Cricket: NZ defeat 'embarrassing'

Ross Taylor failed to fire against Bangladesh. Photo / AP

Former Black Cap Simon Doull has labelled the side's series whitewash to Bangladesh embarrassing and gives the team little chance at next year's World Cup.

The Black Caps lost the fifth ODI to Bangladesh this morning to hand the home side their second ever series win against a major cricketing nation.

Doull told LiveSPORT radio this morning that despite the conditions the Black Caps should always beat a side like Bangladesh.

"It's embarrassing. 4-0 to Bangladesh, yes they're improving, they're a better side and not easy at home but they're a side we should beat nine times out of 10. I can't see any answers," Doull told LiveSPORT.

"We're going into a World Cup in two and a half months and if we think we're going to be anywhere near the top eight we're dreaming at the moment.

"They could turn it around but it's going to take a miracle."

Doull cited coaching as one problem behind the Black Caps' form slump that has seen the side win just six of their 16 matches this year.

"When they got rid of Andy Moles...the players wanted more. Remember the players got rid of Andy Moles, they wanted something different, they wanted a better coach, a guy that was more technically efficient, I don't think they got it.

"I'm not looking solely at Mark Greatbatch but the players are perhaps not getting what they want as well but they are underachieving, underperforming consistently."

The cricket commentator and former paceman also pointed out that key players in the side were continuing to struggle.

Opening batsman Brendon McCullum has scored just 114 in seven innings against Bangladesh while Ross Taylor has failed to score a century in 40 one-day innings.

Doull also said the pressure was getting to Daniel Vettori who is struggling with his dual roles within the side as captain and selector.

"He is under pressure and I'm not sure he's coping with it all that well. He's not getting any help from his senior players."

The Black Caps now arrive home from Bangladesh and have just a few days in New Zealand before heading to India for a three test and five ODI tour.

- Herald online