Mark Richardson: Class of 14 cruelly exposed

Photo / George Novak

Writing open letters isn't for me. Nah, I'm not that narcissistic. If I want to tell a player something, I'd just go down from my commentary spot and tell them.

I do, however, have something I want to say Kane Williamson.

I want to say, 'dear Kane, please get well soon'. I'd then go on to say, 'and please stay well'. Then I'd quite possibly add, 'and straighten the hell up while you're at it'.

If there was one thing the dismal performance against South Africa showed, it was that the Black Caps are too easy to outclass when their own class players are missing.

This was possibly the most disappointing thing about the two losses. With the exception of Luke Ronchi, whose place was not really on the line and whose performance wasn't of as much interest as others batting above him, no one answered any questions for the selectors. Well, not in a positive anyway.

A middle order that reads Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum is one to believe in. Without those individuals, I've no reason to believe come World Cup time.

On top of that, you have Martin Guptill, who is a proven performer, and, if negotiations are successful, Jesse Ryder.

Then you have Jimmy Neesham, Corey Anderson, Tom Latham and Dean Brownlie all playing off for one spot - No 6.

That scenario fills me with hope.

What doesn't fill me with confidence is a batting line-up including Neesham, Anderson, Latham and Brownlie. We just saw that in Mt Maunganui and it wasn't good at all.

Williamson's arm is also critical to New Zealand's success. If he can straighten his arm when bowling in time to convince the ICC his action is within regulations, and he's not throwing, and also convince them it will hold up under the pressure of competition, then he will provide an important piece in providing even greater batting strength.

It won't be easy to get the all clear from the ICC because world cricket's governing body won't want to take any chances when it comes to allowing the throwing epidemic back into their showpiece.

But if Williamson can bowl his offspinners at the World Cup, it means one of Daniel Vettori or Nathan McCullum can make way for a batsman. Or you could play both Neesham and Anderson.

Basically, it will allow coach Mike Hesson to tinker with the balance of the team without feeling light on batting.

There are no guarantees Williamson will return and be as effective as he was. He needs to get cleared now and needs to bowl now and, most importantly, he needs to earn the trust of the captain as soon as possible.