Adam Cooper: Newstalk ZB Sport Wellington reader on Black Caps vs England, Qatar Grand Prix

The Black Caps have got their summer off on the wrong foot, after losing to England by eight wickets in the first test in Christchurch.

Their efforts were marred by a string of fielding errors, with multiple dropped catches in the first innings as England's Harry Brook bagged 171.

Meanwhile, Liam Lawson's efforts for last points in Qatar have been unsuccessful after finishing 14th in Lusail - as F1 Drivers Champion-elect Max Verstappen takes out the Grand Prix.

Newstalk ZB Sport Wellington reader Adam Cooper joined Ryan Bridge.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
We're going to Sport with Adam Coopan. Now the black
Caps have lost to England at him. Yeah, pretty disappointing,
Ryan Morning. Yeah, not a great set of start to this,
you know, much anticipated series. And I think what's probably
most frustrating from a New Zealand perspective on this one
is that the hosts there in christ Church since Thursday
certainly had their chances and had their opportunities to capitalize

(00:21):
on a pretty evenly poised tests, you know, which it
was for at least the first couple of days. And
I think the real takeout from that was eight dropped
catches in that first innings of England they managed to
get four hundred and ninety nine, which you know, compared
to New Zealand's three hundred and forty eight first innings.
That's where the Test was won. And when there's eight
dropped catches in the innings, it's more than just coincidence,

(00:42):
it's more than just chance. So yeah, pretty disappointing. This
black Caps team at one point in the last of
five six years, have been you know that the world
leaders in fielding. It was one of those aspects of
New Zealand's game that made them, you know, sit right
at the top of the world cricket standings and be competitive,
so pretty worrying to just to see how many catches

(01:04):
were dropped by the black Caps there, and you know
England just just were able from that moment to guide through,
didn't have to take too many risks and wrap up
a very comprehensive eight wicket win over New Zealand. So
two tests to go, so still winnable for New Zealand.
Starts next test, starts Wellington on Friday. All right, what's
happening with the one in Qatar? Apparently Liam Lawson's been
that we was up and then he was down and

(01:25):
then was up again. Has it looking Yeah, he's sort
of sort of holding that sort of seventeenth spot where
he started on the grid. Been watching actually very closely
what happened at the starting grid obviously, but a controversy
yesterday and qualifying with Max fist up and posting the
fastest time but then getting you know, a backup place
behind George Russell for a bit of a confrontation they
had there, but maxwistupp and pretty much took the lead

(01:48):
from the second turn of the race very early on,
took him about seven or eight seconds to get back
in front. Looks like Lando Norris actually was going to
have the lead from thirty. He momentarily got there, but
Max fist up and showing his class early. But you're right,
all eyes on Liam Lawson here. You'd hope he will
be able to make up some places and get a
slightly bitter score with just two races to go this season.

(02:09):
Certainly would. Adam, thank you very much for your time
this morning. Great to have you on the show. Was
always twenty three after five Adam Cooper's It'd be Sport
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