How the Black Caps
Seven test series unbeaten; five straight series victories at home, the roll continues for these New Zealand cricketers.
With several contenders leaping out for player of the series, we rate the 13 Black Caps used in the 1-0 win over England.
Most will board the plane to Australia this weekend with a spring in their step, aside from one obvious concern.
TOM LATHAM 3 innings, 131 runs at 43.66, highest score 105 Rating: 7 Blundered a review at Bay Oval then made amends with an authoritative century to set up New Zealand’s bid for a series victory in Hamilton. It completed a remarkable past year where Latham averaged 97.5 including five test centuries; now he must lift again for a more searching exam in Australia (he averages
29.9 against them in five tests). JEET RAVAL 3 innings, 24 runs at 8, HS 19 Rating: 2
Just nine months after his breakthrough test century at Hamilton, Raval is fighting for his spot. Technically he remains capable but his mind appears scrambled and confidence plummeting, which spilled over to his fielding at times. The spotlight now goes on the coaching staff who must find a way to lift him, as Raval gets at least Perth to extend his stay in the test XI.
KANE WILLIAMSON 3 innings, 159 runs at 79.5, HS 104no Rating: 7.5
Looked good at Bay Oval before getting a snorter, then rode his luck and punished some England blunders in Hamilton to cruise to his 21st test century to avert any anxious moments for his side. There’s no better sight for Black Caps fans then their captain raising his bat and, importantly, he showed he won’t be hampered by this ongoing hip niggle.
ROSS TAYLOR 3 innings, 183 runs at 91.5, HS 105no Rating: 7.5
The pukana made a welcome return in Taylor’s home city in another case of perfect timing before a big series in Australia. Counter-attacked England’s barrage with authority and rarely looked in trouble on a flat one in Hamilton. Now he returns with a hefty dose of confidence to the city where he scored 290 four years ago, albeit a different venue and different colour ball. HENRY NICHOLLS
2 innings, 57 runs at 28.5, HS 41 Rating: 5
Withstood a tough period in the first test where he was hit a sickening blow to the helmet by Jofra Archer and batted on. Then in Hamilton got sucked in by the leg side trap in a poor shot to a well directed short delivery. Takes an average of 43.42 into his first test in Australia and may also be seen as potential opening cover for Raval.
BJ WATLING 2 innings, 260 runs at 130, HS 205 Rating: 9
The wicketkeeping marvel who doesn’t know when to stop. Punished a vital dropped catch by Ben Stokes in the 30s with his first test double-century at Bay Oval, ensuring he’ll top the charts in runs and dismissals by test wicketkeepers this decade. At 34 he seems to find a way through a punishing routine and will need