The tour party for the World Cup has been made official. Eleven of the fifteen names I'd suggested have made the cut.
Great to see the selectors have persevered with Williamson, though I also hope they won't continue to mess with his position in the batting order. The other contentious selections are a bit iffy. As expected, Luke Woodcock's one-day form with Wellington has earned him the third spinner's spot. I can swallow Oram being recalled and the inclusion of Bennett, but really, Jamie How as reserve keeper? Who knew.
Overall verdict: a good first XI, most of whom have played well below potential in recent times, and a dubious bench strength. It's tough on Grant Elliott, who was one of the side's more reliable batsmen over the last two years before his struggles on the subcontinent. Given that the pacemen and Oram rarely make it through a series without picking up an injury or two, the likes of Elliott, Tuffey or McKay could still be called up as replacement.
Anyway, no more nitpicking, this is the final fifteen. Let's back them and get on with it.
Top Cricket From The Second Tier
13 years ago
3 comments:
No Grant Elliot? I thought they'd select him, more than a decent player.
One player I've wondered a while about is Lou Vincent. I remember him from the previous WC, but then got his thumb broken, didn't play later...any idea why they haven't reselected him?
Agh, and now the news that Dan will retire as ODI skip. Can only see Taylor as taking over the task.
Elliott lost form at just the wrong time and it's counted against him, though I don't think Jacob Oram deserves a spot ahead of him.
Vincent temporarily burned his bridges when he joined the rebel ICL league. He has returned to the first class scene and is doing well, but the selectors seem to have drawn a line against his name. It's a pity because I still believe he has much to offer.
Dan had always hinted that he was considering giving up the captaincy after the WC, so it isn't a complete surprise. Taylor would be the logical replacement, mainly due to the lack of any suitable candidates.
That ICL thing sadly messed up it up for some players. The Blackaps really could do with Lou right now I guess, the bowling looks very good but batting-troubling as always.
Will be strange to see Dan no longer at the helm but the bloke deserves to have some pressure released from him.
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