So New Zealand beat Australia in Australia for the first time in 23 years last week. Is this the dawning of a new era for New Zealand cricket? Can we rise from the doldrums of 8th place in the international test rankings? Will our opening batsman magically become the stubborn “I will not get out flailing to a crap delivery” stalwarts that test opening requires?

The answer I say is a resounding NO! Our batters still have the astonishing ability to collapse for bugger all runs and I truly believe I can bowl faster than the majority of the Black Caps bowlers. One test win does not a great test nation make. We need to create some consistency and start winning on a regular basis. You know you are a team under fire if you struggle to beat Zimbabwe…

However – does it really matter? I know the cricketing purists like our Mr Tattershaw believe that test cricket is the only form of the game that matters. Personally, after living in America for so long now I am starting to agree with their perceptions that any game that goes for 5 days is just silly and hard to support.

I hope New Zealand does indeed move forward and become a top tier nation once again (hang on – were we ever in the top tier?) We certainly have youth on our side.

Bring back Shane Bond (and Buck)

Hamish

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