New Zealand v England 2007-08

It is always exciting when a new cricketing talent bursts on to the international scene, and the arrival of Jesse Ryder was no exception. The man former New Zealand wicketkeeper Adam Parore had said was "too fat", hit 79 not out in 62 balls to help his team to a ten-wicket win and show why he had rapidly become a cult hero. Along with the more experienced McCullum, who smashed 80 off 47 balls with five sixes, he suggested England's defeat at Wellington was a fair reflection of the two teams. In four days, England had gone from firm favourites to 2-0 down, hanging on by a thread in the face of raw batting aggression. They seemed in control at 85 for two after 15 overs, but rain stopped them in their tracks and they never recovered on their return. Three more run-outs represented a complete buckling under pressure as they lost the remaining eight wickets for 73. A revised target of 165 in 36 overs was there for the taking; it was still a surprise just how easily Ryder and McCullum took it, in barely half the time.