HITTING THE MARK

Black Caps and Auckland seamer Kyle Jamieson made a national network broadcast earlier this week. Firstly, it was a shock to see Plunket Shield cricket actually make the 6 o’clock bulletin. And secondly, they missed the best story of the day. Jamieson’s fivewicket bag was certainly worthy. But Otago’s Michael Rippon stole the limelight with a brilliant counterattack and maiden firstclass hundred. There is plenty of hype surrounding Jamieson, though. Some of it is well founded. He is tall, he gets challenging bounce and the 25yearold has made a tremendous start to his test career. But, all things being equal, where does he rank in the New Zealand pecking order? He is certainly behind the big three of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner. Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson are in the next tier down. Then there is a big group of bowlers which includes Scott Kuggeleijn, Blair Tickner, Ollie Newton, Jamieson and Otago’s Jacob Duffy. Duffy was the leading wickettaker in the

Plunket Shield last season and was just as potent in oneday cricket. New Zealand is well served by the bowling department at the moment.