Meanwhile at Wellington

It was a crazy start to the new year, as the Hamilton test was surrendered in amazing fashion. We outdid ourselves by losing ten wickets in a session.

The real issue now, three days into Wellington, is whether lessons have been learnt. Though it's definitely an improved performance from NZ, the situation is quite similar to what it was in Hamilton. Pakistan have managed a smaller 1st innings lead this time, thanks to some persistent bowling from NZ and a timely century from Vettori. 11 behind, 10 wickets in hand. A chance to force the issue. Can we finally see a solid second innings effort and not a train-wreck?

The frequent inability of our batsman to put together a good second innings effort, which has cost the team a winning position time and again, is just one of the problems the players have when approaching the 5-day version. I wish guys like Southee and Guptill would utilise the off-season better and work on improving their game, whether that means joining a county side or getting together with local coaches. Tim McIntosh has probably paid the price for failing to do just that.

Vettori's return to form with both ball and back was a welcome sight. Let me state, however, that I wouldn't be too disappointed if he does step down as skipper after the World Cup. His decision making gets more questionable with every game - electing to bat when the best chance of making inroads was on the first morning was just perplexing - and his field placings are increasingly defensive. Being free from the burden of captaincy (and having to lead from the front most of the time) would be good for him, or so I believe.

Only thing is, potential replacement Ross Taylor is having a Michael Clarke-like barren run at the moment. He looked to have finally ground himself out of this in the first dig, and on throwing it away on 78 he noted that he was almost "bored into being dismissed". Welcome to test cricket, Roscoe.