Apurv Shukla –
A loss in the recently concluded One Day International series in England to the host country was a disappointing end to a superb summer of Cricket for the Black Caps.
The team, led brilliantly by Brendon McCullum and coached by Mike Hesson has made tremendous progress in its quest for championship.
The Black Caps symbolise renaissance of Cricket in New Zealand.
Great Brand
This team is now playing an inimitable brand of Cricket.
The English strike against the Black Caps bowlers throughout the innings in the ODI series was truly remarkable. The fast scoring rate not only provided chances to force results, but also made playing New Zealand an attractive option.
We can expect more clashes between in the Future Tours Programme (FTP).
Mature bowlers
The bowling unit has also come of age. In Trent Boult and Tim Southee, New Zealand probably has best new bowl bowling attack in the world today. Daniel Vettori was a major factor in the Kiwis World Cup success. His retirement has left a major void in the ODI team.
With their ability to bat as well, Otago off-spinner Nathan McCullum and Northern District’s 23-year-old left arm spinner Mitchell Santner are likely replacements. Off- Spinner Mark Craig seems to have settled well into the Test Side with leg spinner Ish Sodhi as his likely partner if two spinners are required.
World Cup 2019
The team as it looks forward to building for the next World Cup in 2019 to be held in England, has to prepare for a future without McCullum.
There is a possibility that the 33-year-old veteran of 254 ODIs may have played his last ODI against England in the deciding match of the five match series. Much will depend on senior batsmen Ross Taylor and possible next captain Kane Williamson to guide the team through this transition phase.
Workloads of the fast bowlers must be carefully managed, with Boult missing part of the England ODI series through injury.
Stronger roots
The team’s achievement will strengthen grassroots cricket in New Zealand and encourage more youngsters to play the game.
This would make the ‘Gentleman’s Game’ more attractive for advertisers.
Photo :
New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan covers his face as England punishes the Black Caps
Picture Courtesy: The Stuff
