When New Zealand completed a rout of Pakistan this week, they did more than win a series; they displaced Australia at the top of the ICC Test rankings, the first time they’ve ever reached the pinnacle. The World Test Championship may be in a bit of Covid-caused disarray but the Black Caps’ achievement is a momentous one.
They’ve been knocking at the door for ages but an invincible home record in Tests for almost four years is mighty impressive. A World Cup triumph would be exceedingly welcome but no longer will New Zealand cricket fans be forced to boast about near-misses in limited-overs tournaments.
There have been excellent Test sides before, of course. I remember the Eighties stars like Crowe, Hadlee and Bracewell helping NZ to ten Test series wins and only six defeats in the decade, beating all the major nations including the West Indies, India and Australia. The 1996-2006 period was quite successful, too, albeit against softer opposition, when Stephen Fleming skippered the likes of Nathan Astle, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum.
Now entering a new decade, New Zealand are back in the forefront of world cricket. Overcoming the disappointment of losing a World Cup final by the smallest margin possible they have steered their way through a virus-infested 2020 to stand on top of the Test cricketing world. Their easy win over Kohli’s India ten months ago was the last first-class international match played until the Windies bubble came to England in July but a welter of three-match home series triumphs has propelled them to the top of the table.
Kane Williamson has been amongst the batting elite for several years but his 238 this week ensured he started 2021 as number one in the batting rankings. Ross Taylor is still a useful man to have around, wicketkeeper BJ Watling can make runs while Henry Nicholls is becoming a top-class batsman across all formats.
However, much of the success has been built on the consistency of the bowling attack. Tim Southee is 32 now but looks as good as ever, passing the milestone of 300 wickets and his slightly younger seam-and-swing partner Trent Boult is close behind him. Another thirty-something left-armer Neil Wagner sits with Southee in the world’s top four but perhaps the future lies with Kyle Jamieson. At 26, the 6 foot 8 giant from Auckland is no spring chicken but he made an outstanding introduction to Test cricket last year, taking 4-39 against India on his debut and captured 11 scalps in the latest game. He’s not notably quick but a record of 36 wickets at just 13.27 in six appearances suggests a major talent. A 6-7 haul in 2019 also makes him a dangerous T20 exponent.
I’ve
no particular personal allegiance to New Zealand but I think it’s great to see
a country other than the dominant moneybags, India, England and Australia
making a mark on world cricket. If only someone would dare offer them more than
a three-match rubber. In the past they have been written off as being poor
box-office. Now perhaps the wealthiest sides are running scared. They should
be!