New Zealand look to wrap up England series
Friday, 15 February 2008
AUCKLAND, Feb 14(AFP): New Zealand will be pushing to wrap up their one- day cricket series against England early and complete a remarkable transformation when the third match is played here on Friday.
After being comprehensively outplayed in the earlier Twenty20 games, New Zealand have turned their fortunes around to convincingly go 2-0 up after the opening two one- day matches.
Should New Zealand win the third game here, the rest of the five ODI series becomes academic ahead of the three Tests next month.
It is a far more determined New Zealand side than that which crashed against South Africa and Australia before Christmas, while England have lost the ruthlessness that saw them come from behind to beat Sri Lanka 3-2.
Part of the reason is the new-look New Zealand opening partnership with 23-year- old Jesse Ryder given his chance to head the batting order with the dashing Brendon McCullum.
Ryder was seen as a cricket prodigy whose "wild-child" approach to life had kept him out of the New Zealand team, but selector Sir Richard Hadlee said the hard-hitting batsman was now in the side because his attitude had improved.
His unbeaten 79 in the second match against England, coupled with McCullum's 80 not out, carried New Zealand to a 10-wicket win and raised serious questions in the England camp.
And it's not just an inability to contain the New Zealand batsmen that bothers England, it's also an under-performing top order and three run-outs in each of the two matches.
However, England coach Peter Moores does not believe his side should be counted out.
Meanwhile, Record-breaking former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming announced today he will retire from international cricket after the third and final Test against England next month.
New Zealand's premier batsman believed it would be better for his family if he quit before the return tour to England in May and June.
Fleming, New Zealand's most experienced Test player and leading run-scorer, stepped away from one-day matches after last year's World Cup and said then that he would soon retire from all international cricket.
After being comprehensively outplayed in the earlier Twenty20 games, New Zealand have turned their fortunes around to convincingly go 2-0 up after the opening two one- day matches.
Should New Zealand win the third game here, the rest of the five ODI series becomes academic ahead of the three Tests next month.
It is a far more determined New Zealand side than that which crashed against South Africa and Australia before Christmas, while England have lost the ruthlessness that saw them come from behind to beat Sri Lanka 3-2.
Part of the reason is the new-look New Zealand opening partnership with 23-year- old Jesse Ryder given his chance to head the batting order with the dashing Brendon McCullum.
Ryder was seen as a cricket prodigy whose "wild-child" approach to life had kept him out of the New Zealand team, but selector Sir Richard Hadlee said the hard-hitting batsman was now in the side because his attitude had improved.
His unbeaten 79 in the second match against England, coupled with McCullum's 80 not out, carried New Zealand to a 10-wicket win and raised serious questions in the England camp.
And it's not just an inability to contain the New Zealand batsmen that bothers England, it's also an under-performing top order and three run-outs in each of the two matches.
However, England coach Peter Moores does not believe his side should be counted out.
Meanwhile, Record-breaking former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming announced today he will retire from international cricket after the third and final Test against England next month.
New Zealand's premier batsman believed it would be better for his family if he quit before the return tour to England in May and June.
Fleming, New Zealand's most experienced Test player and leading run-scorer, stepped away from one-day matches after last year's World Cup and said then that he would soon retire from all international cricket.