World cup 2007: Review of Cricket Teams - New Zealand

About New Zealand Cricket

The New Zealand Cricket Team, popularly referred to as the Black Caps, is one of the teams which plays with a Never Say Die Attitude in the world today. One of the oldest cricket playing nations, New Zealand appeared in its first Test way back in 1930 against England in Christchurch, and won their first test in 1956 against West Indies at Eden Park, Auckland. New Zealand played its first One-day International against Pakistan on February 11, 1973 at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. The New Zealand Cricket Team has produced several legendary cricketers, including John R. Reid, Geoff Howarth, Ian Smith, Sir Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe, Danny Morrison and Chris Cairns. Stephen Fleming, the current captain of the New Zealand cricket team, is the most successful cricket captain of New Zealand. John Bracewell is the coach of the New Zealand ICC World Cup 2007 squad.

Tournament History

World Cup

1975: Semi Finals
1979: Semi Finals
1983: First round
1987: First round
1992: Semi Finals
1996: Quarter Finals
1999: Semi Finals
2003: 5th Place

Probables

Stephen Fleming (Captain)
Craig McMillan
Chris Harris
Brendon McCullum
Jacob Oram
HJH Marshall
Shane Bond
James Franklin
KD Mills
Scott Styris
Daryl Tuffey
Daniel Vettori
Lou Vincent
JS Patel
MJ Mason
JM How

SWOT

The Recent form of the Black Caps has not been very good. In their last 22 matches played in the years 2006 and 2007, they have managed to win only 11, that's a win percentage on 50%. Having not reached the finals of any World Cup till now, they should be completely charged up to go for a Win this time. The Black Caps have a very bad win record in the grounds of Windies, Out of the 15 matches they have played they have managed to win only 3 games, out of which 2 are in port of Spain. Being rated as one of the strongest and most challenging teams in the world, and it has the potential to upset any team in the world. They need to use their strengths in experience and bowling to their advantage and create their winning ways. The games against England before the World Cup, might help them in learning how to go about the English team, which is more or less of the same potential.

Stars to watch

Their Captain and Opener Stephen Fleming, is expected to lead the challenge from the front. A prolific run scorer he is had a quiet 2006 and is expected to be their leading run scorer in World Cup. With Astle announcing his retirement the onus is on Fleming. Scott Styris, Brendon McCullum are the people who will have to play a perfect support role to their skipper. Shane Bond would be leading them in their Bowling department. He holds the best strike rate in the history of One Day International cricket of 26.5 (one player out for every 26.5 balls bowled). James Frankling and the spin king Daniel Vettori are their other spearheads.

World Cup Prediction

New Zealand is placed in Group C in the ICC World Cup 2007 groupings, along with England, Kenya and Canada. They are starting their Campaign against England, which would be a close match. Black Caps should have it easy against Kenya and Canada and proceed to the round 2 easily.

Other teams
Test playing Nations : India | Pakistan | West Indies | Sri Lanka | New Zealand | South Africa | England | Australia
Non test playing Nations : Canada | Bermuda | Scotland | Zimbabwe | Kenya | The Netherlands | Ireland | Bangladesh
Who will win Cricket world cup 2007?