table Taylor has pulled clear at the top of the table

New Zealand opener Tom Latham stressed on patience several times two days before the start of their two-Test series against Zimbabwe, in Bulawayo. Latham identified that adjusting to the sluggish surfaces in Zimbabwe and grinding the attack would be crucial to New Zealands success in the series.The conditions are low and slow compared to what we have back home and we need to adjust to it...It is about [being] patient and playing the long game, Latham said. It is more about the patience side of things, you are not going to go and blast quick runs over here. So, its about the patience game, and wear the bowlers down, and bat for a day or four sessions, and that is probably the biggest thing for the whole batting group.The first Test will be New Zealands first since February 2016, but Latham said that the side drew confidence from the warm-up match against Zimbabwe A in Harare, where the visitors surged to a 259-run victory.Prior to that, the team spent time at a training camp organised by former New Zealand player Kruger van Wyk at the University of Pretorias High Performance Centre, the home to CSAs National Academy.It was a good three days for the whole group, Latham said. Everyone spent a little bit time at the crease and got enough overs under their belt to put them in good stead for the Test match coming up.Thats the beauty of coming over nice and early. We have not played a Test for a while and it is about getting used to the long form and being patient with all facets of the game. Certainly a beneficial couple of weeks for us, and I know the boys are looking forward to the first Test.Latham was wary of Zimbabwes ability to perform better in home conditions, which New Zealand encountered when Zimbabwe ran down 304 in the first ODI in Harare last year.Zimbabwe are certainly very good in their home conditions and they showed it last year in the one-day series we had over here last year, he said.Latham also said he was looking forward to Kane Williamsons first Test series as full-fledged captain.He [Kane Williamson] is a very switched-on guy and certainly leads from the front with his batting. He has had enough experience throughout his career and Im sure he is going to do a fantastic job. Wholesale NFL Jerseys Authentic . -- For the first time in two months, an opponent was standing up to Alabama. Wholesale Jerseys China . "I wrote 36 on my sheet at the beginning of the game," the Cincinnati coach said, referring the yard line the ball would need to be snapped from. http://www.authenticnfljerseys.net/ . -- Jonathan Drouin gave Halifax the boost it needed to edge host Sherbrooke Phoenix 3-2 in a shootout in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping . Tracey comes to the Blue Bombers after spending over a decade with Queens University. Most recently he was the schools assistant football coach. Stitched NFL Jerseys . -- Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings was selected Monday to his second straight Pro Bowl, while guard Kyle Long made it after a solid rookie season.Michael van Gerwen will play twice in the Premier League as the battle for a top four spot continues on night 12 in Bournemouth. The Dutchman has slipped four points behind leader Phil Taylor, but can close the gap if he picks up two wins on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports.Adrian Lewis, who is just one point behind Van Gerwen in third place, is also preparing for a double-header as players scrap for precious points and a place at the season-ending play-offs at The O2 in London. Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright Van Gerwen will be seeking another comfortable win over Wright Van Gerwen had to share the points with Gary Anderson on night 11, his fourth draw in the last five weeks, and will be determined to start with a win. Wrights promising campaign has lost momentum in recent weeks and his latest setback was a 7-2 defeat to Robert Thornton.When the pair last met on night five, Van Gerwen averaged 116.67 in a masterful 7-2 win over Wright.Raymond van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis Lewis completed a perfect leg in his victory over James Wade Jackpot hit the first nine-darter of this years competition in last weeks crucial win over top-four rival James Wade.Van Barnevelds hopes of reaching the play-offs appear to be over after he picked up just a solitary win from his double-header on the same evening. Adrian Lewis hit a nine darter in his Premier League win over James Wade But the Dutch veteran is still capable of defeating any of the remaining players and cannot be taken lightly by Lewis.Gary Anderson v James Wade Gary Anderson traded big scores with Van Gerrwen in last weeks draw Anderson averaged 108 during his high quality draw with Van Gerwen, but is clinging onto fourth place and cannot afford to share any more points.ddddddddddddWade is breathing down Andersons neck in fifth place, despite being on the receiving end of Lewis nine-dart heroics in last weeks defeat. Gary Anderson and Van Gerwen reflect on their thrilling draw on night 11 A night nine clash between the pair ended in a draw and they should supply another tense encounter.Phil Taylor v Robert Thornton Phil Taylor has opened a four-point lead at the top of the table Taylor has pulled clear at the top of the table after he closed out his ninth win of the campaign against Van Barneveld.The Power has emerged as the most consistent performer and is almost assured of a return to The O2 after failing to qualify in 2015. But Thornton remains a threat and averaged 105 in an impressive win over Wright.Adrian Lewis v Michael van Gerwen Lewis can leapfrog Van Gerwen if he wins both matches in Bournemouth Lewis and Van Gerwen will be expected to provide fireworks when they clash in the final match of the evening. This battle of heavy scorers could decide who ends the night in second place.Watch all of the Premier League matches on Thursday night, starting at 7pm on Sky Sports 2.By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices. Also See: PL Darts talking points Prem Table WATCH: Jackpot hits nine-darter Taylor tired of theme tune ' ' '