Who will be appointed as captain of the Black Caps this afternoon? There's a media conference at 3pm to make the announcement.
There are two candidates; Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum. Taylor has been the vice-captain in recent times, including matches in the World Cup when Daniel Vettori is injured. On the other hand., McCullum has been a stalwart of the team, and on his day is a devastating batsman. He's also shown an ability to play long innings in test matches; a quality soely lacking in recent years.
Our pick is Ross Taylor. He's proven himself as captain, and has improved significantly since his first hesitant efforts. He is technically the best batsman in the team, and is an outstanding slips fieldsman, which is a good place to captain a team from.
There is no doubting Brendon McCullum's ability, nor his commitment. But we've heard comments to the effect that he can be a divisive character, and that is the last thing that the Black Caps need. We suspect that he has been a close confidante of the former captain, and some of the things that have happened within the Black Caps under Vettori's leadership weren't good.
We love cricket, and we desperately want to see the Black Caps achieving success on a regular basis. We are delighted that John Wright is at the helm, and we hope that when he, John Buchanan and Mark Greatbatch announce their selection this afternoon that Ross Taylor is the annointed one. What say you?
UPDATE (3.08pm): Ross Taylor it is; well done NZC.
14 comments:
While I agree that Taylor is an outstanding close in fielder I disagree that he is technically our best batsmen. I think that lies with Kane Williamson and Taylor is potentially our best batsmen. However he lets himself down far too often with 20/20 cow shots in big ODI and Test Matches.
However he may well make a good captain as `instinctive' cricketers like Taylor often do.
Hone for captain!
not sure if Taylor is tough enough. When filling in as cover for Dan, I thought his after match interviews were lame. His form can be up and down as well and I would worry that if he failed a few times, the captaincy would suffer.
With Brendan, he is too aggressive. I think we a short of a natural captain short term at least
Who is that little bugger who thinks his greatest moment in history was when he jumped up behind the interviewer, hello sonny bill we all saw you.
I think it will be Taylor, the modern game with the review system requires a less passionate more measured approach than B M exhibits.
Ha! I like your style Gravy!
Inv2 - you gonna do a post about Whale's latest ping?
http://robertguyton.blogspot.com/2011/06/whale-chides-english.html
WhaleOil pings English all the time Rob; that link is neither newsworthy nor on topic.
Taylor can only be an improvement on his sulking, joke predecessor.
pdm, I think you are exactly 100% wrong in your assessment of Taylor v Williamson but agree re the cow-corner shots.
As an aside I'd have preferred it if Guptil was named VC today as well.
So you're not a fan of the Tattooed Prince then Tinman?
Of course had I stopped off at Stuff as I drunkenly waddled in here I would have known it was Taylor as at 15 04 hrs.
Ahh the confusion of senility.
My point about B M is still relevant IMHO
oh well . as with most things of this nature .. time will tell. Good luck to Ross the team.
Damn!
Ryder is our best natural batsman hands down.He looks unruffeled and that shows in his masterfully play while the others look nervous and gun shy (McCullum excepted)...especially Guptill till recently.Taylor bats like he doesn't really care and I'm oping the captaincy makes him pull finger. Williamson looks the goods for the future and will be the main man someday...just needs time.Its the bowlers who are the worry..we need some really fast boys and at least one good big turning leg spinner if we are to be competitive.
There are times in the recent past that I would have dropped Taylor to give him a wake up call.He plays like a ill-disciplined cock sometimes and needs a good lifeslap to get him focused.
Inventory2 said...
So you're not a fan of the Tattooed Prince then Tinman?
As a leader no but he is not Taylor's sulking, joke predecessor.
Actually James NZ has been successful before without either a really fast bowler or a legspinner but you are correct, NZ needs quicks fast enough to keep the opposition honest and (something not seen often in recent times) a good spin bowler.
I agree also with your comment on Ryder but note we were discussing technical skills, not natural ones.
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