Cricket Cult Explosion by Jim Ellingham

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Scorecard:

New Zealand v Australia

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DateLine: 28th February 2005

 

It was a case of back to the future as Australia’s much awaited tour of New Zealand kicked off in front of twenty nine thousand spectators at Eden Park, with both the atmosphere and player’s attire evoking memories of the heady days of New Zealand cricket when New Zealand’s most famous cricket ground would regularly be full to capacity as the masses scrambled to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes.

 

In the weeks leading to this match there has been much speculation over whether the twenty 20 format, so popular in Australia and South Africa will become a hit on the already overcrowded international calendar. The success of this event will ensure that this example of third generation cricket will continue to grow on the international circuit.

 

While the match lacked the intensity of a test or one day international match, as far as a festival type tour opener, twenty 20 cricket must get a big thumbs up. New Zealand cricket pulled the marketing move of the season by dressing the Black Caps in the 1980’s beige regalia. In response to this, the Black Caps themselves got very much into the spirit on the occasion by sporting all sorts of 1980’s facial hair. Cairns, Sinclair and McMillan in particular adopting facial hair more associated with the Chatfield and the young John Wright.

 

As far as fashion stakes are concerned however (or lack of fashion, depending on one’s point of view), Hamish Marshall’s frizzy “afro” with 1980’s headband must lead the way. The only pity of the match is that none of the Australian’s, bar Michael Kasprowicz who adopted a Denis Lillee alter ego, got into the spirit of the event.

 

It is a tad harsh though to criticize the Australian’s as their batting mastery ensured that on a serious level, international twenty 20 cricket will last more than just one match. After losing openers Clark and Gilchrist early, Symonds thrashed his way to an entertaining 32. After he and Martyn were dismissed Ponting played what could be the innings of the summer. While some see 20 overs match as nothing more then a slog feast, Ponting proved that class and genuine cricket shots will always rule and his 98 not out featured some of the best batting ever seen at Eden Park. Katich and Hussey also played their parts in seeing Australian through to an imposing score. Of the New Zealand bowlers only Cairns, who bowled mostly off cutters adapted to the new game with Wilson in particular in for punishment. The form of Tuffey was also beginning to be a worry with his last over costing 26 runs and New Zealand's former Mr reliable losing all control and bowling unsuitable lengths that allowed Ponting to exhibit his full array of shots.

 

New Zealand never looked like reaching the target and despite a good start from McCullum, only Styris stood up the pace onslaught lead by Brett Lee. He continues to prove his point to the Australian selectors that can only be a worry to an already rattled New Zealand team. The man whose test spot Lee is chasing, Kasprowicz also looked in hot touch in claiming four wickets in a smart spell of bowling. Already it looks as though the Australian’s have too much class for a spirited yet one-dimensional Black Caps team.

 

Australia 214/5 in 20 overs (A.Symonds 32, R.Ponting 98 not out, S.Katich 30, M.Hussey 31 not out) beat NewZealand 170 all out in 20 overs (B.McCullum 36, S.Styris 66, M.Kasprowicz 4-0-29-4) by 44 runs.

 

(Article: Copyright © 2005 Jim Ellingham)