We weren't able to cope under pressure
Notably, Hesson's reason for his team's underperformance was more deflecting than it was explanatory. He heaped praise on a strong South African XI who applied wave after wave of pressure on the vulnerable New Zealand lineup, so much so that they simply could not withstand.
"We spent five and a half sessions out there, so we knew what to expect from the conditions. The pressure is sustained. Guys are under pressure in terms of pace and bounce and their techniques are getting exposed. I know the guys are working extremely hard and that why it's disappointing.
New Zealand held practice sessions every day after their first Test clearance north face jackets defeat and Hesson confirmed that the standards of practices remain high and the commitment from the players is unmatched. "The players are working extremely hard to get better. After the last Test, we could have put our feet up and gone oh well, tomorrow is another day," he said. "The guys know that we are nowhere near where we need to be and we are putting the work in. The players are trying their very best but we are being outclassed."
As for the Taylorshaped elephant in the room, Hesson addressed it candidly while being careful not to create the impression that the former captain alone would have North Face Cheap been the difference. "I've said all along we'd be a far better side if Ross Taylor was here," he said. "But we've also got some other fine batsmen, who haven't quite been able to show it in those first three innings and they've got one more innings in this Test match. I'm sure they will be very determined to make a difference." If sentiment in New Zealand is to be believed, Hesson's job may hinge on that.
I personally think the idea of shared domestic competitions potentially have a lot to offer, whether it be in Europe, North America, Africa or wherever. However, I doubt that CA would make such a suggestion to NZC and I likewise doubt that NZC would ask CA unless there was significant public pressure brought to bear. Now, if NZ continue batting like a rabble for much longer, maybe it's possible that public pressure will mount. However, it is equally likely that Kiwis will just shift even more of their interest onto other sports that already have such ties and cricket under the long, white cloud will miss out again. And miss out it will because one thing that other sports have shown is that an Australasian competition can work for both parties.
Sorry to say but I think McCullum might be part of the problem! He is a more than competent keeper but NOT an opener. The Kiwi's have class players but cannot utilise them. Am I the only one that finds it strange the Dettori "resigns" the captaincy and hardly plays for the Blackcaps again? Ross Taylor more than like wise and don't start me on Chris Cairns. My feeling is that we could see the Test Lowest score record being broken successively in SA when Pak tour. Steyn, Morkel and Philander might even limit them to a single digit score Pak's batting is that poor. Neither is Pak's bowling all that great, they got some good sharp bowlers but do Junaid and Irfan have the class? That is to be seen.
We overperform in rugby because no other country has a rugbyfollowing population any bigger than NZ (4 million whites in SA, 4 million privately educated people in England, around 1 million privatelyeducated people in Queensland and NSW as well as around 200,000 in Argentina).
But at any given time we only have 34 international class players, and our coach's primary task has to be to get as many of them onto the paddock on any given day.
But Southee is the only unavailable one of our 4 currently. Vettori is avoiding the team because he feels mistreated the general consensus is that he is "recovering" as slowly as possible and Taylor and Ryder have been purged.
Also, there has been an undue emphasis on ODIs and T20 for far too long. But we need oldfashioned cricketers. The likes of Lillee, Chappell and Marsh would all be purged by this absurd management group, whereas as I've said before, if Jesse Ryder's not in jail, play him.
So, to those who agree that NZ should field team/s in Sheffield Shield, how would this come about? I'm guessing the decision makers at CA and NZC don't scan these posts.
I reckon NZ would qualify for some ICC development money for travel costs. Oz players could benefit from playing in "English" conditions like Dunedin and Chch once a summer, and NZ players would certainly benefit from an extended season on larger grounds and in better westher.
And let's face it, who doesn't enjoy a good transTasman rivalry.
From township to centre stage
Firdose Moonda: For two decades Mamelodi Cricket Club has worked hard to bring sport and opportunities to its neighbourhood. Now it's getting to bask in the spotlight