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Adam Milne - Source: Photosport -
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It would be nice to think the Black Caps' selectors aren't picking players on the basis of media hysteria, but that's what the shock selection of Adam Milne in the Twenty20 squad feels like.
On one hand, his elevation shouldn't be that much of a surprise. Our national obsession with unearthing the next Sir Richard Hadlee often persuades us to give optimistic call-ups to youngsters on the basis of promise rather than performance.
The media laps up fairytales like Milne's, but ultimately they don't pick the squads and nor should they. It's the selectors who need to weigh the benefits of international exposure against the importance of honing skills amongst the rank and file.
Yes, Milne comes recommended by men in high places - they don't come much more eminent than Shane Bond when it comes to really fast bowling - but so did Tim Southee. And while the latter may yet develop into a world class fast bowler, his first three years in international cricket have hardly been smooth sailing.
Yes, he's quick and by all accounts has a mature head on young shoulders, but he's played three first class games and is essentially being picked on the basis of a couple of good four-over spells in a meaningless hit-and-giggle competition.
The selectors will argue that a low-key home series against Pakistan is the perfect opportunity to give the likes of Milne, Luke Woodcock and Dean Brownlie a taste of international cricket, but is it really?
The pressure on the Black Caps to turn around their woeful form is immense, and nothing short of a resounding series win over Pakistan will be accepted by an increasingly impatient public. Milne has to play now; to pick an unproven youngster and then balk at throwing him straight into the mix would make a mockery of the decision to select him in the first place.
And even if the Black Caps do win well and Milne distinguishes himself, what will it really mean against the wheeling and dealing Pakistanis who, as any cricket fan with a shred of cynicism would acknowledge, are as guilty as a puppy next to a pile of the proverbial?
And what does his selection say to the likes of Auckland left-armer Michael Bates and Northern's Graeme Aldridge, who are in the midst of yet another prolific domestic campaign?
New Zealand's biggest problem area - death bowling - certainly won't be addressed by the selection of Milne. Bates's remarkable control at the death has directly won Auckland two games and been one of the few highlights of this year's HRV Cup, yet he's apparently not even good enough to make the 30-man World Cup squad. Milne may have pace but that's not among the key attibutes of death bowling - accuracy and calmness certainly are, and Bates has them in spades.
The biggest casualty of yesterday's three squad namings, though, is Gareth Hopkins. From clear understudy to Brendon McCullum for half a decade, Hopkins' international career appears over.
It's hard to fathom where it's gone wrong for Hopkins. A free and prolific scorer at domestic level, he's batted like a cardboard cutout in Tests; his pedestrian strike rate betraying an apparent lack of confidence in his own game at international level.
Peter McGlashan and Reece Young are no spring chickens behind the stumps either but deserve their international call-ups on the back of many seasons of heavy scoring at domestic level.
The absence of some other senior figures from the 30-man World Cup squad is a little more perplexing, however. Even if the likes of Mathew Sinclair and Michael Mason were never going to make the tour party, why not throw them into the mix and give the younger players the opportunity to learn the ropes alongside them?
And surely Lou Vincent is among the top 30 cricketers in the country. He may not be in the same attack-shredding form of a few years ago, but ask yourself this: if you were an opposition fast bowler, who would you rather bowl to: Lou Vincent or Shanan Stewart?
There were always going to be new faces in the squads, given the recent debacles in India and Bangladesh. Best of luck to the triumvirate of Milne, Brownlie and Woodcock - the latter might argue he should be in the squad already - but in a climate of intense public expectation, they have precious little time to effect a turnaround in the team's flagging fortunes.
What do you make of the Black Caps' squads? Have your say on the messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentNathanhill said on 2010-12-23 @ 15:32 NZDT: Report abusive post
They should have picked michael bates for the twenty20's and kearen neamia barnett
harley08 said on 2010-12-23 @ 10:32 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree Sharky. Graeme has the best form over the last few years. Also why pick Jacob Oram? I can't remember the last time he did anything of worth. He'll bowl 3 balls and break down............
mistarex said on 2010-12-22 @ 23:44 NZDT: Report abusive post
When are they going to persevere with the likes of Trent Boult, Micheal Paps etc ?? Same old , same old picked on rep rather than performance. downhill further we go eh?
sharky said on 2010-12-22 @ 21:56 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why does Graeme Aldridge continue to miss out when he tops the wicket takers season after season? They can't say he had a chance and failed.
Wolfman said on 2010-12-22 @ 18:19 NZDT: Report abusive post
They had a golden opportunity to get rid of some old age deadwood but as expected select the same crocks. If Oram makes the final 15 for the World Cup they will effectively only be taking 14 as he will break down after one game again. McCullam will also break down as he won't want to affect his IPL Contract. Good to see some youngsters given the chance, but how long will they be given. Also good to see some Cantabs back in the team, NZC has been crap since none have been in the team.