Picking the right eleven is much like putting together the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. It is an exercise that requires foresight, tactical nous and that precious ability to take calculated risks.
The dominant New Zealand side of this World Cup is the end product of a process that began when Brendon McCullum took over as the Kiwi captain from Ross Taylor in December 2012.
When this correspondent travelled to New Zealand in January 2014 for India’s tour, the side was not a finished product yet. Under the inspirational McCullum, the Kiwis were getting close though.
Misleading rankingsThat was a series where India was the top-ranked side in ICC-ODI rankings while New Zealand was No. 8. But then, rankings can be so misleading in cricket.
New Zealand walloped India 4-0 but there were some holes to be plugged for the host. The opening partnership was a worry.
Jesse Ryder was not consolidating on starts and the Kiwis required a more influential partner for Martin Guptill.
McCullum was batting at No. 5 then. Although he produced a few whirlwind innings, there was a pressing need for the skipper to come out at the top of the order and take control.
The McCullum-Guptill opening pairing has been among the highlights of this World Cup. With McCullum moving up, New Zealand needed someone at No. 5 who could add weight and stability to the middle-order.
Grant Elliott’s selection has proved a master-stroke. It was not an easy decision with Elliott replacing the fancied James Neesham, a hard-hitting pace-bowling all-rounder.
Elliott, only an occasional seamer these days, brought with him calmness under pressure and the ability to bat with the lower order.
New Zealand, then, was also searching for a potent new ball combination. Left-arm paceman Mitchell McClenaghan was among the wickets but was also leaking runs. And Tim Southee was bowling first change.
The Kiwi bowling coach Shane Bond told The Hindu then: “Trent Boult is very much in our plans for the World Cup.”
Left-arm swing bowler Boult has been one of the shining stars of this World Cup.
And his partnership with Southee fits in with McCullum’s idea of going for wickets all the time. This left-right pair pitches the ball up at a lively speed and moves the ball.
Adam Milne bowled quick in the series opener in Napier against India before pulling out injured.
In the last game in Wellington, the impressive Matt Henry made his debut and caught attention with his seam movement and bounce. Both these seamers have played their part in the World Cup.
New Zealand was still seeking a world-class spinner. Nathan McCullum could contain with his off-spin but found it hard to strike.
The recall of the ‘fit-again’ left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori — he harnesses the angles as very few spinners do — has lent an attacking option to New Zealand. And the wily Vettori adds depth to the batting.
The Kiwi picture is almost complete now.
