Three Kiwis who can't afford to fail
Jonathan Millmow in the Dominion Post argues that the Champions Trophy is especially important for three men - Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum and Andy Moles - who can ill afford to come home with their tails between their legs.
Brydon Coverdale
25-Feb-2013
Jonathan Millmow in the Dominion Post argues that the Champions Trophy is especially important for three men - Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum and Andy Moles - who can ill afford to come home with their tails between their legs.
Moles is the coach but is in a system where the empowerment is with the captain, Daniel Vettori, and a group of people with backgrounds in other sports (Dave Currie, Don Tricker, Roger Mortimer). It is an unfortunate position but even so, progress since Moles stepped in 10 months ago has been non-existent.
Hopefully, New Zealand's tactics in South Africa reflect the lack of form of some of their former matchwinners. If McCullum continues to flounder at the top then a Jesse Ryder and Martin Guptill opening partnership should not be sneezed at. McCullum might even find bringing the team home in the final 10 overs rather than starting them off is the variety his game needs.
Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets here