Another Black Cap bites the dust
February 04, 2008
I'll admit I like a good conspiracy but the recent spate of cricket retirements is really starting to look suspicious.
Within John Bracewell's tenure Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, all called it quits a little prematurely.
Unlucky timing, or something more sinister?
Within that same time frame Andre Adams threw a fit at the New Zealand cricket administration, Stephen Fleming has had his hand forced (and I'm sure has one foot in the commentary box) and Shane Bond and Hamish Marshall went for cash over country.
Finally Scott Styris calls it quits on his Test career.
Is there nothing left to play for or is there an unseen pressure behind these guys?
Nathan Astle voiced his desire to play past the 2007 World Cup just months before he called it quits. I'm starting to think it's the latter.
In other news I'm a great admirer of the latest Black Cap squad.
Tim Southee may be being rushed a little and time will decide whether his elevation was a good decision. He definitely has the talent and athleticism to be a very good all-rounder for New Zealand.
On the other side of the coin I definitely think it's time Jesse Ryder got his chance.
For all his past and well-documented indiscretions he is a 'talent' as witnessed by his 27 ball 66 at the Eden Park Outer Oval.
If you want any proof as to what he is capable of - his seven sixes in this innings have to stand as a strong testament
With so many seeing his potential, it's not in doubt that he has it in him - it's whether or not he can use it.
He should also be given more than just this one chance, but his best chance to sway public opinion is to give them great returns first up against England.
All this selection drama has raised the question about Black Caps castaways also looking at the ICL's offers.
How long before we lose Lou Vincent, Mathew Sinclair and Adams?
In Australia the end to the Harbhajan Singh affair was a farcical.
The video evidence was very condemning against Harbhajan but I still believe - as the judge found - that Andrew Symonds must have been the aggressor.
If he ever comes close to mischief again however; throw the book at him!
Within John Bracewell's tenure Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, all called it quits a little prematurely.
Unlucky timing, or something more sinister?
Within that same time frame Andre Adams threw a fit at the New Zealand cricket administration, Stephen Fleming has had his hand forced (and I'm sure has one foot in the commentary box) and Shane Bond and Hamish Marshall went for cash over country.
Finally Scott Styris calls it quits on his Test career.
Is there nothing left to play for or is there an unseen pressure behind these guys?
Nathan Astle voiced his desire to play past the 2007 World Cup just months before he called it quits. I'm starting to think it's the latter.
In other news I'm a great admirer of the latest Black Cap squad.
Tim Southee may be being rushed a little and time will decide whether his elevation was a good decision. He definitely has the talent and athleticism to be a very good all-rounder for New Zealand.
On the other side of the coin I definitely think it's time Jesse Ryder got his chance.
For all his past and well-documented indiscretions he is a 'talent' as witnessed by his 27 ball 66 at the Eden Park Outer Oval.
If you want any proof as to what he is capable of - his seven sixes in this innings have to stand as a strong testament
With so many seeing his potential, it's not in doubt that he has it in him - it's whether or not he can use it.
He should also be given more than just this one chance, but his best chance to sway public opinion is to give them great returns first up against England.
All this selection drama has raised the question about Black Caps castaways also looking at the ICL's offers.
How long before we lose Lou Vincent, Mathew Sinclair and Adams?
In Australia the end to the Harbhajan Singh affair was a farcical.
The video evidence was very condemning against Harbhajan but I still believe - as the judge found - that Andrew Symonds must have been the aggressor.
If he ever comes close to mischief again however; throw the book at him!
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