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SA in NZ: Preview

Monday, February 9 2004

The Black Caps, despite showing signs of improvement, again fell on their own sword in the home Test Series to Pakistan. At this stage, their hopes against the powerful South African touring squad look as stable as Nathan Astle's dodgy knee.

Yet some reprieve looks likely early on. With the ODI series acting as the main entrée to the longer form, the Black Cap squad looks capable of jagging some early wins in a confidence boost.

Coming off the ODI Series win against Pakistan, the squad has entailed seemingly minor yet albeit significant changes in the lead up to the series.

Craig Cumming, persisted with since early November, has been not entirely unexpected dumped.

Yet the question remains - the selectors entrusted a massive amount of faith within the Otago opener. Towards the end of the Pakistan series, Cumming began to repay them with some handy scores and for the first time began to look as if he really belonged on the international scene.

Why dump a player when he has just settled in?

Simple. The selectors have realised that there is, and always has been, a superior option.

Canterbury batsman Michael Papps has been drafted into the squad to play the contentious openers role.

The form batsman of the New Zealand domestic summer, Papps seemed an obvious choice in the squad. His youthful athleticism, combined with robust stroke play and a solid technique and temperament ensure that his selection is a gamble that the selectors have to take.

At just 24 years of age with healthy domestic averages, selectors hope that he is a player that (alongside other youngsters such as Hamish Marshall and Ian Butler) they can build their squad around in future years.

His ability to keep wickets adds balance to the squad.

The other intriguing selection in the squad is paceman Michael Mason. At the age of 29, with an uninspiring international record to date, the series looms as one final chance of the Central Districts quick to establish a place in the national squad.

The side in recent times has looked short a quality fast bowler to compliment Daryl Tuffey and the hot-cold Ian Butler.

With an ODI bowling average of 179 and an economy rate of 6.17 runs per over, Richard Hadlee, John Bracewell and co. obviously see a deeper potential in the politely built quick who has performed with gusto on the domestic scene.

The remainder of the squad selects itself.

Stephen Fleming opening the innings has been a revelation, while the success of Hamish Marshall on the international scene had breathed new life into the stale New Zealand squad.

Aside from his batting, Marshall looms as New Zealand's potentially greatest fieldsman. He is one to watch.

Scott Styris' emergence as a player of substance has added balance to the squad that still yearns to see the best out of Craig McMillan in national ODI colours.

Andre Adams' fickle career of late faces its toughest challenge following his non-selection in the squad and his brushing over for the Northern vs Southern selection trial.

Kyle Mills, meanwhile, is given another chance to cement himself in the squad.

The challenge again looms for the side, however, without their two key players - Nathan Astle and Shane Bond.

Astle will miss at least the ODI matches with his dodgy knees, while Bond's back gives him only a slight chance to tour England later in the year.

New Zealand's top-order batting is in major danger of being exposed, however, against the supreme new-ball attack of Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini.

Despite a disappointing show with the ball against the West Indies in the recently completed one-day series, the South African attack can be depended upon for a stronger showing thanks to the return to form of Lance Klusener and the continued emergence of Andre Nel.

Promising Mfuneko Ngam was selected for the squad, yet perennial injuries will see the speedster stay home.

The Proteas Test side, however, looms large against the Black Caps.

A worrying trend emerged for Bracewell's side in the Pakistan series - despite being in excellent positions; they failed to close out victory in either Test match.

The emergence of Daniel Vettori as a force with the bat has somewhat overshadowed his prolonged slide with the ball, while Lou Vincent's progress in India was negated upon his arrival at home.

Should Vincent continue to under perform, Richard Jones or even Tim McIntosh will have his job by summers end.

Mark Richardson continues to shine at the top of the order, while Butler made giant strides during the earlier part of the summer with the new ball alongside Tuffey.

An intriguing sideshow to the series, Robbie Hart will look to re-establish himself as a key member of the side following a disappointing 12 months with both bat and gloves.

Meanwhile, captains Graeme Smith and Stephen Fleming look set as key players for their side, with their camaraderie at the crease and strong cricket brains allowing for the highest esteem of battle.

Daryl Tuffey looms large, yet is still to perform consistently against the strongest sides in the world.

Sadly, the largest factor in the series may again loom to be the New Zealand pitches.

For a number of summers now, the pitches have been below par, allowing the most average of seamers to shine. One hopes this is rectified before summer's end.

Let the battle begin.

Posted by Andre