Champions Trophy
Team profile: New Zealand
Overview
Veritable darkhorses – and ultimate underachievers – in four of the five editions of this competition, perhaps the sixth and final installment will see the Black Caps go all the way – as they did in 2009. A green coach in Mike Hesson and a reasonably begrudging captain in Brendon McCullum make for an intriguing combination, with the substance filtered through the helm sure to provide answers on the field.
Strengths
The presence of two former skippers – Daniel Vettori and Ross Taylor – and a man being groomed for the position – Kane Williamson – makes for a wealth of leadership prowess amid an otherwise inexperienced posse.
Recent Test and ODI series for the majority of the Champions Trophy personnel has certainly aided their bid to adequately adapt to the biting conditions on offer in the United Kingdom.
Opener Martin Guptill’s return from injury was outstandingly timed. Wrapped in cotton wool, but appropriately prepared during the series against the English, the hard-hitting right-hander is primed for a solid comeback.
Weaknesses
Pooled with their arch nemesis, as the last three tournament finishes will vouch, New Zealand need to abolish their mental hoodoo against Australia – and quickly.
One unbroken stay in Cardiff would have been the preference, but instead a trip to Birmingham and back is likely to unsettle momentum. That said, during the life and times of a busy international schedule, city-to-city trips shouldn’t unhinge a professional outfit.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi has not played international cricket since 2008, for Australia, and the dual national will need to make a quick, positive impact if he wants to keep the gloves away from McCullum.
One to watch
Second only to Sri Lankan retiree Muttiah Muralitharan, seamer Kyle Mills boasts 22 wickets in a dozen Champions Trophy matches. Mills’ haul is entirely untouched by any current bowlers, with Australia’s Shane Watson rival 16 scalps unlikely to grow amid the injury-prone all-rounder’s latest fitness concerns.
Probable bench-warmer
New Zealand will struggle to fit their wealth of seamers into the same XI, with fast bowler Doug Bracewell’s replacement of all-rounder Andrew Ellis bringing an additional conundrum. Bracewell, best suited to the Test arena, should only play when rotation genuinely demands as much.
Last Three Tournament Finishes
2009: Losing finalists, v Australia
2006: Losing semi-finalists, v Australia
2004: Group A exit to Australia
Prediction
The Kiwis require a top-two finish to advance beyond their pool, which sports three nations placed considerably higher in the ICC ODI rankings. They’re not likely to secure more than one token win, and endure a group stage exit.
Squad
Brendon McCullum (captain), Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Doug Bracewell, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson.
Fixtures
9 June: v Sri Lanka, Cardiff
12 June: v Australia, Birmingham
16 June: v England, Cardiff
