The problems with NZ Cricket
August 19th 2008 07:11
New Zealand Cricket will never be a force on the world stage. Currently, there is an alarming lack of depth in the first class scene, with most provinces contracting at least one player under the age of 20. Now, while some of these players look to have the goods to be future internationals, there simply isn't the depth required on the first class circuit to prepare player for Test cricket.
Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Greg Morgan, Harry Boam, George Worker and Corey Anderson are all very promising talents but there is no way they should have walked straight into their respective provinces in the way they have.
NZC has lost many names over the last four-five years, including Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Nathan Astle, Stephen Fleming, Shane Bond, Craig McMillian and Scott Styris (Test matches). Not only does this make up the bulk of the batting talent, but these players were all vastly experienced. It is no wonder the Black Caps have produced some woeful performances in Test matches since 2004. The talent lost to the game in NZ is immense and has had an impact at the first class level.
With conditions in NZ creating typically bowler friendly pitches, there is no real opportunity for youngsters to learn about themselves and become better players and reach their potential on the first class circuit. The climate and lack of player depth brings everyone down to a certain level - bowlers are able to pitch the ball up and the climate makes the ball swing and seam, allowing dibbly-dobblie medium pacers to consistently lead the wicket taking tallies; fieldsmen don't have the same pressure on them to snaffle every chance, because with the conditions more often than not suiting the bowlers, they are given numerous opportunities; the slow nature of the wickets means that true quicks do not prosper and batsmen are allowed to fall into bad habits because they are never tested by genuine pace (just look at Michael Papps).
The lack of competition for spots on the first class scene means that players perform poorly and maintain their place in their side. That means it's only a matter of time before they make the NZ 'A' team and eventually, the Black Caps, as players retire and move onto other things in life. These players have never had to struggle to maintain their spot and go through all of the learning processes and soul searching involved in losing your spot. They are handed their Black Cap on a platter and are subsequently lambasted by all in the media for not being up to international standard once they make it.
It is no surprise to me that so many of our top order batsmen fail in the burning hot oven that is Test cricket. They are not subjected to the same difficult conditions and quality bowling that they face in Test matches. How are they going to learn about playing Test cricket and become better players? Time in the saddle is the only answer. Why was Matthew Bell dropped after scoring one of the most gutsy 60s in his career? Because the selectors want a quick fix. Well, it isn't going to happen at the top of the order, because of the lack of depth at the first class level, and at every other level for that matter.
Until NZ Cricket wises up and allows their players to travel and player overseas, in climates such as Australia and South Africa on a more frequent basis, they are not going to win Test matches against the best teams. NZC needs to open up their eyes and see that their regimented and short-sighted policies are, in actual fact, limiting their success and livelihood in international cricket. Until they allow their players more freedom to play where they wish, and experience more conditions than just their own, they are not going to be a force on the international scene.
Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Greg Morgan, Harry Boam, George Worker and Corey Anderson are all very promising talents but there is no way they should have walked straight into their respective provinces in the way they have.
NZC has lost many names over the last four-five years, including Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Nathan Astle, Stephen Fleming, Shane Bond, Craig McMillian and Scott Styris (Test matches). Not only does this make up the bulk of the batting talent, but these players were all vastly experienced. It is no wonder the Black Caps have produced some woeful performances in Test matches since 2004. The talent lost to the game in NZ is immense and has had an impact at the first class level.
With conditions in NZ creating typically bowler friendly pitches, there is no real opportunity for youngsters to learn about themselves and become better players and reach their potential on the first class circuit. The climate and lack of player depth brings everyone down to a certain level - bowlers are able to pitch the ball up and the climate makes the ball swing and seam, allowing dibbly-dobblie medium pacers to consistently lead the wicket taking tallies; fieldsmen don't have the same pressure on them to snaffle every chance, because with the conditions more often than not suiting the bowlers, they are given numerous opportunities; the slow nature of the wickets means that true quicks do not prosper and batsmen are allowed to fall into bad habits because they are never tested by genuine pace (just look at Michael Papps).
The lack of competition for spots on the first class scene means that players perform poorly and maintain their place in their side. That means it's only a matter of time before they make the NZ 'A' team and eventually, the Black Caps, as players retire and move onto other things in life. These players have never had to struggle to maintain their spot and go through all of the learning processes and soul searching involved in losing your spot. They are handed their Black Cap on a platter and are subsequently lambasted by all in the media for not being up to international standard once they make it.
It is no surprise to me that so many of our top order batsmen fail in the burning hot oven that is Test cricket. They are not subjected to the same difficult conditions and quality bowling that they face in Test matches. How are they going to learn about playing Test cricket and become better players? Time in the saddle is the only answer. Why was Matthew Bell dropped after scoring one of the most gutsy 60s in his career? Because the selectors want a quick fix. Well, it isn't going to happen at the top of the order, because of the lack of depth at the first class level, and at every other level for that matter.
Until NZ Cricket wises up and allows their players to travel and player overseas, in climates such as Australia and South Africa on a more frequent basis, they are not going to win Test matches against the best teams. NZC needs to open up their eyes and see that their regimented and short-sighted policies are, in actual fact, limiting their success and livelihood in international cricket. Until they allow their players more freedom to play where they wish, and experience more conditions than just their own, they are not going to be a force on the international scene.
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