Desperately seeking a facelift

The thing that stands out like a beacon for me in this article is the appallingly low number of tests played by New Zealand as opposed to the rest of the teams listed in the table listing test records since 2006. It is little wonder that out stats are far worse . . . we play so infrequently that it seem we forget how to play (with the odd exception - i.e. Ross Taylor and Dan Vettori). I think that this is the strongest reason for New Zealand's decline - how can they get better with out consistent play? I am certain that if NZ address this lack of Test match play they will improve and I think this would also have a positive flow on into their ODI cricket. We seem to have a few more tests scheduled this year than we have had in recent times, even if too many of them are only two test series. Let's hope that this is the beginning of addressing the problem and we can see some improvement in New Zealand's results.

Posted by   on (July 21, 2012, 13:45 GMT)

Think they should persuade India to play more often there and a longer series, especially Tests, perhaps. The TALENT will follow the money.

NZ has given cricket so much these past few years... Cricket really needs to give back. Its sad really because they've always had some good players: Hadlee, Wright, Cairns, Harris, Fleming, Vincent, McMillan, Taylor...But the ICL really hit them hard! Bowlers of the calibre of Bond/Hadlee should be approched to get coaching their guys and Fleming as batting coach-cum-think-tank could do wonders! And yes; they need more Tests!! Theyve played HALF as many as Eng! Its crazy really!

Hamish makes an excellent point, we have played between 11-37 less tests than anyone else since 2006! This is literally 1-3 years less experience over that time (with English players having had twice as many tests in the same period). Consistent experience is a key factor on which to develop consistent performance. NZs erratic test schedule leads to erratic performances. Given NZ lack of presence on the cricket landscape there is no answer and longer term this could lead to the eventual demise of NZ cricket into a 2nd tier nation such as Kenya or Ireland. I don't imagine too many outside of NZ would really care if this actually did occur, hence I do not see any solution. It would take someone like an India or England to actually decide that this situation is not good for the future of cricket and be prepared to make the sacrifices needed to make it happen. I think there would be more chance of Elvis making a come back. It is the rich getting richer and the rest suriviving on scraps.

Getting a couple of teams into the Aussie domestic comp would do wonders for NZL -- the learning curve would be very steep but our young batsmen need more exposure to quality bowling. The problem with Guptill is that he's not an opener. He's been forced to open because NZL cant seem to produce any top order players. McCullum needs to keep wickets and bat down the order at 5 or 6... he's screwed up the balance of the team. On the positive side there is still some quality there -- Taylor, Ryder, Williamson, Brownlie... these guys can all play.

sangan3: Your idea of a trans-tasman dosmetic league similar to the NRL and NBL is exactly the only solution that will help NZ cricket. We have the likes of Peter Ingram and Mathew Sinclair who are domestic superstars being found out badly on the international stage. It's painful seeing all the hype from our media regarding these first-class players only to see their stumps cart-wheeling after Umar Gul, Dale Steyn and co yorkers. Exposure is needed earlier due to our small population and having one or two teams to battle the aussies would be a great solution. Also, our senior players have to cut out their arrogant attitude, they haven't earnt it lol

Posted by   on (July 21, 2012, 2:09 GMT)

Pretty sad thing to see from a New Zealand point of view. Unfortunately I can't even begin to imagine who will possibly save us in the batting department. Guptill has the potential to be so much better. It's the same old thing though, our players never realise this 'potential'.

Unfortunately, we make matters worse by handing caps to players who should never even be in the team. No disrespect meant, but Rob Nicoll is fine to play T20 but come ODI's he should be batting down the order since he is an All Rounder, and should never have played Tests. Andrew Ellis - no.

We need Ryder back. Williamson needs time, and some of our young fast bowlers need to come through. Then - NZ might get back to those good days.

The problem is the lack of games, and the timing of those few games NZ plays. There are very few home games, and none at all at the peak of summer. Which means that public interest - and therefore participation by kids - has nosedived. Such few games also means those who do play at the highest level don't get a chance to settle in and improve. Sadly, given the state of the international calendar and the lack of priority afforded New Zealand, I can't see a way back from the brink.

Posted by   on (July 21, 2012, 0:26 GMT)

What you've said is all true, and part of the problem is that in the last six years, NZ have only played 37 Tests. Every one else has played more than 50 (except Pakistan who've played 48) - and England have played 74! We'll never be world beaters in the Test arena, but we could at least be competitive if we played more regularly, and in longer series (none of this two match stuff). We can't get better at playing test matches if we don't get to play enough of them to begin with. I thought the FTP was supposed to help level the playing field?

@Flighted_kiwi - one annoying thing for kiwi fans, is that there is currently a talented young batsmen/spinner playing County cricket in England, he is born & bred NZlder, but he is trying to qualify for the Poms, can't remember his name (I think he recently either played for the Lions or some other England XI), but he is at least at Williamson standard. @khanc - IMO - there have been 3 truely great captains in my lifetime (in no particlular order), they were Imran, Tubby Taylor & Fleming. I reckon I'll add Pup Clarke to that group in the not too distant future.