I think one day cricket we need some serious improvement. There were signs of it for sure in the Pakistan series - recent history has shown New Zealand falling down in a lot of one dayers due to two elements - fielding, and running between the wickets. I'd estimate the difference per match in advantage to the Kiwis over the Pakistanis was 40 runs from these two skills. New Zealand were sublime. Can't say enough for the philosophy John Bracewell - who's a successful one day coach with Gloucestershire - has brought to the Black Caps. I think we're about 7th/8th in the rankings, one day players like Astle, Bond, Fleming, Styris, Oram, Tuffey, to go along with the fielding and running between the sticks under Bracewell should push us up to the top 3. From recent matches, we've been close to nailing Australia on a handful of occasions, but its been those fundamental areas, and Michael Bevan that has got Australia over the line. We're close to being on a level with Australia in the field and running now, I suspect one or two of those close games would in the current situation go NZ's way.
The test side is always pretty well performed, especially at home. Very rarely beaten at home. Away, we fight hard but probably lack a real dynamo to take us over the line sometimes. About 4th in the world is fair enough. We have a real gusty opener in Mark Richardson, and his fight goes through the rest of the top order. Fleming is in extremely good form, and Oram and Tuffey are both taller 6'6" and bowl a good line and length. Vettori is coming good with the bat, out of form with the ball. As soon as he's back, the attack would look settled.
The other good thing currently about NZC is the past two seasons has thrown up a lot of good promising cricketers. Players you may hear more of are Peter Fulton, Hamish Marshall, Michael Papps, Tim McIntosh, Rob Nicol, Ross Taylor. We have very high hopes for them, most of whom have come through the recently formed New Zealand cricket academy under Dayle Hadlee.
