The Champions Trophy: NZ Player Ratings

The offshoot of New Zealand's injury problems, and the subsequent calling up of several replacements, was that it gave us a chance to assess as many as fifteen players over the course of five games at the Champions Trophy. This has made reviewing the Black Caps an interesting exercise, and no doubt the selectors will now be forming an initial idea of what their squad for the 2011 World Cup will be. Here's my report card on the players:

1. Daniel Vettori (9/10): This tournament may well be the overall high point of his career to date; his bowling was of the highest quality right through, and his contributions with the bat in the Sri Lanka and Pakistan games cannot be emphasised enough. The decision to withdraw the run-out appeal against Paul Collingwood also enhanced his PR stature. Led the side extremely well, and his calming influence was sorely missed in the final. Unquestionably an all-rounder now.

2. Kyle Mills (8/10): Took 9 wickets at 22 apiece, and sealed his reputation of one of the best new ball bowlers in this form of the game. Is doubly dangerous in conditions which offer just a little but for the bowlers, and bowled his heart out in the final. The #1 spot in the ICC rankings is a just reward.

3. Martin Guptill (7/10): Looked mostly classy and composed;his strokeplay was a treat to watch, but he continues to succumb to ill-advised shots after getting a start. In spite of this, he was the best performed batsman with 191 runs at 38. The 'next big thing' in the kiwi ranks, but must tighten up his game.

4. Shane Bond (7/10): Went MIA during the first two games, but thereafter performed the role of a strike bowler to perfection. His reduced pace may mean that he has gone from being a feared to a merely respected opponent, but he has happily shown the ability to think batsmen out. Body held up well through the series, remarkably.

5. Grant Elliott (6/10): Complemented his matchwinning bowling performance with the ball against England with a memorable 75 in the semi final, but three single-digit scores mean his critics continue to be less convinced. Just the kind of batsman NZ needs in the middle order, however, and should be a vital member of the side for some time. His bowling is less reliable.

6. Jesse Ryder (6/10): Ruled out after two games, but his desperate 74 against Sri Lanka set NZ up for the rest of the tournament. A special player who adds heft to the side, but worryingly injury prone. NZ must learn to get by without him, much as they have without Shane Bond.

7. Daryl Tuffey (5/10): Looked the best of the seamers before injury cut him short. His stint with the ICL seems to have worked for him. Has been a fine addition to the bench strength, but again the injury curse remains his worst enemy.

8. Brendon McCullum (5/10): A nightmarish final overshadowed what had been an otherwise respectable tournament for Baz. His contrasting forties at the top of the order were instrumental in beating Sri Lanka and England, but with NZ now having a range of opening options maybe it's time for him to drop down to #7. His keeping was excellent, especially while standing up in the South Africa game, but the skier he dropped in the final will more likely be the lasting memory.

9. Ian Butler (5/10): A determined cricketer, he's managed to bounce back strongly from injury problems. His four wicket haul in the semi final was a good indication of what he brings to the table. His main weakness is a tendency to pitch it short, and the Aussies duly picked him off. Should work on fulfilling his batting potential.

10. Ross Taylor (4/10): Disappointing with the bat, apart from a responsible 72 against South Africa. NZ rely on him a little too much, but his recent returns have not been good enough for someone of his capabilities. His fielding at slip was a big plus for the faster bowlers.

11. Aaron Redmond (4/10): Did an adequate job as replacement opener without really seizing his chance. In both innings, he saw off the new ball only to succumb to an off-spinner when he had a start. Didn't make enough of an impact, but injuries to key players might help him remain in the frame.

12. Neil Broom (3/10): NZ's 'investment selection'; didn't make the most of his opportunity in the middle order, although his innings of 37 in the final briefly hinted at his potential. Could benefit from extended opportunities against Pakistan later in the year. Excellent fielder.

13. James Franklin (3/10): Summoned at short notice as replacement for Jacob Oram, he acquitted himself well with bat and ball in the Sri Lanka game. Thereafter his batting held up well, but with the ball it was a different story; he was a liability in the final when NZ were defending 200. His bowling has gone noticeably backwards.

14. Gareth Hopkins (2/10): After years of serving as an uncomplaining understudy to McCullum, he might have seen his last chance slip by. His selection as a specialist #7 batsman was due to a muddled squad picked by the selectors. Deserved better, but at 33 one feels his time as been and gone.

15. Jeetan Patel (1/10): Wasn't picked when he should have been in the opening game; was then summoned in the final in Vettori's absence, and bowled poorly. Too good a bowler to be treated this way, but his confidence has suffered lately. With Nathan McCullum breathing down his enck, his one day status must be on the slide.