Andrew Alderson and Dylan Cleaver reflect on New Zealand becoming No.1 in the test cricket rankings for the 1st time after their innings and 176-run win over Pakistan at Hagley Oval.
OPINION:
It's been a great summer for the New Zealand cricket team who - like something out of a crazy dream - stand atop the test rankings.
But I also think they seriously missed a trick by not actually dreaming a little, taking a very slight punt, and promoting DevonConway as a test opener.
The South African, who qualified to play for New Zealand late last year, isn't a youngster on the rise.
At 29, there's still time for him to make a telling impact on the world stage, but it will be a truncated career. Time is actually of the essence, and there are no more tests this summer.
As good as New Zealand are playing at home, they still need to push the envelope to translate that overseas.
Conway bats big. He is a man with an appetite for massive scores and every cricket expert or aficionado you talk to raves about his potential.
He's a No 3 for Wellington but has undoubted test opener potential, and the leap would not have been too big against the touring West Indian and Pakistan teams.
This was the perfect summer to build his test confidence and reveal his work-ons, against average sides in conditions he knows and loves.
In comparison to our long history of selection crimes and misdemeanours involving our openers, Conway rated as a safe bet. His potential is sensational.
Devon Conway has been dominating domestic bowling attacks for Wellington. Photo / Photosport
The national selectors took a conservative route retaining Tom Blundell, probably believing he was a reliable bet to give the wondrous Kane Williamson enough protection from the new ball.
But Blundell's test contribution is pretty average, apart from a couple of notable spikes. He's actually the wicketkeeper in waiting.
New Zealand have made so much progress in so many areas, including depth, but the opening combination is only adequate, and Tom Latham has yet to fire against the Australians.
Everyone involved in New Zealand's test rise deserve overwhelming praise and credit. They have played the home advantage system perfectly.
There has been a lot of clever calculation, but the imagination was found wanting over Conway's non-selection.
For what it's worth... this would be the top Kiwi test team from players I have seen play since the early 1970s.
Glenn Turner: The test averages may not say so, but the numbers lie. There is daylight and then some between Turner and the rest.
Tom Latham: In a toss-up with Mark Richardson. If only John Wright had played a few more strokes - he had them.
Kane Williamson: Wow. A run scoring machine of epic proportions and wonderful team man.
Martin Crowe (c): An automatic choice, and the best Kiwi batsman to watch. Our best cricket thinker, which overrides any concern over his man-management skills as a captain.
Ross Taylor: Another automatic, although I would love to have found a place for Andrew Jones.
Brendon McCullum (wk): BJ Watling might save a game, but McCullum could change it in an hour or so.
Daniel Vettori: By default. You've got to have a spinner, and he's the only one we've had approaching world class. If only Hedley Howarth hadn't become a stock bowler. Vettori turned himself into a really good batsman as well.
Richard Hadlee: An explanation would seem demeaning.
Tim Southee: A young punk who has become an elder statesman and national sporting treasure.
Shane Bond: Great pace and a sensational test average. A shortened but spectacular career.
Trent Boult: Central to the Kiwi swing bowling revolution which has taken them to the top. No need to fight over who bats at No 11 either.
Unluckiest to miss out: Neil Wagner and Andrew Jones - fabulous and unorthodox fighters.
