't quite get my lengths right, next over was back to the simple death plan, and it paid off; David Hussey out second ball. This was the gamble we took at Sydney too, try to get wickets or restrict runs, in this instance trying to restrict runs by going death maybe was the better option, for me anyway.
We hadn't scored enough runs, but we still didn't really give ourselves a chance with the ball. Millsy, again, was brilliant and since this spell of bowling I had some good chats with him on how he constructs his overs and his spells; personally it's good to be doing pretty well and learning at the same time.
I've been picked in the T20 team that will be staying on for the one T20 in Sydney on the 15th. Really looking forward to making my T20 debut, should be a whole pile of nervous fun! But first, Friday, a hugely important and special match. We have the chance to do something not ever been done before, win an ODI series in Australia. A real good feel around the team for this one and we can't wait to play the 5th match of the series in front of a big, and friendly, crowd at the Gabba.
Posted by: Sanath at February 12, 2009 10:48 AM
Good work Ian.I am following your blog regularly.Keep It Up,
Sanath
Posted by: awais ahmed at February 12, 2009 1:47 PM
best of luck for tomorrow's match and both aussies and kiwis did a great job to help and support victims of bushfire
Posted by: james at February 12, 2009 1:58 PM
Best of luck for the final game
Posted by: Karan Bhudia at February 12, 2009 3:15 PM
Yes Obrien.....even i just in those thoughts you have in your mind....But nothing much can be done....Its all upon the Almighty,God.
Posted by: Jagdish at February 12, 2009 3:28 PM
Ian, your blog is cool! keep blogging.
All the best for the decider.
Posted by: Rey at February 12, 2009 3:31 PM
:-/ you weren't supposed to loose those two matches, anyways best of luck 4d last match :-/
Posted by: Yayathy at February 12, 2009 3:33 PM
Its sure that the contest will be a nail biting one. Hope the Kiwi come better against the Oz.
A series win here will make the series against India more interesting. Lets hope for the best and I wish to see centuries from Brendon and Elliot and a five for from you or Dan.
Cheers!!!!!
Posted by: shankar at February 12, 2009 4:06 PM
Good post Ian..Really a heart breaking one..All the best for tommorrow's match at Brisbane.Perform well and Nz should win the series...
Posted by: Raghav at February 12, 2009 4:07 PM
Carry on man !! I wish your team will lift up the spirits and beat Australia in the final game. Wish you and your team all the best. You are doing a good job as far as I am concerned.
Posted by: vinod at February 12, 2009 4:26 PM
but in the 4rth match, i wonder how callum ferguson was adjudged not out by steve davis. he was dead plumb, middle stump towards end of the run chase.
Posted by: Steve at February 12, 2009 6:19 PM
Nice one again Iain, great blog you've got going and good luck in the 5th game. Your comments about the bushfires are similar to mine in a way, I'm living overseas and chatting to mates who have lost homes ... it's all very strange looking from outside.
Anyway, if you finally get some LBW's going your way, you look a great chance of beating us in the 5th game, best of luck.
Posted by: Timaaaay at February 12, 2009 7:35 PM
love your work Iain, pretty disappointing that you guys have let the aussies back into the series, typical really. bowling has been good, the batting has lacked conviction, where's the confidence and aggression gone? anyway, i hope you guys smash the aussies tonight. Go the caps!
Posted by: malcolm at February 12, 2009 7:49 PM
Another good article. Keep it up Iain. Best writer on cricinfo!
Posted by: Bond at February 12, 2009 7:50 PM
Nice blog Ian, I am going through your stuff and it’s really good to see you narrating the match scenarios and your experiences. I am looking forward to the INDIA series and it will be interesting to see your blogs during the tour.
Posted by: tarun at February 12, 2009 7:58 PM
great work dude..
Posted by: Naresh Sharma at February 12, 2009 8:12 PM
Good luck for what is the most important match for you guys in a while!! n as always, I'm enjoying watching your bowling, especially at the death or during powerplays!! n d last match, it ws a pleasant surprise to watch u in the 5th or maybe 6th over itself!! keep it up..get some more yorkers going n win the match.. n if u can get ponting bowled that will be the icing on the cake!! :-) n yeah, indians are coming next.. n m waiting fr dat as u must be too.. being an indian, m not gonna support u guys that time!! however, fr the moment, my best wishes fr today's match!!
Posted by: Julian at February 12, 2009 8:36 PM
3-2 O'Brien, go the Kiwis
Posted by: Glenn Wolsey at February 12, 2009 9:10 PM
Good luck later this afternoon Iain!
Posted by: steffan at February 12, 2009 10:02 PM
Well done for keeping the blog regular and of such high standard.
Best of luck for the Big match!
Hope it goes your way.
Posted by: Rev D A Nichols at February 12, 2009 10:20 PM
Really enjoying following your blog. Id love to hear more about life on the road and in the camp though. Keep it up and thanks!
Posted by: Rik at February 12, 2009 10:26 PM
I enjoy insightful blog Ian. Good luck today. I hope the rain does not foil your plans.
Posted by: Chris at February 12, 2009 10:31 PM
Good luck at the Gabba OB we'll be at the Gabba cheering the BC's on!!!
Posted by: Pete in Sydney at February 12, 2009 10:36 PM
Hi Ian – nice words, thanks. I have been enjoying this blog of yours and getting your perspective on the current series. Although I support Aus, I am always more interested in a good contest than seeing Aus constantly winning … so thanks for the great tussle that NZ have been able to provide in these one dayers. In the current cricket climate, we needed a shake up and you have delivered. NZ has a good young side building some stability and revelations like Grant Elliott are always great – I feel lucky to have seen his century the other evening. Go well tonight – give us another strong contest!
Pete in Sydney
Posted by: Jase at February 12, 2009 11:08 PM
Great bowling so far in the series Iain, very impressed. Let's hope you and Mills can continue the run into today's match! Good luck.
Posted by: ashish at February 12, 2009 11:23 PM
hi Ian....being an indian, i m a cricket lover by birth....great that u manage some time out of ur busy schedule for ur fans...keep it up. we are eagerly awaiting to see ur blogs and comments in the following days when India tours NZ...
Posted by: Andrew at February 12, 2009 11:28 PM
Ian, a tip before todays big game. Brad Haddin doesn't like balls that are short and wide and asking to be smashed to the boundary. Keep up the good work with the blog but personally hope you guys get slaughtered. :P
Posted by: Sudarshan at February 12, 2009 11:43 PM
I am looking forward to this match...as well as the India Tour at home,Hope to see how Indians perform in these conditions!!
Posted by: Flying Saucer Jones at February 13, 2009 12:01 AM
While I'm hoping that the Chappell-Hadlee trophy will be ours (Australia's) I want to wish you guys well. It's been a thoroughly entertaining series and New Zealand has played very well. Best of luck for today's match.
Posted by: Val DiBattista at February 13, 2009 12:15 AM
Ian,
I play for a side in the Blue Mountains Cricket Association, west of Sydney called the Katoomba Krushers. A few of us have commented that we have enjoyed your cricket this summer. Well done. I hope you can keep improving and have a good international career for the next few years. Well done.
Val
Posted by: Val DiBattista at February 13, 2009 12:15 AM
Ian,
I play for a side in the Blue Mountains Cricket Association, west of Sydney called the Katoomba Krushers. A few of us have commented that we have enjoyed your cricket this summer. Well done. I hope you can keep improving and have a good international career for the next few years. Well done.
Val
Posted by: hudson mills at February 13, 2009 12:25 AM
hey man this hudson from eastbourne. you been there? about ten minutes from petone. geat blog man, hey win us that today eh?
Posted by: Sridhar at February 13, 2009 1:12 AM
Go ahead win it!!! Be the 3rd team to create history after India and SA!!!!!!!!
Posted by: anthony at February 13, 2009 1:13 AM
Come on Iain! please do it for all your long time black caps fans! we want to win today and take the history making seris! cheers mate
Posted by: Tom at February 13, 2009 1:31 AM
'David Hussey out second ball'
He had made 79 at the time!
Posted by: Sam Kent at February 13, 2009 1:58 AM
Hi Iain,
I was really pleased to see you guys donate to the bush fire appeal and the support you offered. I am very proud of how you guys are performing on the field and how you conduct yourself off it. Keep up the energy and the winning spirit, you are part of the most exciting NZ team I have seen in some time.
Posted by: Seshadri at February 13, 2009 2:01 AM
Hi Ian your weblog is Good and I do visit regularly Keep it Up!!And I feel that your current bowling form is good so keep bowling the same way and trouble the Aussie and I write a lot about cricket please visit my weblog www.seshdotcom.wordpress.com
Posted by: Tony Dodemaide - ex Petone Cricket Club at February 13, 2009 2:48 AM
Do the business mate!
I feel a 3fer is in the wings for you this game ... and a series victory to boot!
Smash em!!!
- Dodders
Posted by: Horty at February 13, 2009 2:53 AM
Iain,
Big game tonight, keep bowling that same line, it's been great to watch you throughout the series. Good luck to all the boys.
Cheers, Horty.
BTW:If you were wondering Yes, this is Horty who used to play along side you at Hutt Cricket Club and Hutt Valley Representative. Now living in Sydney, cheers.
Posted by: Crang at February 13, 2009 2:53 AM
Loving the blog Ian - all most as much as your bowling at present.
Looking forward to reading how the celebrations go after tonights much deserved victory and tales of how you got 5-31 at the Gabba!
Crang
Posted by: Angus Milne at February 13, 2009 4:00 AM
Good Work Iain!
Rain has delayed play! That's a real downer because I really want too watch you bowl again before my big game tomorrow!
I'm hoping too get 5 overs in tomorrow!
You used too coach me a while back.
Your skills taught me really well and are so far paying off!
I've bowled 10 overs already this season and taken 2 wickets!
Hopefully I can pick up a few tomorrow thanks too your help.
Love Always
Angus xx
Posted by: Shankar at February 13, 2009 4:40 AM
Good Luck.
ALL THE BEST BLACKCAPS.
Posted by: Ross at February 13, 2009 4:56 AM
Rain, rain go away come again some other day...
Posted by: Azza at February 13, 2009 5:35 AM
Great blog! Very gentlemanly of you guys to let the aussies back into the series and avoid having 2 dead rubbers.... now finish 'em!
Posted by: Glen at February 13, 2009 7:05 AM
Typical...we havn't had a day like this in brisbane since I got here in late november. Hopefully something will happen...I guess a 20 over match would be an interesting finish to the series! it's 5:00 local time so still got an hour to make something happen, very very grey however and a few showers about.
Lovin' the blog Iain. Great to know how things are in the camp throughout the series, all the best!
Posted by: Son of Boony at February 13, 2009 7:15 AM
Momentum is a funny thing eh bro.
- 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.