In my opinion, the Black caps never stood a chance due to the failures of its management structures. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) failed the team, and specifically the players, by not providing them with an environment within which they can apply their trade and compete.
They arrived in a cloud of controversy; a media circus erupted as a result of the axing of skipper, Ross Taylor. The situation was dealt with so badly that the player withdrew from the tour to SA – an outcome that would unsettle the most hardened of team set-ups.
Jessie Ryder, is another player not on this tour due to some run-ins with NZC and his omission left the batting order severely depleted. Add to that the injuries of Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee and the team looks desperately average in terms of proven ability and experience.
The NZC management structures and in particular the CEO of NZC, David White, is the man under pressure. Past Captains of NZ has asked for the resignation of White as they feel that the reputation and credibility of New Zealand Cricket has taken a massive dent. Some are even stating it to be irreparable with White at the helm.
Will the Proteas react to this weakness by being less relentless? One got the impression that this almost happened in the NZ second innings, but then they re-gripped the reins and took control to end the match more than two days earlier than scheduled.
At this stage, it seems wise not to select Vernon Philander for the next test. Rory Kleinveldt has proved that he is a more than adequate replacement, although not in the same class as Vernon, and no slouch with the bat.
Resting Kallis in the one-dayers to make sure he is fresh for the Pakistan tour, is also commendable. This is the kind of rotation system needed due the high demands set by the modern sport environment.
On a lighter note, we would like to share a ‘tweet’ we received from Breyton Paulse:
Breyton Paulse @BreytonPaulse
Cmon guys,don’t be so harsh on NZ Cricket! They don’t have the luxury of picking Maoris,Fidjians,Samoans and Tongans like The All Blacks do ☺
