With the World Test Champions New Zealand back in action against England, we reconvene to discuss one of the year's biggest series in the longest format. This episode of The Second New Ball Cricket Podcast covers England's victory in the first Test, running down the performances of Jack Leach, Ben Foakes, Ollie Pope, and the openers as the hosts begin a new era under coach Brendon McCullum.
As we ponder England's alternatives, we also debate the lacklustre performance of the visitors. Since becoming World Test Champions, New Zealand have lacked a cutting edge - they have failed to win a single series since beginning the defence of their title. We discuss what has gone wrong strategically and in terms of selection - the repeated omission of Neil Wagner being especially baffling - and the coagulation of the Kiwis' bowling attack into something altogether one-dimensional.
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Podcast: The Adelaide reunion special - with Ali Martin | The Final Word - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5qYUdFrQAIuaeSg4Pj82f3
Podcast: England Daily - Lord's Day 4 | The Final Word - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vtedN24aDzGyel3LjMlBb
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