I've been admiring the way New Zealand have played for quite a while now, going back 2 years when England last toured there. Having watched them closely in the past couple of months, I think they have a real chance at mixing it with SA and Australia over the next 24 months. Perhaps even beating them.
McCullum is obviously an inspirational captain who has decided that the team needs to play with this fearless approach. He himself has been sublime this year, and he can win test matches almost by himself. You add in world class batsman like Williamson and Taylor, and up and coming talents like Latham and Neesham, and you've got a very good batting lineup. Think Watling is half decent also from what I've seen. If only the could get Ryder mentally right and replace Rutherford with him, they'd be very strong.
Their weakest point is their spin bowling, although Craig may improve in the same way that Lyon and Ali have done whilst playing international cricket. But if you look at the seamers, there's 20 wickets there for sure. Boult and Southee are very consistent, and Wagner bowls his heart out. Wagner may not be in the side for too much longer though, as Matt Henry looks outstanding. He could be the icing on an already pretty decent cake.
If England aren't going to dominate test cricket in the next 5 years, then I hope NZ take the crown. If only to stop Australia from doing so.
McCullum is obviously an inspirational captain who has decided that the team needs to play with this fearless approach. He himself has been sublime this year, and he can win test matches almost by himself. You add in world class batsman like Williamson and Taylor, and up and coming talents like Latham and Neesham, and you've got a very good batting lineup. Think Watling is half decent also from what I've seen. If only the could get Ryder mentally right and replace Rutherford with him, they'd be very strong.
Their weakest point is their spin bowling, although Craig may improve in the same way that Lyon and Ali have done whilst playing international cricket. But if you look at the seamers, there's 20 wickets there for sure. Boult and Southee are very consistent, and Wagner bowls his heart out. Wagner may not be in the side for too much longer though, as Matt Henry looks outstanding. He could be the icing on an already pretty decent cake.
If England aren't going to dominate test cricket in the next 5 years, then I hope NZ take the crown. If only to stop Australia from doing so.