Inglorious Exits and all that

NZ seem to have made an art form out of saving the worst for last. They were ambushed by 105 runs in the tri-series decider at Dambulla, there was a final humiliation in Bangladesh us fans are doing our best to forget, then a capitulation at the Nagpur to ruin a hitherto fighting test series performance, and now this.

I suppose the side was mentally shot after Yusuf Pathan snatched victory away from them at Bangalore in incredible fashion. To collapse from 71 for 3 to 103 all out suggests they are simply lost for direction at the moment.

Not being good enough is one thing, but I get the feeling the one day side simply doesn't have a gameplan. This is perplexing because if there's one thing we're known for, it's meticulous preparation, and there was a lot of talk about how this long stint in the subontinent would be ideal preparation for the world cup. Instead, we have no idea what our first choice XI is, the number 3 spot is a revolving door, there's no suitable wicketkeeping backup for Brendon McCullum, young gun Williamson has been messed about, there's uncertainty on whether the attack should be based on seam or spin, and the skipper seems to have completely lost confidence in himself.

The subcontinent struggles ultimately come down to two things; the inability of the top order to work the slower bowlers around, and the inconsistency of the bowlers who need to keep it wicket-to-wicket at the least. While it does feel futile to spell out such banalities, it still isn't rocket science to apply that on the field.

NZ have been losing in so many different ways it's difficult to pinpoint one reason why the team isn't functioning as a unit. However, the one thing which stood out for me was how ineffectual Daniel Vettori seemed during the India tour. His bowling, perhaps hindered by shoulder problems, was not at its usual standard and his usual contribution with the bat was missing. His captaincy was uninspired and his decision making at times quetionable - taking himself and Nathan McCullum off on a turning pitch in the final one dayer, was a glaring example. Clearly he is feeling the strain of having too many responsibilities, and it should come as no surprise that he will miss part of the Pakistan series.

NZ, however, don't have anyone ready to replace him whether as player or captain.