A Black Caps Fan

I want to see this NZ squad for WC 2011

2010-12-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

1.McCullum+
2.Ryder
3.Guptill
4.Taylor
5.Styris
6.Franklin
7.Oram
8.Vettori (c)
9.NcCullum
10.Mills
11.Milne/Southee

Would personally bat Guptill ahead of Williamson in the ODI's. Not only does Guptill average over 30 with the bat & strikes over 80, but he's also a freak in the field & usually saves around 10-15 runs an innings with freakish stops. For me, Williamson's still more of a test prospect at this stage.

We're also effectively forced to play N. McCullum as the second spinner in subcontinent conditions & to be fair to him he was probably one of the better performed players in our nightmarish last dozen or so ODI's.

It's probably wishful thinking that Milne, under the guidance of Bond will take the world by storm in the next couple of months, but what the hey

Edit: Massive boost to get Oram back, he's criminally underrated as a one-day bowler & his return along with Franklin suddenly makes our batting line-up look ridiculously deep.

McCullum's 225 - Easily the best test innings in the recent times for NZ

2010-11-16T06:55:00.000-08:00

Was such a great moment when Brendon brought up his 200. I was at the stadium; The innings that I can never forget in my life time.

Team's Batting Performance

Two test draws against India. Batsmen scoring runs more than once a series. Everyone in the top 7 contributing. Openers scoring centuries!!! Three innings without a massive collapse. Two 400+ scores and a 'low' score of 350 in three innings. They may be flat pitches but the NZ batsmen I know would still conspire to get themselves out.

Yet another splendid batting performance from NZ, making it really difficult for India to win a series they entirely expected to win at a canter. The batting in the second innings again showed good intent and discipline, while McCullum will quite rightly take the headlines with a tremendous match saving double ton, Kane Williamson impressed once again. He seemed more positive and fluent than when he made his century in the first Test, he was willing to come down the pitch to the spinners and hit over the top, and his back foot strokeplay was again good.

This is SO GOOD.

What happened to the real NZ? This must be what it feels like to support a proper test team.

What will we all constantly whinge about? Will Jonathan Millmow and the talkback troupe need new jobs? You can't complain much about McIntosh, McCullum and Guptill after this.

India vs New Zealand Day 2 - My Take on the day's action

2010-11-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

I watched this day's match at the stadium. The atmosphere was awesome. Every run scored & wicket taken by India team was cheered; although ocassionally any good performance by NZ fielders was also equally cheered by the crowd.

My Take on the day's action:
1. Sehwag's Dismissal at 96:
Man that is such a brainless shot. Sometimes it seems he just doesnt respect the game of cricket, like he just cant be bothered even trying to take it seriously. I guess 'thats how he plays'. Still love him though, my favourite non-nz player, but geez it annoys me to see someone with as much talent as ive ever seen just throw an innings away, at least wait until youve got the ton!

2. Ryder vs Taylor thought while watching the game
With regards to Whether Ryder > Taylor in tests. I was having this conversation today with my friend at the stadium. I think it is too soon to tell. Right now for me Ryder = Taylor. Give Ryder another ten test matches and then I think we will know. Of the two of them I prefer Taylor's technique.

3. On Kane's Dismissal
Dissapointed with Kane's dismissal - I thought a forward defence would have been better than an attempted drive through the on side. Needs to give respect to Khan.

Looking forward to tomorrow's day of play..Go Black Caps

Big positives for NZ after 1st Test

2010-11-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

Big positives for NZ to take out of this first game, and they deserve plenty of credit for really pushing India onto the back foot.

The batting was impressive, they were disciplined and patient in registering a more than competitive total. Williamson was outstanding, his understanding of what was required on that pitch was instant, now I don't know if we can expect a more free flowing innings on a pitch with more pace in it, or if he is by nature a watchful player with a very good temperament, as I haven't seen too much of him. He certainly got it right here anyway. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him.

It was Martin's effort that got NZ into a position of potentially winning the game against the odds, great wholehearted effort from him.

India draws the 1st Test with New Zealand: A Review from Black Caps Fan

2010-11-08T02:14:00.000-08:00

Fleming said that he was secretly hoping we might steal a win before the tour started. While I had only been dreaming of a draw. I never thought we would get close or be in with a chance. Congrats to the Black Caps and our newly found batting order.

It was a mistake to take Bennett into the game with a 4 man attack but no one in the press didn't call the selectors on it so I guess it was a forgive-able mistake. I sincerely hope he is never picked at any level of cricket in a 4 man attack again.

Whatever could go wrong did go wrong for our bowling attack. Jesse couldn't bowl, Bennett broke down - but everything that could go right did go right for our batting. Including Kane not being given out on 56. And Taylor surviving a close lbw call. And Jesse getting dropped.

A draw against the number 1 team in the world is a good result. Hats off to all concerned.

Other comments I thought Patel bowled reasonably today and thought Vettori should have stuck with him for longer. We should have stacked the boundaries and had Patel toss it up to Harbhajan.

CHRIS & TELL: Martin Rocks Indian Top Order

2010-11-07T20:04:00.000-08:00

Yeah, love supporting New Zealand when they play. I've always been a big fan of players and their attitude towards cricket. It's excellent to see them do well, especially when they've been written off before the series even began. Although for the Indian team, they should know never to underestimate weaker opposition as they generally always perform poorly against the out of form sides.

Have been asleep the last eight hours and woke up to this!! Will now also congratulate myself far more than necessary for naming Martin in my imagined bowling attack for this test (it was Martin, Southee, Arnel, Vettori). Love it. I would never ever have expected us to be in a position to win a test in this series and whether they manage it or not, this has been brilliant.

Not too dissimilar so far. I noticed Martin was bowling noticeably slower today than in the first innings, only hovering around the 130 mark. But he had noticeably superior control over line, length and swing. Maybe he's been trying too hard for pace of late and needs to just focus on doing what he does best, like he did today. He's got 4 and a bit tests to go (injury permitting) and 13 wickets to track down. C'mon the greyhound!

I'm putting my neck on the line and saying NZ will comfortably win this. India simply don't have the bowlers for a 'jaws of defeat' victory.

India to be skittled out for 120, NZ to chase the resultant 150 with 7 wickets in hand.

India: Gone in 29.3 Overs vs Black Caps

2010-08-18T01:37:00.001-07:00

Tri Series Kicks starts today: Black Caps take on India

2010-08-09T21:48:00.001-07:00

New Zealand Tour to Sri Lanka: A Preview

2010-08-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Fixtures:
Tue Aug 10
1st Match - India v New Zealand
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

Fri Aug 13
2nd Match - Sri Lanka v New Zealand
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

Mon Aug 16
3rd Match - Sri Lanka v India
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

Thu Aug 19
4th Match - Sri Lanka v New Zealand
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

Sun Aug 22
5th Match - Sri Lanka v India
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

Wed Aug 25
6th Match - India v New Zealand
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

Sat Aug 28
Final - TBC v TBC
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

I'm cautiously optimistic that a few guys can step up in those players' absence and we'll be competitive. I'm happy to see that the matches are at Dambulla. From memory of other games I've seen played there, the conditions are nice and bowler-friendly. And the scenery's spectacular as well.

NZ are a great side to beat India, tbh.. the teamwork and synergy stuff etc etc. I'm going to pick this now - NZ to make the final.

Kane Williamson to shine with bat and ball. Taylor to make a few nice fifties. Guptill to be aggravatingly inconsistent. McKay and Mills to form a dangerous new ball pairing. Oram to get injured. Styris to annoy the best bats in the world with his nagging medium pace.

current line-up is probably:

Watling/Ingram
Guptill
Taylor
Styris
Elliot
Oram
Hopkins
McCullum
Mills
Tuffee
McKay/Southee

Williamson isn't an opener (or at least hasn't been in domestic cricket), so it's unlikely he'll pick up one of those spots. And in the middle-order you would think that Taylor, Styris, Elliot and Oram are all certainties to play (especially given how succesful that lot were during the CT). Hopkins and McCullum/Patel are both certainties you would think, given how inexperienced Williamson is as a bowler. So that would mean that Williamson would only get a run if we decided to go with 2 specialist seamers, which seems unlikely (though not impossible, with Oram back in the side).

Black Caps Chances at World T20 2010

2010-04-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Ryder, McCullum and Guptill should be one of the better top orders in the tournament, Styris and Taylor making a strong middle order with Bond, Mills and Vettori being some of the best bowlers.

Southee's death bowling has been pretty impressive of late, not too sure if this will mark his 'coming of age' at this level of the game but I can see him not embarrassing himself at the very least.

Then the likes of two of Oram, NcCullum and Hopkins would round out the team. Happy I've never been a fan of but did well against Australia, Oram is a bit past it but offers a bit and NcCullum is a bit of a jack of all trades and master of none IMO, which in T20 cricket can still go a long way.

McCullum's Scoop Shots during his 116* vs Australia in 2nd T20

2010-03-01T02:58:00.000-08:00

The first time McCullum played it was at the Telstra Dome in 2004.

I'll never forget Dion Nash playing a lap/scoop shot off Pollock back in 1998 when NZ needed 7 off 2 balls to win. I remember it landed on the painted line where the rope was supposed to be, but the rope itself was behind the line by a few inches so was given as 4 & not 6 & SA took a wicket off the last ball...was a cracking game 7th Match: New Zealand v South Africa at Brisbane, Jan 9, 1998 | Cricket Scorecard | Cricinfo.com

My favourite McCullum shot last night was the ramp shot that he managed to work to the offside, with a flick of the wrists. Unbelievably audacious.
He played that same shot in the 158 IPL innings as well, ridiculous reflexes

Have not seen this before from Aussies!!

2010-03-01T02:52:00.000-08:00

Tbf Tait, Nannes, Haddin and McCullum seemed to be having a giggle all NZ inningss. Haven't ever seen bowlers get smashed like that and laugh about it before.

Playing Black Caps Selector: Selecting Competitive XI for Aus

2010-03-01T02:48:00.000-08:00

With the selectors hat on, I would build in the hope of having an available top 6 of McCullum, Guptill, Williamson, Styris, Taylor, Ryder, and not necessarily in that batting order in the lineup.

One feels Broom doesn't fit the needs of the team, and while Pinga was 'ok' against the mighty Deshis, its was more obvious from his second and third knocks that his gameplan is better suited to test cricket.

#7 is almost a specialist batsman position in this lineup as well, should be Oram/Franklin or Stewart contesting this and providing injury cover.

Vettori, Bond, + bowlers and it's a great lineup worthy of finals, barring injuries and big form slumps. Plenty of experience + talent there.

But I can just see the selectors muddling through a buildup to the world cup though with players like Broom getting a lot more gametime.

Vettori's steady rise from gangly to googly

2010-01-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

And, anyway, Vettori doesn't want to burn any bridges: "Sir Richard wouldn't speak to me if I took his record away."

Daniel Vettori by the numbers

TESTS
* Matches: 97
* Wickets: 313
* Bowling average: 33.61
* Best bowling: 12/149
* Runs: 3779
* Batting average: 30.72
* High score: 140
* World rank in bowling: 15th
* World rank in batting: 24th
* World rank among all-rounders: 2nd

ONE-DAY INTERNATIONALS
* Matches: 248
* Wickets: 233
* Bowling average: 31.71
* Best bowling: 5/7
* Runs: 1715
* Batting average: 16.33
* High score: 83
* World rank in bowling: 1st
* World rank in batting: 95th
* World rank among all-rounders: 8th

SINCE 2007 IN TESTS
* Matches: 24
* Wickets: 84
* Bowling average: 31.77
* Best bowling: 9/133
* Runs: 1529
* Batting average: 44.97
* High score: 140

Source: Cricinfo Statsguru

Daniel Vettori gets his 5th Test Ton

2009-12-12T00:27:00.000-08:00

Measuring Watling's Success on Debut!!

2009-12-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

Measure Watling's success for today's match, what with it being his debut and all. This is how people think on his runs today:

Runs scored, first innings:

0-10: Useless!!! Na, ****ing not good enough, chuck 'em on the discard pile with his mate Fulton. Give some young guys a chance... get Brodie in there! Any good under seventeens at the moment? Under fifteens? Good experience! Watling? Past it.

10-30: Better than you McIntosh! For shame... for shame.

31-49: I told you... I told you he was good! This young man. Future star.

50-99: Martin Crowe. Probably better actually.

100: Saviour! Bow down to the saviour of New Zealand cricket! The answer to all of our prayers. The best opener since John Wright. Love 'em already. Whaaaadddaaaaplaaayyyaaaaaa!

150: Better than Bradman. Easily.

200: Na..... who does that on debut... come on be realistic.

214: THE NEXT...... Matthew Sinclair

Black Caps Pic of the Year 2009

2009-12-09T21:00:00.001-08:00

Follow me on Twitter

2009-12-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

I am on Twitter!! Follow me on http://twitter.com/BlackcapsFan

Black Caps vs Pakistan 2nd Test, Wellington '09 - My Thoughts & Views

2009-12-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

My Thoughts on Basin Reserve Test Match:

1. Firstly, I loved to see Tuffey back to Test Cricket.

2. Probably makes sense to give Sinclair another run at the moment with so many of the present top order seemingly below par at test level.

3. Sinclair is probably preferable to Fulton, and since its in Napier, Skippy could actually score runs.

4. Vettori, not only a coach, captain, bowler, batsman...he is the best fielder in the side. He took two spledid catches.

5. Woo golden arm Elliott. He's halved his bowling average (66 to 33) with those 2 wickets in one over.

6. Pretty pleased with how Guptill & Flynn for some time in 2nd Inns, the latter especially. Just quietly I thought we are in with a shot at the target :(

7. Crowe is calling for Guptill to be dropped. He didn't make any comments on Mcintosh though..surprising

8. It's a rocking chair for Christmas for me!!! O'Brien RETIRES

9. This innings from Taylor put him over Fleming's peak in the ICC rankings and the highest for a Kiwi in a long long time

10. Would fully expect McIntosh, Fulton, Elliott & possibly one of Flynn/Guptill to be shown the door. Sinclair, How, Broom to come in for 3rd Test

Welcome Back Daryl Raymond Tuffey!!!!

2009-12-03T09:49:00.001-08:00

It's been 5 yrs since Daryl played his last test match for NZ. Myself, being a big fan of his bowling; thought to say Welcome & All the Best!!!

Here are his quotes on the day's proceedings:

"It was pretty cold out there. The wind wasn't too bad, it was just a little cold. I was a bit nervous going into the game, not having played a Test for a while. But once I got the first couple of spells out of the way, I was back into the game. I was feeling really happy after the first ten overs, having only gone for around eight runs."

"I was confident that I had good preparation and build-up. I've been bowling well for a few months now, and it's nice to have a few wickets behind you. Obviously it's disappointing to have a good mate, Shane Bond, out injured. I would have loved to have played a game with him."

- Daryl Raymond Tuffey - A Black Caps Player

Introducing Geoffret Boycott's New Website

2009-11-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

When I watching the 3rd ODI between NZ vs Pak match, Geoffrey Boycott told that he has launched his personal website. Here is the URL: http://www.geoffboycott.com/

Every week Geoffrey Boycott updates his site with fresh views on the world of cricket on the website. Don't miss it.

Tough time for Black Caps

2009-09-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

It's been tough time for me supporting Black Caps at the Sri Lankan tour. I am really dissappointed to see Black Caps losing ODI tri-series like that. I was expecting them to give lot more fight against Ind & Srl.

Followed by that forgettable tour will be a an ICC world event starting next tuesday in SA; not sure how much confidence the team will carry to that tour. But, one thing is for sure; Vettori's men should need lot of hardwork & luck to get hands on the world title.

Anyways, Come what may.....I support Dan & his team. Hope he gets the cup along with him to NZ!!!

All the best Blackcaps

I will be tweeting my views, thoughts throughtout the tournament here http://twitter.com/Blackcapsfan. See you there!!

Daniel Vettori is an absolute legend!

2009-09-03T03:33:00.000-07:00

Daniel Vettori....One of the best left arm spinners cricket had ever had!

His simple bowling action, calm composure, zeal to perform, willing to lead from the front are really some of his golden attributes I really admire.

Be it bowling, batting, fielding or captaining the NZ side....Vettori is marvelous. Like Stephen Fleming, he is a good thinker; he reads the situation very well. Really lucky that NZ have got a player a like Vettori.

Vettori started his career as a left arm spinner at the age of 18. He was in the side for last one decade, as the frontline spinner in the team. He knows his limitations very well, and he does best in what he possess...In the last 4-5yrs, he has developed his batting skills, and had scored centuries at No.7 & 8 positions test matches.

NZ cricket board acknowleged his contribution to the team and made him a member of the selection team. Lovely player he is....His batting test record in 2009: 492 runs at 61.5. Wow!! coming at No.7 and scoring at that average shows how classy he is

Daniel Vettori = NZ's Allan Border

More about him...
Daniel Vettori - bringing intelligence to spin bowling
Daniel Vettori - New Zealand's wizard of spin

Black Caps batting problems against Spin

2009-08-23T04:15:00.000-07:00

I was expecting Black Caps batsman to draw the test on the fifth day. Mural & Mendis (as expected) troubled the batsman and won the test for their country.

Good positives from the test:
Vettori scores 100+ runs in the match
McIntosh gets a fifty
NZ batsman played 116 overs in 1st innings

Black Caps spent lot of time in the middle but could not score runs freely. They were unable to read Mendis (in particular). All of them got beaten by the spin of Murali & Mendis.

What can be done now?

- Black Caps should be more aggressive while batting in the 2nd Test
- Dilshan Factor: Short ball stuff to Dilshan. I think Vettori can think of this to combat him for 2nd Test
- Tuffey should be brought in for 2nd Test
- Ryder can be asked to bat at No: 3 ; Flynn can be used at No. 5 or 6

Black Caps vs Srilanka 1st Test Match Preview

2009-08-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

It will be a true test of character for NZ batsman against Srilankan bowlers. Match live on Ten Sports at 10:00 AM IST. I am very much looking forward for this match.

Come on!!!!!!!!!! BLACK CAPS

My Expected playing XI for this match:

Black Caps Expected XI

1 Tim McIntosh, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Daniel Flynn, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Jesse Ryder, 6 Brendon McCullum (wk), 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Jeetan Patel, 10 Iain O'Brien, 11 Chris Martin.

Black Caps Fixtures 2009/10

2009-08-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Check these Black Caps Fixtures list for the year 2009-10

Black Caps Fixtures 2009-10 (New Zealand Cricket Fixtures)

Blackcaps vs Srilanka Cricket Development 11 - Day 3 Match Drawn

2009-08-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

I followed the match from Cricinfo as there is no live telecast on television in India.

Day 3 Highlights

- Vettori gets the last Srilankan wicket and takes 3 wickets in the innings. Jeetan also took 3 wickets
- As usual, the NZ openers did not last enough time at the middle. Tim McIntosh was the only bastman who showed some grit to stay at the wicket.
- Taylor, once again scored 50 on this tour. He is looking in good touch but needs to bat longer in the test series against Srilanka.
- Cumming is a flop story
- NZ should take positives from these tour matches before they play against Srilanka in the first test.

All the best to Vettori's team..You ROCK!!!

Blackcaps vs Srilanka Cricket Development 11 - Day 2

2009-08-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

Highlights

- Jeeten Patel did not reach 100. He was dismissed on 73
- Jeeten Patel gets 3 crucial wickets
- Martin & OBrien cleans up tail before the day closed

Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI 324 for 9 (Chandimal 109, Dilshan 68, Prasad 73, Patel 3-81) lead New Zealanders 297 by 27 runs

Blackcaps vs Srilanka Development 11 - Day 1

2009-08-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Day 1 clearly belongs to Srilankan Spinners. The spinners bowled well to take 8 NZ wickets. It stunning that the most of the top order batsman are out leg before wicket. That clearly is some indication to Srilanka to study before the test series begin.

But, having said that; NZ batsman scored at a good rate without getting bogged down with the fall of wickets. Martin Guptill was good at the top with an half century. He played some good shot against seam bowlers.

Ross Taylor and Guptill built some good partnership in the middle before some late collapse happened on the day. Ross, Guptill, McCullum, Cumming (who replaced Ryder) lost the wickets one after the other to the spinners.

Earlier in the day, Jesse Ryder nursed an upset stomach before the start of the play. I personally thought, it is a good opportunity for Craig Cumming to score runs and show to selectors that he is ready to go! But, he could capitulize.

Blackcaps Moment of the Day: Jacob Oram and Jeetan Patel added 61 for the eighth wicket, the first phase of a lower order fight back.

The Score:

New Zealanders 283 for 8 (Taylor 75, Patel 68*, Guptill 54, Prasanna 3-66) v Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI

Full Scorecard

Blackcaps Openers Struggling for Form

2009-08-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

Before the first test begins vs Srilanka, NZ Openers have last chance to find form in the last practice match starting tomorrow.

vs Srilankan Development, Tim McIntosh & Martin Guptill collectively scored just 27

Andy Moles insists the Top-3 NZ batsman to bat out 40 overs in the test match. But, that's looking too much of ask for the Blackcaps Opening batsman.

"We just need Tim and Martin to come into some form," captain Daniel Vettori said before the team underwent a strenuous four-hour workout at the match venue today.

Vettori on O'Brien

"O'Brien has done really well for them and that's good for us that guys can go away and perform in all competitions. Now we hope he can replicate that form," Vettori said.

New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (captain), Tim McIntosh, Martin Guptill, Daniel Flynn, Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Jeetan Patel, Iain O'Brien, Chris Martin.

Blackcaps start the tour positively

2009-08-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

vs Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI at Colombo 7,8,9th 09.

Day 1

I am pretty excited about this match for two reasons.
1. NZ are playing a first class match after a long time. I have been waiting for this tour for many days.
2. Daryl Tuffey - He was given a chance to play for NZ again. I am a great fan of his bowling and I am expecting him to perform well on this tour.

Its has been good start for NZ getting those quick early wickets. Chris Martin was bowling well along with Daryl Tuffey. Eventhough, Daryl was little bit wayward initially, he got early wicket for NZ.

NZ bowlers were able to got those wickets at regular intervals. All the bowlers bowled very well. It has been good start to the tour.

At the end of the day's play:

New Zealand 43 for 1 trail Sri Lanka Development XI 159 (Chandimal 64, Tuffey 3-41) by 116 runs

Day 2

Good batting practice for NZ batsman:

Daniel Flynn - Looking good; willing to stay at the wicket for longer hours
Ross Taylor - Loved his innings; He should be the mainstay of the NZ innings for the rest of the tour

Jacob Oram - Disappointed me with the bat...
Brendon McCullum - Looks to me as a class act. However, needs to prove lot in tests
Daniel Vettori - I love him.... He bats with total commitment.

New Zealand 437 for 7 (Taylor 93, Vettori 96*, McCullum 78, Flynn 75, Mendis 4-73) lead Sri Lanka Development XI 159 by 278 runs

Day 3

Its a good chance for NZ to win this match. Leading by 278 runs, NZ can go allout for a win. The first thing I would expect is Vettori getting his 100.

As expected, Vettori gets his 100

Surprisingly... after that Jeetan Patel hit some glorious shots

Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI 257 for 6 (Nawela 64*, Paranavitana 51, Udawatte 47, Oram 3-32) and 159 (Chandimal 64) drew with New Zealanders 493 (Vettori 106, Lakshitha 4-96, Mendis 4-91)

Tim Southee wants to have a crack at Aussies!

2008-11-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

Southee was not selected in the playing XI against Bangladesh last month for the tests.

His reaction: "It was disappointing not to play the tests," But it was going to be tough with us playing just two seamers - someone had to miss out. It didn't really swing at all over there, even in the one-dayers, which did seem a bit unusual given the humidity, That's something I'll have to adapt to, getting used to those conditions, learning to bowl on those wickets. I need to plug away, make sure I bowl heavy and get wickets through pressure rather than look for the mystery ball."

Want to crack Aussies: "I just want to get a crack, grab it with both hands, and do what I've been doing.

"The Aussies have had a tough tour of India and copped some flak in the media, so they'll be looking to put that right and make a clean sweep of us. They may be inexperienced compared with previous years, but look at us as well - we have a lot of players with 10 tests or less, so we're even less experienced than they are.

"We want to beat them though - it'd be something special. I don't know the last time we beat them,"

Southee's test debut: against England in Napier

Australia is still the best - Blackcaps Captain Vettori

2008-11-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Vettori's comments on Australia ahead of the test tour:

"Maybe where they have struggled a little bit is that lack of quality spinner. In a place like India, you always get found out with that."

"In Australia, you may not need that as much, but I still see them as the toughest ask in world cricket."

Vettori on his captaincy:

"My theory on captaincy is that you lead with your performance, so I'm putting myself in those positions where I can give myself the most opportunity. Batting at seven and doing the majority of the bowling is the best way to do that."

Ryder returns to Cricket

2008-07-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

Jesse Ryder returns to playing cricket after he was injured 5 months before. He scored 14 runs in a Twenty20 match against Australian AIS side in Brisbane. New Zealand side posted 139 runs in 20 overs with the help of Corey Anderson's blazing 53. Later, the Australian side used all the twenty overs to chase the score. James Franklin, who is also in the squad had to sit out of that match. He probably would get a chance today when the side plays against South African Development Academy.

Tim Southee Injured?

2008-06-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

A sprained ankle for New Zealand young Pace Bowler Tim Southee has ruled him out of New Zealand's one-day warmup match and placed him in doubt for Saturday's (NZ time) Twenty20 cricket international against England.

Michael Mason might get a chance to play against Worcestershire later tonight. New Zealand Considers playing two Spinners - Daniel & Jeetan.

New Zealand team to play Worcestershire: Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum, Jamie How, Peter Fulton, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Daniel Flynn, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Mark Gillespie, Michael Mason.

How to Open with Brendon McCullum

2008-06-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Jamie How will open with Brendon McCullum in the ODI series against England starting from Sunday. How will replace Ryder's opening slot as Ryder is out of the tournament because of his hand injury.

John Bracewell confirmed this news and informed the press that Ross Taylor will play at 4.

New Zealand in England Test Series - 3rd Test

2008-06-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

New Zealand vs England, Nottingham 3rd Test

Umpires SA Bucknor (West Indies) and DB Hair (Australia)
TV umpire PJ Hartley
Match referee RS Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Reserve umpire RA Kettleborough

Test debut GJ Hopkins (New Zealand)

Toss New Zealand, who chose to field first

England 1st Inns 364 Allout
K Pieterson 115
T Ambrose 67
S Broad 64
I'OBrien 4-74
K Mills 3-76

New Zealand 123 Allout
J Anderson 7-43

New Zealand 232 Allout
B McCullum 71
J Oram 50 n.o
R Sidebottom 6-67

England 364 (Pietersen 115, Ambrose 67, Broad 64) beat New Zealand 123 (Anderson 7-43) and 232 (McCullum 71, Oram 50*, Sidebottom 6-67) by an innings and nine runs

Player of the match JM Anderson (England)
Players of the series AJ Strauss (England) and DL Vettori (New Zealand)

England v New Zealand, 2nd Test, Old Trafford

2008-06-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

England v New Zealand, 2nd Test, Old Trafford

Umpires DB Hair (Australia) and SJA Taufel (Australia)
TV umpire IJ Gould
Match referee RS Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Reserve umpire NL Bainton

Toss New Zealand, who chose to bat first

New Zealand 1st Inns 381 Allout
R Taylor 154 n.o
J How 64
K Mills 57
J Anderson 4-118

England 1st Inns 202 Allout
A Strauss 60
D Vettori 5-66
I'OBrien 3-49

New Zealand 2nd Inns 114 Allout
M. Panesar 6-37

England 2nd Inns 294-4
A Strauss 106

England 202 (Strauss 60, Vettori 5-66) and 294 for 4 (Strauss 106) beat New Zealand 381 and 114 (How 29, Panesar 6-37)

Player of the match MS Panesar (England)

New Zealand in England Test Series - 1st Test

2008-06-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

England v New Zealand, 1st Test, Lord's

Umpires SA Bucknor (West Indies) and SJA Taufel (Australia)
TV umpire NJ Llong
Match referee RS Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Reserve umpire JW Lloyds
Toss England, who chose to field first
Test debuts DR Flynn and AJ Redmond (New Zealand)

New Zealand 1st Inns 277 Allout
B McCullum 97 R Sidebottom 4-55
J Anderson 3-66

England 1st Inngs 319 Allout
M Vaughan 106 D Vettori 5-69

New Zealand 2nd Inns 269-6
J Oram 101
J How 68

New Zealand 277 and 269 for 6 (Oram 101) drew with England 319 (Vaughan 106, Vettori 5-69)

Player of the match DL Vettori (New Zealand)

Vettori Confident to Play First Test

2008-05-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hard Hitting Blackcaps batsman Ross Taylor is pretty confident that his Captain Daniel Vettori will recover the injury to his spinning finger in time for the first test at Lord's.

Vettori is resting himslef for tomorrow night's final warm-up match against England A. However, Ross Taylor will feature in a frontline New Zealand batting line-up to make an impact for the upcoming test series.

Eighteen year old Teenage fast bowler Tim Southee's also looking for a great game after recovering from a back strain.

Ryan Sidebottom - A Bigger Threat Than Flintoff

2008-05-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

"Ryan Sidebottom, who took 24 wickets at 17 when he last time played against NZ in NZ will be the key for the series" says Sir Richard Hadlee.

Andrew Flintoff will be handful provided his body support him to regain back his old fitness. Hadlee feels that Flintoff will bring "bite" to England team had he been selected for the first test. He also praises Flintoff for his achievement in International Cricket and compared him along the likes of Kapil Dev & Imran Khan.

Ross Taylor's SIX (119m) - Farthest SIX of IPL

2008-05-01T17:51:00.000-07:00

Ross Taylor recorded Farthest SIX of the IPL Tournament till date.

Blackcap Ross Taylor is by far the best Bangalore Batsman who aggregates 120 in three matches. He is the one who set the tempo for Bangalore in the first match he played to record the first win for Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Mumbai.

He left England to play in the upcoming 3 match Test Series. He says about his plans for the England Tour: "I do have personal goals in England but will keep them to myself".

Ross Taylor is the Prolific Six Hitter for Bangalore Royal Challengers with scores like: 20 vs Mumbai, 44 vs Jaipur, 53 vs Chennai, 29 vs Delhi.

"It is a great experience playing in front of big crowds, Coming from New Zealand, where we are used to playing in front of 15-20,000 people, it is good to play at a packed stadium." said Taylor. He adds ""To play with and against some of your childhood heroes is always a special feeling. You are able to talk to them and get the right advice. In international tours, you play a game and go to the next venue. Here in IPL, you share the same dressing room. It's good to talk to them and learn."

Ross Taylor will be a good prospect for New Zealand in the coming years.

"Test Series win against England is my Priority"

2008-05-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

Daniel Vettori says that test series win against England is his first priority. Coming after playing for Dare Devils in IPL, Daniel Vettori tells that the atmosphere is really good at IPL where crowds come in huge number to watch the match. Daniel Vettori will be captaining New Zealand for the warm match against Essex starting 02nd of May. Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Kyle Mills, Ross Taylor will join the team to play the warm match.

Kent Vs New Zealand Day -3 at Cantebury

2008-05-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

The third day of the warm match between Kent vs New Zealand is washed away due to rain. The match ended in a draw.

Kent vs NewZealand Day -2 at Canterbury

2008-04-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

New Zealand reached 92 for one shortly after tea in a rain affected 3-day warmup match against kent. The Skipper Jamie How & James Marshall were at the crease when the rain poured in.

The Scores:

Kent (for 1 wkt, 90 overs) 324 declared
R Key not out 178
J Tredwell not out 123

New Zealand (for 1 wkt, 38.2 overs) 92
J How not out 53
A Redmond c Jones b McLaren 14
J Marshall not out 20

Security First! Play Next for Blackcaps

2008-04-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

New Zealand Cricket will assess the security situation in Pakistan before It confirms to play in Pakistan before the Champions Trophy 2008. Pakistan Cricket Board announced yesterday that NZCB accepted to tour Pakistan for 3 ODI's. New Zealand Confirmed that it had accepted subjected security check clearance.

The last time Blackcaps toured Pakistan was in December 2003 ( When I was studying my 12th). PCB turned to NZCB after West Indies Cricket Board turned down the offer as they need to abide to Canada Commitments.

Brendon McCullum Scores Highest Twenty20 Score ever - 158*

2008-04-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Blackcap Brendon McCullum Sizzles in the IPL T20 Opener with a score of unbeaten 158* . The moment I reached my home, I saw him hitting six over third man region of Zaheer. Many more followed after that. That was one of the greatest T20 innings I had ever seen.

13 Sixes! whoosh Unthinkable...

At the end I felt pity for him as he lost all his strength after batting for 72 balls with non-stop action. Kudos to you young man! Blackcaps will be proud to have one like you.

Mathew Sinclair says "I will not give away Cricket"

2008-04-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

Mathew Sinclair is pretty much confident that he would be back to the Blackcaps Team as he is not giving away Cricket because he was not selected for the England Tour.
He feels the timing of the NZC contract announcements was odd as national performance reviews are to be conducted later this week.

Jesse Ryder, Daniel Flynn, James Marshall, and Aaron Redmond were the preferred batting options selected in the 20 contracts.

The rumour is that he might consider playing cricket overseas as the other kiwis are doing in India playing ICL.

Sinclair is keeping an open mind about where his future lies and he will go to Central Districts first to see what they can offer, given he could go overseas.

NZC Announces Contracted Players' List

2008-04-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

Four new players are included to the Contracted Players' list for this year. The new faces are: Daniel Flynn, Aaron Redmond, Jesse Ryder and Tim Southee.

Blackcaps Contracted Playerss' List:

NZC contracted players: Daniel Flynn, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Gareth Hopkins, Jamie How, James Marshall, Chris Martin, Michael Mason, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Aaron Redmond, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori

Mills & Oram Cleared to Play in IPL

2008-04-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Mills & Oram are fit enough to go and play in IPL for their respected teams. The IPL Starts from April 18 2008. Other Blackcaps who would be playing in this tourney are:

Daniel Vettori
Brendon McCullum
Scott Styris
Ross Taylor
Stephen Fleming

All the Kiwi IPL players would go to England by May 1st to participate in Eng-NZ Test Series.

Ryder's Hand Recovering Slowly

2008-04-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

Good News to New Zealand & Ryder Fans!

Ryder is recovering slowly from his hand injury and is well expected to be playing in England if all goes well. Jesse Ryder is in Auckland and will be playing Club Cricket Championships.

If Ryder is not ready or unfit to play in England for ODI's , Peter Fulton will take his place.

Bell, Sinclair Omitted for English Tour

2008-04-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

Matthew Bell and Mathew Sinclair's international cricket careers appear over after they were both ignored for the tour of England when test and one-day squads were named today.

Otago's Aaron Redmond has been selected as New Zealand's latest opener while Daniel Flynn has been cast as a middle order option following Sinclair's demise.
Redmond, who averages 31.66 from 66 first class matches is the only new face in the 16-man test squad while left hander Flynn has been earmarked since his was briefly included in the Twenty20 and ODI series against England.

James Marshall, who played the last of his five tests in Zimbabwe in 2005, earns a recall while Peter Fulton is also predictably back in the frame as a potential first drop after Stephen Fleming's retirement.

Captain Daniel Vettori, his deputy Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Ross Taylor and Kyle Mills have been given permission to join the tour on May 1 to enable them to cash in on their lucrative Twenty20 deals.

Daniel Flynn was capped earlier this season in ODIs and his excellent form throughout the New Zealand summer in State Shield and State Championship is rewarded with inclusion in both teams.

The squads also includes wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins, who will provide back-up for Brendon McCullum.

The Black Caps play three test matches, two Twenty20 games and five one-dayers against England.

They then travel to Scotland for a tri-series against the hosts and Ireland in Aberdeen.

Test side
Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum (vice-captain), Daniel Flynn, Peter Fulton, Gareth Hopkins, Jamie How, James Marshall, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Aaron Redmond, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Mark Gillespie or Michael Mason to be added.

One-day side
Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum (vice-captain), Daniel Flynn, Mark Gillespie, Gareth Hopkins, Jamie How, Jacob Oram, Michael Mason, James Marshall, Kyle Mills, Jeetan Patel, Jeese Ryder, Scott Styris, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

Short term replacements for Indian Premier League players (until May 1): Michael Mason, Mark Gillespie, Grant Elliott.

Team Selection for Blackcaps Tour of England Today!

2008-04-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

With all the fuss around the IPL and ICL, some International Cricket boards are worst hit with the Player attrition rate from the team.

England came to NZ in January 08. They won the test series 2-1 but could not win the ODI series. Blackcaps will try to even this with good performance from their players. The team selection for the series will take place today. Lets wait and see who gets the chance.

Franklin May be back for England Tour

2008-04-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

A positive prognosis for Black Caps' left-armer James Franklin.

Its really great to hear this news about one of the finest Blackcap left-armer 'James Franklin' is all set to be selected if provided he comes out of his knee problem. Its really disgusting to see him miss the Blackcaps season this year. However, he told he would be back for England tour positively as his knee is responding well to the treatment.

Franklin has been closely following the advice of his doctor, who told him that while he would make a full recovery he just needs to wait until his body tells him it is ready to play.

Franklin said it has been a long wait, but he is almost ready to start testing out the knee and is hoping to start bowling in the next few days.

Franklin is not expected to be named when the test squad for the upcoming series in England is announced later this week but he is hoping to be in line for a spot later in the tour.

All the best Franklin!