Batting woes resurface: NZ vs Sri Lanka

The result of the clash may not have been that surprising in itself, given that Sri Lanka are an in form team and New Zealand are returning after a long layoff. But two sub par totals batting first, whatever the pitches may be, will give Fleming and Bracewell plenty to think about before the sink-or-swim game against Pakistan.

By giving more credit than was required to the pitch, and Murali, NZ almost ensured they started on the backfoot before the game began. Fleming's comment that 'occupying the crease and grinding' would be the way to go was certainly a curious one, and not the most positive approach. Murali, we know: he was in his element, but according to reports the batsmen appeared to play him on reputation and thus right into his hands. On reading the scorecard and reports, the NZ innings appeared to be a recurring theme. The top/middle order couldn't hold fort once Fleming was dismissed early, although Astle at least attempted to slug it out, in an effort to emulate Fleming's innings in the South Africa game. His dismissal for 42 probably illustrates why, despite being one of the premier ODI batsmen over the last decade, he will never be mentioned in the same breath as Inzamam or Ponting, let alone Lara and Tendulkar.

For a lineup with a reputation for resilience, the rest of the batting caved in too easily. Lou Vincent was again predictably dismissed heaving across the line (Mike has a lot to say on the subject), while Brendon McCullum's penchant for innovation seems to be getting the better of him too often as he fell this time to a reverse sweep. Having kept the faith in Hamish Marshall for so long during his run drought, Bracewell will probably give him a final chance to put things right next Wednesday. Marshall, though, continues to walk on thin ice and at the very least should be shunted down to number 6 where he's more likely to make a run at the moment. All things considered, Fleming would do well to drop himself to the middle order to add some stability to it, allowing Astle to return to the opening slot. With practically everyone looking out of sorts, the thought cannot have escaped him.

The batting woes overshadow the bowling worries for the moment, and New Zealand go into the Pakistan clash knowing they have to raise their game tremendously, though they will secretly be relieved at the absence of Shoaib and Asif. Sri lanka meanwhile, also have a do or die clash to look forward to and, on recent form, should start out overwhelming favourites against the South Africans.