Cricket: Team sees invasion from the south

Otago bowler Neil Wagner. File photo / Paul Estcourt

A browse through the New Zealand XI for the three-day match against Zimbabwe reveals a disproportionate number of Otago names.

Three of the five who have not played tests - Michael Bracewell, Sam Wells and Neil Wagner - are based in the south, yet Otago are just fifth on the Plunket Shield table after four of 10 rounds this season. Bracewell is a left-handed batsman, Wells a left-hand bat/right-arm medium-pacer and Wagner a left-arm quick.

Yes, most of Auckland and Canterbury's best are involved in today's HRV Cup final but the indications are New Zealand coach John Wright is looking beyond basic provincial dominance to choose his next generation of test cricketers.

In addition to basic ability, there is a school of thought Otago has built an excellent team culture in recent seasons. It is based on individuals being encouraged to make their own decisions in training and development because that translates to clear, independent thinking in the cauldron of a first-class match. There has also been an emphasis on doing things as a group outside the dressing room such as poker schools led by stalwart Nathan McCullum on rainy days.

Kenya and former Otago coach Mike Hesson, whose services New Zealand Cricket lost last year, says the emphasis on a team ethos was always to the fore.

"It was more about trying to develop the person. In the heat of a test or first-class game, you need players to make strong decisions. Having a smaller player base to work from meant we tended to spend a lot of one-on-one time with individuals.

In six years as Otago coach, Hesson guided them to a one-day championship (2007-08) after a 20-year title drought and a Twenty20 championship the following year. His best effort in the four-dayers was second last season. He helped mentor Nathan McCullum, Craig Cumming, Gareth Hopkins, Neil Broom and Aaron Redmond into the national ranks and is a respected confidant of Brendon McCullum. His recruitment skills brought South African-born Wagner to Otago - who can play for New Zealand from April. Hesson's man-management skills have been widely acknowledged but he insists Bracewell, Wells and Wagner have earned spots on their own merit.

"Bracewell is a gutsy cricketer who works hard. He's not overawed by any situation and that showed during his second first-class match. He was dropped on nought and made 97 - that's quite a temperament for a young guy. He also has a great pair of hands in the slips.

"Wells was on the periphery of the team for a few years but took confidence with a couple of five-wicket bags which enhanced his all-rounder credentials in 2009-10. When the field is up, he is capable of hitting a lot of boundaries but needs to work hard on his fielding."

Both Wells and Bracewell missed HRV Cup selection for Otago this season under new coach Vaughn Johnson, further indicating their futures might be first-class bound.

Former Otago captain and current player Craig Cumming says: "Michael has been good in the short period he has played representative cricket.

"He's still finding his feet in coloured clothing but the relaxed nature of four-dayers takes away some pressure allowing him to excel [Bracewell has a current first-class average of 41 from 11 innings]. He could open for New Zealand in the future as the selectors continue to search for another Mark Richardson.

"It's the same with Sam. He's done his best in the four-day game as an all-rounder when shoulder and knee injuries haven't intervened. He is a batsman who bowls; a graceful left-hander who has a lot of time and the technique to handle it at the next level."

Cumming says the pair's selection bodes well for the province's future: "Otago covers a big geographical area but is probably producing at least as many good players as any stage in the recent past. Batsman Hamish Rutherford and spinner Nick Beard are also coming through."

He is also surprised Derek de Boorder did not come into contention as a wicketkeeper.

"He must've been close when compared to Kruger van Wyk and BJ Watling.

"I think Derek's had the goods over the last two years, his record compares favourably to anyone."