Blogs New Zealand: One of the best or best of the rest?
November 30th, 2006 by shivrajOne of the most underrated teams in world cricket, New Zealand is also one of the least talked about, partly because of its uncontroversial, clean image and partly because of always being in the shadow of its more illustrious cricketing neighbor, Australia. In a country where there are more sheep than people and with rugby being very big, cricket doesn’t enjoy the fan following of the teams in the sub-continent. In spite of this, New Zealand has produced many cricketing greats and players with immense talent.
Ever since New Zealand became the fifth test playing nation in 1930, it has been counted as one of the minnows. The situation has changed a bit now, but the team is still on the cusp. While they have the ability to be world beaters on their day, those days come few and far between. It took 26 years for them to win their first test and 30 years to win their first major ODI tournament – the Champions Trophy in 2002-2003 when they beat India in Nairobi. Their failures, however, mask the immense talent and cricketing acumen possessed by some of the players.
Sir Richard Hadlee was the biggest name to come out of New Zealand after Sir Edmund Hillary and before Peter Jackson and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He once held the world record for the most test dismissals and also was the first bowler in history to take 400 test wickets. Chris Cairns and his father Lance Cairns before him both have more than 100 test wickets. Chris Cairns was also the best all rounder of his time in world cricket. Martin Crowe captained his side admirably to reach the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup and Stephen Fleming has turned out to be their most successful captain. Nathan Astle has scored the fastest double century in tests and Shane Bond enjoys the best strike rate in ODI bowling.
Now, to answer the question in the heading, if you look at the current ICC rankings, New Zealand are ranked 7th in tests and 3rd in ODIs. So, it could be inferred that they are one of the best in ODIs and best amongst the rest in tests!
December 2nd, 2006 at 4:57 am
The Blackcaps, some how never have enjoyed cricketing glory like the other nations. The current captain Stephen Fleming is a real consistent man and likes to talk through his game. Australians as rightly said by sivraj are the flamboyant celebrity cricketers. Even a new memeber in their side doesnt refrain from showing attitude to the media. Chris Cairns whose game is a value for money is anyday better than the Australian Damien Martyn but the media simply stays oblivious to that. Although they might not be always in the public eye but the Kiwis have never been underrated as a weak side, they have been and are formidable opponents.
December 4th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
Definitely NOT one of the best!
December 5th, 2006 at 7:54 am
Well not the best surely they have never been able to emulate Australia but then they are the dark horse of the cricketing world which speak through their game more than anything.