The only way they can develop top-order batsmen is by giving those in-form batsmen a longer run in both Tests and ODI's. Far too often, we have seen chopping and changing at the top, with the likes of Matthew Bell, Lou Vincent, Craig Spearman picked and dropped quickly. They've even got Matthew Horne back at the top several times and it didn't help much. If they stick to just three or four options, they'll get better results at the top. At this stage, the best optiosn would be Papps (if fit), Cumming (he's got a longer run), Richard Jones (subcontinent scout) and James Marshall, who has had a lot of FC experience at the top of the order. Fleming and Astle are not openers, and they haven't done well consistently, so a Test prospect should open in ODIs.Macka said:Scott Styris, king of the drive in the V, has decided to play for Auckland.
I think Fleming should continue to open with Astle in ODIs, and I'm still not convinced about James Marshall, either. NZ still needs to look at developing top-order batsmen. However, the recent contracted players' selection might suggest otherwise, with top-order players like Fulton and Taylor missing out altogether.
From my point of view, we still require another top-order batsman to go with Fleming, Astle, Hamish Marshall, and Scott Styris. Styris isn't in great form and is looking to get his spot back after injury. But who is there really to challenge him? Oram and McCullum might be in with a chance of moving up the order.
I disagree. The Test and ODI order should be independent of each other. Fleming and Astle are the only stable part of our ODI line-up.Arjun said:The only way they can develop top-order batsmen is by giving those in-form batsmen a longer run in both Tests and ODI's. Far too often, we have seen chopping and changing at the top, with the likes of Matthew Bell, Lou Vincent, Craig Spearman picked and dropped quickly. They've even got Matthew Horne back at the top several times and it didn't help much. If they stick to just three or four options, they'll get better results at the top. At this stage, the best optiosn would be Papps (if fit), Cumming (he's got a longer run), Richard Jones (subcontinent scout) and James Marshall, who has had a lot of FC experience at the top of the order. Fleming and Astle are not openers, and they haven't done well consistently, so a Test prospect should open in ODIs.
lord_of_darkness said:im kinda getting sick of hadlee now..
I pretty much agree with those, but I have to say that although McMillan has performed recently I'd rather have James Marshall. I think running between the wickets has been important to us and was really the winning of the game on one occasion (H.Marshall and McCullum at Telstra Dome) and James is as fast as Hamish and with their communication together they could score at around 5 an over in partnerships together in the middle stages which is a skill I really value in ODIs.AndrewM said:The ideal one-day side for my money would be:
1 Fleming
2 Astle
3 H Marshall
4 Styris
5 McMillan
6 Cairns
7 Oram
8 McCullum
9 Vettori
10 Tuffey
11 Bond
Tests
1 Cumming
2 J Marshall
3 Fleming
4 H Marshall
5 Styris
6 Vincent
7 Oram
8 McCullum
9 Vettori
10 Franklin/ Martin
11 Bond
Agreement/ disagreement?
Agree. Our best batsman of all time, disregarding any personality clash, should be included. He is outspoken but has some very good thoughts. Hadlee IS too good to waste as well. Even if it is in the background, he is one of the game's great thinkers.Blaze said:I think he has to be involved somehow. He is too good to waste.
Martin Crowe should have got a look in IMO
That was my only qualm as well mate. James and Hamish could potentially be form amazing partnerships with the running and communication as you indicated. It was well highlighted in their brief appearance in that one-day match at home against the Aussies recently. In that case James should go at 3, having Styris to separate them at 4 and Hamish at 5. But i think McMillan's experience would see him picked ahead of James if they named a side tomorrow. But it will ultimately come down to McMillan's consistency in the next year. If he performs, he gets to stay. If not, then its the birth of the Hamish and James show._Ed_ said:I pretty much agree with those, but I have to say that although McMillan has performed recently I'd rather have James Marshall. I think running between the wickets has been important to us and was really the winning of the game on one occasion (H.Marshall and McCullum at Telstra Dome) and James is as fast as Hamish and with their communication together they could score at around 5 an over in partnerships together in the middle stages which is a skill I really value in ODIs.
Styris is over the hill - Auckland can have him.shaka said:I see that Styris is going to be playing in Auckland, and rumours are also available that Tuffey may be switching to Auckland as well as he stays in Auckland. Both would be huge losses to ND.