The newly-crowned number one cricket team in the world. Photo / Photosport
The newly-crowned number one cricket team in the world. Photo / Photosport
OPINION:
Eight years ago this week, New Zealand were dismissed for 45 by South Africa in Cape Town under new captain Brendon McCullum, a nadir in the country's test cricket history.
The incident prompted the much-documented beer-in-the-hotel-room. McCullum and the management team began spinning the dials to crack the safeon how to cash in on sustained success.
Now, under the leadership of Kane Williamson, they are top of the test rankings after an unprecedented sixth straight win at home. A zenith has been reached.
The transformation has come with hiccups, but few can dispute New Zealand are worthy of anointment under the auspices of the International Cricket Council.
Vernon Philander took five wickets for just seven runs at Newlands against a New Zealand side that out-ranked only Bangladesh on the ICC test rankings. Photo / Photosport
Since 2013 they have achieved victories away against the West Indies, Zimbabwe and Pakistan – in the UAE – and drawn series in England and Sri Lanka. However, there are always frontiers to overcome after blanket defeats in South Africa, India and Australia.
Home has been their bread and butter. In 17 series from that time they have lost two, to Australia in 2016 and South Africa in 2017. Since that Proteas loss, the Black Caps have been unbeaten in 17 consecutive tests on their patch.
A core of players have developed and a dynasty is emerging. Those who took their medicine at Newlands included Kane Williamson, BJ Watling and Trent Boult, with Neil Wagner part of the squad and Ross Taylor and Tim Southee sitting out the series.
Look to the second test XI at Hagley Oval to see how the culture has brought the likes of Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry to the fore.
Jamieson is a prime example of the production line in motion after consistently delivering at a world-class level. The 26-year-old debuted against India in February. He now has 36 wickets at a bowling average of 13.27 and a batting average of 56.50 in six victorious tests.
He says inclusivity's been a watchword since his call-up into the squad for the 2019 Boxing Day test against Australia.
"I felt welcome from when I got off the plane in Melbourne. Everyone was willing to get around to help you learn.
"I didn't feel like I had to sit in a corner for months to bide my time."
The combination of coach Mike Hesson (L) and Brendon McCullum was a highly successful one for the Black Caps. Photo / Photosport
Captain Kane Williamson says a plan was hatched between McCullum and then-coach Mike Hesson to enable replenishment across the generations.
"Under Brendon and Hess there were drastic changes in terms of the culture, and from our perspective it's been building, growing and adjusting that when needed.
"When you see younger guys like Kyle and [maiden century-maker] Daryl Mitchell come in with their attitude to performance, it's satisfying how it moves the team forward. That's really special."
