Cricket writer Adrian Seconi offers up some random facts and observations before the Black Caps’ must-win ODI against England in Dunedin tomorrow.
UNDEFEATED
The University Oval has been a fortress for the Black Caps.
OK, that might be overstating it a tad but New Zealand is unbeaten in eight tests and has won all six one-day internationals at the venue.
The closest the Black Caps have come to losing an ODI was against Scotland during the 2015 World Cup when the home team limped to a three-wicket win. Other than that, the Black Caps have been utterly dominant.
GROUND RECORDS
The University Oval is still in its infancy as an international venue but pleasingly some of the Black Caps leading performers have enjoyed plenty of success at the ground.
Left-armer Trent Boult took five for 17 against Pakistan earlier this year and is the leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets at an average of 9.41.
Skipper Kane Williamson is the leading scorer with 269 runs at an average of 53.80, while Ross Taylor is not far behind with 255 runs at 51.
Luke Ronchi has retired from international cricket but his undefeated 170 against Sri Lanka in 2015 was a stunning knock and remains the high score.
He combined with Grant Elliott in an undefeated partnership of 267 which is the ground record. New Zealand posted 360 for five in that game which is the highest total.
JUST THE TWO OF US
Either Williamson or Taylor has been missing during the past two games. But with Taylor hopefully back, the home team's batting looks much more solid. Taylor scored a match-winning century in game one and Williamson almost dragged his side to victory with a century in game three. They will probably get one each tomorrow. You read it here first. But what will the Black Caps do if Taylor retires after the World Cup?
CATCH A MILLION
Two lucky punters have grabbed cash out of thin air thanks to the beer promotion. They were both sitting in a very similar spot - cow corner when a right-hander is on strike at the grandstand end. You are welcome.
