Leach At 2.6 Per Over, Rose At 2.5%

England 435 for 8 declared

v New Zealand 209 all out

New Zealand 483 all out (following on)

England 48 for 1

Close on Day 4

Monday 27 February 2023

Played at Basin Reserve, Wellington

New Zealand Beer Ticks - remains at 220

A remarkable day of cricket. Yet it felt very slow at times. At one stage, you had to seriously consider what Southee might eventually have to do about a declaration.

450 on the board. Williamson and Blundell looking unshiftable. Looking at 300 lead by the close. One down in the series. Free admission for Day 5 already announced.

But, Uncle Mad Cricket got at it. Williamson got the faintest something on one from part time bowler Brook down the leg side.

With the new new ball being a possibility. Brook still plodding in. Leach steadfastly at 2.6 an over, into his 60th over of the innings. Stokes hobbles after one that will pull up short of the rope. He whangs it back. Nobody looks hurried. But Ben Foakes does one of those downward flicky bail take offs and asks the umpire.

Fuck sake. Bracewell doesn't look to have got his bat down on the replay. And maybe not even his boot. And, he's gone at 476 for 7.

Leach cleans it all up for 483 with 5 for 157 off 61.3. England to chase 258.

The Battle Of The Two n Halfers

I came into this New Zealand series off the back of an attempt to stabilise my blood sugar, partly by reducing my units of alcohol. It so happens that New Zealand licensing laws are helping me out. Here is my take on what you need for a license.

You must display details of transport and taxis to help people get home without drinking and driving.

You must serve food as well as ale. So some of it gets soaked up.

You must have water. Free and readily available. So raging thirsts can be quenched without ale.

You must have a range of non-alcoholic drinks.

And, the one I'm going to focus on. You must serve LOW ALCOHOL drinks. In most places, that is effectively a beer around two and half percent. A perfect abv if you're looking (like me) to control your units. It's got a bit of psychology in it. It sucks you in. As I've done three laps around the North Island of New Zealand, I've often found myself thinking…

"Oooohhhh, I wonder what the two n halfer is in that gaff"

Here's what we've had.

Rocky Knob (Mount Maunganui), UNDIES MiNi IPA from a Tin at 2.5% in EPIC Taproom

Urbanaut Brewing (Auckland), Juno Hazy Pale Ale from a Tin at 2.5% in The HEKE Bar & Brewery

Waiheke RSA, The Cadet, Light Lager on Keg at 2.5% in Waiheke RSA

The only RSA (Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association) in the country with its own small batch brewery

Mount Brewing Co (Mount Maunganui), Shortboard Pale Ale from Tins plural at 2.5% in the ground at the First Test, Bay Oval

Garage Project (Wellington), Four Legs Good, Table Beer on Keg at 2.5% in Garage Project Taproom

Unfortunately, my least favourite. Mainly because it was a French/Belgian style, hints of sour, Table Beer. Rather than a get some hops in attempt at an IPA or hazy pale.