New Zealand v England 2019

^ FACT CHECK 2

(Maybe have a strong coffee babelover48)

TODAY was Day 4 THERE IS ONLY 1 DAY LEFT. NEW ZEALAND ARE BATTING AND AT CLOSE OF PLAY THEY WERE 5 RUNS BEHIND.

It is impossible for England to get a lead of 350 as even if the rain holds off we will be chasing down whatever lead NZ get.

There had never been much doubt that the final day would be a stalemate, such was the placid nature of the batting surface, but rain curtailed the day anyway with New Zealand on 241/2.

Stat note: this series represented England's worst strike rate in their Test history - 115.7 balls per wicket - and the bowling average was 55.8 runs per wicket, England's second-worst ever.

Why was this series given the status of a test (which has been so devalued) without any Championship points available for it - and yet again - only 2 matches making the series?? It is getting beyond a joke now, that no matter who England play, it always comes back to the damn Ashes (never thought I would describe it as such) From Rob Key (thought he had a modicum of sense) stating once more that england fans would prioritise the 'A' over and above gaining the points necessary to secure any future world test championship, to Athers stating :quote: it can't be all about the ashes …...but!!!

I had hoped that with such Legends as Sanga. Ponting (yes sees the ashes as special) et al, in positions of influence, the ICC might finally show itself as being worthy of the title of governing body, and take ownership of test cricket, and thus out of the hands of 3 self interested countries and in so doing, create a meaningful official test championship with participating nations having their fixture list(s) centrally - instead of unilaterally - organised! This would place the Ashes among and not above the other fixtures! Mind you, I guess it was always a forlorn hope, given that Sangakkara was among those applauding the 'world' being taken out of the world cup this year (and going forward it seems)