Black Caps poised to plunder
As smoke rises from simmering discontent on the streets of Zimbabwe’s capital Harare and civil servants agitate for unpaid wages, New Zealand’s cricketers are cosseted a world away at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, waiting to cash in.
Had the Black Caps’ first test of 14 scheduled between now and late March not taken place in the shadow of yet more political unrest in the impoverished African nation, it would be difficult to envisage a more sedate backdrop for Kane Williamson to complete his transition as captain.
The 25-year-old’s leadership extends to the test arena for the first time on Thursday night (NZ time) when he guides New Zealand through two tests earmarked as preparation for a tougher double header across the border in South Africa next month.
Refreshed after a brief break from his county commitments with Yorkshire to address ‘mental fatigue’ earlier this month, Williamson is not likely to be overly stressed by a Zimbabwean side which features five debutants-in-waiting and a seam attack boasting a mere two tests worth of experience.
Williamson endured an uncharacteristic lean spell during his fourth English summer with Yorkshire, posting a half century just once in 11 innings before requesting leave.
He also opted not to bat in the first innings of New Zealand’s warm-up match against Zimbabwe A in Harare earlier this week, but got back in the groove with 49 [retired] in the second.
The Black Caps won that exercise by 257 runs and providing the batsmen are willing and able to adjust to test mode, averages should be padded appreciably before facing the same opposition, on the same wicket block from August 6.
Martin Guptill again has arguably the most to prove among the batting unit as he strives to atone for a poor five-test sequence against Australia last summer, although coach and chief selector Mike Hesson indicated the Aucklander was secure at the top of the order with Tom Latham.
However, Jeet Raval, the only debutant in the 16-member squad, has emerged as a threat to his provincial teammate despite Hesson regarding this tour as an initiation process for the 27-year- old after an outstanding first class season showcased 14 centuries.
The other batsman under mild scrutiny at this stage is Henry Nicholls, Brendon McCullum’s replacement at No 5, after his introduction in the home tests against Australia realised 76 runs at 19.0 from four innings.
Meanwhile, Ross Taylor, who missed the Australian tests in Wellington and Christchurch in February, illustrates the gulf of experience between the two sides – he has 69 test caps, just 10 less than the entire Zimbabwe squad.
Top order batsman and former skipper Hamilton Masakadza in the most experienced Zimbabwean player with 29 tests and four of the squad’s six centuries.
Legspinner Graeme Cremer took over the captaincy before a limited overs series with India last month while former South African pace bowler Makhaya Ntini replaced former Australian international Dav Whatmore as coach. New Zealand has played 15 tests against Zimbabwe since they were granted test status in 1992 with the Black Caps winning nine and drawing six.
The teams have met five times in Bulawayo with the Black Caps winning the last three, although the previous match there in 2011 went close to breaking Zimbabwe’s duck.
Set 366 to win the one-off test Zimbabwe were dismissed for 331 between tea and stumps on day five. Captain Brendan Taylor led the chase with 117 while Tino Mawoyo and Tatenda Taibu contributed half centuries.
Doug Bracewell took 5-85 on debut and Daniel Vettori claimed 3-71 to prevent New Zealand suffering an embarrassing defeat.