Cricket: Wright keeps win in perspective

John Wright. Photo / NZPA

John Wright was never one to get too carried away as a player - there was no kissing of the silver fern when he scored a ton or wild high fives when a catch was taken - and he's certainly not become more animated as a coach.

It's why he's keeping New Zealand's incredible seven-run win over Australia this week in perspective. Two boundaries nicked down to third man or a dropped catch, like the ones they spilled in Brisbane, could have been the difference between squaring the series or slinking back to New Zealand thinking about a first test win in Australia since 1985.

But there's a general expectation this Black Caps side has the potential to lift themselves from the lower rungs of world cricket and, with 19 tests over the next 18 months, they will play enough test cricket to have the chance to become a useful outfit.

Sadly, the first one won't be until the end of January, in the one-off test with Zimbabwe, and there's a glaring absence of first-class cricket in New Zealand before then to maintain momentum and, for some, find form.

In terms of of Hobart becoming a defining moment for this side, Wright wouldn't hear any talk of it. One win doesn't make a summer, and all that.

"It's too early to tell but it's better coming back to New Zealand with a victory than not," he deadpanned. "People tend to get a little carried away with victories. We will let the dust settle, pick our best side and try to get another one against Zimbabwe and then of course we have South Africa coming who are a very formidable opponent."

Wright's aim is to turn New Zealand into a side opposition teams worry about. He finally has some of the tools to do that, with a handful of talented youngsters joining more established players like Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Chris Martin.

Batsman Kane Williamson has been anointed as a future world-class player and Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner have the potential to make up a more than useful pace attack but the challenge is to turn potential into reality.

Doug Bracewell already seems to have achieved that.

In only three tests, the 21-year-old has nabbed 16 wickets at an average of 19.25, and played match-winning performances in two of them. He also has the Bracewell blood coursing through him.

"He's done some special things," Wright said. "We were in a similar situation against Zimbabwe going into the last session of the game and Doug stood up in that match and he's done it again.

"He could be [a special player] but there are a few like that in this team. There are a few young players who haven't had a lot of experience and will take some time. I think our test team will take some time.

"He's one of a number who could be. You look at him, and you think he should be wanting to be world ranked - not just a good player for New Zealand. He should be a world-class player."

For Wright, that's saying a lot.