Flintoff, Prior & more: Twitter reacts as England struggle in Dunedin
Andrew Flintoff and Matt Prior both tweet their thoughts after England were dismissed for 167 on the second day of the first Test
England were left toiling after day two of the First Test as New Zealand posted 131-0 in response to skittling the tourists for just 167 in Dunedin.
Jonathan Trott was England’s most prolific batsman with a tame 45 before Bruce Martin and Hamish Rutherford saw the hosts through without loss to the end of play, scoring 46 and 77 respectively.
Here is the best of the Twitter reaction from the professionals, past and present, to a miserable start to England’s three-match Test series.
Former all-round Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) was initially optimistic: “Great start for NZ……Trott & Bell fighting back good test cricket !!”
England wicketkeeper Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) promises that England will come back fighting: “Only one thing to say about today…horrendous! It happens in sport but how you bounce back is key! We’ll be giving it our all promise you that!”
Former captain Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) reckons Alastair Cook’s men could do with a confidence-boosting match against India: “NZ were fantastic today…Rutherford looks a high class player…. England were as bad as they possibly could be… Will improve tomorrow … I feel England will have to play India more to gain some confidence after a day like this…..!!!!”
Ex-England cricketer David Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) says the tourists must dust themselves after a horrific opening day: “That was one hell of a towsing for England. Dust down , back on the bike tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Flintoff (@flintoff11) is still confident ahead of the Ashes: “Still predict 5-0 for the Ashes even though they are up against it against stronger opposition in NZ! Bet of the day England to win first test in NZ, do you know a good bookmaker @RobbieSavage8?”
Finally, injured spin bowler Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) appreciates all the messages after pulling out of the New Zealand Test series: “Thanks to everyone for the messages re my op. Can’t wait to get the elbow sorted as there are some things I just can’t do left handed…”
