2013/14 SUMMER OF CRICKET
CONTENTS YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE ANZ INTERNATIONAL SERIES, PLAYER PROFILES / FIXTURE DATES / DOMESTIC CRICKET AND MORE…
4 SEASON PREVIEW
Why the BLACKCAPS have a great challenge in store in this summer’s ANZ International Series.
25 MAIN COURSE: INDIA
16 -18 BLACKCAPS PLAYER PROFILESaaaa Get the skinny on your favourite BLACKCAPS.
21 ANZ GRANT SCHEME
6 BLACKCAPS REGROUP The jostling for Cricket World Cup positions begins.
9 MEET ISH Sodhi
Why everyone’s talking about this young leg-spinner.
Find out how applying for an ANZ Cricket Grant can help you this summer, plus exclusive benefits for spectators from ANZ.
22 & 23 ASHES SERIES & FIXTURES
10 & 13 ONES TO WATCH – WEST INDIES
Australia hosts England as the old foes do battle once more for the urn.
Meet the stars of one of the most charismatic teams in world cricket.
24 STAT ATTACK
14 INTERNATIONAL SEASON FIXTURES
The highest, the lowest, the best of the best: stats reveal the history between New Zealand, India and the West Indies.
All the dates and venues for the BLACKCAPS’ matches at your fingertips.
A visit by the world’s top all-round team is a cricket-lover’s treat.
26 EYES ON THE STARS: INDIA
Discover the amazing stories behind some of India’s top cricketers.
28 & 29 DOMESTIC CRICKET
Find out what’s on in the HRV Twenty20, Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield.
30 have-a-go cricket with activepost
How ActivePost is encouraging future generations of BLACKCAPS and White Ferns with fun kids’ programmes.
Publisher Managing editor: Oliver Lee EDITOR: MARGOT BUTCHER PHOTOGRAPHY: photosport.co.nz PROOFREADING: ELISE McDOWELL DESIGN / LAYOUT: ONTIME ASSOCIATES LIMITED PRINTING: WEBSTAR
Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740
T: 09 486 6966 E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz W: oliverlee.co.nz
COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.
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SEASON PREVIEW SPICY SUMMER FOR blackcaps
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irst up in the ANZ International Series it’s the wonderful West Indies, the team that marries attitude with flair and brazen hitting with big, athletic fast bowlers. The first ANZ Test begins in Dunedin this week and is the opening tussle in a contest that takes us through to mid-January. The BLACKCAPS will meet the “Windies” in a full Series of three ANZ Test matches, with the second and third Tests hosted by Wellington and Hamilton, respectively – two of New Zealand’s most attractive, beloved venues for watching our men in white up close. Then it’s straight into a high-energy string of five ANZ One-Day Internationals (ODI). Again, the teams will be turning it on for both North and South Islanders with games in Auckland, Napier, stunning Queenstown with its mountain backdrop, Nelson and Hamilton. The last word between the two teams is then
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Cricket fans are in for a treat with two of the most entertaining sides in world cricket visiting New Zealand this summer
had in two ANZ Twenty20 Internationals: evening entertainment for Auckland and Wellington and, of course, everyone following the action live on SKY.
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he excitement is non-stop this season with India meeting the BLACKCAPS just four days after we farewell the West Indians. The defending World Cup champions open their muchanticipated tour with another set of five ANZ One-Day Internationals in a season that is pivotal to 2015 World Cup planning and preparations – there is little more than a year to go until New Zealand jointly hosts the global showdown
with Australia. What better opportunity is there for the BLACKCAPS to get some early psychological bonus points showing they can certainly foot it with the numberone-ranked team in the world here on our own turf this summer? For a look at some of the remarkable talents that make up the Indian team, head to page 26 of this guide. This a side chocker with unique stories and special skills. After the white-ball contest is decided, the BLACKCAPS take on India in two ANZ Tests, in Auckland and Wellington in February, to complete an excellent menu of international cricket this summer.
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cross the Tasman, cricket aficionados will be following the unfolding drama – it’s inevitable! – of the Ashes tour, with Australia out for revenge after their 2013 drubbing in England. The jostling for 2013/14 international bragging rights has begun. For the BLACKCAPS who pushed England so hard in last season’s gripping ANZ International Series – they were a hair’s breadth from claiming a Test win in Auckland – there will be a determination to continue holding their black caps high at home over the next three months. They face top quality opposition that includes some exciting new faces, the world’s number one Test all-rounder in India’s Ravichandran Ashwin, and rock-star batsmen Chris Gayle and Virat Kholi. Get ready for a serious summer of cricket!
anzcricketworld.co.nz
Jimmy Neesham, Luke Ronchi and Anton Devcich
Tom Latham
BLACKCAPS PREVIEW BUILDING OUR STOCKS
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With the ICC Cricket World Cup coming to Australia and New Zealand next summer, One-Day cricket takes on more importance than ever this season for the blackcaps
he BLACKCAPS selectors have the pressing task of pencilling in the best men for the preliminary World Cup squad – so you could say the string of injuries that recently sidelined top stars from the BLACKCAPS’ preseason tours has been a blessing in disguise. To recap, premier batsmen Martin Guptill (ankle surgery and fractured finger, now back in action), Ross Taylor (knee), Brendon McCullum (back), Kane Williamson (fractured thumb) have all been in the wars. Leading bowlers Tim Southee (ankle surgery, back playing), Trent Boult (rested after niggles, back playing) and promising allrounders Corey Anderson (rib) and Jimmy Neesham (finger) have all taken early tour exits as well, while spin maestro Dan Vettori has been back at Skycity Northern Knights level for just one month after an Achilles operation – a rare injury in cricket. How on earth is all of that a blessing? It opened the door to a number of emerging players the selection panel were keen to have a closer
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look at, testing them out against stiff challenges in the subcontinent ahead of our big home season. We ought to take heart that amidst all the upheaval, that newish, refashioned BLACKCAPS team that took on Sri Lanka in November stood up to the unique likes of Lalith “Slinger” Malinga to win the first ODI they got to play, for a drawn 1-1 series.
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ff-spinning/top order allrounder Anton Devcich is one who took a ton of confidence from the experience. The 28-year-old self-described late bloomer from Hamilton (“Until last season I was just bullying the ball too much,” he explains) made a half-century on Twenty20 debut to help the side to a welcome 15-run win over Bangladesh. Earlier, he’d fallen just one boundary short of the same in the ODI series. Colin Munro, 26, pressed his claims with scores of 85 (ODI) and an unbeaten 73 in the same T20I win. Tom anzcricketworld.co.nz
Latham, 21-year-old son of 1992 World Cup player Rod Latham, whipped up a matchwinning 86 at the top of the order against Sri Lanka.
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eesham, Adam Milne (the 21-year-old pace bowler looking beefier and scarier now that he’s filled out, having debuted for the BLACKCAPS as a quick stripling in 2010), Neil Broom, Luke Ronchi – all have added to their international experience and bring depth to our reserves, if required. It’s helped with forward planning, sure. However, the goal is always to win and overall the BLACKCAPS were left licking their wounds from lost and drawn series over the off-season – this despite white-ball series wins over England. The team’s official rankings remain a thorn in their side: eighth in Test and ODI rankings, seventh in Twenty20 Internationals. Something the entire squad, with its stars back in business, is determined to keep working on this summer.
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WEST INDIES IN NZ PLAYER PREVIEW Meet the Caribbean swashbucklers set to star in the opening ANZ International Series this summer
Chris Gayle
Marlon Samuels
With two triple centuries in Test cricket, this exciting Windies master-blaster needs no introduction to regular cricket followers. At 34, the powerful, charismatic six-footer rivals West Indian legend Sir Viv Richards for his ability to intimidate attacks through sheer bludgeoning might. He went into this season with 6836 Test runs at an elite average over 40 – including 15 centuries, and with a high score of 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010 – and is on course to play his 100th Test match in this ANZ International Series. In One-Day Internationals he has another 21 tons at an average just under 40 and is closing in on 9000 career runs. This crowd-pleaser enjoyed his last visit to New Zealand in 2008/09 and is certain to entertain once again.
This classy, increasingly consistent Jamaican batsman was named West Indies Cricketer of the Year for 2013 as well as being selected by Wisden as one its five international cricketers of the year. His maiden Test century was as a young man back in 2002 in India – he’d debuted at 19. Now 32, he’s keen to capitalise on his experience and add to his five Test centuries and 19 fifties gleaned at an average just under 40, and five ODI tons and 22 fifties at an average of over 30. Technically superb, the right-hander’s highest Test score was a maiden double ton, an innings of 260 that destroyed the home Bangladeshi attack last year; it was the second-highest innings by any West Indian Test cricketer on the sub-continent through history. His older brother Robert Samuels has also played Test and ODI cricket for the West Indies.
Darren Sammy The West Indies has employed separate Test and ODI skippers in recent times with 29-yearold all-rounder Sammy commanding the Test role on their just-completed tour of India. First appointed captain in 2010, he led the Windies to Test, ODI and T20I series victories over the BLACKCAPS in the Caribbean in 2012 and has played over 100 ODI matches. The right-armer can be economical and gnawing with his medium pace, making him a tantalising prospect for New Zealand conditions, while in Test cricket he’s the workhorse backing up his strike bowlers with an ability to sustain long, accurate spells. As captain, his goal is to lift the West Indies’ Test ranking of sixth in the world – just behind Australia.
Tino Best From a part of the world renowned for its ability to produce genuine quicks, at 32 Tino Best is still living up to his name – fighting off the fast-bowling challengers to his position as a pre-eminent strike bowler in the Windies’ attack. An imposing presence at five foot eight, he puts his relative longevity in the role down to mind over matter, maturity and the ability to stay calm when batsmen are proving resolute, but there’s no doubt he embodies aggressive fast bowling at its best when he’s fired up. The right-armer’s career has at times been stalled by injuries, but his reputation and record – 48 wickets from 21 Tests and 33 wickets from 25 ODIs, heading into this season – is enough to put most batsmen en garde. At Edgbaston in 2012, he fell just short of becoming the first number eleven batsman to score a Test century with a world record 95.
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Shane Shillingford The off-spinner known as “Shilly” to his teammates collected his fifth five-wicket bag – from only 11 Tests – just weeks ago in the West Indies’ Kolkata Test against India, an impressive haul of 6–167 from 55 overs. Using his height (he’s six foot three) to full advantage, the spellbinding performance against some of the world’s most seasoned players of spin included the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar and saw the 30-year-old finish with nine for the match. He had almost single-handedly given his side a chance, and if given dry conditions in New Zealand he could well prove a handful for the BLACKCAPS in the ANZ International Series. But he’s not in any danger of getting ahead of himself. Says Shillingford, “Every trip is a learning trip. No matter how many matches I have played, I want to do my best, once I pull on the West Indies cap. There is always something new that can be picked up every day.”
Dwayne Bravo The West Indies’ One-Day International captain, Dwayne Bravo is a senior all-rounder whose swing should come into play in New Zealand conditions. He made his Test debut at Lord’s in 2004 and scored memorable Test centuries against South Africa and Australia early in his career and has captained the side in Tests, but these days it’s his younger half-brother Darren who is in the five-day squad while Bravo focuses on short-format cricket. He is one of relatively few players to have taken a five-wicket ODI haul as captain and is a dangerous and sought-after Twenty20 player round the world, a key member of the West Indies team that won the 2012 ICC World Twenty20. continued ON PAGE 13
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Shivnarine Chanderpaul
CHADWICK WALTON
A familiar face from previous visits, Chanderpaul played his 150th Test for the West Indies last month – an uncommon milestone that underscores how durable this 39-year-old senior statesman and lithe left-hand batsman has been. As luck would have it, it was the same Test that marked Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement and much accompanying fanfare and admiration was inevitably directed in Tendulkar’s direction. But even the Indian “Little Master” respected Chanderpaul. The eminent West Indian sports a Test average over 50, has 28 Test hundreds and offers invaluable composure on and off the pitch.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Walton is another in the squad who has been on the comeback trail this year: prior to the recent series in India, he had last represented the West Indies in 2009 when the regular side was decimated by a player contracts dispute.
KIERAN POWELL At 23, Powell from the Leewards Islands, is one of the fresher faces in the Windies’ line-up, but already has 17 Tests to his name, with a batting average over 30. In 2012 the powerful lefthanded opener notably became the first West Indian Test cricketer to score twin centuries in a single Test match since Brian Lara in 2001.
VEERSAMMY PERMAUL This young specialist left-arm spinner made the West Indies team this time a year ago in Bangladesh and was considered good enough to take to the mecca of spin – India – last month, where he played the first Test. Another in the squad hungry for a chance to make a name for himself with a breakthrough performance at the top level.
shannon gabriel kirk edwards A relative late bloomer, 29-year-old middleorder batsman Edwards made up for lost time by scoring a Test century on debut, against India no less, when he was called into the West Indies Test squad in 2011. He was the 14th West Indian to achieve the feat and although his Test career then hit a speed bump, he has recently forced his way back into the side with heavy scoring for West Indies A.
DENESH RAMDIN Ramdin’s playing history – as a fast bowler turned wicketkeeper – makes him something of an oddity, but his bowling days are far behind the West Indies’ premier Test wicketkeeper. What remains is a slighty fiery reputation: expect plenty of chat from behind the stumps, and useful batting – no West Indies keeper has bettered his ODI high score of 96, while his Test best is 166.
NARSINGH DEONARINE A left-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler, 30-year-old Deonarine can be a very stubborn middle-to-late order batsman, even though he has yet to crack three figures at international level. Often compared to his Guyanan teammate and Windies super-veteran Chanderpaul, he is hunting for his opportunity to graduate from sidekick to top of the billing.
A genuinely fast bowler from Trinidad and Tobago, who’s been compared to a young Ian Bishop, 25-year-old Gabriel was recalled to the Windies’ Test squad in India to replace injured star Kemar Roach. He has played four Tests for the West Indies since debuting at Lord’s in 2012.
SHELDON COTTRELL Twenty-four-year-old Jamaican pace bowler Cottrell comes to New Zealand as a new face with just one Test match behind him, but a reputation as one of the most promising quick bowlers in the Caribbean. A left-armer, his angle can be difficult – not to mention his speed.
At time of publication West Indies’ ODI squad was still to be confirmed, following the conclusion of their November series in India. Potential ODI squad: Dwayne Bravo (captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Narsingh Deonarine, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Veersammy Permaul, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons Allrounder Kieron Pollard was rested from the Indian ODI series after an undisclosed injury; his availability was unconfirmed. West Indies squad updates: windiescricket.com
windiescricket.com
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HOT TICKET ANZ INTERNATIONAL SERIES
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The attacking style of Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and West Indian masterblaster Chris Gayle was a treat for all cricket aficionados the last time these international stars set foot in New Zealand
fter performing competitively against England last summer, this season’s ANZ International Series presents another tremendous opportunity at home for New Zealand’s BLACKCAPS against one of the world’s most exciting top-ranked sides, India. While the key to playing the West Indies is always to expect the unexpected!
West Indies
Livescoring, news and match reports: blackcaps.co.nz
ANZ International Series Blackcaps v West Indies December 3-7
ANZ Test 1
University Oval, Dunedin
10.30am
December 11-15
ANZ Test 2
Basin Reserve, Wellington
10.30am
December 19-23
ANZ Test 3
Seddon Park, Hamilton
10.30am
December 26
ANZ ODI 1 Eden Park, Auckland
2.00pm
December 29
ANZ ODI 2
McLean Park, Napier
2.00pm
January 1
ANZ ODI 3
Queenstown Events Centre
11.00am
January 4
ANZ ODI 4
Saxton Oval, Nelson
11.00am
January 8
ANZ ODI 5
Seddon Park, Hamilton
January 11
ANZ T20I 1 Eden Park, Auckland
7.00pm
January 15
ANZ T20I 2
7.00pm
2.00pm
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
ANZ International Series Blackcaps v India
January 19
ANZ ODI 1
McLean Park, Napier
2.00pm
January 22
ANZ ODI 2
Seddon Park, Hamilton
2.00pm
January 25
ANZ ODI 3 Eden Park, Auckland
2.00pm
January 28
ANZ ODI 4
Seddon Park, Hamilton
2.00pm
January 31
ANZ ODI 5
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
2.00pm
February 2-3 India v NZ A
Cobham Oval, Whangarei
11.00am
February 6-10
ANZ Test 1 Eden Park, Auckland
11.00am
February 14-18
ANZ Test 2
11.00am
BLACKCAPS Test cricket
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Basin Reserve, Wellington
India’s M.S. Dhoni
Tim Southee
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BLACKCAPS PLAYER PROFILES
Player statistics current to end of 2013 tour of SRI LANKA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE BLACKCAPS, GO TO blackcaps.co.nz
BRENDON McCULLUM, captain
Otago Volts; Wicketkeeper, right-hand bat. Bold, inventive batsman, leader of the BLACKCAPS, now plays as batsman-only at Test level. Born Dunedin, 27 September 1981 BLACKCAPS debut: v Australia at Sydney, 2001/02 Tests: 79 matches, 4512 runs, 6 x 100, 28 x 50 @34.98; 182 catches, 11 stumpings ODIs: 220 matches, 4966 runs, 4 x 100, 25 x 50 @30.46; 245 catches, 15 stumpings T20Is: 62 matches, 1182 runs @35.5, 2 x 100, 11 x 50, SR 135.49; 34 catches, 8 stumpings
COREY ANDERSON
Northern Knights; left-hand bat, left-arm medium-fast. Hard-hitting all-rounder and rising star with a dangerous arm on the boundary. Born Christchurch, 13 December 1990 BLACKCAPS debut: v South Africa at Durban, 2012/13 Tests: 2 matches, 125 runs, 1 x 100 @41.66; 1 catch; 3 wickets @22.00, SR 62 ODIs: 5 matches, 114 runs @28.50; 1 catch; 8 wickets @22.25, SR 24.6 T20Is: 6 matches, 35 runs @11.66, SR 175; 2 wickets @46.50, SR 33
TRENT BOULT
Northern Knights; right-hand bat, left-arm fast-medium. Brisk exponent of swing and seam, key member of frontline test attack with useful batting. Born Rotorua, 22 July 1989 BLACKCAPS debut: v Australia at Hobart, 2011/12 Tests: 17 matches, 215 @16.53, 1 x 50; 5 catches; 52 wickets @30.82, 2 x 5wi, SR 62.8 ODIs: 8 matches, 8 runs @4; 1 catch; 6 wickets @47.66, SR 58.5 T20Is: 3 matches, 4 runs @4; 2 wickets @50, SR 30
DOUG BRACEWELL
Central Stags; right-hand bat, right-arm fast-medium. Challenging pace and aggression with all-round potential. Born Tauranga, 28 September 1990 BLACKCAPS debut: v Zimbabwe at Harare, 2011/12 Tests: 18 matches, 337 runs @10.87; 5 catches; 50 wickets @36.26, 2 x 5wi, SR 63.6 ODIs: 7 matches, 14 runs @4.66; 2 catches; 8 wickets @42, SR 48 T20Is: 1 3 matches, 70 runs @23.33; 16 wickets @24.43, SR 15.2
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blackcaps.co.nz
DEAN BROWNLIE
Canterbury Wizards; right-hand bat, right-arm medium. Australian-raised middle order aggressor who enjoys the ball coming on. Born Perth, 30 July 1984 BLACKCAPS debut: v Pakistan at Auckland, 2010/11 Tests: 14 matches, 711 r uns @29.62; 17 catches; 1 wicket @52, SR 66 ODIs: 3 matches, 22 runs @11; 1 catch T20Is: 4 matches, 6 runs @1.5, SR 37.5; 2 catches
IAN BUTLER
Otago Volts; right-hand bat, right-arm medium-fast. Strong 2012/13 HRV season saw the experienced all-rounder’s T20i career resurrected. Born Auckland, 24 November 1981 BLACKCAPS debut: v England at Christchurch, 2001/02 Tests: 8 matches, 76 runs @9.5; 4 catches; 24 wickets @36.83, 1 x 5wi, SR 57 ODIs: 26 matches, 84 runs @10.5; 8 catches, 28 wickets @37.07, SR 39.6 T20Is: 19 matches, 5 runs @5; 3 catches; 23 wickets @20.91, SR 15.5
ANTON DEVCICH
Northern Knights; left-hand bat, left-arm off-spin. Late bloomer offering top order firepower and economical bowling. Born Hamilton, 28 September 1985 BLACKCAPS debut: v Bangladesh at Dhaka,2013/14 ODIs: 6 matches, 93 runs @15.5; 2 catches; 3 wickets @54.33, SR 60 T20Is: 2 matches, 59 runs @44.50
GRANT ELLIOTT
Wellington Firebirds; right-hand bat, right-arm medium-fast. All-rounder whose nous, fielding and swing can turn a short format game on his day. Born Johannesburg, 21 March 1979 BLACKCAPS debut: v England at Birmingham, 2007/08 Tests: 5 matches, 86 runs @10.75; 2 catches; 4 wickets @35, SR 70.5 ODIs: 51 matches, 1013 runs @29.79; 8 catches; 20 wickets @27.25, SR 32.8 T20Is: 3 matches, 42 runs @21; 1 wicket @31, SR 12
BRUCE MARTIN
ANDREW ELLIS
Canterbury Wizards; right-arm medium-fast, right-hand bat. Specialist limited overs bowler in international cricket, capable of making useful runs. Maturity has provided leadership at NZ A level. Born Christchurch, 24 March 1982 BLACKCAPS debut: v Zimbabwe at Dunedin, 2011/12 ODIs: 1 5 matches, 154 runs @14.00, 3 catches, 12 wickets @35.41, SR 40.00 T20Is: 5 matches, 25 runs @8.33, 2 wickets @52.50, SR 30.00
PETER FULTON
Canterbury Wizards; right-hand bat, occasional right-arm medium. Tall opening batsman whose renaissance last summer included back-to-back centuries in a single ANZ Test against England. Born Christchurch, 1 February 1979 BLACKCAPS debut: v Bangladesh at Chittagong, 2004/05 Tests: 17 matches, 843 runs @31.22, 2 x 100s, 4 x 50; 17 catches ODIs: 4 9 matches, 1334 runs @32.53, 1 x 100, 8 x 50; 18 catches T20Is: 12 matches, 127 runs @11.54; 4 catches
Auckland Aces; left-arm off-spin, right-hand bat. Never-say-die competitor capable of sustaining long spells. Born Whangarei, 25 April 1980 BLACKCAPS debut: v England at Dunedin, 2012/13 Tests: 5 matches, 74 runs @14.8, 12 wickets @53.83, SR 126.5
ADAM MILNE
Central Stags; right-arm fast-medium, right-hand bat. Quick youngster, an investment whose maturing physical strength should see him blossom. Born Palmerston North, 13 April 1992 BLACKCAPS debut: v Pakistan at Auckland, 2010/11 ODIs: 5 matches, 12 runs; 2 catches; 1 wicket @145, SR 164 T20Is: 4 matches, 3 runs; 1 wicket @142, SR 72
MITCHELL McCLENAGHAN
Auckland Aces; left-arm medium-fast, left-hand bat. Proved his short format worth in a breakthrough season last summer with ability to pick up quick wickets. Born Hastings, 11 June 1986 BLACKCAPS debut: v South Africa at Durban, 2012/13 ODIs: 14 matches, 8 runs @8; 35 wickets @20.08, SR 21.2 T20Is: 10 matches, 7 runs @7; 11 wickets @25.90, SR 18.1
NATHAN McCULLUM
MARTIN GUPTILL
Auckland Aces; right-hand bat, occasional right-arm off-break. Top order batting elegance with clean-striking power. Returning from injury. Born Auckland, 30 September 1986 BLACKCAPS debut: v West Indies at Auckland, 2008/09 Tests: 31 matches, 1718 runs @29.62, 2 x 100, 12 x 50; 33 catches; 5 wickets @51.60, SR 66.4 ODIs: 7 5 matches, 2555 runs @39.92, 4 x 100, 17 x 50; 31 catches; 2 wickets @27.50, SR 33.50 T20Is: 4 1 matches, 1168 runs @35.39, 1 x 100, 5 x 50; 19 catches
TOM LATHAM
Canterbury Wizards; wicketkeeper, left-hand bat. Accomplished face for the future with proven domestic run-making ability. Born Christchurch, 7 April 1992 BLACKCAPS debut: v Zimbabwe at Dunedin, 2012/13 ODIs: 1 3 matches, 280 runs @25.45; 6 catches, 1 stumping T20Is: 7 matches, 80 runs @16; 1 catch
Otago Volts; right-arm off-spin, right-hand bat. A short format regular and economical off-spinning all-rounder. Born Dunedin, 1 September 1980 BLACKCAPS debut: v South Africa at Durban, 2007/08 ODIs: 58 matches, 871 runs @21.24, 4 x 50; 26 catches; 43 wickets @44.48, SR 55.1 T20Is: 49 matches, 264 runs @13.20; 18 catches; 43 wickets @22.18, SR 19.1
KYLE MILLS
Auckland Aces; right-arm medium-fast, right-hand bat. Veteran of the ODI attack who answered call to lead the team in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka this season. Born Auckland, 15 March 1979 BLACKCAPS debut: v Pakistan at Sharjah, 2000/01 Tests: 19 matches, 289 runs @11.56, 1 x 50; 4 catches; 44 wickets @33.02, SR 65.9 ODIs: 158 matches, 985 runs @15.88, 2 x 50; 38 catches; 228 wickets @26.48, 1 x 5wi, SR 33.6 T20Is: 37 matches, 127 runs @11.54; 8 catches; 36 wickets @30.19, SR 21.7 continued ON PAGE 18
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continued FROM PAGE 17
COLIN MUNRO
Auckland Aces; left-hand bat, right-arm medium. Hard-hitting batting all-rounder pushing for a regular short format spot. Born Durban, 11 March 1987 BLACKCAPS debut: South Africa at Durban, 2012/13 Tests: 1 match, 15 runs @7.5; 2 wickets @20, SR 54 ODIs: 7 matches, 167 runs @27.83, 2 x 50 T20Is: 10 matches, 160 runs @26.66, 1 x 50; 1 catch
JIMMY NEESHAM
Otago Volts; left-hand bat, right-arm medium. Skilful, ultra-competitive young all-rounder with ability to float up the order domestically. Born Auckland, 17 September 1990 BLACKCAPS debut: v South Africa at Durban, 2012/13 ODIs: 7 matches, 73 runs @14.6; 11 wickets @19.09, SR 20.2 T20Is: 3 matches, 22 runs @12; 2 catches
TIM SOUTHEE
Northern Knights; right-arm fast-medium, right-hand bat. Strike bowler reaching the top of his game, highlighted by taking 10 wickets at Lord’s earlier this year. Born Whangarei, 11 December 1988 BLACKCAPS debut: v England at Auckland, 2007/08 Tests: 26 matches, 729 runs @19.18, 2 x 50; 14 catches; 83 wickets @34.33, 4 x 5wi, 1 x 10wi, SR 65.1 ODIs: 72 matches, 274 runs @10.14; 12 catches; 97 wickets @30.92, 1 x 5wi, SR 36 T20Is: 32 matches, 73 runs @9.12; 14 catches; 39 wickets @24.28, 1 x 5wi, SR 17.3
ROSS TAYLOR
Central Stags; right-hand bat, occasional right-arm off-spin. Star middle-order batsman with punishing class all around the wicket. Born Lower Hutt, 8 March 1984 BLACKCAPS debut: v West Indies at Napier, 2005/06 Tests: 50 matches, 3639 runs @42.81, 8 x 100, 21 x 50; 81 catches; 2 test wickets @24, SR 48 ODIs: 128 matches, 3915 runs @39.15, 8 x 100, 24 x 50; 88 catches T20Is: 53 matches, 936 runs @24, 4 x 50; 36 catches
ROB NICOL
Canterbury Wizards; right-hand bat, right-arm off-spin, right-arm medium. A batting all-rounder who scored an ODI century on debut. Born Auckland 28 May 1983 BLACKCAPS debut: v 2010 Sri Lanka at Lauderhill, 2010 Tests: 2 matches, 28 runs @7; 2 catches ODIs: 22 matches, 586 runs @34.84, 2 x 100, 2 x 50; 11 catches; 10 wickets @32.90, SR 33.90 T20Is: 2 1 matches, 327 runs @17.21, 2 x 50; 5 catches; 5 wickets @33.40, SR 24.6
NEIL WAGNER
Otago Volts; left-arm medium-fast, left-hand bat. Potent swing bowler who terrorised domestic scene while waiting to qualify for New Zealand. Born Pretoria, 13 March 1986 BLACKCAPS debut: v West Indies at North Sound, 2012 Tests: 9 matches, 114 runs @11.4; 4 catches; 31 wickets @36, 1 x 5wi, SR 65.4
LUKE RONCHI
Wellington Firebirds, wicketkeeper, right-hand bat. A former Australia ODI and T20I representative who has been domestically successful with the bat. Born Dannevirke, 23 April 1981 BLACKCAPS debut: v England at Lord’s, 2012/13 ODIs: 1 4 matches, 208 runs @20.80, 1 x 50; 19 catches, 3 stumpings T20Is: 5 matches, 81 runs @27.00
BJ WATLING
Northern Knights; wicketkeeper, right-hand bat. Able to bat anywhere in the order and a reborn keeper after initially playing first-class as a specialist batsman. Born Durban, 9 July 1985 BLACKCAPS debut: v Pakistan at Dubai, 2009/10 Tests: 16 matches, 830 runs @34.58, 2 x 100, 5 x 50; 36 catches ODIs: 22 matches, 528 runs @29.33, 5 x 50; 16 catches T20Is: 3 matches, 37 runs @12.33; 2 catches
HAMISH RUTHERFORD
Otago Volts, left-hand bat. Opening batsman who forced his way into international cricket last season to score 171 on Test debut. Born Dunedin, 27 April 1989 BLACKCAPS debut: v England at Auckland, 2012/13 Tests: 7 matches, 407 runs @33.91, 1 x 100; 6 catches ODIs: 4 matches, 15 runs @3.75; 2 catches T20Is: 7 matches, 151 runs @25.16, 1 x 50; 1 catch
KANE WILLIAMSON
Northern Knights; right-hand bat, right-arm off-spin. Classic number three with ability to punch off the back foot. Has the knack of picking up stubborn wickets. Born Tauranga, 8 August 1990 BLACKCAPS debut: v India at Dambulla, 2010 Tests: 27 matches, 1635 runs @34.78, 4 x 100, 10 x 50; 23 catches; 22 wickets @38.18, SR 69.3 ODIs: 46 matches, 1267 runs @36.20, 3 x 100, 6 x 50; 13 catches; 17 wickets @34.11, SR 37.7 T20Is: 13 matches, 206 runs @22.88; 5 catches; 2 wickets @35, SR 20
ISH SODHI
Northern Knights; leg-spinner, right-hand bat. Dedicated fledgling leggie with entertaining late order batting capability, an investment for the future. Born Ludhiana, 31 October 1992 BLACKCAPS debut: v Bangladesh at Chittagong, 2013/14 Tests: 2 matches, 81 runs @40.5, 1 x 50; 6 wickets @44.16, SR 72
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CRICKET GEAR UP FOR GRABS IN ANZ GRANT SCHEME
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Schoolyard cricket was fighting extinction in the North Auckland town of Wellsford, until a visit to a local primary school from local district coach Michael Parlane sparked a revival.
he visit meant Wellsford School’s deputy principal and resident cricket fan, Paul Moore, finally found enough keen students to make a team. The team practised with a jumbled collection of second-hand and borrowed gear but with none of the other five local schools having a cricket team, didn’t have any opponents. Moore finally found action at a competition in Ruakaka late in the season. “We played four games. The first one we lost miserably but enjoyed the experience. The second game we lost by only 25 runs. The third one we lost by 10. In the fourth and final one, we got them all out in 16 overs and won by 80-odd runs. That was our first win – absolutely brilliant,” he says. It was this spirit and persistence throughout the season, despite only playing a few games, which saw the school receive an ANZ Cricket Grant of $1,500 worth of new gear.
“The ANZ Cricket Grant Scheme was set up to assist cricket players at all levels, whether they’re playing competitively or in the backyard with their families. “We hear of players and teams who can’t practise or compete on the pitch due to worn out gear or a complete lack of equipment and we want to help change that. If you’re in that situation, or even if you’re fan who wants to learn the game, get to a computer and apply.”
This year, ANZ is again giving away $100,000 to schools, clubs, fans and individual players in the form of gear, uniforms, ANZ International Series tickets, backyard cricket sets and bespoke grants.
Ms McGregor says young fans will also have an opportunity to stand side-by-side with the team captains for the coin toss during the ANZ International Series. ANZ customers can nominate seven- to 13-year-olds, with lucky winners receiving two match tickets, a gift pack and framed photo of themselves and the team captain on the pitch.
ANZ Head of Sponsorship Sue McGregor says the bank is passionate about helping the country’s summer game grow.
Check out anzcricketworld.co.nz to apply for a grant and enter the ANZ Coin Toss competition. Terms and conditions apply.
anzcricketworld.co.nz
Going to an ANZ International Series Match?
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or fans attending an ANZ International Series match, test your skills at the ANZ Cricket Zone or use your family pass to sit in the ANZ Family Area, a great place to soak in the action with the family and get a complimentary ANZ gift for all. ANZ, with the Cancer Society of New Zealand, will also be providing sun screen to protect your skin at the cricket this summer.
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ULTRA RIVALRY ASHES DOWNUNDER
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“At the end of the day it’s results that are the most important thing,” England captain Alistair Cook said recently. “That’s how you are judged, pretty much, as captain”
n which case, the tall opening blade and skipper must surely be feeling reasonably comfortable as 2013 draws to an end. The potency of England’s current Test line-up needs no introduction to New Zealand cricket fans after last summer’s ANZ International Series. Ranked in the world’s top two Test nations (only South Africa is ahead on Test Championship points), Alastair Cook’s men methodically crushed Australia in the Ashes of mid-2013. In the process, they drew ever so close to their first 4-0 Ashes Series scoreline – the fifth and final Test ending in a draw after it was controversially called on the last day for light under new ICC regulations. Now it’s time for the return bout and the acid is on the Australians to stand up to the exacting opposition on their own familiar turf, in front of the passion of their own crowds.
England’s star batsman Kevin Pietersen had an early Ashes tour scare – needing cortisone injections to a flare-up of the knee injury he suffered in New Zealand last season; then a calf strain threw Matt Prior into Kevin Pietersen
doubt for selection – all this just 11 days out from the tone-setting first Test. Australia has had an unsettled build-up of its own, with media continuing to pick over new revelations in the historical Shane Warne/Ricky Ponting/Michael Clarke rift and Clarke determined to prove his goods as Australia’s leader. Despite England’s emphatic victory in the home Ashes series earlier this year, interest in the traditional rivalry is at an all-time high in Australia, with the first day of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne not only sold out, but on course to set a new world record for attendance at a single day of Test cricket. Cricket Australia says the crowd on Boxing Day is likely to eclipse the previous attendance record of 90,800 set at the MCG when Australia played the West Indies way back in 1961. Bring it on.
Australia versus England in Australia 2013/14 21-25 November 5-9 December 13-17 December 26-30 December 3-7 January 12 January 17 January 19 January 24 January 26 January 29 January 31 January 2 February
Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Test 4 Test 5 ODI 1 ODI 2 ODI 3 ODI 4 ODI 5 T20I 1 T20I 2 T20I 3
Brisbane Cricket Ground (“The ‘Gabba”) Adelaide Oval WACA, Perth Boxing Day Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground Sydney Cricket Ground Melbourne Cricket Ground Brisbane Cricket Ground (“The ‘Gabba”) Sydney Cricket Ground WACA, Perth Adelaide Oval Bellrive Oval. Hobart Melbourne Cricket Ground Stadium Australia, Sydney
1.00 pm NZT 1.00 pm NZT 3.30 pm NZT 12.30 pm NZT 12.30 pm NZT 4.20 pm NZT 4.20 pm NZT 4.20 pm NZT 4.20 pm NZT 4.20 pm NZT 9.35 pm NZT 9.35 pm NZT 9.35 pm NZT
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ASHES VISIT cricket.com.au
Let the love of Cricket take you places. Cape Town 16th Golden Oldies World Cricket Festival - March 2015 The World’s Largest Cricket Festival India Fully Escorted Tour - April 2014 Nearly Sold Out - Enquire now to secure your place! Devonport, Auckland NZ Over 60s Cricket Carnival - March/April 2014 Includes teams from Australia USA and Canada Fully Escorted Tour - May 2015
email cricket@vslevents.com or visit www.vslcricket.com 09 486 1644 • 8a Anzac Street • PO Box 331 469 • Takapuna 0740 • NZ
STAT ATTACK India & West Indies v Blackcaps ODI RECORDS
SHANE BOND
SIR RICHARD HADLEE
Overall Record New Zealand v India Matches (1975-2013) 88
Won Lost Tied No Result 37 46 0 5
New Zealand v West Indies Matches (1975-2013) 56
Won Lost Tied No Result 21 28 0 7
Highest Team Total For NZ v India 349/9 342/6 For NZ v WI For WI v NZ 315/5 For India v NZ 392/4
Rajkot Napier Kingston Christchurch
1999/00 2005/06 2012 2008/09
New Zealand v West Indies Matches (1952-2013) Won Lost Tied Drawn 39 9 12 0 18
Lowest Team Total For NZ v India 103 116 For NZ v WI For WI v NZ 123 For India v NZ 88
Chennai Port of Spain Margao Dambulla
2010/11 1984/85 1994/95 2010
Highest Team Total 630/6 declared For NZ v India For NZ v WI 543/3 declared For WI v NZ 660/5 declared For India v NZ 583/7 declared
Dambulla Lord’s Delhi Guwahati
2010 2004 1994/95 1994/95
TEST RECORDS Overall Record New Zealand v India Matches (1930-2013) Won Lost Tied Drawn 52 9 18 0 25
Mohali Georgetown Wellington Ahmedabad
2003/04 1972/73 1994/95 1999/00
Highest Winning Run Margin For NZ v India 200 107 For NZ v WI For India v NZ 107 For WI v NZ 135
Hamilton Dunedin Wellington Auckland
2002/03 1955/56 1975/76 1955/56
Highest Individual Score For NZ v India 120 Nathan Astle Rajkot 122* Martin Guptill Auckland For NZ v WI For India v NZ 186 Sachin Tendulkar Hyderabad For WI v NZ 146 Brian Lara Port of Spain
1999/00 2008/09 1999/00 1995/96
Nagpur Bridgetown Auckland Wellington
1969/70 2002 1968 1994/95
Best Individual Bowling For NZ v India 6/19 Shane Bond Bulawayo For NZ v WI 6/25 Scott Styris Port of Spain For India v NZ 5/27 Kris Srikkanth Visakhapatnam For WI v NZ 5/27 Sunil Narine Basseterre
2005/06 2002 1988/89 2012
Highest Individual Score NZ v India 239 Graham Dowling Christchurch 259 Glenn Turner Georgetown NZ v WI India v NZ 231 Vinoo Mankad Madras WI v NZ 258 Seymour Nurse Christchurch
1967/68 1971/72 1955/56 1968/69
Best Individual Bowling In An Innings NZ v India 7/23 Richard Hadlee Wellington NZ v WI 7/27 Chris Cairns Hamilton India v NZ 8/72 Srinivas Venkataraghavan Delhi WI v NZ 7/37 Courtney Walsh Wellington
1975/76 1999/00 1964/65 1994/95
Lowest Team Total For NZ v India For NZ v WI For India v NZ For WI v NZ
94 74 81 77
Highest Winning Margin (By Runs) For NZ v India 167 For NZ v WI 204 For India v NZ 272 For WI v NZ 332
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T20I RECORDS Overall Record New Zealand v India Matches (2007-2013) 4
Won Lost Tied No Result 4 0 0 0
New Zealand v West Indies Matches (2006-2013) 6
Won Lost Tied No Result 1 2 3 0
anzcricketworld.co.nz
GAME ON!
BLACKCAPS BRACED FOR INDIAN SUMMER
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Who could forget those lovely late summer afternoons at Eden Park last season when New Zealand’s BLACKCAPS came desperately close to upsetting one of the most successful units in Test cricket?
he fairytale story of last season was Peter Fulton’s comeback after three years away from Test cricket: twin centuries in the same ANZ Test, including his maiden, writing himself into the history books as the first New Zealander in 22 years to back up. Then Trent Boult – a career-best 6/88 in the first innings, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner breathing fire out their nose as they, in turn, did their bit with the swinging, seaming ball to manoeuvre England to the brink of defeat. And all this not without considerable resistance from their quarry. In that last hour, every punter in the stadium was gripped. Surely England couldn’t hold on here, nine down against a ring field and the umpires being asked the question? Surely? Surely...?
India’s rankings? Number one ODI side on the planet. Top three in Tests and Twenty20s. A side with oceans of pride in its performance history: justifiably so. Its fans and players alike share a world-renowned passion for every intricacy of the game. Indian cricket marries fearless hitting with cerebral intent, delicate wristy stroke-work with a ‘spinners are winners’ attitude. With a wealth of domestic talent, just holding down a place in the Indian national team is a feat in itself: dealing with pressure is second nature to their players, making them a fearsome unit in international combat. The BLACKCAPS have had an opportunity to get an early look at the form of both their big challengers this summer. West Indies and India are fresh from playing each other in India in
November. India dominated, winning both Tests inside three days, and was due to set off to South Africa imminently for a full December–January series before arriving in New Zealand. The West Indians, meanwhile, head straight to New Zealand, no doubt with a resolve to claw back some pride.
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hen India last toured New Zealand in 2009, they took the Test rubber 1-0 and ODIs 3-1, while the BLACKCAPS defeated them in both Twenty20 Internationals. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was instrumental – their only poor performance was the second Test, from which Dhoni was notably absent, injured. He remains at the helm, but familiar faces Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid have now hung up their bats, while Virender Sehwag and Harbajhan
That stubborn wicket was all that stood between the BLACKCAPS and a hungered-for Series victory after an exacting, month-long tussle. Earlier, they had shared the ANZ Twenty Internationals one apiece, and been edged 2-1 in the ANZ ODIs. Were we to look solely at world rankings, you’d say that was quite the turn-up.
Singh have lately faded out of favour with Indian selectors, which just goes to show how many riches fall at those selectors’ feet. Dhoni is India’s most successful Test captain, having eclipsed Sourav Ganguly’s old record of 21 victories earlier this year, and on cue a new generation of stars has emerged as he shapes the postTendulkar era. Mohammad Shami, Rohit Sharma and Ravidchandran Ashwin stood out in India, with Ashwin, Shami and talented One-Day player Virat Kholi among those set to be seen in New Zealand for the first time. Promising?
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n October Kholi racked up the fastest-ever ODI century in history, against some very good and very bruised Australians in Jaipur: India’s mammoth 362/1 in that game was also the secondhighest run chase by any team in history. As for Shami, he produced the best Test figures by any Indian pace bowler on debut – a welcome titbit for Indian supporters given our seaming conditions. So, we have been warned – perhaps even the crowd will need helmets this summer, when the sixes start raining down. The ANZ International Series deliver 37 days of international cricket to New Zealanders this season and while West Indies deliver an exciting entrée, there’s no doubt that India’s status makes it the main course. The BLACKCAPS will be drawing on every ounce of confidence taken from their performance against England last summer to take them on in one of the most exciting ANZ Internationals Series yet.
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he BLACKCAPS are eighth on the ICC Test Championship table and ODI charts, and seventh in the world of Twenty20 Internationals, to England’s second, third and sixth, respectively. But skipper Brendon McCullum and his team know the value of home advantage and expect to punch above when the best overseas sides come to New Zealand. It’s exactly what they will need to do when India touches down in mid-January. bcci.tv.in
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PLAYER PREVIEW INDIA IN NEW ZEALAND The men who play for one of the world’s great cricket nations invariably offer something special
MS Dhoni One of the most fascinating matchups of the ANZ International Series with India will be between India’s captain and wicketkeeper and his B L A C K C A P S MS Dhoni counterpart, Brendon McCullum. The two 32-year-olds have a certain similarity in their approach to batting and leadership that might be summed up in one word: attacking. Dhoni led India on its last visit to our shores and has chalked up major career highlights in leading his men to an ICC World Cup title (2011), World Twenty20 championship title (2007) and a number one ranking in the World Test Championship (2009-2011). He has six Test hundreds at an average just under 40 and has played a powerhouse of 232 One-Day Internationals, for nine centuries and 49 half-centuries at an average over 50.
Virat Kholi
A young middle order (and sometimes opening) batsman with a thirst for scoring runs quickly, once you’ve seen Kholi play it comes as no surprise that he Virat Kholi holds the record for the fastest ODI century scored by any Indian player. The 25-year-old from Delhi burst onto the international scene in 2008, but battled for three years to make the Test team. In 2011 his wish was granted and in Australia at the end of that year he raised the bat to his maiden Test ton, on a tour in which his senior comrades had struggled. Still, he remains best appreciated for his white-ball daring and is currently the world’s number one-ranked ODI batsman in the ICC’s official ratings. He has 17 ODI centuries at a high conversion rate, an average over 50 and a deserved reputation as one of India’s most entertaining performers.
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Mohammed Shami This seaming rising star had played very little domestic cricket when first drafted into the Indian ODI attack at the beginning of this year. Now, after taking a match-winning haul of 5/47 in match figures of 9/118 on Test debut, the 23-year-old is a household name. His startling performance last month against West Indies at Kolkata’s Eden GarMohammed dens delivered Shami India’s fifth Test victory on the trot. He can reverse the ball, but his debut blinder was built not so much on swing but consistently hitting the right length – an even more dangerous attribute in one so young. One to watch.
Rohit Sharma From hit-and-miss One-Day player to scoring a sensational man-of-the-match Rohit Sharm 177 on Test debut, it’s a been a mighty Indian comeback for Rohit Sharma this year. Alongside fellow rearguard batting partner and century-maker Ravichandran Ashwin, he patiently wore out the West Indies’ attack in the first innings of the November home rubber to put India firmly in control of both the match and the series – setting a record Test seventhwicket partnership mark in the process. Originally drafted into the One-Day team in 2007 as a right-hander in the middle order, he slipped by the wayside in 2011, but has stormed back to form as an attacking top order blade this year – becoming only the third player in history to score an ODI double century (against Australia) and breaking the world record for most sixes in an ODI innings.
bcci.tv.in
Ravichandran Ashwin A tall tweaker, 27-year-old Ravichandran Ashwin zoomed to the top of the ICC’s official list of best Test all-rounders after he scored a century and grabbed five wickets in the same match against the West Indies in November. His 124 at Kolkata Ravichandran was a careerAshwin best effort since his 2011 debut, and continued a strong run of Test form in the calendar year, having been India’s top wickettaker against Australia in its previous series with 29 wickets at a lean average of 20.10. The offspinner already has his 100th Test wicket, one of the fastest bowlers in history to reach the milestone – metaphorically speaking of course. His control and ability to flatten the ball also sees him highly rated as an ODI and T20I slow bowler.
India’s touring squad is yet to be announced Frontline contenders include: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain, wicketkeeper), Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Chetsehwar Pujara, Pragyan Ojha, Ajinkya Rahane, Umesh Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Amit Mishra, Ambati Rayudu, Mohammed Shami, Jaydev Unadkat, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohit Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni. Dropped during last year’s tour of England, reforged pace bowler Zaheer Khan has been tipped to make his international return this summer. Official India squad updates: bcci.tv.in
SEE THE WORLD FOR FREE THIS januaRy. This summer offers a rare opportunity to watch international cricket for free, as ten teams from around the world arrive in New Zealand to fight for the right to contest international cricket’s most sought-after prize. Hosted by New Zealand Cricket, the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2014 will be played at six venues around the country from 13 January to 1 February. Up for grabs are the final two berths in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, which will be held in New Zealand and Australia from 14 February to 29 March. Over three weeks, nearly 150 players from some of ICC’s Associate and Affiliate Member countries will take part in 34 matches - all with free admission for fans and families. Seeking to join Ireland and Afghanistan, who have already secured two of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015’s four qualifying places, are Canada, Hong Kong, Kenya, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, United Arab Emirates and Uganda. Their battle for ICC Cricket World Cup qualification will be fought out at some of New Zealand’s most beautiful cricket grounds – many of them close to some of our favourite holiday destinations. In the North Island matches will be played at Mt Maunganui’s Bay Oval and the iconic terraced Pukekura Park in New Plymouth. In the South Island Christchurch’s Hagley Park will debut as an international cricket venue. Matches will also be played in Lincoln, Rangiora and Queenstown. The winner of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2014 will join Pool A alongside Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka while the runner up be will pooled with India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, Zimbabwe and West Indies. Tickets for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 start at just $5 for children and $20 for adults. Public ticket sales will commence on 14 February 2014 – exactly one year before the opening game at Hagley Oval – but fans can secure their place in the special pre-sale offer by registering at www.cricketworldcup/register.
For more information about the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2014, including match dates, pools and venues, visit www.cricketworldcup/qualification. Commercial Partners
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WHAT’S ON AROUND NEW ZEALAND Stay ahead of the game this summer by checking out who’s pulling their weight in the Plunket Shield
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he country’s national first-class competition is the training ground for future Test cricketers and, with free entry and livescoring of all games on blackcaps.co.nz it’s never been easier to get the skinny on the next generation of candidates for life at ANZ International Series level.
The national one-day Ford Trophy competition then finishes the New Zealand season in style – and with the 2015 Cricket World Cup coming our way next season, players are keenly aware of its importance this summer as they push for BLACKCAPS selection.
Wizards and Otago Volts – will be in action at the same time in the final round that could well
The eight Ford Trophy rounds run from the start of March to early April, with a televised final on 5 April. Full schedule details available at blackcaps.co.nz
Silhouette International Schmied AG, adidas Global Licensee, adidas, the 3-Bars logo, and the 3-Stripes mark are registered trademarks of the adidas Group Silhouette International Schmied AG, adidas Global Licensee. Le nom adidas, le logo 3-Barres et la marque aux 3 Bandes sont des marques deposées par le Groupe adidas.
The Plunket Shield runs through until 26 February when all six teams – the Auckland Aces, SKYCITY Northern Knights, defending champions the Devon Hotel Central Stags, Wellington Firebirds, Canterbury
determine this season’s trophy-holder in a traditionally tight race.
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SUMMER FUN
HIGH STAKES HRV TWENTY20
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Show your true colours and get behind your local team in their quest to represent New Zealand at the international Champions League – the big-league overseas showdown between the world’s top T20 sides, in which the Otago Volts turned heads this year
he HRV Twenty20 action builds up over late December and January towards a finals “weekend” in Hamilton, where the second and third teams on the points table will slug it out on a Friday night under lights for the right to decide the 2014 title with the topplaced team the following night. And if you can’t make it to Seddon Park, never fear – SKY TV will be there to cover you. Make
sure you follow your team’s mascot on Twitter and Facebook too for some good banter. A cool new feature is the “Zing” stumps: bails and stumps that electronically light up and flash whenever the bails are dislodged, so that your attention is instantly drawn to the possibility of a wicket. And with big-hitting Jesse Ryder switching from the Firebirds to the champion Volts, can they overtake early leaders the Knights?
HRV Twenty20 Finals 17 January
HRV Twenty20 Preliminary Final (2 v 3)
Hamilton
7.10 pm TV
18 January
HRV Twenty20 Final (1 v winner of 2 v 3)
Hamilton
7.10 pm TV
Hamilton
7.10 pm TV
19 January Reserve Day, if required
For all domestic livescoring, news, points tables and match reports visit blackcaps.co.nz
STRONG ENOUGH TO BE CLEAN Andrew Ellis supporting
Drug Free Sport NZ "THERE IS NO QUESTION WHEN IT COMES TO COMPETING CLEAN AND BEING DRUG-FREE. WHEN I FINISH PLAYING AND LOOK BACK ON MY WORK, I DON'T WANT TO THINK I HAVE TAKEN ANY SHORTCUTS AT ALL."
To find out more about Drug Free Sport NZ
0800 DRUGFREE (378437) and our sporting community, visit our www.drugfreesport.org.nz website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Now he’s a Volt: Jesse Ryder
AvAilAble FRee ONliNe oliverlee.co.nz
HAVE A GO WITH ACTIVEPOST CRICKET
Cricket is the classic Kiwi summer pastime. Like barbecues, the beach and tomato sauce – it’s the summer thing to swing bat on ball in the backyard.
ActivePost is passionate about cricket. We’re also passionate about grassroots participation in sport and getting as many Kiwis as possible to have a go. That’s why we’ve teamed up with New Zealand Cricket to teach Kiwi kids the skills to play cricket through ActivePost Kiwi Cricket and ActivePost Have-A-Go Cricket.
This summer, more than 100,000 Kiwi kids (aged 5-10) will take part in both ActivePost Kiwi Cricket and ActivePost Have-A-Go Cricket in clubs and schools throughout New Zealand. They’re specially designed to teach kids the basic skills of batting, catching, throwing, and fielding through handson skills coaching or playing modified games of cricket.
The emphasis is on fun and participation as well as taking positive steps in a child’s long-term participation and involvement in cricket. At One-Day Internationals this summer there will be special ActivePost Have-A-Go Cricket events where kids will demonstrate their skills in games on the field and maybe one day go on to become like their BLACKCAPS and White Ferns heroes.
Junior cricket joins the family of ActivePost partners, which includes junior hockey (Small Sticks Hockey), Water Safety NZ, Waka Ama and Athletics New Zealand. For more information on ActivePost Cricket contact your local Cricket Association or visit www.blackcaps.co.nz/activepostcricket
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blackcaps.co.nz/activepostcricket