Tony Blain: Whisper it ... we could win this Cricket World Cup

Luke Ronchi and his fellow Black Caps have plenty to smile about right now. Photo / Getty Images

Opinion

There are good reasons the Black Caps could be world-beaters.

All the way from Cleckheaton I can hear it. The sound of a nation's growing hope and expectation.

And after the Black Caps' Usain Bolt-like charge out of the blocks at Hagley Park, all the chat around the happy taps across Aotearoa understandably will be about who the Kiwis might meet in the final. Will it be the swaggering, uber confident Aussies with their Romper Stomper mentality? Could it be the "On-a-Mission from God" South Africans, led by their mercurial talisman AB de Villiers? Or perhaps some of the currently dormant chemical mixtures within one of the usually volatile sub-continent sides will finally ignite and provide fireworks at the MCG on March 29. Whichever is the case, there's a justifiable buzz coming from Kiwi supporters believing the modern cricketing crown of crowns could be raised aloft by Bazza Mac's tattooed guns next month at the Gee.

Of course, as any savvy poultry farmer will tell you, one must always be mindful of statistical over confidence in stock numbers prior to cyclical events. That said, I too am loving the way the Black Caps are rolling. So much so in fact that I will confidently predict that should they make it that far, whoever the mighty Caps Noir meet at The Gee on that nervy Sunday, they might possibly beat, if things go their way. Sorry if that's not as confident a prediction as you were hoping for but I'm trying not to put too much pressure on The Lads.

If I was however, to throw caution to the wind (as I'm sure many around the happy taps are want to do) and show flagrant disregard to the pressure that builds around a team predicted to sweep all before them, I might be tempted to list some of the reasons Bazza Mac's mighty Caps will win the whole thing.

5 points in our favour

Experience.
There's more than 1000 ODIs played among the Black Caps every time they take the field.

Daniel Vettori.
50 Shades of Dotball. He's the cornerstone of a nicely balanced bowling side. His lifetime economy rate of 3.3 underlines his class. There's also a variety among the Black Caps bowling squad that most other sides don't possess.

A strong batting line-up.
From go to whoa there are guys that can and do put bat to ball, none more so than the Sonny Bolstead-trained Corey Anderson. Structurally, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor are our world class innings pillars but should they all have an off day there are others good enough to put up a competitive total.

Our fielding.
It is athletic, skilful and committed. And in Luke Ronchi we have one of, if not the best, glovemen on show.

Desire.
For those nearing the end of their run and who've weathered some lean times, this is their great chance to do something really memorable. For those new to it all, it's a chance to start at the highest point available.

For more coverage of the Cricket World Cup from nzherald.co.nz and NZME check out #CricketFever.

Tony Blain is a former New Zealand wicketkeeper.