Ratings game: How the Black Caps fared
A two-test series spanning 469 overs – just over five days of actual playing time – provides a small sample size.
Still, it was enough for the Black Caps to put an exclamation mark beside their fabulous test record at home and a significant dent in India’s aura as the world’s top side.
The pitches in Wellington and Christchurch provided a headache for batsmen and a haven for the seamers, particularly New Zealand’s. With this in mind, we rate the 12 New Zealanders who played in the 2-0 sweep, as test cricket takes a back seat until the August tour of Bangladesh.
TOM LATHAM
4 innings, 122 runs at 40.66, highest score 52
Rating: 8
The only top-six batsman from either side to average over 40, which says something. Dual halfcenturies on his home track were worth double that with the ball nipping, rearing and swinging and he eased any jitters in the home dressing room by anchoring a tricky run chase.
TOM BLUNDELL
4 innings, 117 runs at 39, HS 55 Rating: 7
Composed and gritty under fire in the Hagley run chase. Still looks a makeshift opener but is good enough, after a tough initiation against the world’s two best pace attacks. Former coach Mike Hesson identified a technical flaw against the ball moving back through the gate which will need attention ahead of a trial by spin in Bangladesh.
KANE WILLIAMSON
3 innings, 97 runs at 32.33, HS 89 Rating: 7
Missed out twice in Christchurch but his first innings 89 in Wellington after a painful whack on the finger was top quality and set up their matchwinning lead. It ended as the highest score of the test. Led well with some quirky field settings and handled his bowlers with authority, helped by a masterclass from his two senior swing men.
ROSS TAYLOR
3 innings, 64 runs at 32, HS 44 Rating: 6
Looked set for a big one to celebrate his 100th test in Wellington but got a ripper from Ishant Sharma who, luckily for New Zealand was absent in Christchurch. Was outfoxed by Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm spin when he charged in the first innings then provided the steady hand to nudge the chase home.
HENRY NICHOLLS
3 innings, 36 runs at 18, HS 17 Rating: 3
The one batting headache for the selectors ahead of Bangladesh, but will likely retain their loyalty for at least that tour. Since his 107 against Bangladesh last March he’s gone 12 test innings without a half-century and was nicked off by Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami after making starts in Wellington and Christchurch.
BJ WATLING
2 innings, 14 runs at 7, HS 14; 12 catches
Rating: 4
Since his memorable doublecentury against England it’s been two lean test series with the bat for the premier gloveman. Usually judicious in his shot selection he played at two from Jasprit Bumrah he needn’t have. With the gloves he was excellent again but his steady batting form will be needed against spin in the subcontinent.
COLIN DE GRANDHOMME
2 innings, 69 runs at 34.5, HS 43; 41 overs, 2 wickets at 37, best bowling
1-3
Rating: 7
Figures don’t tell the story of his key all-round contributions. A measured, mature 43 in Wellington helped them build the decisive first innings lead, then his bowling frustrated the Indian batsmen. In Christchurch his monster wicket of Virat Kolhi was the hammer blow in the second innings.
TIM SOUTHEE
65.1 overs, 14 wickets at 13.14, BB
5-61; 2 innings, 6 runs at 3, HS 6 Rating: 9.5
Not much left to say about New Zealand’s man of the series. Got the ball swinging and used the crease expertly to render top quality batsmen clueless. His morning flurry in Wellington sank India’s second innings beyond trace. .
KYLE JAMIESON
57 overs, 9 wickets at 16.33, BB 5-45;
2 innings, 93 runs at 46.5, HS 49 Rating: 9
A selection gamble in red ball cricket, but a roaring success. With the door left ajar by Neil Wagner, Jamieson barged through while ducking his 2.04m frame. Was composed and ruthless and added a new, bouncy dimension to the attack which will make him tough to leave out at home. A more than worthy No 8 batsman for the future.
TRENT BOULT
71 overs, 11 wickets at 19.36, BB 4-28 Rating: 8
After a horror summer with injuries, and a rusty outing in the first innings at Wellington, Boult roared back on a sunny Sunday at the Basin in a quasi Wagner role, bouncing out India’s top batsmen and fooling others with swing. In the right conditions an unstoppable tandem with Southee.
NEIL WAGNER
18 overs, 2 wickets at 23.5, BB 1-18 Rating: 6
Overshadowed by Jamieson – literally and figuratively – in a fivepronged pace attack and was tidy with limited opportunities in Christchurch. That’s Wagner’s lot; when the ball is seaming and swinging he remains in the background before stepping up strongly when it’s flat and they need a spark. Still an outstanding summer in test cricket for him.
AJAZ PATEL
6 overs, 0 wickets for 25
No rating
Difficult to assess Patel on six overs of spin with pacemen dominating. Did produce a wonderful run out from side on in Wellington, then carried the drinks for Wagner’s return. He’ll push to the head of the queue in Bangladesh.