i thought you were younger

Hard luck Iain, You shouldn't have let that catch down on any given day. But it was great to watch NZ bouncing back hard on India. But as Dan said, "For a good team any of the 5 days is good enough to regain their momentum", India got control over the game very soon in the second innings. I know you guys will give 200% to level the series. I have a small suggestion if you could leak out to Dan, Y dont Ryder open up or come 1 down as he is tremendously in touch. He is completely used to the new ball and was upto the task of zaheer and ishant.

ALL THE BEST BUDDY, it was a great feeling to reply a players blog. Almost feeling like talking to you. It will be great if you can respond to some of our replies (Only if u have time tough :))

Very nice post o'brien. Specially the way you described the dropped catch. It happens once a while. Interesting to know how players at the highest level deal with such mishaps. Best of luck for the last test.

I liked your attitude and liked the line "If you find a job that no one else wants to do, learn to do it well, it's yours for as long as you can do it for"

Good Luck

I totally understand how aweful kiwis might be feeling after the draw. your blog was not the same today as it use to be previously. may be you are too tierd or too upset with the draw. but ian give credit to indian team, they have done a great job. well keep the good work going

Nice to see a honest reflection of views being in team not to win after following on . may be some sort of suggestion to you .i would like see you bowl more from wide of the crease to get some angle towards the batsmen.your natural action seems to be trying in swingers always .if you could bowl wide of the crease and just try to shape bit away ,i think you might be able to get more wickets .. good luck for the next test

Good solid work to all the boys.

Brooklyn Cricket Club has been shouting our support and dissecting your progress as a team and individuals.

Really enjoyable to read your thoughts on the days play and how to 'leave no stone unturned' to
win.

You are all playing to the true spirit of Cricket and earned nothing but respect from all your opposition this last summer :)

Enjoy Leicestershire & look forward to seeing more test & ODI from you in the future.

P.S. will you blog your County Club experience?

Hello lain, Please accept heartiest congratulation for initiating such an honest blog. I am a avid cricket fan and it is your great gift to all cricket fans of this globe . I have started following your blog after current Ind-Newzealand series. I just want to say that you are now connected with millions and millions of people who are blessed to know the view point of a person in action. Please keep feeding us. Good luck for all your effort.

I want to make request to few Indian cricket fans who expect Lain to be column writer. Remember, Lain is a cricket player who has not hanged the boot so definitely his views will be passionate for his country and we should respect that. I do not mind even Lain blog is little biased (although its not).

mate, people drop catches. It happens. The best players have done and the best players will continue to do so. The fact is that the Black Caps are not at the same level as India when it comes to playing Test cricket and this was exposed during this test match. Yes, the pitch helped but it was the ability to stay there that saved the game for India.
Best of luck for the final game. Hope its an exciting one.

Thank heavens that yo are a kiwi, had this been an Indian, he would have had his house back in India stoned and also his wife's uncle's niece's house stoned and your posters garlanded with footwear. From an Indian point of view, I was watching the game live and it did look like a serious blunder at that time. But things like this happen all the time in sport. ..its a brutal game some times. But realistically, on that pitch forget about it...Even Yuvi with all his scratch here scratch there, poke here, poke there batting made 60 odd on this pitch. Just say to yourself that its the pitch thats the demon and nothing would have happened even if you had caught Gambhir there. But I agree the whole team sees you as you let them down when you grassed that chance. But again it can happen to Jonty too..everyones human! GL with Basin..just hope Dan reads the blog , understands that its your fav ground and not drop you from the test match . wink wink..

Your team's performance gave India the real jitters. That you had a strong opposition playing out of their skins is as much a testimony to your team's performance, as theirs. Well done! And keep up the writing.

Ian,
Just love your blogs. To listen from a playing cricketer is awesome.
I loved you droped catch explanation too ;) ..
Btw as Indian fan I hope NZ will be grounded in 3rd test.

Ian, I feel that catch wouldn't have make much of a difference as Gambhir got out a few overs later.
Anyway, I was impressed by Jeetan Patel's performance and I think India missed a second spinner too. I am desperately looking forward to a green top at the Basin to see how Indian batsman react to that. Also, that will be your best chance to level the series..............Good luck for the next test and enjoy

Hi Ian,
Great Blog Again !!
A very desperate try from NZ, but..., one really got a feeling that there must be some sort of movement around the pitch to assist the bowlers -- pace or spin.. that helps, but the bowl was coming onto the bat so nicely -- especially to VVS -- that he was consistently -- without any sort of trouble -- and even the good length bowls were being hit into the gaps....,
But it was great to see the Comback/Dominance showed by NZ in the first innings...., Great fight... by Both teams in the END...,
Good Luck for the 3rd one IAN...,

Nice to hear from you lain. Good to get your thoughts from the field. Bad luck on the missed catch but i guess Gauti had already done the damage.

Loving your blogs Iain! I don't think there was much you guys could do; the pitch was dreadful for test cricket although it did save us from an embarrassing loss but still i feel there should be an equal contest between bat and ball and that certainly wasn't there in this test (except our 1st innings). Kudos to you for banging the ball in hard day in day out anyway. While your dropped catch was a sitter, don't forget that we all drop catches like that at least once in our lifetimes so don't be too pissed about it mate. So long as u don't make the same mistake again, u'll always get better.

Hoping for a good contest in Wellington. While I want India to win, if there has to be a matchwinner for NZ, hope its u.

well the pictures of you having dropped the catch sure did show how you felt.....must have been hurting especially at that time of the game.....it could have just caused a little stir in the indian camp.....but with one game to play for.....i hope it will be played on a more suitable pitch for test cricket.....and though the NZ can try but i am sure the thirst of 41 years for indians will just get the better of the black caps......but everyone wants a fair competition at the end of the day and hope this one would be for the keeps......should be a great weekend entertainment.....nice swing bowling followed by some sturdy batting display!!

I hope you get a fiver or a ton in the next one, coz it would be interesting to read your piece after that.

You guys tried and gave your best but India showed its batting class and why it is now regarded as one of the best side in Test cricket.

Hey IOB
'I even gave the earth a chance to by scratching a long line in the grass so that there was already an opening it could open up and take me away'-haha-Classic, so honest of you. M8-u r a game trier and fantastic team man to boot...Wish you well @ the Basin...my 5c worth - try bowling slower ones from wide of the crease...for all you know you might get someone caught on a big mistimed stroke...and aslo why donot u guys sledge-give 'em something to think about(even though i support india)...C'mon show some fire...Njoyd your blogs right from the OZ tour...from ur biggest Fan---Cheers...! p.s Give my hi to Gups and Ryder-they r awesome....

Good on you Iain for being so honest about your dropped catch. It's a norm in the game of cricket as you already know and even the best of the bests sometimes spills the easiest of chances so please remain on this side of the earth and keep us updated with your blogs. Don't be swallowed by the earth, else all of your blog fans will be at a loss. I am eagerly waiting for all the people who commented that India are arrogant and not a great team by any chance (I guess I saw such comments after the 3rd days play), I cant stop laughing on those people now. Indian batting has slapped them on their face by putting up such a good show. Did you guys really believed, black caps can beat India that easily. Nothing against you or NZ Iain, i have the greatest respect for NZ as a team which always plays with true spirit and is damn competitive. Its just that you guys are going through a transitional phase at the moment. Anyways, all the best for the last match and your visa dude.

The catch even if taken, in my opinion, would not have changed the result of the match. Gambhir anyway got out after 11 overs. India were safe with harbhajan to come in some time(don't have much confidence in Yuvraj and Karthik). Overall the match was played in good spirit and I really appreciate the NZ team to have displayed such determination and come up with such performance. I tip to O'Brien - Instead of asking Dan for those three overs when Gambhir/Sehwag bats, try it out when yuvi/karthik comes :D. Cheers Mate !!

I've grassed many, and I can tell you the best option is to pretend someone moved behind the ball!

Good stuff, you guys played really well in the test. I popped along for the evening session on saturday and it was great.

Don't hold your breath on the visas. I've had an extremely bad run with UK visas and am finally about to move to the UK from NZ this month after a year of trying.

Ian don't feel bad about the drop catch, it may not have changed the outcome. You did your best throughout the match and really pushed India hard. Looking forward to the Basin. All the best to you personally and to your team.

Hard luck, mate! You guys all gave your best. Honestly, I didn't expect India to draw the game.. even though as an Indian supporter I wanted them to. But, I do like the kiwi's as well. You guys are great players. Heres wishing to another great test match at Wellington. May the best team win!

Tough luck Ian. While Chris got the wickets, I reckon you were the one bowler who troubled the batsmen relative to the others and looked like you were still interested in the 2nd session on the final day. Consistently clocking in the low 140s and varying the length and pace every now and then. I'd blogged at the end of the 3rd day on outsideedge.wordpress.com about the scrumptious battle that lay ahead and that India would need to really apply themselves to come through unscathed. And that is what they did. The pitch didn't help but more often its the situation and weight of runs that does batsmen in.
Best of luck at the Basin!

The best part of your blog is to get the inside look from a professional and to understand the very human emotions players go through.Just like the fans!And that creates a great bond.As an Indian fan,my first reaction to the dropped catch was of joy and then of great disappointment that it was you who had dropped it.
In some sense your fans have gotten to know you through this blog and I first felt that with the dropped catch.
Best wishes for the next test,but still hoping NZ lose:)

always great to read you but Mark Richardson seems right--NZ attack lacks penetration..lacks firepower..Do sth. different..

What a honest post, I read all your post and must say there are very few who has courage to say so honestly whether about your chance of winning or mistake. Infact on field behaviour of New Zeland crikcets are the best in this series. I must say New Zealand cricketers are the most honest and gentlemen around.

Well, I can just say, you guys tried very hard in the Napier Test match. Best of luck to both the teams for the last match.

Its tough for u. India will win the next match too and wrap series in style.

best of luck for the next game!

Well played NZ and well bowled Ian. Watch out for Sehwag trying to make amends in the 3rd test.He would most certainly try to amass one big score before the tour ends. I am backing India to win the series and I wish NZ good luck.

Well hard luck Iain you tried your best gave your everything but its one of those days when things don't quite turn whats important you give your everything actually there was nothing in the track and kept indians down in scoring rate hard luck mate better luck at the basin reserve

hi there, just to comment about dropping that catch, it happens to best of us.. do not worry about you didnt loose the game..

Nice post mate......we all go through what you went through after grassing a Dolly!!!...I remember a college game, where I kept dropping catches and was moved around in the field, and the ball followed me whereever I went. I think you dropped the match, much as the same as Herchelle Gibbs dropped Steve Waugh in a semifinal of Worldcup in UK.....Happy hunting for the next match...but Indian team will roll over you guys there at Basin Reserves...for they have come out from death..like pheonix and will have a newfound confidence to go with them....

Ian, i watched the last day throughout (being in USA) and i should say, i was impressed with your efforts. I did feel though that , in general, there are very limited options among all of you to take wickets on a dead pitch (not that many can do). i.e. i think in the current lot Zaheer can (cz of his experience), may be Ntini, Vaas, Murali.. can do it sometimes.
Bets of luck for next match and hopefully it will be a nail biter either way!
and oh, please keep posting. This is awesome!
thanks

Well, great effort Ian and good luck to the Black Caps, if the effort can be transfered through to the Basin Reserve the Indians have got quite a fight on there hands.

Hey Iain, it was nice to see the Black Caps giving us some kind of competition at last! This really brought out the resilliance power in us and revealed to us the other side of our flamboyant strokemaker Gauti! had it not been for the Kiwis' dominance on teh first 3 days of the Test, we wouldnt have known that our Tigers who often like going for the kill can also equally eficiently defy all odds, resist all temptations and with great determinaton stand there like strong Walls! Thanks a ton! We expect the same kind of fight from you all in the next Test and we promise a killer performance to take the series 2-0!!! Good Luck bro!

Hi Iain, at the outset, I'm relieved to know that Dan was WITH you throughout the match. At times I started to think that maybe Dan had lost confidence on you. I'm also pleased to know that you've got over the last test match which must have left you totally exhausted. Although I am an Indian supporter, I'd love to see you doing well & performing to your potential. As far as your focus & strategy for the next match at the Basin is concerned, do not try too many things at a time. When things do not go your way, just think of a GREAT FAST BOWLER, Glenn Mcgrath. He always used to hit the right length, always used to bowl at the "corridor of uncertainty", always tempted batsmen to play their strokes & foreced them to commit mistakes. He also used to bowl excellant in-swinging yorkers in between monotonous line & length spells. Also, never bowl at the Indian's pads. By using Mcgrath's strategy, I am sure you would end up with atleast a 5for the next time around. Cheer up mate & go for it !

I agree there was nothing much in the pitch but I think you guys sort of left it after the initial session. Actually the catch was almost a sitter as there was enough reaction time. Still not to take away anything from Indians, I guess everyone of them batted as if they were the last pair. and that's what saved the day for them. Lets hope for a well earned result at Basin

Hi Iain,
Overall a very good, competetive test match. It is a shame that it did not produce a result, largely due to the "pan-cake" pitch. You and your teammates should be proud of the way, you fought as a unit till the end.

In particular I liked the captaincy of Vettori and the bowling of Jeets. The kind of drift he generates is awesome. Nice to see some of the Indian batsmen showing some respect to him during the second innings. Overall a good, competetive test match where both teams had something to brag about. This makes the final test all the more interesting. I am from India, but follow cricket as a fan of the game. All the best to both the teams. May the better team win!

YOU ARE THE BEST
Its only been a month but i am big fan of you.
This was the first time i felt bad for someone to drop the catch of indian player. I really wished it was some one else.After watching you play and reading your blog i want my attitude to be like yours.
Indian Cricket Fan

Its a really great job by the indians especially the wall-1(Dravid), the wall-2(Gambhir) and of course Mr.Reliable(Laxman). They batted like champs throught out the day. But hard luck guys. All of you have given your 100% in the field. The last match surely will be a really tough match for both the teams. Good Luck Iain and Good luck Guys...

Its a really great job by the indians especially the wall-1(Dravid), the wall-2(Gambhir) and of course Mr.Reliable(Laxman). They batted like champs throught out the day. But hard luck guys. All of you have given your 100% in the field. The last match surely will be a really tough match for both the teams. Good Luck Iain and Good luck Guys...

hi ian.. nice to write again on your blog... it was hard work for you guys.. i think kiwis did good job with the bowl but this pitch is to flat and you can not take 20 wickets and of course india batted wonderfully and spacially gauti(second wall)& rahul(first wall).. best of luck for the third test.. hope that pitch is more sporting in wellington...

You are too hard on yourself in your blogs.

i hope you will fight back make the series draw.........one thing i know this test squad is superb .....they can fight back at any time
o'brien you can be the best one in willington....

Hi im james.
just 2 let u no i forgive, u r a hero 2 me ur a fighter, ok u drop the catch but i think i didnt reali matter couz in the end nz didnt have enough time any way!!!!
good luck 4 the 3rd test!!

Good job Iain. It's great to see you take time off to update your blog. You guys did well in the first 3 days but the Indians completely ruled the last 2 days. Well, I wish you best of luck mate and hope you continue playing the quality cricket.

Hi Iain!!!

I am happy to be the first one to comment today. Thanks for the frank account and Good luck for Wellington!!

Mate, your team fought pretty hard, as ususal.
Keep your head high, best of luck for your next test.You're one of those rare honest souls in cricket, who actually walks the talk ! Cheers !

Maybe the aussies should read your blog to learn a lesson or 2 in humility and honesty. Whenever i read your blog and see you in action on the field, I know it’s the same person. fiercely competitive , but an honest and likable character.

keep up the good work!!

Yeah ....it a horrible feeling, but i guess that's the way it goes,just imagine how it would have been if u had missed it in the morning session .......anyways goodluck for the third test....

Hello Iain...Firstly Congratulations on a very well played test match..You guys were in driving seat for almost 3 days of the match...but my Indian Team chipped in when it really mattered the most.. I was wondering what you would write on ur drop catch..and you won my heart by feelin if the ground can swallow u up.. ;-)

Anywayzz..that was a hard fought test and was really amazed how you could bowl ur fastest ball (i guess its around 144kmph) in the last session of such a tired day..Good luck for your next test and I wish India will do wonders and clinch the series 2-0...

Well Iain not sure if you actually pay a lot of attention to the comments to your blogs, but my biggest criticism for you and New Zealand cricket or for that matter Enlgish cricket is that you guys over-theorize the game a lot. Thats where you really fall short. Cricket is sometimes based on pure instinct, which you guys seem to lack. No disrespect directed towards you, because I admire your professionalism and work ethics, but to move forward you need that something extra, which you unfortunately lack. Cricket matches have to be won on the field not on paper, and gaining positives out of an insipid bowling performance is not the way to go.

Good luck in getting ur visa mate. I have been waiting for my tourist visa for 3 weeks now.

Ian , Another good post from you.. It could have been better with a mention of the gritty fight back of Indian top and middle orders gave you.

On that drop catch , guess you were also not watching the ball closely which is why it got grassed. All the Best for the next game..

Hi lain, nice blog. Especially like the openness in it, keep up the good work. you guys played well, but it was a bit too much from your team to expect to bowl out the best batting line-up in the world on a pitch like that. But all credits for keeping India on back foot for about four and half days, an achievement which you don't get to see these days as compared to earlier :)
Many thanks for your blog again, keep writing...

Well Iain not sure if you actually pay a lot of attention to the comments to your blogs, but my biggest criticism for you and New Zealand cricket or for that matter Enlgish cricket is that you guys over-theorize the game a lot. Thats where you really fall short. Cricket is sometimes based on pure instinct, which you guys seem to lack. No disrespect directed towards you, because I admire your professionalism and work ethics, but to move forward you need that something extra, which you unfortunately lack. Cricket matches have to be won on the field not on paper, and gaining positives out of an insipid bowling performance is not the way to go.

good blog iain, I like your style of writing, keep up the good work.

Great thoughts Ian.. keep blogging & good luck for your county stint.

Hi Iain!

It is nice to know a player's thoughts. Be easy on yourself when you drop catches or fail to take wickets. You are a good bowler. Only the Indian batsmen are marauders. Keep up the good work.

Patro

YOu are bowling the same length. good length area to laxman and others. into the belly. that is not a wicket taking delivery. you have to bowl fuller. yorkers. outside off stump. leg cutters etc. please...

Hello Iain, Great to know that you're joining Leicestershire county this summer. I wonder if the reason for choosing Leics over other counties has anything to do with the location of your wife who I understand stays at Matlock Derbyshire ??? With your rythmic bowling action, your ability to bowl consistent long spells, there's no reason why your stint at grace Road would'nt be spectacular especially due to the green-top pitches you'd get there. I guess you'd be eagerly looking forward to bowling on those wickets after having spent so many gruelling hours on useless flat wickets in NZ ! All the best for your county stint mate.

Saw you drop that catch mate..Come On.. that was a dolly !!! Kidding. A well written blog as usual.. really enjoy them.. good luck for the next match hope you take bags of wickets,except for Sachin's.

While it's nice to read the blog and understand the bowler's insight into the details of key events of the match. I have few comments on the trend of blogs. Whenever India wins or is on top, the blogs are delayed.Also, late swing of the ball is good excuse but citing a reason and then accepting the mistake tells a defensive attitude.
Let's hope this things are corrected in the next test. Good luck to NZ team.

Thanks Ian once again for your lovely and honest blog.
All the best for the 3rd test at Wellington. I always want India to win but, I want you to do well also. Just an advice...please concentrate on your batting as well so that your place in the side is safe. Honestly speaking i think Dan might prefer Mills in place of you for the final test.
Anyways continue writing and all the very best.

Saw you drop that catch mate..Come On.. that was a dolly !!! Kidding. A well written blog as usual.. really enjoy them.. good luck for the next match hope you take bags of wickets,except for Sachin's.

Hey Lain

Cheer up. It happens. Sure you dropped a catch but you are not the first and wont be the last one either. it was too late, even if you had snapped gambhir, the way laxman and yuvraj were playing there was little chance for you guys. what happened to you could have happened to anyone, in fact Baz dropped a lolly one too.

I think you guys should really prepare a green top and just see what happens. On a green top, think both teams have equal bowling strength. so whoever gets lucky with the batting will most likely win. while India has 6 class batsman, you guys have all rounders and more batting depth. A green top should work in your favor slightly more than ours.

The wind should play a decisive role too, if the wickets a green top, only one Indian bowler can be at his best. The other one would be bowling against the wind meaning would be slower and thus the batsman can negotiate the ball a lil better.

good luck and I wish you do well next game

Hi Iain

I feel your drop didn't made huge impact on the match. Gowtham got out soon after your drop.
But drop is drop,ill feeling.

Try hard next match and level the series

Good luck

-P.Kannan
Bangalore

Don't worry about to be forgiven as we all know that a sportsman has a busy life. I just want to say that at one point I was pretty much sure about New Zealand's victory in that match. But Gautam played well with a couple more players of India and saved a big match. I am sorry that you dropped a catch that made you feel worse. Good Luck in the future.

Hey Lain

Cheer up. It happens. Sure you dropped a catch but you are not the first and wont be the last one either. it was too late, even if you had snapped gambhir, the way laxman and yuvraj were playing there was little chance for you guys. what happened to you could have happened to anyone, in fact Baz dropped a lolly one too.

I think you guys should really prepare a green top and just see what happens. On a green top, think both teams have equal bowling strength. so whoever gets lucky with the batting will most likely win. while India has 6 class batsman, you guys have all rounders and more batting depth. A green top should work in your favor slightly more than ours.

The wind should play a decisive role too, if the wickets a green top, only one Indian bowler can be at his best. The other one would be bowling against the wind meaning would be slower and thus the batsman can negotiate the ball a lil better.

good luck and I wish you do well next game

no comments...what happened??????

Ian, the blog sounds more tired and written in midst of sore muscles and weak legs - given the three days of standing one can understand

there is no mention of the stupendous concemtration brought to bear by Gambhir and the ever elegant Laxman sniffing out any chance you guys must have entertained - now Kiwis will have realized the deep srength of this Indian team - would you agree, that against SA and Australia you might have won in a similar situation - be honest, as I am the first one to comment

Eight years back the best fast bowler and the best spinner of our era failed to dislodge VVS. No disgrace to NZ on this pitch. Well played

Hey Iain, I could see your feelings on your face when you dropped that catch and you really summed it up in a humourous manner. You really are a hard working cricketer and I really want to see you playing in IPL especially for Delhi Daredevils. I am really curious to know your views on IPL format and its prospects for cricketers.

good luck for the basin iain. hoping you and the boys can pull off a huge upset.

This indian batting line up has the capablity of putting a strong resistance for more than 3 days with their 10 wickets, so nz beware!! celebrations can wait

Hey Ian, Yet again a good post, Nice try on the 5th day, but i guess Kiwi best was not good enough. I feel a lil odd people suggestting NZ to make a green top for the final match 'dont get fooled in by that,even though today is April 1st'a green top will just make sure a win for india, just compare:
India: Zaheer+ishant+Munaf > NZ: Martin+Ian+franky
India: harbhajan = NZ: Vettori+Jeets
India:(inform,consistency)Gautam+Rahul+Sachin+VVS >> NZ:Jesse+BAz

SO green top = 2-0 India.

nice post and feels good to get an insight from someone who has "been there done that".the amazing thing abt ur bowling as such was you clocking 140+ consistently in the third session of the day. great commitment.the pitch could have had some demons to spoil the show. all the best to black caps and Ian.

Also Ian what did you think about all that critisicm we heared from all kiwi commentators as to what Sehwag was thinking in the second innings, some going all the calling him "D-U-M-B". I am really sorry if some of your so called experienced cricketers and seniors still think in the old school style of playing where if you follow on you only think defence and Draw, sorry and i highly rate sehwag to still even in that position think of winning the test, only way to go 'all gung' ho from one end, iam sure he didnt ask Gautam to do it, if stayed in for 2 more sessions it would have been a complete different story where kiwi would have actually be trying to save thier game than india doing it. Just take you back to Dec india vs England, india needed 430 in 1 day and half a session, according to Mr. Crowes logic he would have defended and saved the match, since comon scoring 430 on a last day pitch, impossible, risky. Sehwag : we can win 88 of 60 odd balls all unorthodox, Rest is history.

Hey i am just wondering if you read all or at least some of these replies.

Can you please mention like "i appreciate your comments" or sum thing like that...just one line...

we or at least I will have a completely different feeling when we reply to your blogs. It will feel as if we are actually talking to you!! lol..great feeling that

It was a great game for both sides. kiwis - the way they bounced back after losing the first test and indians showed great character in saving the test - especially gambhir.

The real test for the Indians will be the Basin test - the cold weather, the wind and the moving ball. if they win / draw - I would say they are truly a force to reckon with.

All the best to both teams !

Pros and Cons

Cons

-How come everybody from Vettori,Andy Mills and yourself are "HAPPY" after drawing?

-Did not praise the obdurate defence put up by Indians

Pros
-It is really sporting and honest to post a big picture of yourself after you grassed the chance.That's BIG

-Did not censure the Indians for their "yawn" fest.

May the better team win the series!
Cheers!

Can you motivate some of the Indian players to do the same (write blogs). PLEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZUUHH

Ohh people imagine if SACHIN starts his own blog.
It would have atleast a billion views.

ahh i got carried away even thinkin about it!!

buh Ian man I dont think that catch made any difference and try to bowl on the good length area a bit often man. Your short balls are getting predictable now.

hey Iain. i've just started reading your blogs recently and i agree with what people say. it is refreshing. even if a person wants to be critical of you, they'd read a few of your blogs and realize there's no point criticizing a humble man. what'll need to be absorbed from the criticism will be and the rest will just ricochet. about the catch. yeah tough luck bud. i've played some pick up games here and there and it is just aweful when you're all lined up and the cherry does everything but stick. for the future though in regards to your post of when you spoke with brendan, if it was me i'd just have kept that to myself. because even though you mentioned that you wer'nt using that as an excuse, a lot of people will still see it as you trying to justify yourself. if it was me i'd just keep that as dressing room talk. apart from that you're an honest guy and if you feel at best by letting it all out, power to you.
Good luck, but as an indian: 2-nil baby!!!
- Praveer - Seattle WA, USA

Dude you have done a great job forget messing the catch.I am a great fan of indian team and i wish you guys will come back strongly and corner them in the third test.I am very angry over yuvraj dropping the catches in the first innings but had to agree it's all part and parcel of the game.any how best of luck for black caps in the third test.

This is so refreshing i think... in India we are used to the Board of Control (Dogs) of Cricket censor the players etc because they are such control freaks.. this also creates the healthy element that "Hey, these are all sportsmen and human beings too"!! way to go dude... keep up the good work. i wish that indian cricketers also blogged every now and then.. their schedules dont permit them much time, true, but they could get a ghost and dictate what they wish to have the world know.. about friday onwards, all the best to your team. But i think India will still win. why does the kiwi team think that Indians may not prefer the cold weather? viru/gauti/ishant/yuvi/munaf etc have all been used to chilling colds where they come from in India... the rest of the bunch are too much of professionals to be really concerned about hot/cold/dry/wet.. they live ONLY to play cricket. and so, here's to an Indian Test Series victory. AMEN... keep it up Iain, but tough luck all the same...

Ian,
Nice one though. Guess, NZ were on top in all the 5 days. The Sahara Parivar took the Indian fans to a decade back, Mark Waugh rightly said that Dravid is not a born catcher.
But most of us knew it is going to be dead rubber match, because, by theory the current Pace attack of NZ much competent than any other team. But they have missed a few tricks. Dan must be wondering why he Stephen Flemming called one of the best captain in his era. He need to have session with Stephen.Dan's only worry is Sehwag, I guess John Wright must have given certain hints about Sehwag's flaws but he is not sure about Gambhir. Sehwag is no brainer in the contemporary cricket and he thinks every bowler is a pie-chuker. We are expecting a match winning performance (For the whole 5 days) from the NZ pacers..otherwise..it is just going with the wind..

Nice Blog Ian..i wish you real good luck for this match.I am waiting to see you bowl to the wall..it was a good tidy over to him..it was good to see you bowl around the wicket to laxman and trap him with the bounce.There were some flaws in the field set with DAN..i think james franklin was under bowled..i dont know the reason behind this.I think jessie should have bowled a bit longer.. HATS OFF TO GAUTAM GAMBIR N LAXMAN FOR A WONDERFUL INNINGS...

WISH YOU GOOD LUCK FOR THE NEXT MATCH..THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM REPLYING TO YOUR BLOG.

I AM A HUGE FAN FOR THE WALL...MY HEART REALLY BEATS WHEN YOU BOWL TO HIM..I WANTED TO TELL THIS...

Iain
Hard luck on the dropped catch. As far as I can remember, playing for college, I dropped only one catch in a match (was a sub in that match) and over 30 years later, can still remember. A high catch and I had over shot my run, but should have held it.

I know it is too much to ask, but if had indeed read my comments, you would have seen 'watch out for Laxman'. 100 of his 124 not out in boundaries when trying to save a test match!

Well if there is a green top for the last test, watch out for him even more! You will then see a new meaning to the word 'timing'!

Like I said about Laxman for the 2nd Test, I now say 'watch out for Yuvaraj' in the 3rd. If you don't get him out early, he will make NZ pay.

If he gets past 20-30 runs, you will see a left handed Sehwag in action!

Also, if it is indeed a green track, watch out for Ishant.

If Dhoni is fit enough to play, then really watch out for Dhoni! He is just like Baz!

I will be waiting eagerly for Friday for history to be made!

Take rest for next two days buddy, we need u to be full fit and relaxed for the final test. Hope to see some good performance from u and ur team mates... Being an indian i still need it to be 2-0, but as a cricekt fan i expect it to last till the last session(or even last over) of the final day...

Take rest for next two days buddy, we need u to be full fit and relaxed for the final test. Hope to see some good performance from u and ur team mates... Being an indian i still need it to be 2-0, but as a cricekt fan i expect it to last till the last session(or even last over) of the final day...

Hard luck mate! I was eagerly waiting for your post. I appreciate your honesty and it is through your blog, we are able to understand the feelings of a cricketer. It was a great comeback by the Kiwis especially after the defeat in Hamilton. Indians also did their part well in the second innings to salvage a draw. I would like to see both the teams compete well in the last test.

Wishing both the teams good luck!

Iain...frankly, don't you want to migrate to India, looking at the fan following already?!

You are a true sport and it doesn't matter which side you play for. Keep rocking! Cheers :-)

have to say i was pretty gutted wen u dropped that catch but i know how you feel u just wana get out of there but you take it and improve on it so hopefully wen the next chance comes youve got it sorted!! good luck in the test and hopefully u guys can win it!!

GO THE BLACK CAPS!!!!!!!!!!!

Ian,
I have read your quite a few blogs, very interesting and good one, however sometimes I do feel that you go on a marketing campaign for your ownself, though. You describe as you could do this and that, you know what I mean.

I havent been critical here, just wanted to give you some feedback for you to improve on your writing skills !!

All the best for the 3rd one....

Why dont you try in-swingers at sehwag. Have three fielders out on the off-side and bowl short outside off to him. You may go for runs. But its still worth it. Why dont you try split finger slower balls ? Sachin always has weakness against incoming deliveries.

Very nicely written post. NZ lacks in batting compared to our Indian Batters. The end result will be 2-0. Hope you get more indian wickets among the NZ.

Iain - Though I am an Indian team supporter, I have utmost respect for the NZ team. With limited cricket resources, where Rugby rules, Black Caps have always punched above their weight. Had there been Bond in the Black Caps team, Indians would have found it difficult to save the second test. Don't worry about the missed chance. I hope the pitch at Basin gives assistance to both bowlers and batsmen.

Great blog mate!!!!!

Hi, It is sad to hear that you did not have a rest day after that 3 cruel days @ Napier. You are so right in saying that If it had been an Boxing match, NZ would have won. I am eager to know about your opinion on the Napier pitch. What good is it for the future of Test Cricket ? Is this a deliberate tactic from NZ cricket to make pitch as flat as possible for flurry of shot-making to make TV viewers happy ? LOL..if that is the case, it is working well, at least with the Indian population. We just like to see our demi-gods bat hundred after hundred. Another thing i would to say is that you sometimes reminds me of ex South African fast bowler Allan Donald. I dont know what is the resemblance..but there is some.

What kind of wicket will Wellington provide ? I read it is gona be windy, but what about seam and swing ? To be frank,I think only way to defeat this monstrous batting line up of India is to create green-ish pitch..after all everyone is going GREEN nowadays..why not NZ cricket ?

Hi Ian good post, eargerly waiting to read your blog and I wish all the best for the next match & your county stinct.

hey iain, great ur back to fight u know now how well IND can adapt in otugh conditions coz expereience counts coming toSEHWAG warn u in advance in greentop pitches he will BLAZE away so be careful for IND the mentaliltiy under when DHONI is now back sure believes that the TEAM can even play in HELL that is the gutsy attitude the NEW IND team have not even the AUSSIES of the present era have, so my sincere advise is to DAN and team stick to basics respectand perform there is chance of doing well othwerwise this TEST is antoher catastrophe for NZ the botttm line is IND is 1--0 up and NZ will be under pressure to win sometimes that can back fire and IND might win 2--0 and end up in a draw the options are open what tactics DAN uses will be tested and I want DAN to attack which i have not seen consitently in pathces he was suscessful i think NZ will do well in a spinner freindytrack than a seam friendly bexoc jeet and DAN are the onely people capable of taking 20 wickets not ur fast bowlers

Hi Iain, first of all let me congratulate you for your hard work in the 2nd test, sincerity in analyzing the drop catch, really wonderfully from a professional cricketer, secondly, I would like to wish you all the very best for the 3rd test. I know the kiwis are completely fired up now, but Team India is also equally fired up. I feel the reason for India to become highly successful and march towards World no.1 is simply because of the below slogan:

Coming together.....is Beginning!
Keeping together....is Progress!
Working together....is Success!

Now the TEAM INDIA has transformed into Triumphant INDIA.

I wonder how many people will comment on your blogs once the indian tour is finished?
Love your work mate :) a fitting representitive for Wellington!

Good to see you back at the blog. Everyone was waiting. Best of luck in the next test. I wish that you were in the IPL. I am going to Cape Town to watch the opening 2 days of the IPL. Hope you have a great match come Friday and a great season in the UK.

Hi lain,
Its always a gr8 pleasure reading ur blogs.....But can u please make some comments on our comments...u know, it gives a gr8 feeling knowing that our comments are being read by U....Please do that.
And about ur drop...S&*T happens...no big deal...ur a fine cricketer....looking forward for ur IPL games.....

Well Ian, the match was in NZ's bag but then when the end really mattered, you people ran into some deadly batsmen who had all in them to play you guys out. Dravid, Gautham, Laxman, Sachin and Yuvraj played a test match as it has to be played to save and they won to draw it.
I know it is hard to digest for you guys but let me say this, you guys were really awesome to put us in the backfoot.
Great to see a team lose and then the very next test make the opposition follow on... test matches are made of it.
Well done Ian and team.
Test matches are ultimate and even though this one was a draw, it was hard earned.

Very well posted Iain.. the way you have described the match and drop catch, its really a great to read and I am thankful to you. You can learn from your mistakes, thats the sign you show here asking with baz what happened there actually. Hope you come up with your faults and mistakes, wish u all the best for the final battle in Basin.

Very well posted Iain.. the way you have described the match and drop catch, its really a great to read and I am thankful to you. You can learn from your mistakes, thats the sign you show here asking with baz what happened there actually. Hope you come up with your faults and mistakes, wish u all the best for the final battle in Basin.

Well done Ian. Don't feel much about the catch drop.Last two days i am expecting your blog regarding the catch. Wish you to do well in the next match.

HeHeHe, You dropped an important catch, Well, Even if you had caught it, it would still have been a draw.

Not to drop catches, Not to get out for a duck, Not to get hit 36+ runs an over ... I Don't Play Cricket. I just watch it and make fun of those who fail in it, HeHeHe.

well played mate. don't be too hard on urself. cricket is a great leveller. You might take a blinder in the next match.
By the way, just wanted to know you have any girlfriends, r u married ?

Best of luck for the next match.

Very well posted Iain.. the way you have described the match and drop catch, its really a great to read and I am thankful to you. You can learn from your mistakes, thats the sign you show here asking with baz what happened there actually. Hope you come up with your faults and mistakes, wish u all the best for the final battle in Basin.

HEHEEHHEHEHEH.......... WE ARE CHAMPS.............

Hey Ian, when I watched your bowling action, I had a strange feeling that it was so familiar and after some thinking, I was able to figure out that it was one of the bowling actions available in Brian Lara Cricket 2005 and 2007 video games. Did you by any chance model your bowling action for the game? Am curious to know. :-)

On commentary,they mentioned your blog has over a million hits,congratulations.Your comments,are unbiased enough ,largely insightful,and most importantly honest.I wish you a successful cricket carer,maybe loads of wickets after the Indian team has left,but more importantly a longer career as a cricket writer.

Hey IOB why do you need visa for UK ...your NZ passport shld be enough for visa on arrival isnt it?

Hi Buddy,
That was some test match, with gritty hundreds by Ryder and Gambhir. Sure it was frustrating for us in the first two days and it was the same to you guys too in the last two days. Thats the beauty of Test cricket. you never know who won the match. Even one bad session would be more than enough to change the course of the game. As for as im concerned the last test was up there with all the ingredients to make a perfect test. Batting out more than two days to save a test is some achievement and this bloke Gambhir is definitely a thorn in your muscle. Now you know why people call Dravid 'THE WALL' and our fort is pretty strong with two walls with Gambhir being the second. Now you heard the tune from Laxman's bat?? He used to that. It was pleasure watching him bat, isnt it? For these kind of flat track, you need to bowl flat out around 150km to make any kind of inroads. Read papers and that next would be a fast bowlers dream. But always keep ur fingers cross with our lineup.

Dont Worry about the result Ian..You guys played really well and almost got the serires levelled. Anyways this team is maturing each day and you guys have a bunch of very talented..more match experience will make a difference..anyways Kudos to Black Cpas for thier wonderful effort.

love the blog mate. like someone else said earlier, I hope you continue to blog your county cricket experiences this way. it might single handedly bring followers back to the game!!

Good one mate. Don't beat urself up over the catch though. It wouldn't have made a damn difference. Hope to see more of the same fight from the kiwis in the next test. BTW if you could, please ask ur teammates to let Martin play a few deliveries. No better sight that watching him Bat. I mean it!!! Good luck...

well hi iain, hard luck buddy dat u did finish di test on a winning note.nice 2 see nz's fightback after d drubbing u guyz recieved in d first test.so wishin u all d best 4 d basin test...hope u guyz give india something to fight for.......but itz highly unlikely coz i m sure india is gonna win dis series in kiwiland.luv ur blogs iain.....keep writin bayeeee

Iain! Good Luck for the next Match!

Only one thing i would like to mention here is- "No great thing is created suddenly"

hi Ian,
great blog from u again.well tried in the second innings.but the best is best.and laxman is not an easy nut to crack.hope u do well in the final test. waiting for another tremondous 5 days of cricket.BEST OF LUCK

Great blog Iain. It was wonderful to see the Black Caps hold out and take the game to the final day on an ultimate batting paradise. Ryder, Taylor, Brendon showed grit, character and determination. What was amazing to me was how India fought back despite the presence and 'leadership' of an irresponsible,over-estimated,luck-of-the draw Indian stand-in captain, Sehwag. India sorely missed, not a batsman or bowler but a good captain in the Napier test. Lucky that Sehwag has dedicated batsmen such as Gambhir, Laxman, Sachin, Dravid and Dhoni coming behind him. This cushion allows him to play irresponsible knocks especially when it matters the most.
The Basin test will be true test of character and men like Sachin, Laxman, Dravid and Gambhir will stand out. I have nothing to say of Sehwag. I also have a strong feeling that Black Caps will pose a stiff challenge with their hard-working ethos. Look forward to Dhoni's presence on the field. My best wishes for a great test match.

First I cannot write in words how much i like reading your blog... Then I just want to ask that why people make such kinds of pitches. See Out of last six matches between Aussies and South Africa not a single one was a draw ,they were making pitches on which batsman and bowlers both had something and they got some results... why not everyone.. Why people making test cricket boring....

Hi Ian, I have just started following your blog, since the start of the series, and believe me, I haven't came across such a blog ever. Its always a pleasure to be able to listen(and talk) to the players of the international level and to me its a honour. I am a India fan, but believe me, after this series you guys have earned an Indian NZ fan. I liked the spirit with which you played the whole season and you guys never looked any minnows to Indian team, as the rankings suggest. I offer you my best wishes and good luck for your season, career and life. I cannot pray for you guys to win, as this series win, is waht we Indians here are looking forward to from great amount of time and I do wish u, Dan and NZ team a great game. And definatly, thanks for such a true blog from a true sportsman.

you still have some pride left, its very clear from the blog but unfortunately that too will be wiped out after the basin test.

Giving reason for not finishing up the INDIANS is what this blog is all about.
I am Sorry IAN but i am really disappointed in the extra Love and affection that has been dished out to this indian team as if the BCCI is the master and Cricket NewZealand its slave.
I would love to see you people travel to india and play on pitches that would suit NZ and not India. but im sure Indians are not blind or Stupid

Hi Mate,
It's always great to read your blogs.I am an Indian settled in NZ for the last 10 years. It gets really difficult when it comes to support and choosing loyalties. Nevertheless, I have been following both the teams actively on the fields across NZ.I think it will be great to have a 1 - 1 square up for the test series. I am sure this result would be truly acceptable to many others like me, who get caught up in between.
So all the best bud, for the final match. You boys have played superlative cricket this summer and what's more in it's true spirit.
In my books you are already winners.

Regards
Burzin

Great to hear from a player, Ian! This has been something which I really wanted; to read directly from a player. All the best mate! I still want India to win of course! But you guys are my 3rd fav team.. Behind India and West Indies :)

Very good blog.. I like your attitude on field.. and you mentioning about the dropped catch is a good brave thing to do.. you guys show really good sportsmanship on field.. Good luck for next game..

This tag is Awesome "If you find a job that no one else wants to do, learn to do it well, it's yours for as long as you can do it for"

All the best for the final battle....(Beware Sachin is ready to score another 3 digit figure)

indians are very good form and good team effort.may be next game back to joint skipper Dhoni.so good luck iain & nz.

Iain, I'm a passionate Blackcap supporter since the early 80s. I love the way you attack the batsmen with ferocity no matter the circumstances / bending your back and getting it up around the 140 you are always asking questions of the batsmen. It's terrific to watch - Dont worry about that drop! we all felt for you - i wasnt pleased the guys didn't get you in the huddle - and i would have thrown you the ball and said get me a wicket! Ghambir was running out of steam and didn't make many more runs - in my opinion it would not have turned the match. I don;t think you guys couldn't have bowled any better on that pitch!

Anyway mate - i hope your visa comes through - you are going to own it in England - pitch the ball up a bit for those edges and with your bending your back you'll get plenty of edges!! Tip for creating variable bounce - bowl it cross seam every now and then and bend your back - get that extra lift outside off!!

good luck friend!!

Basin's huh?? i think its best chance for india to win the series 2-0 , thrs no point whr NZ can beat india on a green top batting 1st :P..india's bowling spearheads are doin good..but the must exciting is the middle order of NZ..hoping a good contest..good hunting

hey iain,
great blog...its fantastic to get a *real* cricketers view on things so soon after the action! your blog is a fantastic read keep up the good work and all the very best (after the series against india is finished!!)

Its a great game Ian. You guys were almost there. I dont think the dropped catch would have turned the result. Iam also wondering how a changed new ball works out well in the Indian first innings.I thought you would be taking the new ball in the second innings. Things could have been different.Good Luck for the third test..

Enjoyed every bit of the match! I would wake up early (3.15am India time) and was glued to TV till I left for work. Such an excitement in Test Cricket! Thanks to the players for making it so.

Ian,

I would love to hear about the team strategy to get 20 Indian wickets to win a match. Here was a golden opportunity, borne of India's over-confidence, yet despite the scoreboard pressure NZ failed to capitalise. Surely Sehwag must be due some runs now and this will make the task in 3rd test even harder. I have no doubt that NZ can score some runs but I cannot envisage a scenario where NZ can out-bowl and out-bat India over five days.

All I can say is: 'Good luck!'. Your tired bodies are going to need it.

Rajeev Trikha

A very nice read always. Looking forward to the one coming next - Fri eve I believe.

Hi, I really enjoyed this post. why do you call Chris Martin "Tommy"?

Hi,i love u re bowling...u re too honest not only to u but to all....this tour will give u lots of experience .. now u can bowl to anyone in the world without worrying wen u did it for shewag.. all the best

Iain, really appreciate your blog and honesty. lol, don't we all have our 'may the ground swallow me up' moments from time to time. I hope you get a fiver next match but still let India win the series.

It is very good to see the blog being written while the game is on. Don't let that dropped catch take over your the next game from you. I have a feeling that the next game would be the biggest draw among the audience. Fortune can swung either way! A cautious Indian team versus vengeful Kiwis. Certainly a battle on the card

Hi Iain
Loving you blog and your honest unbiased comments. Now that the action shifts to Windy city Wellington whats the key to bowling well running in against the wind. It must take some getting used to.I feel time is now to prepare a true nz pitch as india would have done at dustbowl in wankhede in mumbai in a situiation like this.At least you guys have a chance that way.You should have been in ipl. maybe next year

I always wanted to know how a guy feels to drop a catch and millions watching him worldwide..I would feel the same even in a raodside match..hoping the groud open up and gulp me down.. Its awesome to read your blog mate..keep it coming..for long..

Hey Iain,

I think your bowling could benefit from another 5kmph extra pace and the ability to swing the ball away from the right handers consistently. I'd like to see you pitch it up a fraction more and bowl just a little wider outside off to entice the batsmen to a false stroke. Have you read Ian Pont's book the "Fast Bowlers Bible?" Better still, when you're over in England, look him up, Darren Gough swears by him!

I think its great that you play cricket with such dedication and enthusiasm and you deserve so much more reward than you're getting. I think the Basin test is your opportunity to bag a big one. All the best!

Only a true blue (or black?) Kiwi can be so effusively honest and eloquent and yet sound so endearing. Many superstars of the day can learn a thing or two on conduct and humility from O'Brilliant.

Hi Iain, 1st - its great that a current cricketer is writing, 2nd - that he is writing so honestly, 3rd - that he writes so well, 4th - He is from a team i have always liked very much, 5th - He is from a beautiful country with a wonderful cricket tradition, 6th - He is a fast bowle, 7th - He speaks well and respectfully of his opposition, well, i think enough reasons to read this blog eh. fantastic Iain. i really wish for a great career for you. And i wish to watch you in action in New Zealand some day, best, against India. Good Luck.

Terrific to read these snippets - rather refreshing and one can envision your feelings 100%. Here is to a good guy taking it to the next level.

No hard feelings but this NZ attack just doesn't have what it takes to bowl out India twice. The catch of Gambhir would have made no difference as Laxman and Yuvraj could have batted another 10 days if they wanted to. The Indian batsmen have to be generous as they were in the first innings for NZ to have any chance. This Indian team is just too good except for their fielding which was sub-standard that let NZ post a huge total. Dinesh Karthik is the luckiest mediocre sportsman India has ever produced. Bring back Parthiv Patel! As for green top in Wellington – all I can say is BRING IT ON!. Lets see how the NZ batsmen cope against the best opening attack in the World!

All the best for the next Test.

Iain,

That catch would have been taken by 95% of club cricketers. Do you practise your feilding? I saw Kyle Mills give you a rollicking for being hoplessly out of position in the one dayers. It is very difficult for the kiwis having you and Chris Martin fielding in the same outfit.

Hi,Great article.Though I did not mind you dropping the catch(I am an Indian),but I really liked your intensity and energy level.All the best for next test match.take 5 wickets for sure.

Iain,
As I watched the Indian 2nd innings unfold, I found myself wondering if India could have batted out 2 days against Australia. I rate the Kiwis bowling attack similar to the new Aussie team, but the big difference is attitude. I watched the Kiwi bowlers try different variations, short pitched stuff, but didn't see you guys really putting pressure on the Indians through some verbal sparring or some tough body language. Additionally, I also believe NZ could have put more pressure on the umpires through concerted appeals. While I believe that this series is being played in excellent spirit, I go back to the 2008 test match in Sydney between India and Australia and remember how the Aussies got the win. I think you guys were very aggressive playing the Aussies in your most recent series but are playing soft vs. India. Give it a go in Wellington...it would be a real shame if you went through this series without a win. It would be awesome for NZ cricket! Good Luck!

Hi Ian,

Keep going! on the blog and on the field! Congrats and wish you the best for the 3rd test.

Ian, Its really nice reading a blog from an International cricketer that is so honest and in matter of fact approach. We, in India treat cricketers like demigods. But it also means we expect them to perform and win each time like supernaturals and treat them like that too. So it comes as a pleasant surprise that you are soooo honest in sharing your success and failures without caring abt your image and brand value. Keep it going and the greatest thing abt your blog is that your way of describing yourself as "JUST A BOY FROM PETONE" reflects in every point made. Though I support India, All the very best to you and your team. Keep it going...

Its really nice to read a post that to from a player who is currently playing . Nice to know the perspective from the player. Few things on the New Zealalnd bowling they are know for swing bowling , Why not use Rhyder up early do something different , i haven't seen anyone else in the New zealnd side swinging the ball.India where is Praveen Kumar he would be a much better prospect for the third test compared to Munaf.

i Wish you will get your visa and play cricket in county and you deserve for your talent,keep tryin you will never lose best wished

Iain, thanks for all the writings,it is really great to read all these details from a high level player like you. And thnx to all the players to make Test Cricket so good to watch. best of luck for the next match. Give your best shot...

Good Blog, as would most of people say here.

But conspicuously missing is some credit to Indian batsmen. I guess you are not as nice and ofcourse hold the resentment that NZ couldnt win the match.

You witnessed the most amazing rearguard action from Indians and an innings from Gautam Gambhir which comes once in a decade. And no mention of that ?

So you are not as cool as you present yourself to be.

Gosh! So Many messages. It shows how everybody loves you.
All the best

Ian, I wish to see you in IPL. Are you planning to play in IPL-3?

Ian,thanks for the updates.I wish that you more include the on field conversations than your off fiels issues ,i mean your personal.We are more reading your cricket interests.

Good luck with your 3 rd test vs India.

Hey Ian,

You made me change the direction of my thoughts on your ON FIELD Job. You seem to be an even better person off it. You rarely get any player who would share their views the way you do. I am a die hard Indian fan but every time you step up to bowl I'm more interested in the way you bowl than the way the Indians bat. Go Get them Ian all the very best for your future and as many of the other people who have commented on your post will love to hear back from you. One last thing it will be nice to see you in the IPL....

Awesome Blog Iain. I love that you take the time out to give loyal fans of cricket a player's perspective on what is going on. I tend to follow all countries and I think you are going to convert me into an NZ fan of sorts!! Tough luck with that catch. You guys thoroughly deserved to beat us but I have to say its was good to see Laxman walking the talk. Best of luck at Wellington and I hope we have a cracker of a game.

It was awesome efforts by the NZ in the first innings in both batting & bowling. But Indians showed their talents. But in this series; there isn’t any biased umpiring which damages the result. Definitely we should appreciate this.

Nice post man. New Zealand started very good. I think they should've won the game. I'm kind confuse about why N.Z. let india follow on cuz in first inning N.Z.'s bowlers bold lots of over and having india follow on put more pressure on them. I n.z. hadn't let india follow on then the game would've gone the other way but any way. Good luck for the third test. I LOVE TEST MATCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!

cool buddy, the way you have explained the dropped catch is great. Give our team(india) toughest test(challenge) at the Basin Reserve. This time, am sure you will get 5 wickets in the match. All you need to do is, frustate the indian bowlers like they did to you in the second innings. This will give you the edge to square the series.

All the best dude.

Ian - there is no mention of India's batting genius in Innings-2, whihc shut the kiwis out - when the tour began, Mark Richardson controversially said the pitches are prepared to please BCCI and you seconded it

so, when India looke dlike losing Test-2, was it BCCI's strategy as well - when NZ fell 61-6 in Test01, was it BCCI strategy as well - there ha sbeen no remorse form Mark and as well from you

you are cool, all right, but not very fair Ian

I was looking forward to your blog after the 2nd test! It is insightful and honest as usual. I can visualize how awful you must have felt after dropping the catch. It would be really great if you could also describe what do you do to bounce back from such as setback......say after bowling a bad over. How do you get your confidence and aggression back? Please do keep writing Iain! Love your blog!

Ian a real honest comments by a real pro. I hope you do well in last test. But i still feel that india holds the edge because they have the firepower in both departments. Batting wise, india is way ahead. Bowling also is pretty strong with zaheer & ishant. As a indian fan, i hope NZ lose but wish you bowl good. As others commented, NZ lack that penetration and you guys will have to lift your game to next level if you stand any chance of winning. Only batsman who looks in awesome form from your side is jessie. If he falls cheaply then match will be well over within 5 days.
ANyway, i hope you do well as individual.
Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers...keep writing....

Liked your Attitude Ian ,you given everything what you can give on the bowling on specially at flat pitch.looked very energetic at your every spell,and tried hard.
It would be better for NZ if Dan didn't force to follow on,because NZ bowlers already on the field more then one day,it would be good strategy batsman add some 200-250 runs to chase huge total like 550-600 Indian batting lineup.
to could create more pressure and bowlers could get some rest before India's second inning.

all the best.give your best in your next match

After the drop Gambhir did not make many runs. It did not matter much; but matter in terms of learnign lessons from the match. Good game, good blob, good people around, it is fun....

Thanks a lot readers for your wonderful comments, your words are my spirit. I am having bit of back ache at the moment it doesn't seem to be recovering quickly. I fear I might get dropped in the next match. But anyways there is always a chance for me with the support of you nice people.

Hi Ian,just forget what happened in the 5th day of the last match.Try to focus on Wellington.Its windy and chilling here and Indians do not like such conditions.See,if you can take advantages from the weather conditions.Be careful of Sehwag,he is being silent last two matches.He will never let the last opportunity in the tour go down.You guys will definitely have a tough time.
All the best for the last game.

Hey Iain Best of luck in Basin, me being an Indian fan, just want to let you know that it was tough bowling at the indians on last day, They know how to save test matches theyve done it before but a good try. As far as bowling is concern good pace, but if u master the swing bowling both ways with new and old ball..u can be preety handful. Ala Dennis Lillee. Cheers

Dear Ian,
u can't imagine how thrilled I'm as i'm writting to a international cricketer. I think u bowled at a very good line and length to VVS. ur pace was good too.go with all u have @ basin.we r waiting to see a thrilling battle

Hi Iain,

First of all I wish you a very best of luck for the next (real) test match & for your VISA application. Your blog shows your true sportsmanship. And we all love your bowling & attitude. Keep blogging... Cheers

"I even gave the earth a chance "

Lol.. Nice sense of humor there brien!

Well, well Mr. O'Brien, you got your one early wicket to swing the game, but the only thing i saw swinging were the Indian supporters. You got your two wickets to go into the tail, but seems that very tail was on fire and whacking you all over the park. Maybe next time you would be more wary of the tail more than the top order and try your best not to make the tail bat.
Anyways, like many have said, the drop catch didn't really matter that much. Just because India are a good batting side doesn't mean you shouldn't give them credit when deserved. And yes, I do think you should concentrate more on your cricket than these blogs. One blog per test would be just as fine. Speaking of blogs, I must say, this blog as well as the last one were not up there, maybe due to exhaustion, perhaps.
On a lighter note, you know you would look like Dr. Emmet Brown from 'Back to the Future' once you grow old and Jamie How looks a bit like the supervillian from 'The Incredibles'.Good luck for the next test.

Good Blog mate. About the dropped catch, don't worry too much man. Look at it this way.. Indians dropped 7 or 8 of them. And you gave them back one! It's only fair; don't you think? keep it up or should I say "keep it down" my friend?! :)

Good Blog mate. About the dropped catch, don't worry too much man. Look at it this way.. Indians dropped 7 or 8 of them. And you gave them back one! It's only fair; don't you think? keep it up or should I say "keep it down" my friend?! :)

Hi Ian, I have been watching NZ-Ind series very closely and the one thing that strikes me the most is how humble you guys (NZ Cricket team) has been. We always watch closely any series against the Aussies and what would strike most is how arrogant they are. Even though you are no way near the Aussies, you guys give everything on the field, yet manage to smile at the opponents, which I think is really great. After all, it is just a sport and no one is going to die because you have lost a match. Great character shown by you guys. I guess there is very good feeling between the two teams and I guess the Aussies learn something from it. Keep it up folks.

Liked the way you described the dropped catch.. it must have really felt miserable.. and i like the way you took it in ur stride and learn from it and move on..But i still cant wish you better luck next time :)

Good Luck for the next match :)
I like reading your blog!!

OB! don't worry about that sitter drop catch. Even if you caught it, India would have drawn the match. Even Jonty Rhodes missed catches. Its very common with players - they cling onto diving blinders but, drops comfortable catches.

Get well set for the FINAL TEST. Viru should have prepared pretty well enough to onslaught your sides attack. So beware of him.

I made a mathematical prediction of the match. In it, India was shown as the winner.

Cricket is a game of luck, anything could happen anytime.

Good luck to both the equally talented sides.

Dear Ian,
Tz amazing reading blog on onfield incident and the personal feeling of a player of my Favourite Game. I wonder sometimes that we the fans are the ones who feel for a sitter dropped, and the players casually forget things after 2-3 overs after the incident, irrespective of the outcome of the match. I really felt bad - dont know why i did, which i never used to, when U spill the ball on the ground of an Indian Player.I myt be cool, if some of your mates spilled it... Mark my words, you will be playing in India in in IPL Season 3. You becum one of Indias favourite overseas player. I always had good feeling for Dan and you are second in my list after Dan - Favourite NZ Players. Update us on the happenings of the final test,as usual. All the best to you , Dan Ryderand rest of your Team..

Hi Ian, It's very nice to hear that you take things in such good spirits. I wish you luck in the 3rd Test against us. I know it will be tough for you. I also wish you good luck in getting your visa to the UK. You're a good man, and everything should go well for you in future!!

Interesting that you comment on the catch you grassed and how the ball swung late. For all that that probably occurred, I don't think that's why you grassed it. Most of the catches you get to take in cricket are in the outfield and almost all of them, the ball would have swung. Sometimes it swings early, sometimes late, sometimes it dips, sometimes it swings left, sometimes right. Coz pretty much all outfield catches come from the edge as opposed to the middle of the bat. Ordinarily you are sufficiently presesnt with what's happening that your unconscious mind automagically is ready for swing, detects the swing when it begins to occur, calculates the adjustment you need to make to your hands and then puts that adjustment into effect. Almost certainly the reason you grassed the catch would have been that for a critical moment you weren't sufficiently present to what was happening. If you know that, you have access to causing it not to happen again. Go gettem at the Basin.

All the very best for the Final Test. Ian you rock buddy, so your blog!

Hello guys,
First of all thanks to everybody for reading my blog and posting your comments. I have read all comments and felt that I have missed something in the bolg ...
1. I really appreciate Indian players the way they batted.
2. Yes, It didn't matter if i would have taken that catch.

Thanks everybody again.
Keep reading and posting.

You've earned quite a few Indian fans here !! great blog .. best of luck for the next match

Great blog.. cant wait till the next match.... its going to be exciting with the Cold weather and seaming tracks... and with Dhoni coming back to the side it will only get harder from here

Hi, enjoy reading your blogs thru this series. Good Luck for the upcoming test.

Being in NZ and watching fav playing and then reading this blog is awesome expereince, Ian best of luck for the next.

Ian, Dude!! you guys played your heart out...and that's what test match is all about. Good Luck in the third. i am a big fan of the Kiwis. BTW regarding the catch, it happens with all the players at all levels....

Gave the earth a chance to swallow you up?? Hahhaha i love reading your blog mate, bad luck though.

Hi Ian,
I am new to your blogs but this is the second one I just read. Like the previous one this is neat and one can see how honest you are in your attitude to the sport. You are a great champion and I enjoy watching you give in your 100%. Your dropped catch was unfortunate but then you have analysed your situation well and you know you have learnt something out of this. Indians are at the top of their game and I think it comes from their mental conditioning besides their skill sets. Dhoni is a smart operator and playing cricket against him is like playing chess against the best. All the best for Basin reserve... we will watch you in action. Do well... make us proud.

Very well posted Iain.. It's amazing to see Indian fans appreciating the opponent team player. wish u all the best for the final battle in Basin.

this indian team is a far better team than the past sides they bought to play in nz. The batting order seems spot added with youth and experience,also the bowling is high quality now something india never had in depth. this just might be the best india side ever.

Yeah Iain! You shouldn't have dropped that catch. It was a sitter. NZ bounced back well in the second test and almost pushed india in the receiving end. Very good progress against one of the best test teams in the world. Anyway, as I replied to your first T20 blog, I repeat the same thing here. (As I predicted india won one day series) Wellington test will be Shewag's. He was made more hungrier by all critic comments. I am a hardcore Shewag fan. India will clinch the series 2-0.

never give up there will be also somemore matches
thata you can improve in good luck in the hext match

Don't feel bad about the catch. NZ still could not have won.

not a single word of appreciation for gambhir's innings or even laxman's innings? come on ian, be a sport

Nice Blog really sorry about your dropped catch, congrats on your bowling, really impressive that you could keep on going and then get your fastest ball in the last session. Good luck on the next test.

hey, Iain, All the best for the 3rd test.
Good to know the perspective from the player.
thanks for this opportunity....

Ian, Excellent analysis. Here are Few Tips: As someone earlier suggested get Jesse and Brendon Mccullum, Dan Vettori Bat up the order, Best batsmen should get chances higher up the order. This is radical shift, but when you attack opening bowlers from the word go, it upsets the apple cart.

2. Bowl away swingers and the one which straightens up to Sachin with 3 slips Gully and deep point, Bowl short pitch balls aimed on Body to Shewag (Never bowl Half volley or away swingers to him for first 5 overs), VVS, DHONI.
Gambhir needs sharp away swinger pitching full length from middle going towards slips, he will snick it for sure.
Dan or Jeetan can get Yuvraj as he hates spinners.

3. Bowling away sharp inswinging and straightening deliveries to Rahul.

MARK MY 3 POINTS sure to get success. Its not bad trying.

Indians should get Jesse out quickly, NZ crumbles like 9 pins i am sorry to say this but its truth. I feel NZ lacks solidity in batting except 2 or 3 players.

Hi IAN... gauti have done his part on the 5th day before getting out...n laxman have played classy innings n at the end yuvi played his shots n india managed to draw the the 2nd test and lead the series 1-0.....n i feel tht india will win 3rd test and win the series 2-0 n take Home the cup at 41 years from NZ......
..................Chak Day India.............

I like your bat Ian, looks like youve popped some cherries there ;)

I hope you were not thinking about your blog when that catch came to you. It must be difficult to write the blog everyday in the middle of a hard fought test match and maintain 100% focus as a player.

Hi lain,
well wellington should be a intresting one..NZCA shd have prepared a green top like it did in earlier years when Bond was playing it would be intresting to see a bowler shoot - out.Speaking of Bond well do you think that he would play from the black caps in tests if released from ICL.
have a good day !
~G

Hi Ian,
Ill luck in the field. But wat Baz said was right. Even, when I play school cricket ( with tennis balls) I have felt the ball swing away when the batsman plays a wristy slog shot...But at international level, u are expected to take even half chances. Specially when others like How throw themselves around,just to save a four, it really hurts deep inside to drop a catch.It happens!

But Im amazed how you guys manage to maintaain such fitness levels bowling 270 overs at these indians.. That too when the batsmen leave almost all deliveries outside off,it requires immense involvement in the game to maintain such a pace of 140 throughout.
Good luck Ian, for basin.

Being an Indian, I love your passion for the game and to get wickets at any cost..

All the best dude for your next game :)

Feels great to read your blog.
No worries, with cold weather at Basin Reserve,Black caps certainly have a great chance. One important thing to win against this Indian team is that to prvent boundaries. Don't give anything away, if you wish have protection in the deep. Have a go at it...you will succeed.
Have fun, Catches win Matches !!!

Ian, It is okay, mistake happens but it was very simple catch and I think you are 100% capable of taking that catch. If I were at your spot, I would make no mistake in taking the catch. Good luck in career. By the way, I have similar bowling style as you do. PLEASE HELP SPREAD CRICKET IN AMERICA!!!

I'd say, NZ can come hard at us...but still its gonna be 2-0...that's d way test matches are..the gud team ends at d top some way or other...u dont see australia gettin beaten by WI in a test series, even when lara was around...thats how it is..thats how its supposed to be..n thats y purists still consider it the best form of the game, to judge teams
...lukin fwd 2 a good test match..cheers

Who writes this blogs for you?

Now that folks know you do read the comments and for the first time,replied to them, expect to be flooded by even more. Good to hear from you, boy. Thank you for putting right what was missing in the blog.
As for my fellow brothers who keep wishing Indians would blog too..I would rather hope they give up that idea. As it is, the BCCI has already forbidden players to put their thoughts out that freely to the media. But what I feel more importantly, is to think of a possible situation like some star batsman blogging and sometime, god forbid, he gets out for low scores at crucial junctures or drops a few match-winning catches. Wouldn't the whole of India be after him immediately and start criticising about it all as to how it he should he should concentrate more n the game than his blogs and whole kinds of other stuff we very well know?
Also, Mr. O'Brien, I do certainly hope you are sure of yourself that the blog isn't coming in the way of your performance. Take heart about team inclusion

Dude, every team needs some sort of luck to go with their performance. I felt black caps were not as lucky as the Indians. Luck changes with time and letz hope that it is with you (NZ) at Basin and this with a spirited performance should yield result in favor of NZ. Thankz for the wonderful blog, good luck for the Basin test.

Ian you bowl intelligently no doubt about that - it is just that Indian batsmen are way too classy - they handle you quite well - many times i felt you had the edge on sachin - so, be proud - sachin is a phenomenon - enjoy when you cna wcthing him in close counters - aussies did not benefit - they sledged him as well

Dominate at your home ground Iain, your time to shine!

Hopefully it wont be a batting paradise.

beaware of shewag o brien as he is due for a century.

Hai iain.. You're one of the best bowlers i've seen in the recent times.. hard luck though.. keep yryin.. all the best for basin reserve!!!

hi iain best of luck forthe match i was just readig an rticle i cricnfo where glen turner was making a post morterm of IND team saying india lack consistency..sorry mate i real feel for him turner should understand that IND is at top at no3 due to sheer hard work and not by fluke well he commentd on our openers rifgty said but heofrget that it was gautam who saved our test, gauti is one of the dashing batsmen in IND in all forms of the gamestill he batted with guts played out time our fast bolwers, spinners all thretehn the famous aussies in aussies, victory away from home has become a habbit I feel turner should look nto his own house first to uplift NZ cricet i dont see anythng happneing in near future, IPL, ICL etc has been huge success and that has shaped indian cricket and generating best talents in the world Sorry mate turne got it wrong err i feel he is using the aussie tactics of war of words to put ind team under pressure ALas u guys dont learn talk less work more and win more

Well Played Guys. I guess experience and concentration just won the day for India. I am sure NZ missed Shane Bond as an express fast bowler could have created some ripples early on. Having said that, please note that the Indians are in the form of their life and getting each one of them is a challenge in itself. Best wishes to you guys for the fab display, I am quite impressed with Jesse Ryder, I do really think he is the star of the future.

Honestly speaking Ian , NZ braving themselves as winner is not my thinking. From getting best in 3 days, it is TEST match , of wits. Time to understand , a team in test 1-0, can force a draw. Look at wickets thrown away on 3rd Day by Indians. They were out carefree , and careful NZ got just 1 in 1 day. Trust me , NZ need to get the best players it had. Where is FULTON ? Kill this ICL funda and get NZ back. I want to see the NZ side that chased 350 against Aussie, not the one which are going to lose the series.
Gear up the boots , Indians take all in stride , with Sachin tendulkar they have mentor with them.
Do you believe he is still number UNO test player, i dont care none of his innings in top 100 wisdon , but i have seen enough of him to rate him the best .
Word limit failing , anyhow there is an analysis always with me , feel free to connect when free. you will be pleased :)
Deepak

Great job mate. The dropped catch didnt really matter, Gambhir was out soon after anyway. It's also good to see a player writing without being hamstrung by his board - (hint hint BCCI!). Good luck at the basin. And you are right - it is the best ground in NZ, to play or watch cricket at. I only wish there was a test in Christchurch too.. so I could come watch ... oh well, maybe next series. All the best and keep up the good work!

Ian, I thought GAMBHIR was the real difference, but u guys are real hard competitior, if somebody thought after the first test, INDIA will win 3-0, change ur mind and yes dont be surprised if its 1-1 after the 3rd, and as usual. the INDIAN fans might have to wait for another tour for an INDIAN SERIES win (I REALLY HOPE INDIA WRAPS IT UP 2-0 at BASIN because these moments come once in 4 or 5 DECADES, who knows what will happen in the next 4-5 DECADES)

Hi lian nice blog once again, you are one amoung very few cricketers around the world who are so passionate about playing the game. This is true spirit to play the Gentleman's game. keep feeding us with the blog, we would love to read more from you.

Wish you all the best in the 3rd test hopefully you will latch 1 or more catches this time maybe of our tailenders

Good one Iain. And well played Kiwis. Had "mighty" India on the run for the first 3.5 days of the test. Can't help but think about what Mark Richardson wrote in his blog before the series began about how NZ will just keel over and allow India to win so that they can curry favor with the richest cricket association there is. Hardly seems like that, doesn't it? Way to go NZ! Dropped catches and broken bodies notwithstanding, your spirit shines through!!

Hi Ian, great blog again, well i know everyone is very mushy mushy saying you tried your best but maybe next time, but truth is NZ teams best is not good enough at the moement to beat this indian team. Though i truely belive you guys missed a trick, i see Australia in this position like you and i am sure no way Gambhir would have gotten away that easy, with atleast the reputation he carries, i can visualize Mcgrath in your position trying to bounce gambhir out with one glaring differnce when gabhir missed Franky and you and MArtin gave a nice sweet smile, McGrath,Lee would have done some thing completely opposite, gambhir would have gotten thier peice of mind every ball till he got frustrated and hit out. But i guess not every indivisual is the same. We are all unique, but i guess a lil more aggression from NZ wont harm, This indian team is very proud and if i may say a lil overconfident at times, may be a lil chatter now and then can help.

Hey Iain- as always, your blog is awesome, and I wish more cricketers think of creating their own blog! About the drop-catch I should probably be thanking you because I am an Indian-that wicket would have really cost us!Nevertheless, if it's any consolation, look at how many dropped catches, the Indian team has had to pay for- one tiny momentary error. You still bowl really well, and I actually enjoyed the fierce competition from the NZ team in the second test- although I am relieved it ended as a draw. When you guys posted over 600 runs for the first innings, I sort of wrote off the second test as a victory for NZ- I mean you all were BRILLIANT!
Regardless, I sincerely wish that we win the series, as that would really defy our dismal history playing in NZ.
Keep writing and keep bowling!

hallo Ian,
best of luck for ur UK trip.it'll help u to get accustomed with the english weather before the T-20 wc.(though I guess u guys faces the same situations in NZ).I know last few days have been a bit tough on u.but come on dear,"to err is human".so get prepared to bend ur back during the next few days.who knows,u may emerge as the "man who made the difference" for the black caps.try to take first 4 of the indian batters quickly...the others will take care of themselves... :-)

For the dropped catch, I would like to say it's hapen sometimes. Now you should think about 3rd test and comeback with more strength in the field. The third test at wellington will be the parameter for indian batting line up. How they perform and proof, they are the best. The other side for newziland good chance to level the series. Best of luck for both teams. I hope for the good cricket next five days.

I can't believe a few folks actually fell for the 'reply' posted by 'Iain O'Brien.' Guess they forgot what day it was :)

Seems like a hard brownish wicket at Wellington...may make both teams want to bat first. Also, hopefully, Dhoni will be fit enough to play, but even if Sehwag has to lead, I'm betting India will bowl / field with far greater intensity...the game should be a cracker!
(PS: Kiwi team and fans are definitely among the more sporting & pleasant ones out there! Kudos!)

Cool....Past is past..Good luck for next match..

by the way Iain, let me share to infos with u. it's just an observation and nothing else. two of the indian batters,sachin and sehwag have got some serious problem when the ball nips back to them at pace.if u watch the video of Durban test 1996-1997 between India and RSA, then u can see that Allan Donald bowled a ferocious off cutter to the little master and his off stamp took a long walk.more recently,dilhara fernando bowled a similar delivary to sachin during 2007 world cup and the result was same.there are various other incidents when shoaib akhtar or even ur own danny morison used this ploy against him.but to get his wicket u have to bowl this kind of a delivery at the start of his innings...when his footwork is not at its best.once he settles in,he's a tough man to dislodge...

Mr. Iain O'Brien.. I would suggest to talk less and act more. You are going to see a strong... Stronger... Strongest INDIA in the Wellington Test.

heyy Iain you'r a great competetor mate!!

Good Blog Ian. Was listening to the commentator after the dropped catch during the drinks break... The team was keeping you out the group.. pretty hilarious. Love your blogs..Keep it up mate

How could you do that to Sehwag!!...I hate you for that, u could have atleast let him get his 50!!!....Na just kidding mate...well bowled.

I must say u made a big mistake by under-estimating Jesse Ryder's bowling abilities. He was the only bowler looking to attack the stumps, none other did and the Indian tail wagged(and still wagging). You were happy to bowl outside off and the Indians got most of the runs above slip area. Jesse would have been a better option.

Iain, nice to read your blog. Looking at your picture after grassing that sitter, we could nearly had the whole Indian team with similar pictures, having grassed so many of them, else you wouldn't have got anywhere near 300, let alone 619. Dropping catches is a nightmare that a cricketer has to go through in his life time. Yet, there can be worse fate than dropping a catch of your skipper's bowling. How about running him out with a yes-no-yes call? It must have happened many times when Inzy was captain of Pak.