The T20s: A Good Start to the New Season

I stopped short of calling this the perfect start to the new season, because while the scores show NZ won both games easily the Zimbos were competitive in patches, especially during the second game. With Taibu and Keegan Meth returning for the ODIs, they should provide a stiffer challenge now.

A couple of concerns: McCullum and Guptill did the bulk of the scoring across both games, and Jesse Ryder apart none of the remaining batsmen had any time in the middle. When you consider both openers were dropped during the course of their unbroken stand in the first game, and that Baz was plumb LBW to Jarvis but not given early on in the second, who knows how the games might have turned out otherwise. Without Southee and Vettori - probably NZ's two best bowlers - the bowling lacks a bit of teeth, and this was evident in the second game when Kyle Mills decided to sit out. So, I wouldn't subscribe to Cricinfo's lazy preview "Toothless Zimbabwe there for the taking", and I hope Rossco and co don't either.

But I probably shouldn't complain as of now. I'm liking the McCullum-Guptill opening axis, particularly since Guppy seems to have brought a bit more solidity into his game and is playing quite straight. Ryder should stay at 3 or the middle order where he can take his time. On the bowling front, newcomer Bracewell impressed with his aggression, and the older McCullum continues to do a surprisingly consistent job with the ball.

First impressions of the debutants: Bracewell - not overly quick, but aggressive and has good variations, especially a well-directed bouncer; I like what I see. Graeme Aldridge - reminds me of someone like Michael Mason. Hardworking seamer excellent at the domestic level but probably just off the pace for internationals. Still, guys Iain O'Brien and Dion Nash were able to raise their game, so perhaps he might make it yet.