Brendon McCullum's elevation to No.5 in the order was an immediate success as he hit 97 on the opening day at Lord's to haul New Zealand out of trouble. Mark Richardson, his former team-mate, says in the Herald on Sunday that it was the right move, but it shouldn't mean that he needs to give up the gloves any time soon.
His 97 in the first innings of this current test was a fine example of Brendon McCullum in total equilibrium and an innings from which he should grow more comfortable, confident and clear in his test game. Where I do have reservations is in the possible discharging of the wicketkeeping duties simply because he is batting in the top six. Having your keeper in the top six provides for options in balance.
Meanwhile, Dylan Cleaver gives a New Zealand viewpoint on the Lord's experience and notices that the exchange rate isn't very friendly.
Its famed Nursery is transformed into a veritable theme park of food stalls, liquor outlets and merchandising caravans. It is here the Lord's proletariat gather, dressed in their newly purchased MCC polo shirts - a snip at just $63, down from $140 - munching $17 burgers and quaffing Foster's ($9 per pint), Pimms ($11 per glass), or, if you're in the mood, a little Veuve Clicquot.
