New Zealand cricket is at its lowest point

New Zealand cricket has just hit its lowest point in their history. An utterly demoralising and unacceptable 4-0 whitewash to the previously tamed Bangladesh has brought the Black Caps to their knees.

The fall out should show little mercy to those at the forefront of the operations. The axe has to wield and those who do survive the chop need to be ruthlessly reprimanded. As a Kiwi fan, this was an embarrassing time as the whipping boys of international cricket turned the form guide on its head.

However, the result has been a long time coming and I am honestly glad this result has occurred as perhaps now something will change at New Zealand cricket. Look back to the Andy Moles era and most importantly his dismissal at the hands of player power.

Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori notably sought more control over the national side. The way the players won over the coach was testament to Justin Vaughan, the inept CEO of New Zealand cricket.

Vaughan possesses a weak character, seemingly a push-over to anyone who threatens him. Sight the lack of quality international teams visiting Kiwi shores over the past summers, and on the rare occasion they make the trip, it’s a two Test series at best.

Back in England in 2006, he gave in to the cash hungry egos in the side and enabled them to finish their IPL commitments before joining the less fortunate in the team. He has also given in to Cricket Australia’s wishes to not hold the ‘annual’ Chappell-Hadlee trophy this summer.

The Moles saga was the breaking point of the entire farce that exists in the boardroom.

Here are my twelve ways for the Black Caps to regain competitiveness on the world stage:
1. Sack Justin Vaughan (see above).
2. Relinquish Daniel Vettori of the captaincy. Despite his fantastic cricketing ability, Vettori has gained too much power over the team and seems to be the image of player power. Drop him back to his original number eight batting position, where he thrives.
3. Give Ross Taylor the on-field captaincy.
4. Severely reprimand Brendon McCullum and drop him to number seven in the batting order in ODI’s and drop him from test matches until he regains first class form.
5. Sack Mark Greatbach whilst making pleas to Steve Rixon and John Wright to take complete control of the side.
6. Hire Martin Crowe permanently in a batting coaching role.
7. Rid of Peter Ingram, Shannon Stewart, Matthew Sinclair, Craig Cumming, Brent Arnel, Gareth Hopkins and Nathan McCullum for all eternity. Mediocrity doesn’t cut it at international level, first class journeymen should stay that way.
8. Plead to Scott Styris to reignite his test career and undertake a leadership role within the team.
9. Give Kane Williamson a permanent number five position in both forms of the game, even if runs don’t come immediately.
10. When selecting young talent, give them an extended run playing a consistent role within the side.
11. Recognise New Zealand has a small talent pool, and when players like Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Martin Guptill and Jesse Ryder emerge, nurture them onto the international scene.
12. Hire someone who knows how to face spin bowling, perhaps Saqlain Mushtaq in a permanent role.

EPL 2010/11, Chelsea to Defend Their Crown

The start of the most exciting football league in the world is upon us again, and this time around it looks as enthralling as ever. After a thrilling World Cup, the summer transfer market hasn’t been as active as expected, with only Manchester City splashing the big cash. Nonetheless, the English Premier League looks to be hotly contested yet again, as numerous clubs have an eye for qualification into Europe, and even the coveted Champion’s crown.

Following a horrific 2009/10 season, Liverpool has been given little chance of challenging for a 19th top flight title. However, after an encouraging off-season, there appears to be some renewed hope among the Kop. If Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres can stay fit and end some patchy form, a trip to Anfield could yet be a daunting task. Despite a rather dour financial position, the Liverpool management can be satisfied with their work in the transfer window. Along with keeping the aforementioned stars, the acquisition of pacey winger Joe Cole on a free transfer should add a new dimension to the side on attack. The have also gained Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic who could link up dangerously with ‘El-nino’ Torres. Pivotal to success on Merseyside could be their retention of midfielder Javier Mascherano, as rumours continue to link him to Spain. Defence could be the issue for new manager Roy Hodgson, but if the back four can stay solid, the Reds could yet mount a challenge when it’s least expected.
Last Season: 7th
Prediction: 3rd
Key players: Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres

Last year was a breakthrough season for Harry Redknapp and Tottenham Hotspur, as qualification into the Champion’s League was achieved. It was no fluke; this is a quality spurs outfit, with important players across the park. Despite little spending this summer, Tottenham will be a joy to watch yet again. They possess exhilarating pace in Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Defoe, who will complement influential stars such as Gareth Bale, Luca Modric and Peter Crouch. Spurs will have an eye on their European campaign which could work against them domestically, but they will beat some very good sides. Tottenham will compete for the top four throughout the season, but may fall short to the more glamorous clubs.
Last season: 4th
Prediction: 6th
Key players: Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Defoe

On the back of the best season in their history, the Chelsea boys are adamant they have the side to defend their Champion’s title. The West Londoners boast a wealth of talent and experience among their ranks; from the defensive cornerstone of John Terry, to the instinctive brilliance of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. Many suggest the ageing side is a weakness, but their manager Carlo Ancelotti would have them think otherwise. By releasing Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti and Deco, Ancelotti has gone to some lengths to restructure the side. Despite numerous far-fetched rumours, the Italian has resisted big spending. He has signed winger Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool to replace the outgoing Joe Cole and the signing of promising young Benfica midfielder Ramires is all but confirmed. Instead however, Ancelloti is looking to invest some faith in the emerging Chelsea youth system. On the back of winning the FA youth cup, promising youngsters Nemanja Matic, Gael Kakuta and Jeffery Bruma should get more first team opportunities this year. Despite their patchy pre-season form, Chelsea again seems the team to beat. Ancelotti has made a huge impact on the culture at Stamford Bridge, and with his attacking 4-3-3 formation, defenders will have their work cut out against the Champions.
Last season: 1st
Prediction: 1st
Key Players: Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba

Arsenal are in the midst of a title drought. It’s been five years since the Gunners have won a major trophy, and there is little to suggest their fortunes will change this season. Manager Arsene Wenger continues to persist with a young side which shows promise, but continually fails to deliver. On the attacking front, Arsenal can match the best. Robin Van Persie is a quality striker and he will get valuable assistance from Andrey Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas, (should the club resist the cash from Barcelona for their prized Spaniard). They have attained Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux who should provide some good impact on attack, and Laurent Koscielny, a highly-rated French central defender. However, the defence could again prove the downfall for the North Londoners, as unproven players are again called upon by the gaffer. The goalkeeping woes at Arsenal have been highly publicised, and there has been no progress made in their search for a replacement. Arsenal shouldn’t struggle for goals and they will play some enterprising football this year, although their struggles at the back could prevent the required consistency to challenge through to May.
Last Season: 3rd
Prediction: 5th
Key players: Robin Van Persie, Francesc Fabregas


As per usual, Manchester United will again compete for the Premier League crown. This looks to be the last season the trio of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson will work together, signalling a changing of the guard at Old Trafford. Like Chelsea, the Red Devils have only dipped into the transfer market. Ferguson has secured striker Javier Hernandez, who impressed for Mexico in South Africa. Hernandez could prove a strong foil for Wayne Rooney, who himself will again hold much of United’s hopes. 20 year old Chris Smalling, who has signed from Fulham, could also see some time in defence. This year though could be the one for winger Nani to establish himself as a superstar of the English game. The versatility and intuitive creation of the Portuguese international could be the driving force behind United’s challenge. Many young players look set to make the step up into the first team from the Old Trafford academy, including defender Jonny Evans who will make an impact at the club. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand should be the backbone of a typically strong defensive line. There is little doubt that United will be tirelessly strong across the park. Although perhaps lacking the stars of yesteryear, it is difficult to find a fault in the setup. Desperate to bring the title back north, Man United will contend until the end.
Last season: 2nd
Prediction: 2nd
Key players: Wayne Rooney, Nani

This season could once and for all answer an age-old football question; does money buy immediate success? Manchester City’s spending spree has seen them buy a number of players well above their market value. They now possess quality and depth within the squad but with it the pressure of title glory. Opinions are differed, will they be up with United and Chelsea in May? Or will it be a story of overriding ego’s dominating a team which struggles to ‘gel’ together? The front three are extremely potent attackers and now are joined by Spanish winger David Silva. The Abu Dhabi United Group have supplied funds for the purchase of Aleksander Kolarov, Jerome Boateng and Yaya Toure along with Silva. The expensive signings of young striker Mario Balotelli and Aston Villa’s James Milner also seem near completion, creating intense competition for starting places in Roberto Mancini’s side. The owners expect success, and Mancini knows that anything less and his tenure will likely be over. Many football purists will be praying for a disastrous season at Eastlands, to prove there is more to a club than cash.
Last season: 5th
Prediction: 4th
Key players: Yaya Toure, Carlos Tevez


Rounding out the top ten…

7th: Everton possess some exiting players to worry more fancied opponents, but may lack the depth to push for European qualification.

8th: The resignation of manager Martin O’Neill just five days away from the first game will hurt Aston Villa. He was the tactician and leader behind the side and with the departure of James Milner reportedly near, it could be a difficult season for them. Despite this, they still have talent in the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young to pose a threat.

9th: Birmingham City will aim to build on last year’s relative success and prove tough to break down. They will be difficult to beat on their home fortress and possess a quality keeper in Joe Hart between the posts.

10th: Newcastle United should rebuild into an established top flight club with solid line-up featuring young striker Andy Carroll as the x-factor.

A Tribute to Eric Tindill

On the morning after a scintillating All Black triumph, the nation lost one of its great sporting heroes, and undoubted icon, in Eric William Thomas Tindill. Eric lived an admirable life and his longevity has been well documented but, at the ripe old age of 99, he has sadly passed away.

Tindill’s story is much more than the history books will ever say as he was a man of great loyalty and passion for the things and people he loved. His life though was mixed with tragedy beyond the fields of the Basin Reserve and Athletic Park, two grounds with which he held strong affiliations.

His list of achievements is truly endless. Most prominently he is credited with being in a distinguished band of seven ‘double All Blacks’, those who have represented New Zealand at cricket and rugby. Tindill however is the only one of this elite group to have played both sports at test level.

In rugby, Tindill was primarily a halfback, but could also more than adequately fill in at first five-eighth. He served the Wellington side with great pride and was eventually noticed by the All Black selectors. Although he played just the one rugby test for New Zealand - on the tour to England in 1936 - he featured in 16 matches in all for the All Blacks, kicking five dropped goals in the process. Like many of his era, his All Black career was, in all likelihood, affected by the outbreak of World War II. Famed New Zealand radio rugby commentator Winston McCarthy is reported to have said that Tindill was likely to have toured South Africa with the All Blacks in 1940 if it had gone ahead.

Tindill donned the wicket-keeping gloves in a prosperous cricketing career, and was no mug with the willow either. As with his time in rugby, Tindill’s cricket career was arguably interrupted by the happenings in Europe at the time. Nonetheless he had a distinguished career for Wellington, a city of which he was a proud resident. In a first-class career which spanned almost 16 years, Tindill played 69 matches, amassing over 3000 runs at a very respectable average of 30.35, and scoring 6 centuries along the way.

He was first selected on the tour to England in 1937, in which he played 3 tests, gracing famed grounds such as Old Trafford, The Oval and, the home of cricket, Lords. At the age of 36, Tindill returned to the side, playing in two post-war home test matches against England and Australia in 1947. In his test career, as a wicket keeper, he took 6 catches and effected a stumping

However one of the most interesting episodes in his cricket whites was perhaps away from the test arena. The New Zealanders stopped over in Adelaide, en route to Britain, to take on South Australia – the only time they played a side featuring the great Sir Donald Bradman. In the first over of play on the Saturday, Tindill caught Bradman for just 11 off the bowling of Jack Cowie. A huge crowd had packed the Adelaide Oval but were left disappointed.

The tale continues beyond his illustrious playing days. Tindill distinguished himself as an officiator, umpiring both cricket and rugby at the top level. He refereed two of the touring Lions’ Tests against the All Blacks in 1950 and also controlled the second All Black test against the Wallabies in 1955. Remarkably he then went on to umpire a cricket test between New Zealand and England in 1959!

He also continued to serve the sporting community. He was a selector for Wellington and New Zealand cricket and was, for many years, Secretary of the Wellington Cricket Association. Eric also had a passion for other sports, notably boxing and table tennis. He remained close to Athletic Rugby Club – since amalgamated into the Western Suburbs Rugby Club, the club where this writer played in his younger years. As recently as a few years ago he attended old timer’s day at the Wests’ clubrooms, catching up with some of his old pals.

The longevity of Tindill’s life has been well publicised, especially since celebrating his 99th birthday last December. At the time of his passing Eric was the oldest living test cricketer in the world and the oldest living All Black as well as being the only All Black alive to have played in the pre-war period. These records sadly have come to an end. However, he remains the oldest test cricketer ever, a record he reached in November 2009 surpassing Englishman Francis MacKinnon.

His life’s sporting achievements were however intertwined with personal tragedy, losing both his wife and one of his four sons in accidents. One of his remaining sons, Paul, also went on to represent Wellington in cricket.

To this writer he was a dear relative, a great uncle to be exact. My family took immense pride in having a figure of his significance amongst us. Even though I only spent time with him on a few occasions those times are memories I treasure. He lived in a modest residence in the suburbs of Wellington with his sole daughter Molly. She provided great care to her father and was a lively presence, always welcoming us into their home, never letting us leave hungry.

A memory which sums up his character was when I was a young aspiring wicket-keeper and Eric, well into his 90s, got down on his haunches and demonstrated the technique required. He would never boast of his accomplishments, but always recalled them with a smile on his face. I possess a couple of treasures to remember him by; a photo with him and his precious All Black cap and a couple of his old heavy bats – how technology has changed.

Eric Tindill lived a life worth living. He inspired me through the passion he showed for his sport but, more importantly, through his humility. Eric Thomas William Tindill will be remembered as a unique New Zealand sporting icon. May Uncle Eric rest in peace.

The Hurricanes rediscover their spark

A month ago most of us frustrated fans from the Kiwi capital thought our Hurricanes were consigned to a mid-table finish – at best.

Now they have put the fate of their semi-final prospects in their own hands; a win in Sydney next week and they’re all but guaranteed a top four finish. It’s been a sparkling turnaround, highlighted by a scintillating attack albeit still not perfect.

The most exciting facet of the Hurricanes turnaround has been the exhilarating form of young five-eighth Aaron Cruden. At times he has been ordinary, at times abysmal, but that’s just the way the Hurricanes play.

His rapid acceleration, lethal footwork and solid distributing skills have wrecked havoc for opposition defences. For sure his kicking (off the tee and in general play) has generally been poor but it’s difficult to measure how he has set the backline alight. His ability to run the ball at the defence before deciding to have a crack at the gap or to distribute has been phenomenal.

You only have to look at the guy next to Cruden to realise his impact. Ma’a Nonu has been at his brutal sometimes unstoppable best since the ‘Canes return to form. Cruden has given him space and time in contrast to the service of fellow five-eighth Willie Ripia.

Midfield general Conrad Smith has been another to thrive in the services of the mercurial playmaker. Smith missed the Reds clash with concussion but had previously been causing his own headaches to opposition defences.

Unrelated to Cruden’s wizardry has been the rediscovered spark of the Hurricanes back three. Cory Jane is now showing why he was such a revelation for Graeme Henry on the All Black wing last year. I for one wouldn’t be surprised if he retained his wing spot, this time alongside fellow Wellington flyer Hosea Gear (due to the absence of Sitiveni Sivivatu), who bagged a hat-trick against the Reds on Friday night.

Those two and the Japan-bound Tamati Ellison have showed skill, class, flair and a sense of maturity in the Hurricanes late-season escapades.
Add to the previously perhaps overstated mix much improved set pieces and smarter plays to the referee and the Hurricanes should bulldoze the ‘Tahs next week and put a few shivers through the spines of the South African powerhouses.

Oh… and to those worrying about lack of backline talent in New Zealand rugby, just watch the Hurricanes.

This article can also be seen at http://www.theroar.com.au/