John Edwards

Cruel cuts on contract list

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:05:43 -0800

The most frustrating thing about four of our top order falling out of the top 20 is they are actually the best performing batsmen in domestic cricket.

Mathew Sinclair, Matthew Bell, Michael Papps and Craig Cumming have lost their contracts and it must be said that it's very hard for them to claim they have been given a raw deal on this occasion. ...

Fleming's record of discontent

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 04:47:49 -0800

After Stephen Fleming's final Test innings I was left wondering if his record was encumbered at all by his - at times - diabolical team mates.

Would his Test average have been higher if he came in after a solid opening partnership?

He was almost an opening batsman by default for much of his career. ...

Who can the Black Caps try next?

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:04:21 -0800

Mid-series is never a good time to make changes to a team - so for now the status quo will do - but it does look like the Black Caps will need to make tweaks to their personnel at some time down the track. ...

Save Skippy Sinclair

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:12:48 -0800

I can see the cause for concern, but after a fantastic team victory in Hamilton, I am going to start the 'Save Mathew Sinclair' campaign.

In defence of the loose shot that cost him his wicket during that incredible session of cricket on Saturday afternoon – he was playing to team tactics.

Sinclair and his equally poor (just for that one session) colleagues were sent out with instructions to be aggressive. ...

McCullum in a class of his own

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:07:04 -0800

A very small crowd at Eden Park No. 2 on Sunday afternoon bore witness to Brendon McCullum playing one of the great innings (170 of 108 balls) in New Zealand domestic cricket history.

To hit a century so dominant that it allows your team to get to a victory target of 311 within 43 overs is something very few players around the world are capable of – and to add to the feat he plundered New Zealand's new ball bowling attack to accomplish it. ...

Last chance looms for Ryder

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:02:26 -0800

When Jesse Ryder was given his chance despite a terrible track record of drinking related indiscretions I thought it should be one chance and one chance only.

After he proved to be one of the few shining lights for the Black Caps this summer, however, I don't think I could be ruthless enough to discard him.

Lindsay Crocker speaking on Radiosport this morning said he though his three month lay-off was punishment enough and no further action is expected to be taken. ...

Look into the future of the Black Caps

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:09:48 -0800

After the dizzying heights of the first two one day internationals against England it wasn't all that unexpected to see Black Caps fans have their summer brought down to size at Eden Park.

The loss was one that was easy to dismiss as one of the many bumps along the road to rebuilding a good national side, and this season has already been billed as one to build for the future. ...

Jesse Ryder: Cult hero... almost

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:33:19 -0800

I wonder if Jesse Ryder knows he is on the cusp of gathering a life times worth of cult followers.

Let's face it... if you haven't had direct exposure to his darker ill-behaved side he comes across as very jolly and likable on the field.

He's built in the mould of Arjuna Ranatunga or David Boon, more-so Boon because he seems to be more likeable to cricket fans from other countries. ...

Black Caps campaign looks in tatters

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:39:50 -0800

On the surface those two T20 losses can seem very disheartening but I refuse to believe all is lost.

England has arrived with a strong unit and a handful of world-class players. With that said they still have a lot of weaknesses and really haven’t been tested under pressure yet.

The Black Caps have the talent in the squad to match and beat the English, I have no doubt, but a lot of internal issues within the team have to be addressed first. ...

Another Black Cap bites the dust

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 01:08:30 -0800

I'll admit I like a good conspiracy but the recent spate of cricket retirements is really starting to look suspicious.

Within John Bracewell's tenure Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, all called it quits a little prematurely. ...