Our best test players of the past 50 years
For what it’s worth . . . this would be the top Kiwi test team from players I have seen in action since the early 1970s.
Glenn Turner: The test averages may not say so but the numbers lie. There is daylight and then some between Turner and the rest.
Tom Latham: In a toss-up with Mark Richardson. If only John Wright had played a few more strokes — he had them.
Kane Williamson: Wow. A run-scoring machine of epic proportions and wonderful team man.
Martin Crowe (captain):
An automatic choice, and the best Kiwi batsman to watch. Our best cricket thinker, which overrides any concern over his man-management skills as a captain.
Ross Taylor: Another automatic, although I would love to have found a place for Andrew Jones.
Brendon McCullum (wicketkeeper): BJ Watling might save a game but McCullum could change it in an hour or so.
Daniel Vettori: By default. You’ve got to have a spinner and he’s the only one we’ve had approaching world class. If only Hedley Howarth hadn’t become a stock bowler. Vettori turned himself into a really good batsman as well.
Richard Hadlee: An explanation would seem demeaning.
Tim Southee: A young punk who has become an elder statesman and national sporting treasure.
Shane Bond: Great pace and a sensational test average. A shortened but spectacular career.
Trent Boult: Central to the Kiwi swing bowling revolution which has taken them to the top. No need to fight over who bats at No 11 either.
Unluckiest to miss out: Neil Wagner and Andrew Jones — fabulous and unorthodox fighters.