[Hurricane]

As much as we hate John Buchanan or want to blame him. The only thing he can really do is influence the selection of coach and team. And who amongst us would pick a different team. The actual guys they have out there have been excellent picks (Brownlie seemed like an inspired pick for a while, Bracewell, Gillespie Mach 2, Flynn Mach 2) all good picks. Some people want Martin gone but he has enough credit in the bank to see out this series before they will drop him.
What am I saying - my first point is that this is not John Buchanans fault.

I do fear we are heading into a dark age of cricket that will last for a while.

As I have mentioned before star players in NZ need to be coaxed into playing until they are 36 or 37 and not 30 31 like they do at the moment. Unfortunately I don't think we pay them enough so they start looking to cash in and spend time with family after they have had a good run with the side.

Hopes on the horizon: I would ask all NZ fans to have a look at that video Kippax has uploaded of Boam scoring 81. It is in the domestic thread. Don't worry about Boam he plays many false strokes and is not good value for his 81. Focus on Astle the leg spinner bowling to him and see what you think. He looks better than Tarun in that footage.

Tom Latham - we are investing major energy into this guy. Lets hope he can become at least an ODI player we can rely on.

Ronchi - as a specialist ODI player

And that's it can't really name anyone else in the cupboard.

Conclusion - yes the cupboard is fairly bare. Just have to hope that someone emerges this season - maybe young Rutherford or Worker or Brodie.

I think if we are to compete then we need some Jeremy Coney/Chris Harris style players. People who can actually average 35 and play a role. Is that asking too much? I don't think it should be. Guys need to HTFU and actually perform well in international cricket.