England and NZ ODI batting stats

Interesting analysis of how England, apart from Pietersen, can't get the ball off the square during the middle overs of an ODI innings. And equally interesting, the article goes on to show how New Zealand's opening partnership is their 8th worst on average - not a good reflection on their openers. It also helps to back up Dave Marshall's view that Vettori should be batting much higher as their middle order fares a lot better.

Basic skill will always be the most important thing(!), but it's interesting how the weight tactics carry seems to be every-increasing. Even in victory in the second Twenty20, this reports suggests that there is much for South Africa to improve on as they allowed Australia to bowl 50 dot balls. That's over 41% of balls they faced without a run. They have proved they can make the big hits - if they can continue to do that while also rotating the strike and reducing the number of dot balls, they will be even tougher to beat.