Guest Barista Shaun
Expectations for this New Zealand cricket side have assumed proportions not reached since the glorious World Cup summer of 1992. Fond memories of sun-drenched days at Eden Park have not dimmed in the intervening years, and cricket fans don’t have to try too hard to once again summon up a mental snapshot of Harry’s sublime throw to run out Boony from side on, or the magnificent arc of another Paddy Greatbatch six.
That was one of the great New Zealand one-day sides, in the tradition of Kiwi cricket battlers – players with relatively limited skill raised to a higher level by determination, adaptability and imaginative game plans. It’s satisfying somehow to read reports about our supposed lack of charisma, as our lads seem all the more real for their lack of skunk haircuts, Bollywood singles and midnight shag-a-thons. There is always the risk that this might change should we win the Cup, but there’s something homespun and reassuring about seeing Fleming cuddling up to a stuffed bear in those LJ Hooker ads.
Anyway, the burning question is – can this team go one further than the heroes of ’92? One way to resolve this is to consider the relative strengths of each team. A juicy match-up really, and one that merits reasoned analysis…
Martin Crowe (ODI average 38.55, 21 wins from 44 games as captain) v Stephen Fleming (ODI average 32.61, 97 wins from 215 games as captain
If it was about personality this one would be a no-brainer, but since we’re looking for reasoned analysis, then you’d have to rate Crowe the best batsman and Fleming the best skipper. Crowe’s status as NZ’s premier batsman is unchallenged, while Fleming has never reached the consistency that his batting talent promised. With nods to Howarth and Crowe, Fleming is the best ODI captain we’ve had, with an unquestioned ability to figure opposition teams out.
Verdict – Crowe – the greatest batsman, a captain who somehow processed those wacky ideas he gets … and the headband seals it.
Mark Greatbatch (28.28) v Peter Fulton (34.62)
A tough one at first glance, and it must be remembered that these two were both transplanted openers. It’s early for Fulton, but he looks to be doing a solid job at the top. Greatbatch has iconic status for his riotous batting in ’92, but this was easily the high point of his ODI career. Fulton’s fielding is similar to his batting, while Greatbatch was a leader in the Vincent mode in the covers.
Verdict – Greatbatch – for the look on Curtly’s face when that big ‘tache came down the wicket to him
Rod Latham (20.10, 11 wickets at 35.09) v Craig McMillan (28.36, 49 wickets at 34.61)
Dead heat in a pie eating contest. Macca received more stick than Saddam, and has emerged to finally justify his talent with the type of cricket he was made to play. Latham had an important role in ’92 but was overshadowed by Greatbatch. Similar types of bowlers, but Latham lacked McMillan’s Midas touch, even though he once took a five-for.
Verdict – Macca – by a belly
Andrew Jones (35.69) v Ross Taylor (36.52)
Two pivotal players with abundant natural talent. Jones quickly converted those that sneered at his ungainly technique, but scored a little slowly to be labeled top class. Taylor plays with a carefree abandon that will take him to the top. You can tell the gifted ones by the way they hit a pull shot – Ponting, Pietersen, Lara – they thrash it with scorn. Let’s hope Taylor continues the way he has started.
Verdict – Taylor – a potential legend
Ken Rutherford (29.65) v Scott Styris (31.89, 115 wickets at 32.40)
Good thing it’s not a beauty pageant. Ruds played some fine innings for NZ, but never reached the extent of his talent. Styris has surely now convinced all doubters of his worth, and just might have the response to those that claim that pigs will fly before NZ wins the cup.
Verdict – Styris – and he has to be good to get in front of Rutherford’s nose
Chris Cairns (29.46, 201 wickets at 32.80) v Jacob Oram (23.04, 109 wickets at 30.31)
The Aussies would love to have an all rounder as good as either of these two. Cairns was a joy to watch for the way he played – with flair, aggression and power. Oram lacks Cairns’ style but is more reliable, and capable of waiting just as long for the fielder to go fetch it.
Verdict – Cairns – the lesser of two evil hairdos
Ian Smith (17.29, 85 catches, 5 stumpings) v Brendon McCullum (23.46, 134 catches, 11 stumpings)
In an age of manufactured keepers, Smith’s technical expertise seems a romantic memory. He was unquestionably effective in the tail as well, using his two shots – the cut and the hoik – to great effect. McCullum has progressed exceptionally well behind the stumps, but it’s his batting that commands attention – a matchwinner in the Michael Bevan mould.
Verdict – McCullum – as close to Gilchrist as we’ll get.
Chris Harris (29.00, 203 wickets at 37.50) v James Franklin (16.85, 59 wickets at 38.50)
As Kiwi cricket legends go, Harry is hard to go past. It was never over til he was out, his dobblers were enchanting, his fielding magical. And really – how many cricketers could pull off ‘Eye of the Tiger’? Franklin, well, he’s good when it’s swinging and he’s capable of batting three places higher. But opening the attack against Jayasuriya or Hayden in a semi or final? Cross your fingers and pray.
Verdict – Harris – for the hope he gave in a trying age
Dipak Patel (11.75, 45 wickets at 50.24) v Dan Vettori (14.88, 202 wickets at 32.56)
It’s verging on racism, but surely Dipak relied on heritage when given the spinning role – who ever hear of a straight spinner? Handy with the bat, but should have scored far more heavily. Vettori has surpassed his coach as the best NZ spinner ever, and commands worldwide respect. A worthy successor to Fleming as captain.
Verdict – Vettori – he supports Liverpool
Gavin Larsen (113 wickets at 35.39) v Jeetan Patel (30 wickets at 29.96)
Not exactly a like-for-like match, but both were selected primarily to contain. Larsen stitche
d up many a blustering batting line-up, and cemented our reputation for dry old dibblers. Jeetan may well develop into a bigger threat than Vettori, and it’s good to see a Kiwi spinner give it a rip.
Verdict – Larsen – for so many dot balls
Danny Morrison (126 wickets at 27.53) v Shane Bond (124 wickets at 19.00)
Hahahahahahahahahaha is the initial response here, but Morrison does have a sound one day record. Having said that, Bond is the best there is right now, and Morrison undoubtedly loses points for his subsequent media career.
Verdict – Bond – 34 wickets in 11 matches at 13.88 v Australia
Willie Watson (74 wickets at 30.36) v Mark Gillespie (18 wickets at 38.34)
If ever there was a battle of the club cricketers that made it big, this is it. Good honest kiwi toilers both. Watson moved it around, but Gillespie has the benefit of an extra yard in pace, and reasonable control for someone so new on the scene.
Verdict – Gillespie – for his uncanny ability with the French cut.
That leaves five for the Young Guns and seven for the Black Caps, surely proof of their ability to make the final at this tournament. Should we play Australia at that point, let’s remember what happened between the two teams in ’92…