Mark Richardson: Black Caps prove they are the goods

Photo / NZ Herald

Proud, just really proud, would describe how I felt on Friday evening.

In my job, it's seldom you just sit back and take in a performance as a fan but right now my feelings towards this current Black Caps are just that. Right now, I feel like a fan of the team.

As a New Zealand cricket fan, one can be a little fatalistic. With every win, you feel that little bit closer to being let down once again.

I feared this England team. Sure, they've been out of sorts of late but don't forget the English were poor at the hands of the very good Australians and, on paper, have a very capable side.

But the Black Caps proved on Friday that, yes, they are the goods. Even if England are down on confidence, to spank them in that fashion showed not only a high degree of skill but also a ruthlessness all great teams must have.

There was no luck to the demolition - no rubbish balls hit to fielders, no helpful umpiring decisions or substandard conditions that make for a lottery. It was down to superior skill.

Forget what happened against Scotland because the point was made well and truly that when the Blacks Caps need the edge against the serious challengers, they will find it.
As for Tim Southee's display of swing bowling and Brendon McCullum's ballistics with the bat, all you can really do is wax lyrical, but if it wasn't those two, it could very well have been anyone else in the team. This is a side full of match-winners.

Could it be I believe in them now? Yes, well and truly.

Maybe I should also trust the judgement of others. While disappointed and cynical towards their own team, my commentary colleagues Michael Atherton, David Lloyd and Ian Botham are total believers in New Zealand's quality. Even Shane Warne seemed impressed.

Now for Australia. This could be the real acid test because Australia's depth will place the Black Caps under pressure, which will be a novel experience of late. I believe the result will decide the order of Pool A and I'm prepared to say we enter that contest on an even footing.

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