Editorial: Black Caps can thrive in Twenty20 whirlwind

Opinion

In a remarkably short time, Twenty20 cricket has taken the world by storm. The first world championship, in South Africa two years ago, passed largely unnoticed. The same will not be said for the second edition, which starts this weekend. It could be even more notable for New Zealand because whatever the three-hour game's somewhat hit-and-miss nature, it appeals as one in which the Black Caps can thrive.

Victory in the final at Lord's on June 21 would not sit too comfortably with some cricket traditionalists. They abhor not only the bash and crash that is part and parcel of the game but the associated trappings of overhyped commentaries and frenetic dancing. But, despite all that, Twenty20 still provides a format in which traditional skills can flourish. Ricky Ponting's elegant batting bears testimony to that, as do Daniel Vettori's spin-bowling subtleties. Importantly, the non-stop action has also attracted to cricket a whole new audience, comprised mainly of women, younger men and children.

New Zealand may be in the test doldrums but its line-up is well equipped to make an impact in Twenty20. In this format, one whirlwind innings will often provide the winning of the match. The Black Caps, more than most teams, have players who can provide that impetus. Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor and Jacob Oram have all proved they can be devastating. The likes of Martin Guptill, Scott Styris, James Franklin, Peter McGlashan and Vettori have shown glimpses of the same potential.

Whatever the utterances of West Indies captain Chris Gayle, most players do not regard Twenty20 as the pinnacle of their professional ambition. That, quite rightly, remains reserved for test cricket. That does not mean the shortest form of the game does not have its place, which will be cemented over the next fortnight.