NOTES from SLIP

HITTING THE MARK

Tim Southee is back. Never said a bad word about him. Well, except in that rather jocular column earlier this year which poked fun at his abysmal oneday form. Among the many theories put forward, it was suggested he may ‘‘take a bunch of wickets in the secondtier series against Bangladesh and everyone will forget’’ just how terribly he has been playing. Hmmm. But, look, it was a relief to see him bowling with a bit more pace and swinging the ball. He got the reward for that with six for 65 — his first fivewicket bag in the format in four years, and also the most expensive sixwicket bag in the history of ODIs.

CREASE BOUND

Here is why Colin Munro should go to the World Cup, despite his lean run: because you do not want Henry Nicholls opening the batting if the Black Caps need to score 350ish. He is solid, not dynamic.

CLUBBING IT

Congratulations to King’s High School junior 1st XI, which qualified to represent the region at the NZCT Junior Cricket Nationals in Palmerston North in late March for the third year in a row. King’s posted 212 for five in the regional final and held on to beat their rivals from Southland Boys’ High School by eight runs.

THE DECLARATION

There was no way cricket boffin Michael Wagener was letting a little mishap on a Lime electric scooter prevent him working at Wednesday’s oneday international between the Black Caps and Bangladesh. When we say little mishap, we really mean terrible accident. The poor bloke was zipping along at about 25 clicks and the thing suddenly stopped for whatever reason. Over he went and he fractured a bone in his right arm. He missed a good chunk of the first innings while he was in hospital getting his arm put in a temporary cast and sling. But he was at his post to see the home team finish strongly and reach 330 for six. After the lunch break he noticed a large lump forming on his one good arm. He had to visit the wonderful folk at St John to get it iced and wrapped. Notes From Slip snapped off this picture shortly after he returned. You barely notice his wasted limbs. All that sticks out is that wide smile. There is a guy who is happy in his work. It was the most heroic effort at the University of Otago Oval since Ross Taylor blazed 181 not out on one leg.