Team New Zealand – Problems of Plenty… But still not enough…

The Kiwi squad for the world cup is as follows – Stephen Fleming (captain)

Daniel Vettori (vice captain)
Shane Bond
James Franklin
Peter Fulton
Mark Gillespie
Brendan McCullum (wicket keeper)
Craig McMillan
Michael Mason
Jacob Oram
Jeetan Patel
Scott Styris
Ross Taylor
Daryl Tuffey
Lou Vincent

On current form, this kiwi team is arguably the best in the world – after all it takes quite something to white wash an Australian Team (even a depleted one).

But fortunately for the rest of the world, the kiwis do not have a history of being exceptional on big arenas. The closest they had come to winning the title was at home in ’92, when some brilliant innovation by Crowe and rampant clubbing by Greatbatch saw them win it all, but lose to the eventual champions Pakistan in the semis. They almost beat Aussies in the quarterfinals of ’96 before Mark Waugh scored his third century of the tournament to put an end to the kiwi aspirations. They reached the semis thrice more – meekly surrendering to the West Indians in ’75, almost beating England in ’79 and bowing to the class of Saeed Anwar in ’99.

This time, the kiwis are brimming with confidence. They also have a squad that is not only packed with all-rounders (who are so crucial in the one day format of the game), but all-rounders who are all in exceptional form. Infact, the rather sudden retirement of their most successful one day cricketer, Nathan Astle, would come as a blessing in disguise to Fleming, who would otherwise have had the most horrible of problems in picking the eleven.

Let’s analyze the individual disciplines -

Batting –

The Kiwis bat extremely deep… With Vincent and Fleming opening, the middle order is packed with the likes of Taylor, Fulton, Styris, McMillan, Oram and McCullum. Taylor and Fulton, though new to the world arena, are considered exceptional talents and have already been marked by the experts as the ‘guys to watch out for’ during this tournament. Styris and Oram are huge hitters of the ball and with the return of McMillan, the middle order is packed with giants. Further down we have McCullum, who is turning out to be an expert finisher and the bowlers Vettori and Franklin, who are both, more than handy with the bat. Though devoid of stars, this batting order is definitely one that is worth watching.

Bowling –

A fully fit Shane Bond is the most potent bowler in the world today, and if the last few matches were an indicator, Bond definitely would like to settle some of the unsettled scores of the last edition. Aiding him is Tuffey, who after a long hiatus, is still able keep the batsmen jumping around. Franklin and Gillespie are extremely talented, while Mason has had many splendid seasons in New Zealand domestic cricket. Vettori is undoubtedly the best left spinner in the world today and Jeetan Patel (whenever he plays) can certainly contribute too.

Keeping –

McCullum is definitely safe behind the stumps and more than handy in front. Vincent has enough keeping experience to be the back-up.

Fielding –

The Kiwis were always considered exceptional fielders. But those were the days of Harris and Co. In today’s world, were teams are constantly trying to outdo the standards of the Gibbs, the Yuvrajs, the Kaifs and the Collingwoods, the kiwis are way below in the list of exceptional fielding sides. They are very good at times, but are equally dismal at most others.

My First Playing Eleven –

Vincent
Fleming
Taylor
Fulton
McMillan
Oram
McCullum
Vettori
Franklin
Gillespie
Bond

Purely on individual talent and potential, this would be rated the best one-day lineup in the world today. The top 9 can all bat, while 10 and 11 have the potential to give it a whack as well. It has a 3 man pace attack with Vettori providing some very useful left arm spin in the middle order. Oram with his pace and McMillan with those medium pacers are capable of bowling their quota of 10 whenever needed. Vincent is capable of some slow deliveries too.

Styris would be unlucky, so would be Tuffey and Mason. Patel, inspite of his talent can’t find himself in the same eleven as Vettori – but these are good problems to have – ‘Problems of Plenty’. However, with the absence of Oram, due to injury, Scotty could get a chance to play the initial matches and make a mark for himself.

The team definitely has a huge chance to reach the Semis… from there-on; it’s just a matter of 2 good games…