Barometer of a season in the sun
As the Black Caps put away their gear bags,
New Zealand’s cricketing marathon is finally over, sustained to the finish by the elixir of a gripping test series against an old enemy.
If athletics’ ultimate distance measures 42.2km, this was cricket’s numerical equivalent: a 42-day international summer (which stretched well into autumn).
The Black Caps began with a rush, rattling up 13 straight victories against West Indies and Pakistan, then hit the wall a touch, like fans overfed on cricket’s fast food, Twenty20 internationals.
And, like the fast food companies, New Zealand Cricket counted the money, the 10-match T20 onslaught an unashamed profit-making venture through gate takings, notably the 33,692 who poured into Eden Park for the 488-run range hitting contest against Australia.
Waiting for England’s arrival was interminable but the tour didn’t disappoint; a 3-2 ODI series thriller then two memorable test matches as Ish Sodhi and Neil Wagner’s batting heroics clinched the series. It hinged on that hardfought draw in Christchurch, but the home season received a healthy overall pass mark. and earned them a US$100,000 bonus.
Colin de Grandhomme (331 runs at 55) and Trent Boult (25 wickets at 21) led the batting and bowling charts in those four tests, the latter deservedly awarded player of the season across the formats. Sadly, for those thirsting for more than four tests a summer, it’s unlikely. Tests just aren’t financially viable, for all the wonderful feelgood stories.
ODI:
Played 13, won 10, lost 3 World ranking: 4 Season rating: 8
The final game, a series decider against England, removed the gloss as New Zealand’s batting collapsed without Ross Taylor. His and Kane Williamson’s influence on this ODI side, 14 months out from a World Cup, was immense as they struggled when either was absent. Taylor’s brilliant batting with backup from Tom Latham earned them wins in Hamilton and Dunedin, while Boult was superb with the new ball throughout. Opener looks to be the only real World Cup selection question now.
Twenty20:
Played 11, won 4, lost 6, no result 1 World ranking: 4 Season rating: 5
The problem format for the Black Caps – it pulls the biggest all mean? The next world tournament is in 2020 in Australia and maybe Stephen Fleming will be in charge of the T20 side by then, which will rightly separate it from the other formats.
Kane Williamson doesn’t need the added burden of T20 captaincy and if he must, should play as a batsman only.
THREE WHOSE STOCKS ROSE
Colin de Grandhomme: Two mature, fighting test innings at Christchurch saw him go to the next level after a poor run in the ODIs. If only he could find 10kmh with the ball he’d be the ideal allrounder, but gets plenty of ticks and sets up a cracking duel with Corey Anderson next summer.
Tim Southee: Always the first quick bowler under the microscope, he had a huge test in Christchurch, possibly his best since the 2012 Colombo demolition of Sri Lanka. Bowled brilliantly on day one, then delivered a halfcentury at No 8, before he was flattened by a viral illness.
Todd Astle: Bowled better than his legspin rival Sodhi in their respective test cameos so will remain ahead in the test pecking order, and probably ODIs too. Seems strange to say after Sodhi’s monumental batting effort but Astle the superior all-round player only missed Christchurch due to injury. And he has the enviable record of three tests for three wins.
THREE WHOSE STOCKS FELL
Colin Munro: T20 player of the summer but in ODIs his place as opener is under severe threat. Couldn’t find the right tempo and the pressure went on his opening partner Guptill. George Worker may well get next crack and Munro has work to do to achieve his goal of the World Cup squad.
Jeet Raval: No compelling challengers for his spot but struggled against England’s swing, and his poor shot first ball on day five exposed the skipper. Test average is still at 38, and has no shortage of time to work on his game before the next test against Pakistan in November.
Mark Chapman: Deserved his selection in both white ball formats but had a torrid time against England’s spinners and his confidence will have taken a hit. Good player and has time but showed the step up from domestic cricket to internationals can be steep for a batsman.
MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER
Tim Seifert: One or two fumbles with the gloves but brought energy and hitting power, and looked the part in the black T20 uniform. Moved past Glenn Phillips in the pecking order and will have a decent battle with Tom Blundell for Tom Latham’s wicketkeeping backup in the World Cup squad.
reflects on a campaign with a bit of everything.
BEST MOMENT
Best until last: the Sodhi/Wagner batting salvage job. Gripping, gutsy test cricket in what looked a beaten cause. A few other contenders too: Boult’s pink ball demolition of England for 58 and Taylor’s mind-boggling 181 not out in Dunedin on one leg in a mustwin match. On reflection, still the best ODI knock by a New Zealander.
WORST MOMENT(S)
No standout but the Sydney T20 collapse was right up there. Mt Maunganui against England on a good pitch was another contender, as was day two in Christchurch at 36-5 (but that ended OK).
Broadcast-wise, the constant burger references in domestic T20 coverage was almost insulting and turned viewers off. Surely naming a competition after a sponsor and plastering their logo everywhere is enough?
WHAT’S NEXT
Another long winter break for the Black Caps until late October with a full series scheduled against Pakistan (at this stage including three tests) in the United Arab Emirates or Malaysia. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India are scheduled to tour next season, with India playing white ball cricket only.
Eight New Zealanders join the Indian Premier League starting on Sunday: Williamson, Boult, Southee, de Grandhomme, Munro, Anderson, Mitchell McClenaghan and Brendon McCullum. And a plethora of Black Caps are off to play English county cricket, notably Williamson (Yorkshire) and Taylor (Nottinghamshire).