'Nana said not 2!'
Cricinfo presents the Plays of the first day of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand
Brydon Coverdale in Wellington
19-Mar-2010
The streaker who turned up in his birthday suit • Getty Images
Another unwelcome Kat call
One of the enduring images from the Australian summer was the sight of Simon Katich looking over his shoulder to see Shane Watson standing behind him, a horrible mix-up having left Watson run out at the other end. This time, Katich made the mistake of running out his captain, which can sometimes be a career-threatening move. Katich nudged the ball to the off side and called for a single, Ponting ran, hesitated, ran and gave up the race, to see BJ Watling's underarm throw clip the stumps. Ponting wasn't even in the TV frame. Not surprisingly, Katich didn't turn around to meet the eyes of Ponting, who fumed off the field after making a confident 41.
One of the enduring images from the Australian summer was the sight of Simon Katich looking over his shoulder to see Shane Watson standing behind him, a horrible mix-up having left Watson run out at the other end. This time, Katich made the mistake of running out his captain, which can sometimes be a career-threatening move. Katich nudged the ball to the off side and called for a single, Ponting ran, hesitated, ran and gave up the race, to see BJ Watling's underarm throw clip the stumps. Ponting wasn't even in the TV frame. Not surprisingly, Katich didn't turn around to meet the eyes of Ponting, who fumed off the field after making a confident 41.
Harris comes in at No. 413
Ryan Harris has played only one Sheffield Shield match this season but his one-day form has been outstanding enough to win him a Test debut. Harris battled a side problem during the week but was passed fit on the morning of the game and became Australia's 413th Test cricketer. He was presented his baggy green cap by Ponting but didn't get an immediate opportunity to show his bowling skills after Ponting won the toss and decided to bat.
Ryan Harris has played only one Sheffield Shield match this season but his one-day form has been outstanding enough to win him a Test debut. Harris battled a side problem during the week but was passed fit on the morning of the game and became Australia's 413th Test cricketer. He was presented his baggy green cap by Ponting but didn't get an immediate opportunity to show his bowling skills after Ponting won the toss and decided to bat.
Arnel the unknown
Brent Arnel is not a name widely recognised in the cricket world. A late bloomer, he had 32 first-class matches under his belt when he arrived at the Basin Reserve this morning to make his Test debut at the age of 31. Still, you'd expect the New Zealanders to know him pretty well. But the official team-sheet from New Zealand Cricket had him listed as Brent Arnell, giving him an extra letter. Arnel did all he could to put his name front and centre, taking a wicket in his first Test over when Phillip Hughes, whose name coincidentally is sometimes misspelled with one L, cut straight to slip.
Brent Arnel is not a name widely recognised in the cricket world. A late bloomer, he had 32 first-class matches under his belt when he arrived at the Basin Reserve this morning to make his Test debut at the age of 31. Still, you'd expect the New Zealanders to know him pretty well. But the official team-sheet from New Zealand Cricket had him listed as Brent Arnell, giving him an extra letter. Arnel did all he could to put his name front and centre, taking a wicket in his first Test over when Phillip Hughes, whose name coincidentally is sometimes misspelled with one L, cut straight to slip.
Leaky Basin security
Pitch invaders don't usually appear until late in the day, when the beer has been flowing and inhibitions fade. It was a surprise to see a streaker - a proper, naked streaker - enter the arena before lunch on the first day. The man, who had 'Nana said not 2!' painted on his back, sprinted right across the ground and evaded a security officer with a magnificent sidestep that hinted at a rugby background. He bravely hurdled the fence no hands when he reached the other side, weaved through the crowd and out of view behind the nets at the back of the ground. Police said the man, who is believed to have created a Facebook page in the lead-up to support his planned streak, was not apprehended.
Pitch invaders don't usually appear until late in the day, when the beer has been flowing and inhibitions fade. It was a surprise to see a streaker - a proper, naked streaker - enter the arena before lunch on the first day. The man, who had 'Nana said not 2!' painted on his back, sprinted right across the ground and evaded a security officer with a magnificent sidestep that hinted at a rugby background. He bravely hurdled the fence no hands when he reached the other side, weaved through the crowd and out of view behind the nets at the back of the ground. Police said the man, who is believed to have created a Facebook page in the lead-up to support his planned streak, was not apprehended.
What a tosser
When Ponting called correctly, it made it seven consecutive tosses that he has won, dating back to the final ODI against West Indies at the MCG. He has not lost a toss on the tour of New Zealand.
When Ponting called correctly, it made it seven consecutive tosses that he has won, dating back to the final ODI against West Indies at the MCG. He has not lost a toss on the tour of New Zealand.
Brydon Coverdale is a staff writer at Cricinfo