IPL has blunted Taylor's edge, feels fellow New Zealander Simon Doull. Here's why...
IPLu00a0has blunted Taylor's edge, feels fellow New Zealander Simon Doull. Here's why...
New Zealand cricket has rarely been known for having a pool of special talent, or for putting together a world-class outfit. But, they've been on the mark when it comes to providing a contest.
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They've never gone down without a fight, and it hurts former quick bowler Simon Doull that his countrymen have gone from bad to worse in the last 12 months. Since the start of 2010, New Zealand have won six out of 19 ODIs, and just the one Test victory (out of six played) against Bangladesh.
Academic interest
Having already lost the series in the previous one-dayer against India at Vadodara, today's fourth ODI is of academic interest.
"We have slipped to seventh place in both one-day and Test rankings. That just sums up the whole scenario. It is a worrying sign because we have always been known to raise our spirits and bring the fight to the opposition, but that's not happening with this team," he rued.u00a0
"India are winning fair and square without five or six of their key players. That just goes to show they (India) are so high on confidence, and we are so low on it. When a New Zealand side doesn't field well, you can sense there's a problem," added Doull, now a television commentator.
"New Zealand are desperately in search of one inspirational performance from either Brendon McCullum or Daniel Vettori to get back to the thick of things. As it stands, they seem to have forgotten how to win."
Ross Taylor is by far the most popular international cricketer in Bangalore today, thanks largely to his terrific performances for the city's IPL franchise. He came to India last month with a big reputation, and some even said he was the best New Zealand has to offer since Martin Crowe. But, Doull reckons Taylor, who has had a horrid tour of India thus far, is far from reaching that status.u00a0 "The IPL hasn't done Ross any good. He has forgotten how to play a long innings (85 runs in three games) and accumulate runs. He's easily our best batsman, and needs to take more responsibility and play longer knocks. Having talent is one thing, but bringing all of it to the park and getting big hundreds is another."u00a0
'Best possible side'
Despite seven consecutive losses, Doull maintained that this is the best team New Zealand has going into the World Cup.u00a0 "This squad won't change too much before the World Cup. It is a better option to continue with the same team management. This is the best possible XI on the park. Jesse Ryder is injured, Jacob Oram is trying to force his way back, but otherwise this is our best possible team. Vettori has to work around with the same team.
"We have traditionally been a good team at major tournaments, so I wouldn't count NZ out of the World Cup just yet. They could spring a surprise or two," an optimistic Doull concluded.
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