Despite being only sixth in the Test rankings, fourth in ODIs and eighth in T20s, New Zealand seem to be the most interesting nation in cricket right now. We all know about Australia, India and South Africa but 2015 has seen the Black Caps became everybody’s second-favourite team. Yet it’s not out of love of the underdog; they’re actually entertaining to watch. Much of that is down to Brendon McCullum.
The NZ skipper, record six-hitter and one-time wicketkeeper has instilled his side with some genuine confidence and self-belief in all forms of cricket. Last summer, the English season was supposed to be all about the Ashes. Yet in my opinion, the hors d’oeuvres served up by the England-NZ series was much more entertaining.
During the whole year, McCullum’s Test side have beaten Sri Lanka three times, England once and given the Aussies some healthy competition without actually beating them. In ODIs they have won 19 out of 29, including a ten-match run of unbroken success en route to the World Cup Final.
It therefore seems a shame to hear Brendon’s announcement of his imminent retirement from all international cricket. So he didn’t enjoy a great year in Tests, and his only T20i innings was a 15-ball 35. However, an ODI strike rate of 148 across 22 games is pretty impressive. At 34, and with his hundredth Test scheduled for this winter series against the Aussies, I can understand why he might call it a day at this stage.
Another reason, of course, is the arrival as a genuine world-class batsman of Kane Williamson. The 25 year-old has already skippered New Zealand in limited-overs matches, while making eye-catching innings with remarkable consistency just about everywhere. Like AB De Villiers, he seems to score runs in any situation, including times when all about him are struggling.
I recall seeing a young Williamson doing his bit for the Bristol community on regional TV while learning his trade at Gloucestershire, but there was no obvious sign that he would become the world number one in Tests and three in ODIs within three or four seasons. Like England’s Joe Root and Aussie Steve Smith, he seems a likeable bloke. Not an extravagant celebrity, but someone who does his job extremely well while entertaining cricket fans around the globe.
In the last five Tests, he has racked up almost 700 runs. In the eight played in the calendar year, Kane has aggregated 1,172 with an impressive average of 90. The tally includes a career-best 242 not out against Sri Lanka. Like Smith, he seems good at converting fifties to centuries. Nobody has scored more ODI runs than he has, either. With the T20 World Cup approaching, it would be appropriate if he could lift a global trophy to top the lot, but that competition is a complete lottery. Even the West Indies could win it!
When McCullum and Martin Crowe talk of Williamson being not only the finest batsmen in New Zealand history but an all-time world great, you have to listen. Of course, every player has his good years and bad years. Even Tendulkar, Cook and Kallis. Yet let’s just enjoy watching a young batsman at the top of his game. Farewell Sangakkara, McCullum et al; welcome Smith, Root and Williamson. The baton of greatness has been passed.
