Rahul Dravid, Michael Vaughan, Shane Warne, Graeme Smith, AB De Villiers. These are a few of the big names in world cricket who have talked up the BLACKCAPS as genuine World Cup contenders.
It’s unfamiliar territory for the BLACKCAPS, who have been consistently labelled dark horses. Their performances this summer justify their new tag though. So far, the BLACKCAPS have won ODI series against Pakistan in UAE (3-2), Sri Lanka at home (4-2) and Pakistan at home (2-0).
So what’s changed?
Fast bowler Tim Southee believes it comes down the strength of the entire group, with everyone knowing their roles and capable of stepping up. It’s having that confidence that if someone misses out, the next guy in line can do the job.
“It’s the sign of a good team. At different stages every guy has had the chance to be a match winner and we’re not relying on any one guy to be that person,” said Southee.
“Every time you play for New Zealand you want to be that guy, but you can’t do it every day and it’s nice to know that if someone does have an off day that that there’s someone else to pick up the slack.”
The stats back up the 25-year-old’s comments. Five of the top seven batsmen for the BLACKCAPS have scored centuries this summer, while all have made half-centuries and played crucial roles at the big moments.
The bowlers have also been exceptional, with the pace options of Kyle Mills, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan all putting their hand up. Then there is the two spin veterans in Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum, who have both won numerous games for the BLACKCAPS during their careers.
It leaves a heck of a headache for Coach Mike Hesson, but one that he won’t mind having too much. All 15 players are itching to get out there and Southee admits that the team just want the action to begin.
“I can sense the excitement around the team. It’s been in the back of the mind for a long time now and we can’t wait to get underway.”
The nation's with you there, Tim.
