**Official** New Zealand Domestic Season 2013/2014

[Hurricane]

I'm bored world cup dream team

1 guptil
2 kane
3 ryder
4 ross
5 baz
6 Latham
7 vettori
8 nmac
9 southee
10 mills
11 mitch/milne

In squad - Rutherford, Munro, Milne, Hira, Watling

 

[Kippax]

Cricket: New faces in first Otago team | Otago Daily Times Online News : Otago, South Island, New Zealand & International News

Brendon McCullum, Hamish Rutherford and Neil Wagner are in Bangladesh with the Black Caps test squad and all-rounders Jimmy Neesham and Nathan McCullum leave for Bangladesh next week to link up with the one-day squad.

Veteran fast bowler James McMillan is being rested, and former Black Cap Jesse Ryder is still serving a six-month ban for taking a prohibited substance. He will become eligible for Otago on October 19.

For Duffy and Rodden, the three-day game is an opportunity to make a positive impression ahead of Otago's opening Plunket Shield match against Wellington at the Basin Reserve beginning on October 27.

With Rutherford promoted to the Black Caps, Neil Broom will move up to open the batting and Ryder is likely to bat at No 4. Duffy probably has first dibs as the back-up opener. He is an aggressive player and has performed well for his club side, Kaikorai.

''He has scored a lot of club runs and we just want to have a wee bit of a look at him in terms of the next step up,'' coach Vaughn Johnson said.

''It is the same with Brad. He has been part of our development programme for the last two years and has scored a lot of club runs.''

Rodden typically plays in the middle order and with more finesse than power.

''He is a worker of the ball ... whereas Ryan is a more aggressive-type of player.''

Johnson said there was also an opportunity for some of the back-up bowlers to step up.

Left-arm seamer Blair Soper took 12 first-class wickets in his debut season, including five for 76 against Wellington. But Johnson said he still had some work to do to cement a spot in the team. Veteran left-armer Bradley Scott is training with the squad but will not be considered for first-class games ''at this stage''.

''In terms of one-day cricket, he is still an option.'

Otago has played a lot of twenty20 cricket in the past six weeks and Johnson said it was important the team used the warm-up game to get back into the rhythm of first-class cricket.'

Bennett bowls back to full fitness | Stuff.co.nz

"I've always had faith in my body and never doubted my ability. Unfortunately, I've had a couple of niggles, which have turned into bigger things. Clearly, I don't do things by halves.

"There's a lot less strain on my body, so I can't put a bit more into [the bowling], because the pain isn't there anymore."

Bennett said he wanted to get back to the mindset he had growing up playing cricket with his mates, and helping them win.

"I've got back to when I was a kid watching cricket at Aorangi Oval, and watching a really good Canterbury team. I want to be available for every game and if Canterbury rest me [occasionally] then so be it, but I want to help them win all three titles this season.

"Having the time out really taught me that playing with my close mates shouldn't be taken for granted. Of course, playing for New Zealand is what gets you out of bed, but for me right now, it's not at the front of my mind."

But as the New Zealand team opened a test series against Bangladesh in the sub-continent overnight, Bennett admitted he wanted to wear the black cap once again.

"I still think of my test match debut, and all those times I thought about it while playing cricket growing up, and that's what motivates me.

"I was fortunate enough to play one test and I want to add to that, because it's something you can take to your grave and be proud of."

Kippax doesn't blame you there, Bennett.

Simon Keen isn't a great fit with my taunt as a FIFO opportunist btw, he's fully into his vegan/CrossFit/AA onwards and upwards stuff. Probably could've been recruited onto Heinrich's CD roster.

 

[Flem274*]

Interesting - why are KW and Latham placed so?

My team fwiw

Martin GUPTILL
Jesse RYDER
Kane WILLIAMSON
Ross TAYLOR (c)
Bradley-John WATLING (wk)
Brendon McCULLUM
Corey ANDERSON or James NEESHAM
Daniel VETTORI if fit, otherwise Nathan McCULLUM
Tim SOUTHEE
Kyle MILLS if still around and in form, if not, Adam MILNE or whoever the next quick to step up is
Mitchell McCLENAGHAN

 

[Hurricane]

ryder did better at 3, and with two white balls we need a slower person to open like kane.

i struggled for a number 6 as no one has really put their hand up. Munro might be even better than Latham. Went for Tom as I think by the time the world cup rolls around he will be a member of the team and will have a century for NZ under his belt.

My other option was to open with hamish and push Ryder down to number 5 and baz at 6.

 

[Mike5181]

1. Martin Guptill
2. Jesse Ryder
3. Kane Williamson
4. Ross Taylor
5. BJ Watling
6. Brendon McCullum
7. Jimmy Neesham/Corey Anderson
8. Daniel Vettori
9. Tim Southee
10. Adam Milne
11. Mitchell McClenaghan

NMac
Henry
Anderson/Neesham
Latham

Same team as Phlegm, I think. It's quite well balanced, although things could get a bit messier if Vettori's not fit and NMac is still the specialist spin bowler. Honestly looking at this group, I think we'll put together our strongest ODI team in ages relatively soon. McClenaghan has been the biggest surprise recently, and along with Southee/Milne/Neesham or Anderson should form quite a strong pace attack. I'm not sure Mills will still be around, or at least performing well enough to keep out the other guys. The young allrounders should keep Franklin out, and both suit that number 7/finisher role really well.

Ryder needs to get his ass back playing internationals, and the selectors need to recognise BJ's quality and throw him in at five asap as well.

 

[Immenso]

Cricket: New faces in first Otago team | Otago Daily Times Online News : Otago, South Island, New Zealand & International News




Bennett bowls back to full fitness | Stuff.co.nz



Kippax doesn't blame you there, Bennett.

Simon Keen isn't a great fit with my taunt as a FIFO opportunist btw, he's fully into his vegan/CrossFit/AA onwards and upwards stuff. Probably could've been recruited onto Heinrich's CD roster.

Bennett is who I am most interested in this domestic season. He only played about 3 LO games last year at the fag end of the season, but gee he looked good IMO. Such an improved smoother action.

I should probably be more interested in hoping we unearth a cure-all for our spinning or batting depth, rather than another option in our burgeoning fast bowling depth, but fast bowlers rock my boat. And Bennett must have so much valuable experience these days - having lead a provincial attack since he was 17, if only his body can hang together and combine the experience with his physical gifts.

So, good luck Hamish, don't let Adam Milne waltz in unopposed ....

 

[NZTailender]

Yeah I'm so keen on Bennett. IIRC he was in the Black Caps before both Bracewell and Boult and kinda left everyone's consciousness after getting injured. Having a pace pack of Bennett, McClenaghan, Milne, Mills and Southee + Neesham & Anderson to choose from for ODIs would be pretty gun. Then if Bennett and Mitch get their long game ER under control the Test pack looks pretty strong...

 

[SteveNZ]

I'm bored world cup dream team

1 guptil
2 kane
3 ryder
4 ross
5 baz
6 Latham
7 vettori
8 nmac
9 southee
10 mills
11 mitch/milne

In squad - Rutherford, Munro, Milne, Hira, Watling

Not quite taken with Mitchy as yet? Quite apart from his bowling talents, there's not too many kicking about who can lift those around him like he can, not since Nashy's days.

I imagine Dan V will have run out of legs by then, so I'll go 1. Guptill 2. Ryder 3. Williamson 4. Taylor 5. McCullum B 6. Watling 7. Neesham 8. Henry 9. McCullum N 10. Southee 11. Mills/Milne. Squad members Latham, Anderson C, Milne/Mills, Munro

 

[Flem274*]

Questioning the absence of Mitch M and omitting him yourself is itsl

 

[SteveNZ]

Haha that is wonderful. I was so focused on how much I'm excited about Matt Henry as a cricketer that Mitch missed the cut, didn't even make the 15. I don't want to drop Millsy so I'll hope for a revamp of the super sub rule and include both. And presume Milne is injured, given I am not going to leave Lord Manu at home

 

[Flem274*]

You better hope Mitch doesn't read the forum anymore or he might sign in to have a word with you.

"Get in the nets ****, I'm bowling 125kph at the moment but it looks like 145kph on TV!"

 

[SteveNZ]

I'm certain he does, the big fella - gotta fill time somehow on a Bangladesh tour

 

[Flem274*]

I'll have to troll him back into posting then.

He should show the management and certain players what we think of them. It would generate some melodrama.

 

[Hurricane]

I bracketed Milne and Mitch together as Mitch looked less convincing in England while he looked like a major find in NZ. In searching my feelings maybe I am basing this on the speed gun readings looking strange or the odd pie that he bowled. Still his figures from the series look fine.

Surprised no one followed suit by opening with Kane - really he is a slow starter and the new need is basically to bat for survival in the first 4 overs - his game is better suited to that. And Guptil is capable of going over the top to get us off to a fast enough start in overs 5-10.

I actually reckon the top 5 I named will be as good as any other top 5 in the entire tournament provided that Baz doesn't dissapear like he normally does on the world stage.

 

[SteveNZ]

Understand he's taken a bit of tap in some games but in England he averaged three wickets a game. He's just one of those guys who takes wickets, that's a hell of an asset

Not a big fan of Kane as an opener, like him at 3 where he can take the heat off if one goes down early, float Ross if we fly off well early or compliment Gup if it's raining boundaries at his end. Being an opener might present him with scenarios he's not particularly well accomplished to take on. Ie if he opens with Gup and Gup gets stuck not being able to get it off the square, or whomever it may be, Kane's game isn't best suited to picking up the slack boundary wise - or at least it's not the best fit for him. And let's be honest, that's a scenario we've come across before.

 

[Immenso]

I bracketed Milne and Mitch together as Mitch looked less convincing in England while he looked like a major find in NZ. In searching my feelings maybe I am basing this on the speed gun readings looking strange or the odd pie that he bowled. Still his figures from the series look fine.

Surprised no one followed suit by opening with Kane - really he is a slow starter and the new need is basically to bat for survival in the first 4 overs - his game is better suited to that. And Guptil is capable of going over the top to get us off to a fast enough start in overs 5-10.

I actually reckon the top 5 I named will be as good as any other top 5 in the entire tournament provided that Baz doesn't dissapear like he normally does on the world stage.

Are you talking ODIs?
Mitch has only played 1 of his 10 ODIs at home. 29 wickets in 10 games is a hell of a start to his career. Tough crowd.

 

[Hurricane]

I put down my reasons. I felt he came off the boil in England both speed wise and accuracy wise. And I did acknowledge his bowling figures were good in England which makes me look like I am talking out of my arse.

I am also somewhat apologetic about my opinion because as mentioned it is influenced by the speed gun in jolly old which is a shallow reason.

 

[hendrix]

ok I'll play

1. Kane Williamson
2. Jesse Ryder
3. Martin Guptill
4. Ross Taylor
5. BJ Watling
6. Brendon McCullum
7. Jimmy Neesham
8. Nathan McCullum
9. Tim Southee
10. Mitch McCleneghan
11. Adam Milne

This is the strongest lineup IMO. Bats down to Nathan McCullum. Has excellent bowlers, with Ryder to pick up a few if need be. Kane and Ryder would be a superb opening combo, with Guptill to come in as he's generally not so good against genuine quality bowlers (but is great at slogging medium pacers). Taylor's Taylor. Watling provides middle over stability. McCullum, Neesham, NcCullum and Southee to come in and finish the innings.

Mitch and Southee to open the bowling. Then Milne and Neesh. Then NcCullum and Ryder.

Very happy with that team.


If this team were to play next month, Mills in for Southee. But this team is looking good in the next year or so.

 

[Flem274*]

Guptill has to open imo. He's our best opener, loves and is almost reliant on going over the top or beating the infield early and KW is our best number three and a good anchor who is more comfortable manipulating the field rather than hitting over the infield. Strange selection in my book, but the rest is pretty agreeable. It's hard to pick which allrounder will cement their spot (if anyone) and Mills and Vettori are far from certainties.

 

[Hurricane]

I am pleased someone else has Kane opening. Kane is like a wind up toy the longer he stays out there the faster he gets so you want him out there for 150 balls if you can. He opens in T20 for ND by the way.

I did like Steve's post however that kane wouldn't be able to go over the top if Guptil got bogged down. This is true but he will innovate in other ways such as giving himself room and square cutting.

This is just a quick comment and I am only replying as there is nothing on TV so I don't mean to sound like I am dog with a bone.