Ross Taylor

Perhaps the way that Ross Taylor stroked his first ball to the boundary convinced him that conditions suited quick scoring. That was a legitimate stroke to a half-volley, but a succession of slashes outside off stump as the ball seamed and swung were a dismissal waiting to happen.

He got what he deserved: a streaky 19 from 20 balls. Taylor was among the quintet given dispensation by his board to play in the Indian Premier League and his innings will have armed those who believe that the latecomers have not given themselves time to adjust to the demands of the longer game. Brendon McCullum, of course, went on to offer strong evidence to the contrary.

Anderson miss

Nothing looks sillier than a run-out in which two batsmen are left at the same end. New Zealand were almost in this position after a mix-up between Jamie How and James Marshall. James Anderson slid to collect the ball in his follow through but, unaware of the time on his side, threw quickly off balance. He missed by a distance.

Richard Halsall, the new England fielding coach, emphasises that fielders can afford to take a split second before taking aim. On this occasion, Anderson could have got up, dusted himself down and broken the bails at a canter.

Oram catch

On 14, Jacob Oram slashed at a ball from Stuart Broad, below, and saw it flash through the vacant area between second and what is best described as a widish fourth slip. England were desperate at that stage to end his stand with McCullum and Alastair Cook had earlier held Aaron Redmond in precisely this region.

England are not alone in occasionally removing third slip. The word “floater” has entered cricket’s lexicon to describe the next man along (how can you have a fourth slip in a cordon of three?) Analysts have evidence that more chances go to “fourth” than “third”. Nonetheless, third slip was back in place for Broad’s next over.

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