I am not talking about money here, for I am amateur when it comes to handling money. But ever since India bowed out of the World cup I am betting on the Darkhorses to clinch their maiden title. They always enter a tournament with a low profile, a team with vast talent, with no super heroes and they slither upwards, largely unnoticed. The kiwis boasts of handful of all rounders in Jacob Oram, Craig Mcmillan, Daniel Vettori and Scott Styris. Not many teams have the comfort of as many all rounders. Especially Jacob Oram has gone great lengths to have become one of the best all rounders in the world today. I wonder if he would have played any different even without a finger. And then there is Stephen Fleming, the captain who knows how to marshal his resources no matter who is in the team !
But to me it is Shane Bond who is the most critical player in New Zealand. He is the best fast bowler today, in fact, I would say the most genuine fast bowler. Shaun Tait has a hybrid action, an action born out of marriage between Shoaib Akthar's and Bret Lee's. Lasith Malinga's action reminds me of the many street players that I have played with ! He must be a happy man especially with no Darell Hair to no-ball him. I like Bret Lee, but he could be expensive at times. The point am trying to make here becomes glaringly obvious if you look at Bond's bowling analysis in this World Cup.
vs England 10-1-19-2
vs Kenya 8-2-19-1
vs Bangladesh 10-4-15-2
He did not play against Canada, but I doubt if it would have been very different from these figures, had he played. I do agree that these are not the major teams, barring England, but still an economy of 1.9 from a full quota of 10 overs is phenomenal. We have to wait and see how he fares against the likes of Oz and Proteas. I still remember the 6 for he got against Aussies in 2003 World Cup. So Bond is the man that kiwis would bet their cash on, if they can trample the Aussies in the grand finale. I wish Bond continues with his miserly spells in the matches to come. Go kiwis !
But to me it is Shane Bond who is the most critical player in New Zealand. He is the best fast bowler today, in fact, I would say the most genuine fast bowler. Shaun Tait has a hybrid action, an action born out of marriage between Shoaib Akthar's and Bret Lee's. Lasith Malinga's action reminds me of the many street players that I have played with ! He must be a happy man especially with no Darell Hair to no-ball him. I like Bret Lee, but he could be expensive at times. The point am trying to make here becomes glaringly obvious if you look at Bond's bowling analysis in this World Cup.
vs England 10-1-19-2
vs Kenya 8-2-19-1
vs Bangladesh 10-4-15-2
He did not play against Canada, but I doubt if it would have been very different from these figures, had he played. I do agree that these are not the major teams, barring England, but still an economy of 1.9 from a full quota of 10 overs is phenomenal. We have to wait and see how he fares against the likes of Oz and Proteas. I still remember the 6 for he got against Aussies in 2003 World Cup. So Bond is the man that kiwis would bet their cash on, if they can trample the Aussies in the grand finale. I wish Bond continues with his miserly spells in the matches to come. Go kiwis !
2 comments:
you forgot the game against India da..he removed ganguly and sehwag in 2 overs. Sachin's wicket went for tuffey and bond almost struck again when dravid was droppped by the keeper..that would have turned the match around..it's a pity he gets injured so often.
Nopes, I very well rem how he yorked Ganguly...I agree its a pity he has not even played 100 ODI's in 5 years !!!
Btw I forgot to add his bowling against WI, he got 3/31 from 8.4 overs n now againts Ireland 2/18 from 5.
Post a Comment