CRICKET: Black Caps out and rated

The Black Caps improved upon their defeat in the pool play match, but not enough to upset a strong Sri Lankan team and a disappointing loss today in the World Cup Semi-final.  In the end it was down to runs, or lack there of.  A foundation of sorts was laid, but none of the top order were able to see it through, and our middle collapsed to lose its last 6 wickets for less than 30 runs.

Jayawardene goes this time, but it wasn't enough

Going into detail about the loss is a bit too close and real for the time being, perhaps even pointless.  Assessing the performance of individuals in the team from the entire tournament is a little easier so that's what I will do.

(Ratings out of 10)


Vettori - 8.0
Hampered by injury, Vettori still managed to remain our tightest bowler in the tournament.  Always the one to be blocked out by opposition teams, he didn't achieve the number of wickets as typically expected, but his pressure lead to others.  Leadership decisions inspired our team to its semi-final fixture nearly scaring the Sri Lankans from an impossible position.  Too massive a player to replace, his retirement will leave a huge hole in the team.

Southee - 8.0
Easily our top wicket taker in the competition, Southee has progressed beyond expectation of all under the guidance of Alan Donald.  Picking up pace and aggression, Southee has assumed the role of spearhead in an attack in desperate need of one.  One criticism is that he still lacks consistency at times, being a bit hit and miss within bowling spells.  His semi-final figures were good example of this, finishing with figures of 3 for 57 off 10 with 2 maidens.  The sooner he can eliminate the bad overs from his assortment, the better he'll be.

Oram - 7.5

A vital man of the match performance against South Africa, and overall sturdy bowling performance proved the worth of 'the Monster' to the Black Caps unit.  Critics will say he's lost his former batting prowess, but its been the choice of the Black Caps think-tank not to use him now in that capacity.  A shame, as he showed in the fastest 50 partnership in ODI history shared with Taylor, that he still has hitting power when faith's entrusted.

Taylor - 7.0
An innings unlike any other against Pakistan inflates Taylor's rating somewhat.  Managed a few starts thereafter but failed to capitalise when it mattered and was needed.  Overall, an encouraging return to form however, which before Pakelele looked woeful.  Has been Vettori's understudy for long enough now, and will hopefully lead the pack in similar fashion.

Mills - 7.0
Played 2 1/2 matches before getting injured, picking up 6 wickets with low economy.  Probably missed more than will be realised, as his experience teamed with Southee, could've provided a useful combination.  Got a bit silly in the du Plessis confrontation when he probably didn't need to.

McKay - 7.0
Hopped straight off the plane into a semi-final and did a commendable job.  Bowled tight lines with bounce and pace, capturing the prized wicket of Sangakkara where no one else came close.  Begged the question "Where has he been?".  May have missed a beat by not opening with the quick left-armer in the semi-final, but he bowled well with a little reverse when eventually called upon.  Will hopefully be retained in teams to come.

Styris - 6.5
Made useful contributions with both bat and ball, saving his best for last against Sri Lanka in the semi-final.  A vital cog in terms of the experience to the team given what he has delivered over the years.  Even though he wasn't as influential as he has been in the past (batting down the order and bowling fewer overs), he will still go down as one of our strongest allrounders to have played, reputation intact.

Nathan McCullum - 6.5
Versatile bowling option who was called to open and steady through the middle.  Most impressive against South Africa with 3 wickets.  Could have done more with the bat, given his pre-tournament form and elevation above Oram.  Has his limitations, but also now an opportunity to cement himself as NZ's number one spinner in this form of the game.

Williamson - 6.5
Assumed Franklin's place in the team and showed good promise during some tense situations in death overs.  An essential accumulator for the lineup in a team full of stroke makers.  A lot of future runs await with an inevitable elevation up the order.

Ryder - 6.5 
Got starts in nearly every match, but only delivered in one.  The runs against South Africa did prove the difference in the end, but given the big boy's talent, we required much more.  Heading in the right direction though it has to be said, with Wright investing huge trust in the player at No.3.

Guptill - 6.5
Again got a lot of starts, but not enough converted starts against strong opposition.  Extraordinary in the field which adds greatly to his value, but big hundreds are what he is there for and they were missing.  Assured in his spot, he has the skill, but needs to deliver.

Brendon McCullum - 6.0
Being so important to the team, the Black Caps really needed McCullum B, to step up with the bat in this tournament to achieve success.  Runs against the minnows aside, he struggled, leaving the middle order to rebuild when momentum had been lost.  Flawless with the gloves, he is by far and away our best option behind the stumps.  Disappointing for a player who is feared and rated highly.

Luke Woodcock - 6.0
Possibly a bit harsh given he only played one match and didn't disgrace himself by any stretch.  Got a bit of grip from a slow pitch, even beating the bat of Kallis on one occasion.  May get more chances in the one day team given Vettori's retirement.

Bennett - 5.5
Began with a bang against Kenya, but struggled with form after, proving expensive.  Struck by injury (not for the first time), soon thereafter and was flown home.  May be fooling himself if he believes he'll be able to maintain that action and stay fit for the team.

How - 5.0
Unfortunately seems completed psyched out in the few instances he does make the crease in international cricket now, after starting his career so well.  Still able to contribute well as one of the best substitute fielders in the world.

Franklin - 4.5
Apart from an astonishing end of innings cameo against Canada, his campaign was a bit of a disaster.  Pre-tournament form raised expectation of the player, but he just couldn't get out of the blocks.  Not sure where this leaves Franklin for the future as it isn't the first time he has been picked, and failed.  Frustrating, as he hits it so sweetly when in form.


Overall there will be more positives taken from our effort than negative, by a long way.  Written off, everyone expected South Africa to brush us aside on their way to the finals.  This didn't happen and we produced one of the most spirited comebacks in the world cup.  Taylor picked up some form and Ryder/Guptill look close enough to it.  Oram got it through injury free, and will hopefully stay that way in time to come.  The future in Williamson and Southee also looks bright and will be prospects watched closely.

Very sad to see Styris and Vettori go, who have done a lot for the team over the years, but it will be up to others to step up and fill the void so that next time, the semi-final is just the stepping stone, as opposed to our tombstone.