Cricket: World Cup dream team

All this talk of rotation, experimentation and identification in the name of development is unnecessary.

While experimentation with team structure could be justified under the banner of "ends justifying the means" (provided, of course, the Black Caps exceed expectation at the 2007 World Cup), I believe the selectors will find the answers they desire and the results we all want if the team is just left to evolve naturally over the course of the next 12 months.

By naturally, I mean pick the best team with the best players in their most suitable roles and let them develop as a team. Players need time to perfect roles, becoming comfortable and consistent within them under differing match scenarios and conditions. Cricket smarts take time to develop and even longer hours of focused training. Chopping and changing doesn't assist the learning process.

The next 12 months will see our best players tested in many ways, natural attrition will see our reserves tested as well and trust in our domestic cricket - and groundsmen - will ensure our talent is ready.

That said, if the World Cup was tomorrow and I was the man in charge, this is the team I would pick to play. Strange thing is all but one of these guys is fit to play now so why not put them together and watch them grow?

1. Nathan Astle
Sure, he's performed at number three but he has been, and still is, our most successful opening batsman in one day internationals (ODIs). His game for the opening role is perfect. He is organised in the way he goes about generating run rate early and even more organised in the way he adapts through an innings to make big scores. Has the game to hit quality bowlers and no one uses the batting overs more effectively than him so why not give him use of all 50?

2. Lou Vincent
Probably won't bat for too long but doesn't need long to win a game. He's got his methods and they do seem a little agricultural at times but he can play a more measured role - as he did in Napier. With time, could develop his early innings assaults into a more refined form of artwork. He'll also most likely generate a run out or two and one of those can turn the biggest of games.

3. Ross Taylor
I know it's early days and there is a world of expectation on this kid's shoulders but they are pretty big shoulders. There is something special about this guy and he oozes X-factor. Number three is a challenging role for one so young and inexperienced but it's where he plays for his province and if he can gain confidence - something I don't think will take too much time - he could be most effective blazing away in the first 20 overs. Sneaky bowler, too.

4. Stephen Fleming (C)
Whenever we are short of openers, he steps up. Now we have them in abundance, it is time to step down the order. He averages the same opening as he does in the middle order and I like his experience in the crucial and difficult middle overs. He has an all-round game and could complement a good start with his ability to push good balls for singles and also the way he can accelerate an innings midway through. Great cover for openers should they fail.

5. Scott Styris
The hardest of all one-day positions. If you are in early, your team is in trouble. But if those before you go well, you have to push it along from the word go. You need an all-round game for this spot and a cool head which is exactly what I believe Styris has. While he will always have work to do on various elements of his defensive technique and resist the urge to push at the ball, he makes up for it by being one of the most organised and mentally strong players in the team. His overs with the ball are more essential than handy.

6. Peter Fulton
Hard on Hamish Marshall but, with the trust I have in Fleming, Astle and Styris to bat through the bulk of the overs, I'm looking for a ball striker in this position. There's also something about Fulton I like but can't put my finger on. He's not a "nurdler" but rather hits the ball and on small Caribbean grounds and flat wickets a boundary hitter could be crucial in this role.

7. Jacob Oram
Six foot seven inches of injury, I know, but the closest we have to filling the allrounder boots of Chris Cairns. I'm picking for an ideal world here but unfortunately the world of Oram is not ideal. He'd probably prefer to be a batsman but he's not yet proven that at ODI level - no question about his test credentials. However, in this team he must be a bowler. At times he has been outstanding with the ball and could be again but that might mean dealing with a little pain. Going into the last five overs needing 50 runs, he's the man I want to see at one end. Must get back playing immediately.

8. Brendon McCullum
We all know he could do a great job at opening but in this team he remains the great finisher. With him at number eight, the middle order have the confidence to accelerate earlier - which is crucial - and what better player to have walk in after a collapse?

9. Daniel Vettori (VC)
10 overs guaranteed and some handy runs when the heat is on - nothing more need be said.

10. Kyle Mills
Has had his moments but is keen, willing and on the improve. Very good bowler with the new ball and I'd bowl him seven up front and three in the middle. Is up for the death overs but at this stage I'd have to say "work still required". His sneaky swing early gets the best batsmen out and his accuracy and ability to bowl into the wicket keeps him in the game when it isn't swinging. Best number 10 bat in the business.

11. Shane Bond
Goes without saying.

12. Jeetan Patel
Could the removal of the supersub rule stymie this very promising off-spinner? In this team, yes, but this is the conservative model based around batting depth for big scores, overs from Styris and Astle, and an Oram who bowls. On flat wickets and the likelihood of Oram not bowling (highly likely), then I would see Fulton and Oram playing off for the number six spot and Patel coming in. Actually, if the top five are doing their jobs then I also like that scenario.

Remainder of Squad:
Batting cover by Hamish Marshall - harsh on Jamie How who has done nothing wrong but there is so much cover for opening spots that I need another middle order player in reserve.

Michael Mason, James Franklin and Andre Adams are all playing off for two touring spots. Actually, so might Darryl Tuffey. Given the injury record of Bond, Oram, Mills and these four, it is probably a lottery as to who makes up the seam bowling combination come the World Cup. In the meantime, however, no one can be wrapped in cotton wool.

-HERALD ON SUNDAY