Kiwi strategists left with plenty to think about

To know how to win a World Cup, New Zealand need to show much more adaptability to competing with opponents than was evident during the latter stages of the VB Series in Australia.

More than the inability to consistently turn back the powerful South African side, New Zealand need to show a cohesion, an understanding of match requirements whether batting first or chasing, and against opponents with differing skills.

New Zealand prepared very well for both the Test and one-day series against the Australians. They were an important hurdle for the side to overcome and they captured the country's imagination in the process.

But this series loss to South Africa has been an important wake-up call.

In the immediate assessment of the campaign it has to be said that to the outsider looking in it would seem few advances have been made.

Certainly Shane Bond has been a superb addition to the team and his award as player of the series was entirely merited. With such a big workload ahead of the side it is to be sincerely hoped that Bond, in the absence of Chris Cairns for much of the remainder of the year, is not flogged unmercilessly.

The reminder of what happened to Geoff Allott especially, should be to the forefront of New Zealand's strategic thinking.

The reliance on Cairns is another concern. In New Zealand's most notable victories in recent times, his batting has been the highest common denominator.

But more players need to be able to show the ODI century-scoring habit before New Zealand can entertain thoughts of seriously challenging for the World Cup. Craig McMillan and Stephen Fleming now face greater responsibility for showing the toughness that Roger Twose brought to the side when playing at his best.

The opening problem has still not been addressed. Players have been tried, and players have been found wanting.

Mark Richardson disappeared very quickly from the scene, Brendon McCullum soon after although it did seem that more effort could have been made to let him develop with long term investment as the hope.

Lou Vincent still appears to offer greater value to the side down the order. The situation was compounded by the alarming drop off in Nathan Astle's contribution after his first up 95 in Adelaide.

It may be that the selectors revisit the option of Chris Nevin as an opener for the series against England.

Andre Adams appeals as a player with much to offer the side. Sharp of pace, he can produce the surprise ball, and with more support and development he does appeal as part of the "at-the-death" answer.

This is not so much a specifically specialist role for one or two bowlers, but a general awareness among a group about what is required at the end. The last thing New Zealand needs is a predictable pairing who are given the duty. They will be picked off easily by the more adventurous sides.

James Franklin suffered some rough moments, none worse than the four sixes in the one over to Shaun Pollock. But there is something about his play that appeals with that longer term viewpoint.

It may be that most of the players are in place, and it is the strategies that have to be addressed.

Whatever their thinking the selectors are rapidly reaching the point where they have to chose their best 14 and stick with them.

If nothing else, the Australian campaign has shown that New Zealand can compete. It has been a series with valuable lessons.

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of time to pour over the information and put it to use before the England series starts on Wednesday night in Christchurch.

But the immediate requirement must be runs aplenty. Having runs to play with, or having confidence in chasing targets, goes a long way towards winning matches.

New Zealand did look tired in their last two matches. The early finish in Australia has been disappointing, but at least it offers some respite from the trials of travel in another country.