Thanks Vettori, McCullum and the wind!

Unbelievable scenes at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

It was day four in a test match that NZ were getting smashed but thanks to the wind and a gritty display from both Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum  (he bought me a Heineken once) have now seen the Blackcaps with an unlikely 60 run lead with four wickets in hand.

I have two enduring memories of yesterday.  Firstly the sight of the groundsman carrying the large covers out to the pitch before the wind caught them and the blew across the ground like a spinnaker - some poor bugger decided to hang onto the covers and was dragged halfway across the ground!  Secondly the 500kg roller was no match as the wind pushed it several metres, it's bloody 500kg!!!!!

The Aussies did not like being out in the field in those conditions, but lets be honest who would?  The good thing was that NZ capatilised on that situation.  Vettori provided an outstanding knock of 77 and proved once again he is our best cricketer since Hadlee.  McCullum  (he bought me a Heineken once) was left at 94 not out after producing a mature and patient innings.  I hope Bazza can go on to rack up three figures.   It was also pleasing to see the support Darryl Tuffey gave at the other end and there is no doubt his batting has improved out of sight.

A draw from a position where we followed on after a dismal first innings would be a monumental achievement but is still a long way off.   If I was to start dreaming I could see the Blackcaps batting for the best part of two sessions before rolling Australia to take the win......   I did say I was dreaming!