Kiwi Domestic Watch

[Andy Mellon]

This thread is to keep track of the good and bad performances on the domestic circuit in NZ. Who could find themselves in contention for a world cup place?

1 and a half games in - Canterbury have played Otago and been comprehensively outplayed. Otago would have won but for the weather and great rearguard innings from the Cantab Old Guard of Craig McMillan and Chris Harris (a century a piece). Otago's bowlers were led by McMillan's cousin and Brendan McCullum's brother. Not much to be read from that game.

In the current game at the Basin, Wellington and Central are sharing the spoils after day two. Solid half-centuries from Michael Parlane, Jesse Ryder and James Franklin led the way for Wellington before Michael Mason and Ewen Thompson skittled the last 5 wickets for 12 runs. The pattern was reversed for CD's innings - the top order collapsing for 98 to be salvaged by innings from Ross Taylor, 98 for debutant Hay and contributions from the lower order dragging them past Wellington by 2 runs. Wellington's bowling was led by Iain O'Brien.

Good Points: Good to see Ryder and Taylor get off to solid starts, Jimmy F still doing fairly well with the bat and some application from Craig McMillan.
Bad Points: Jimmy F's bowling still got carted and Jeetan Patel didn't bowl as tightly as we've become used to. Weather intervening in what could/should have been an opening defeat for the Cantabs.

[Wanderer]

I've always wanted to know more about NZ domestic cricket, but I think I know more about the Super 14 rugby sides from NZ...

BUT, I have found a website where there are always good up-to-date reports on NZ domestic cricket. But a great many of the names are unfamiliar...

Anyhow, seems like the in last round of matches saw some very good performances...Canterbury and Northern Districts are topping the log. With Auckland bringing up the rear having not won a single match so far.

Now, if I read it right, there is a 2 month break and then another round of mathces, with a final to be played?

I have always hated finals in a first-class competition. The team who finished at the top of the log, is so obviously the team who has played the better cricket throughout the season.

Therefore I am happy that SA cricket has done away with a final.

[Andy Mellon]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

I have always hated finals in a first-class competition. The team who finished at the top of the log, is so obviously the team who has played the better cricket throughout the season.

Yup. I was livid last year when Wellington topped the ladder but lost the final. Its tough for the team that led the table as all they need is to draw; it must put you in a funny mindset before you go out to bat.

A very odd game between Otago and Wellington last week. Otago all out for 270. Wellington all out for 71. Wellington followed on and were about 240-1 by the end of the game??

No one is really screaming 'pick me' at the moment. The players from last year's WAT A team are doing well. Graeme Aldridge did well on the weekend again.

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by Andy Mellon

No one is really screaming 'pick me' at the moment. The players from last year's WAT A team are doing well. Graeme Aldridge did well on the weekend again.

How come Auckland is doing so bad? They don't seem to have a bad side at all...

And now I see Tana Canning is retiring from first class cricket. That will probable be a huge blow for them too. This is what he says : “I am also very proud of the four appearances I had for the BLACKCAPS in ODIs. However, in recent months I have not had the same desire or commitment to meet the challenges of professional cricket and believe it is time for me to move in a new direction.”

Yes, Graeme Aldridge had some very impressive bowling figures last week. Match figures of 7-71 is PLENTY impressive.

[Andy Mellon]

Unfortunately, half-decent seam bowlers are made to look very decent in Kiwi Konditions. The wind, the threat of rain, the cloud. The ball moves all over the shop.

That's why first class averages have to be seen slightly differently over here.

A batting average of +35 is very good. +40 is exceptional. Hence, why I find it easy to rate Ross Taylor (36.80) and Jesse Ryder (45.82) so highly.

In contrast, a bowling average (for a seamer) of +30 is poor. Poor enough to be completely out of contention. You need to be averaging 22ish to really stand out IMO.

Aldridge's bowling average of 31 will probably prevent him from gaining a BlackCaps place, despite his rapid improvement over the past 2 years. Canning's average of about 25 is about par for the course for a decent domestic Kiwi seamer.

This year, Neil Broom (23 year old Otago batsman) stands out, Keeper-batsman Gareth Hopkins (at 30, he's missed the boat for the BlackCaps and all-rounder Brandon Hiini (25, Canterbury) look good with the bat and the usual names with the ball - Mike Mason, Mark Gillespie, Iain O'Brien, Graeme Aldridge stand out.

Still early days yet though, 3 months of the season left to play.

[acker]

I wish they would try to get a North and South island team into the Australian comp even if its only for one dayers.

[Wanderer]

Perhaps.

Or what about something similar to the Super 14 they have in rugby.

4 to 6 of the best provincial/franchise sides from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The Super 14 competition really gives you an idea on the "bench strength" of the Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies. AND it gives the fringe players the international exposure they need.

Not sure about the logistics though.

Similarly, SA could help Zim too...

[Wanderer]

I like to keep a close eye on the SA domestic scene and what happens with the 6 franchises. Especially when there are movements between franchises, (are the 6 Major Associations of NZ cricket the same as SA's franchises?) as this can affect the strength vs strength a bit...

Anyhow, I see Brendon McCullum has opted to transfer (from Canterbury Wizards back to Otago Volts). Is this a good move for him? Any other movements likely before the cut-off date?

[Andy Mellon]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

Anyhow, I see Brendon McCullum has opted to transfer (from Canterbury Wizards back to Otago Volts). Is this a good move for him? Any other movements likely before the cut-off date?

An interesting move from McCullum. I wonder if this means that Hopkins will be moving back the other way (McCullum originally joined Canterbury in a swap deal)

And no, the NZ system isn't a 'franchise' type system as seen in South Africa. NZ can support 6 teams and 6 teams only. If a 'franchise' system were to be introduced, you might see a North Island and South Island team potentially join the Aussie system - which is very unlikely to happen.

[sittingduck]

Radio Sport is linking Hopkins with a move to Auckland now.

I think the volts have shot themselves in the foot with this. They've signed the countries best keeper for sure, but he'll only be around for a third of their games if that. and in turn they lose the second best keeper (according to the NZ selectors).