Mixed Day For Nass

The Kiwi's, as thought, declared on 269-9, leaving England 312 to win inside the last day. England made a good start in trying to reach this target and played positively in reaching 122-2, with Nasser playing wonderful shots.

But then disaster struck, as 3 wickets fell for just 3 runs, leaving England on 125-5. When the 6th wicket went, England were 155-6 and in trouble, but then enter the Essex men.

Fossy joined Nass in adding 49 great runs for the 7th wicket, before Andre Adams removed them both.

Nass passed 4,000 Test runs on the way to his knock of 82, bringing up that landmark with a straight drive for four, typical of his innings. He faced only 119 balls and struck 13 fours and a six with a series of classic straight drives. The six, was a typical Nasser pull, that sailed into the stands.

Fossy played admirably as he has all winter with 23 from 62 balls, hitting 4 boundaries. He also ducked impressively from an Adams bonucer during his innings, that saw his helmet fly off his head in taking the evasive action.

The gutsy partnership was brought to a close by Adams and so was England's chances of even saving defeat. Nass and Fossy played positively enough, but Adams got first Foster with an out-swinger that was edged to Parore and then Nasser with a superb diving catch off his own bowling.

That left England on 207-8 and despite a couple of blows from Giles, were eventually all-out for 233 and New Zealand victors by 78 runs, bringing the 3 Test series to a close at 1-1. It has simply been one of the best series for a long time, where everything happened that could.

All the hard work in the first two Tests went to waste, but still you have to give credit to Nasser's opposite number Stephen Fleming. The Sky Sports commentators were giving him a bit of criticism throughout the series, but he showed why he is regarded as one of the best captains around with some shrewd work.

Nevertheless, despite the defeat, England and Nasser can take plenty of positives from the winter's tours. The finding of young James Foster being one of them and although he has a bit of work to do on his keeping, he has announced himself to the World and with some more work, can be a real World class player.

So, the winter's over and with today being the hottest day so far this year in England, that means the cricket season here is coming and plenty to look forward to for England, Essex, Nass and Fossy.

Date: 3/4/02