I don't know if you can hear, but that's a bath running in the background, and once it's full, I'm going to sit in there and finish writing this. Why, because I can, I want to and mostly because I feel like I need a damn good soak.
Now that's a day of Test cricket; two down at the start of play and seven down at the end. With momentum swings at crucial points throughout the day it was one that could have gone any way. We're certainly not disappointed with where we are; three wickets in the morning and we'll be right back in there.
Bath run, lovely!
So today, it took us 16 overs to make a break through, and we get two at once. Marshall nicks one off Jeets and then Shiv, first ball, leading edges a full toss back to Jeets who happily takes the dolly catch. We got Shiv out. This is a cause to celebrate, and we do. That was one tight huddle in the middle of the ground, it turned into a bit of a rolling maul; we knew how big a wicket he is.
While we were waiting for Shiv to come out, Dan asked me to warm up, we had a plan that we were going to implement against him. I was going to bowl the next over from the other end. Dan had spoken to Ian Smith, one of the Sky commentators about a plan to him, and I had a chat with Simon Doull this morning before we started along the same lines. Both suggested the same plan, I get the feeling that they had worked it out together and both were taking credit for it. Any way, we didn't need it. A full toss was all it took, and that was about the only ball we hadn't bowled to him in this series. Jeets had two in two and was on a hat trick. Not to be though.
Gayle was still and looking amazing. I'm not bothered about saying that, as he has been just brilliant last night and today. Sometimes you just have to admit that when someone is hot, they're hot and let them be. Nash joined him and we were trying to attack Nash and defend, as much as we could, to Gayle.
We let Nash cut again. We really can't let him do this. It wasn't good enough from most of us to him. Gayle and Nash put on 124 and held us wicket less for over 55 overs.
We went into tea not with our heads down, but we certainly weren't bubbly either. We came out from tea with some real energy. A great chat in the shed from Dan and Baz and we fizzing. We're back out there with a purpose, with intensity and most importantly with the question ringing in our ears: "Who's going to stand up and make it their day?"
Franky had the ball and he 'stood up'. He hit the deck hard, bowled fast and really rattled Nash straight after tea. And then pick him up with a short ball grabbing some glove lobbing to 2nd slip for an easy catch. We're back. It took us another eight overs to pick up our next wicket, Ramdin hit a soft shot to Flynny at point. Happy days. Franky finished a very good spell with some good reward.
All day I had been struggling with rhythm and it was important that this spell, my last of the day, was up in intensity, pace and hopefully the rhythm would come back. It did, and early. The first ball of this spell kicked through to Baz like it had been in the first innings. Just one ball and the confidence grows and that feel comes back. Again, I'm back. If I had all night to type, I'd try to explain what I'm talking about, but I honestly don't think I have time right now. But I'll try to soon.
I had a good chat to Baz before the spell, he asked me to concentrate on a couple of lengths that were successful for me in the first innings, and hit them well. Defend as much as we could to Gayle and attack Taylor who was now in. I had picked Taylor up in the first innings by getting him hooking. That was going to be part of the plan this evening, although he wasn't coming to the party, at all. Plan B, the slower ball, again. Set him up with a couple of hard length balls, a good bouncer, which actually hit him hard in the grill; yes I did check to see if he was ok! And then the slower ball, the same one that I got Fidel with in the first. Same result. LBW. Yeah ha! That's seven down with about five overs left. A real good chance to pick up at least one more tonight.
Fidel came out at nine tonight, I was quite happy about this. Again I was going to refrain from bowling bouncers to him because he is expecting them. I started with length balls, hard and heavy. I got him to nick a good one to second slip, unfortunately it was dropped. These things happen and I managed to hold back the disappointment that I had been showing, quite a bit, back in Bangladesh. A positive and forward move for me.
No more wickets for us tonight, but my nine over spell was a real positive for me and the team. I bowled an eight over spell in the first innings when I picked up the last four and it had been a long time since I'd done more. I was pretty tired towards the end but there was no way Dan was getting the ball out of my hand. Hopefully I can start up in the morning and take the momentum from tonight into that spell.
Keep it up Iain, you're a great sport mate. I like the positive approach to cricket you have. Keep working hard and you'll be one of the better bowlers today. You're one of the better personalities that's for sure.
Posted by: Sahil@IAIN at December 22, 2008 11:40 AM
Hi Iain
I am from India and its great to see such blogs from you. its a great feeling to see that cricketers value their fans as well. Really nice that you are putting in so much effort in your bowling and even after a hard day in the field have the attitude to stand up and smile. Have a wonderful time ahead and i hope to have your autograph when you come to India.
Regards
Posted by: Vinnie at December 22, 2008 11:57 AM
Awesome blog Iain, keep up the great work.
Posted by: Kieran at December 22, 2008 11:57 AM
Keep bowling the way you are and you will become one on NZ's greatest quicks, really good stuff aye.
Posted by: knight at December 22, 2008 1:53 PM
I don't know if NZ will win the test but getting out chanderpaul for a duck itself is an amazing success. Even Brett lee said he had no idea how to get chanderpaul out. Probably giving him an easy delivery when he arrives in the crease is the way to go.
Posted by: Neviller at December 22, 2008 1:59 PM
Hello Iain from warm Barbados. You seem to be a combination of Dominic Cork at the start of your run and Steve Harmison upon your delivery action. Our boys are finally comming to the party and I think you have bowled very well. Keep it up. Tell Baz to visit the Wicketkeeper when he comes this way.
Regards
Posted by: Bong at December 22, 2008 2:09 PM
Iain - greetings from India. A very refreshing blog and nice to hear it straight from the gut. Have a great time and a wonderful year ahead - wishing you a memorable international career ahead! Looking forward to seeing you in India.
Cheers,
- Bong
Posted by: K.O.F at December 22, 2008 2:19 PM
Nice Blog Iain. I'm from Guyana and I've been watching the game every night from 7pm to 2am and it's been a great test match so far and I know there will be a result and I'll be hoping it's the windies. But regardless who wins this has been a test match to remember, one batsman scoring a century and 5+ wickets for a bowler in each innings so far. You're a great prospect for NZ and i wish you all the best, great bowling in the first innings and I will not forget that delivery that got Gayle (that was a beauty) I think you would have gotten Lara with that. Lets see what the game has in store for the last day, I'll be watching from start to end.
Posted by: Kiah at December 22, 2008 2:34 PM
Hi Iain, the boys got the dangerman shiv out. That was postive bowling by jeetan. Looks like our capatain wont be giving his wicket away so easily, the guys got to go back to the drawin board for 5th day an see what happens. Best regards..
PS: tell brendon visit another wicketkeeper when he comes this way (St.kitts and Nevis) looking to see him in the ODI'S and 20/20's..... Real exposive batting!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ricardo chambers at December 22, 2008 2:59 PM
it is great that u are able to do this after a long hard day. try to pitch the ball up a liitle more though especially of tough wickets. i thought you and your fellow speedters bowled poorly to nash in both innings. realize as soon as u bowled short he was in touble. but u will learn.
Posted by: Chris at December 22, 2008 3:21 PM
hi im chris from Guyana. I too have been following the match from 7pm to 2am every night and it has been enthraling.This was a very good analysis Iain and i like the way you plan your work and work your plan. Another great day of test cricket is expected tomorrow so all the best. Best of luck for the windies
Posted by: Marlon at December 22, 2008 3:35 PM
Mr. O'Brian,
Greetings from Canada. I have been faithfully watching the game every night over here and I love your intensity. I LOVE IT. I want you to get more intense out there and bowl your heart out. I wish you would slege some more.....I think that people don't realize how effective it can be.
Posted by: terry at December 22, 2008 4:09 PM
Iain, why dont you guys tried bowling back a full toss to shiv. It might probably in the the pavilion.That's a lucky full toss.Haha
Posted by: Samit at December 22, 2008 5:22 PM
Gud work lain.Keep up the gud work of last spell and clean the windies tail once again
Posted by: Ross at December 22, 2008 5:45 PM
It was a shame that you guys didn't get Gayle out while he was tired yesterday. I guess today you will get Edwards and the rest of the tail out. With land's batting, I suggest turning to McCullum and Ryder to open and smack the living s*** out of the ball.
Posted by: Vikram Prethesh at December 22, 2008 5:59 PM
Keep the good work!!!!Way to go...
Posted by: shoeless at December 22, 2008 6:37 PM
Hi Ian,
Nice blog, I am a die hard cricket fan and this is great stuff you putting out.Thanks for giving us a inside peek into your world. I guess it is a good way to let things out.Keep it up.
cheers
Sheoless
Posted by: Dwight Dodson at December 22, 2008 6:42 PM
Hey wats up,ive been watching u guys out there and u all look fired up an ready to go n get the job done (that guy Macullum has alot of energy i wish he wud let let me know wat he's drinking), best wishes to both teams n i hope to u guys have someting to take with u into the ODI'S. Goodluck!!!!
Posted by: Admin at December 22, 2008 6:49 PM
Shiv is the hardest cricketer to out in world cricket... You guys were very luckly to get Shiv out first ball today. Here is a quote from Shiv's fan site (www.shivisgreat.com), "He(Chanderpaul) is the most immovable object in the game at present." Tony Cozier, cricket commentator.
Did you know the Shiv is the only player after Bardman to average 100+ in consecutive years?
Anyway, keep up the bowling but take it easy on the tail..LOL
Posted by: Steven Davies-Morris at December 22, 2008 7:30 PM
I'm really enjoying your blog here in SoCal, where it's pouring with rain -- must be the leftovers from the storm that ruined the test at Dunedin. You're always an entertaining and informative read. I appreciate that while you take what you do seriously, you report on it in a lighthearted manner. Keep both it and your coming-on-strong bowling up. Cheers.
Posted by: Sam Cooke at December 22, 2008 7:49 PM
Hey Iain, You are doing a good job. Keep it up. I would like you to bowl some bodyline deliveries to Chris Gayle just for the fun of it. After all you are doing a good job and he is too. Good luck .
Posted by: Benjamin Dover at December 22, 2008 7:58 PM
Iain, well done. I am not convinced your plan for Shiv would have worked. He is an mighty advesary and test series against England, Soth Africa & Australia proved that he is pure class.
Full toss apart, Shiv would have ended the innings unbeaten but, but! without Gayle at the other end. West Indians believe Chris & Shiv batting together is bad omen so I was not suprised with Shiv's absurd dismissal
Posted by: nigel at December 22, 2008 9:27 PM
Fantastic to sit down in the morning before the test restarts and read through your thoughts from the previous day. It's a great read. Good luck for the last three today! Thanks and keep it up (on and off the pitch).
Posted by: martin apple at December 22, 2008 10:13 PM
Hey Ian,
You threw balls nice at the wicket i like what i see. Sometimes maybe try and bowl a legspinner?
gd luck
martin
Posted by: Heef at December 22, 2008 10:34 PM
Good to see you building up a fanbase, Iain. Well deserved. Petone's Finest, and there's no doubting that - even if Jesse was still playing in Petone. Think I even saw a banner with your name on it at Napier the other day. Seems you're becoming a bit of a Cult Hero.
Posted by: Ashie at December 22, 2008 11:14 PM
Iain , Cricinfo - isn't this pretty much the "thing" that an ardent cricket fan on the web wants to see - a blog by a player out on the field !!
You don't know how refreshing and insightful it is to see a Test bowler's thoughts on a day out in the field (now i realise why i am playing 2nd division club cricket in Midwest USA ;) )
Keep this blog going, as i am not too big a Black Caps fan - and your blog is one reason i am starting to have more respect for you guys !!!
Congrats on your best haul too, i know how much good a 5fer does to you !!
Greetings from Chicago,
Ashie
Posted by: anonumous at December 23, 2008 12:27 AM
great blog. keep up the wickets 4 the one dayers
Posted by: Manickam at December 23, 2008 1:03 AM
Great Blog.
Posted by: aj at December 23, 2008 1:04 AM
Really enjoy reading your blogs!
Posted by: sachin wadwha at December 23, 2008 1:29 AM
Hello Iain, I am from india. I was very pleased to see you bowling well with 6/75. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: physchem tutor at December 23, 2008 1:53 AM
Iain, nice blog, i didnt realise that cricketers will have chance to run one of these after the day's play...anyways i am from guyana and much say that i am impressed with your bowling, i am a shiv fan so i am happy that he did well in the series so far, disappointed that he out for a duck in second innings...anyways i must say u r doing well, havent seen a NZ bowler bowl fast n furious since Bond
Posted by: Rory McKenzie at December 23, 2008 3:35 AM
Go the blackcaps, awesome stuff iain, well bowled in the first innings, good to see all the wellington boys performing :)
Posted by: Korzah at December 23, 2008 3:59 AM
To iain and the boys, good luck with the final seson go out there and win the country the game and start making your way up the ladder again good luck
Korzah
Posted by: TUSHAR MUKHERJEE at December 23, 2008 4:38 AM
Hello Ian,keep up the good work.Remember that even Richard Hadlee had to wait almost 30 tests before he was recognised as an allrounder.But he persisted and evntually had success.Improve you batting and fielding like him and then you will be indispensible.And above all enjoy your cricket. I was so happy to see little kids playing at lunch time in the outfield.thanks to all of you Test cricket is again a Family affiar.To me your ranking may be low but you all play the game in true spirit.Keep it up and as a team you guys will be champions one day.Dan is an excellent Captain just needs a bit of luck.Looking forward to India's tour in March 2009
Posted by: TUSHAR MUKHERJEE at December 23, 2008 4:38 AM
Hello Ian,keep up the good work.Remember that even Richard Hadlee had to wait almost 30 tests before he was recognised as an allrounder.But he persisted and evntually had success.Improve you batting and fielding like him and then you will be indispensible.And above all enjoy your cricket. I was so happy to see little kids playing at lunch time in the outfield.thanks to all of you Test cricket is again a Family affiar.To me your ranking may be low but you all play the game in true spirit.Keep it up and as a team you guys will be champions one day.Dan is an excellent Captain just needs a bit of luck.Looking forward to India's tour in March 2009
Posted by: Sameer at December 23, 2008 5:06 AM
Thanks for giving your team secrets away ;)
- Just another guy from India.
Posted by: Cricket fan at December 23, 2008 5:12 AM
great to see you putting up a blog so us fans can have a look at your thoughts and i hope you keep up the awesome fast bowling.
Posted by: Cricket fan at December 23, 2008 5:13 AM
great to see you putting up a blog so us fans can have a look at your thoughts and i hope you keep up the awesome fast bowling.
Posted by: Leonard at December 23, 2008 5:49 AM
Was there a plane for Gayle as well.
Posted by: Ross at December 23, 2008 6:09 AM
You had better moan about Brendon's dismissal in your next blog. I am quite disappointed in the referral system. First Daniel Flynn in Dunedin and now Brendon in Napier...
Posted by: Shankar at December 23, 2008 6:09 AM
Good All Round Team Performance by BlackCaps.
All The Best for ODI series against West Indies,Australia and next Test,ODI Series against
India next year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009
Posted by: mustaq at December 23, 2008 6:45 AM
Hi! Iain , i'm from Bangladesh . Keep going as such length & line Also speed . y'r next genaration star from NZ.
Thanks
Mustaq
Posted by: Bert and Ernie at December 23, 2008 7:24 AM
Ian O Brien naked in the bath hmm thanks for sharing man, nice bowling in the first innings btw but stay on top of it mate
Posted by: Sudarshan at December 23, 2008 7:26 AM
Great job Iain, Its amazing to read the thoughts of a test cricketer in the middle of a game.
Keep your blog going even when tests are done with and you have other cricket being played.
Posted by: ram at December 23, 2008 8:48 AM
Hi Ian.... am frm India first of all congrats fr ur maiden 6 wicket haul against W.I. Superb effort it was... Way u tormented d west indies batsman was remarkable....KEEP going .... N I like ur blog
Posted by: Ayesha at December 23, 2008 10:18 AM
hi lain whats up? i have not been able to watch the matches thats because my tv is down and so was my computer but now am catching up on the latest. hey and you should know that just cuminicating on the web with u players really means alot for us fans. hey keep up yhe good work fellas!!!!!!!!!!!! lol have fun & gl
Posted by: shrirama at December 23, 2008 10:38 AM
Hi Ian am frm India....I hve been waching d series in N.Z rite from ma childhood days... Dis time u r playing to W.I (ma fav team)... I hope u people hve gr8 time wid tourists...
Posted by: Raj at December 23, 2008 3:29 PM
Heyy Ian... That was a nice one...
Why dont u reveal a couple of ya team secrets in your blog...
It will make our job a little simpler when we tour new zealand next feb :P.. Good luck mate!!!!
Posted by: AGM at December 24, 2008 2:34 AM
Hey Iain,
Are you doing one for the last day?
Thoroughly enjoy your gentle yet incisive insights.
I try to read them each day.
Posted by: Sam Maynard at December 24, 2008 4:18 AM
Hi Ian I am really enjoying reading your blog. I work on the night shift at the frezzings works so don't always get to see the end of yours games but one day when I'm older i hope to be the stats man for sky T.V
Have a good one
Posted by: SAM at December 24, 2008 7:03 PM
SHIV. the greatest batsman to date, in my categ.That was a lucky full toss.
Posted by: Jeremy Dean at December 27, 2008 1:05 AM
Your a legend mate, always a pleasure to play with you. hope you had a good christmas
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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.