The Wishlist

Injury concerns seem to have dominated the build up to New Zealand's opening game of the World Cup. With Mark Gillespie already ruled out, Craig McMillan (toe) and Peter Fulton (finger) have joined the list, though they are expected to play - all this after the case of jacob oram's finger! Will NZ finally be able to field a fully fit XI? England and New Zealand have been so evenly matched in recent history it;s difficult to predict anything with confidence. As always, I feel experience will give the kiwis the slight edge, but the return of Kevin Pietersen to the England lineup changes things quite dramatically from the previous face-offs in Australia. Keeping KP under control will be the challenge for Fleming, who has encountered him in county cricket before and will no doubt have a plan A in mind specifically for him. This time I hope he has an overall plan B as well.

Instead of keying in a detailed preview I've decided to jot down a not-so-random wishlist for NZ this World Cup. If I was any more obvious I would start by saying NZ wins the tournament. This is their best chance, nevertheless:

1. NZ start winning close games on a regular basis.
2. Lou Vincent continues his brazen ways on and off the field - it seemed to spur the side on.
3. Lou Vincent remembers which team he's playing for and cuts out the mindless slogging.
4. Stephen Fleming has a back up plan.
5. Stephen Fleming continues to wear that cool super glue on his hands (and passes some on to his fellow fielders).
6. Ross Taylor comes up trumps for NZ
7. Peter Fulton remembers to go on.
8. Shane Bond doesn't get injured.
9. The rest of the side too doesn't get injured.
10. Fleming remembers Daniel Vettori is ALSO a strike bowler.
11. Daryl Tuffey gets back his confidence, and starts to knock over batters in the first over once again.
12. NZ kick some pommy butt.
13. NZ go into the Australia game(s) finally knowing who's the boss.
14. James Franklin realises that floating half volleys are usless and increases his pace.
15. Oram & McCullum keep the finishing punches going.
16. The top order does not leave it to the finishing punches.
17. Fleming remembers he's the side's no.1 batsman.
18. Vincent hammers Pollock, Ntini and the rest over the boundary - after charging them.
19. Macca remembers he's a senior player.
20. Macca rememebers that experience doesn't necessarily mean restraint.
21. Chris Harris finally gets his chance if someone gets injured out.
22. Nathan Astle admits life after cricket really is boring and decides to play for NZ again.
23. Chris Cairns admits his back and everything else isn't bad after all and decides to play for NZ again.
24. NZ give me a good reason to pop a beer (or two).
25. And of course, NZ keep the silverware coming.

Okay, so 22 and 23 are wishful thinking, but dreams are for free!