A couple of T20 wins by the Black Caps have raised the spirits, although of course there is a way to go before we can judge the effect of John Wright's coaching regime.
T20 is so hit and miss that you can't read much into those games in predicting how
the one-day and test matches will go.
At least there were encouraging signs, a more orderly look to the Black Caps' methods.
A change of leadership alone can bring about better results and the fact that Wright was not involved with the previous 11 consecutive defeats would have helped the situation.
At this stage, I would pick New Zealand to win the one-day series against Pakistan, particularly as we will be more comfortable on our home wickets.
Even the body language this week suggested that the Black Caps are relishing a return to their homesoil.
As for the test series, this is harder to call and while I think New Zealand are slight favourites, Pakistan have very good cricketers and should not be underestimated.
There have been new and young faces in the Black Caps for the T20 games and they can't be regarded as genuine international cricketers yet. But T20 is at least a way of introducing players to the international arena.
Across the ditch, Australia are in such decline that shortened test matches have resulted, which is a big disappointment to a lot of us.
Mates have said to me that they felt let down, having got themselves ready to watch five days of riveting action between the Aussies and England.
Australian selectors are not usually afraid to drop senior players and bring in young guys, giving them two or three years to produce the goods.
This is how players such as Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath and even Shane Warne made their names.
So Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke are on borrowed time.
You could never quibble with Ponting's great career but Clarke has always been overrated.
He should have led the fightback in this Ashes series.
There were claims he could be the next Mark Waugh but I never saw that myself.
Losing at home the way they have is unheard of.
Australia's response to this crisis will be fascinating.
<i>Adam Parore:</i> Wright's regime looking hopeful
John Wright. Photo / APN
Opinion by
A couple of T20 wins by the Black Caps have raised the spirits, although of course there is a way to go before we can judge the effect of John Wright's coaching regime.
T20 is so hit and miss that you can't read much into those games in predicting how
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
