New Zealand's road ahead
Judhajit
25-Feb-2013
Getty Images
In the recently-concluded series against Pakistan, New Zealand failed to distinguish themselves and better their current ICC Test ranking. Mark Richardson, writing in the Herald on Sunday believes a solid performance must be put in against Australia in March, if they are to move up from their lowly No. 7 position.
A lot will depend on the fitness of Shane Bond, the late season form of the middle order and whether or not the two 50-run stands the openers put on was progress or just a reflection of the flat pitch.
Bond whacking them down at 150km/h was one of the highlights of this whole sporting year for me, in any code. I thought his express days were over and he would join the fast-medium pack but he certainly is not ready for that yet.
Ian Anderson in the Waikato Times says the evaluation of New Zealand's efforts against Pakistan is difficult. But even more mind-boggling is the poser – how are they likely to fare in the forthcoming home test series against Bangladesh and Australia?
New Zealand have used 30 opening partnerships in their 145 innings this decade. However, Andrew Alderson, in the Herald on Sunday, reckons the perennial search in New Zealand cricket for genuine openers just might be over, with the performances of Tim McIntosh and BJ Watling against Pakistan.
One of the key flaws in the test line-up since Mark Richardson's retirement in 2004 has been the lack of an anchor or anchors at the top of the order who can see an innings through to a point where either a) a change bowler is limbering up with some trepidation at third man or b) red stains are evident on the odd pair of trousers as frustrated fielders try to administer more polish to a scuffed ball.
Also, Greg Ford, in the Sunday Star Times, finds out what makes Watling tick.
Lou Vincent is giving cricket in New Zealand one last chance. The 31-year-old, who has been living mainly in Britain since moving on from his ICL days, is keen to be part of the county setup and prove his worth. He reveals his desire to return to the national side in an interview to Andrew Alderson.