NZ Core Players progress as West Indies regress

NZ Core Players progress as West Indies regress

Andrew Alderson

New Zealand's search for cricketing consistency is far from over but their progression this year is marked considering the capitulation for 45 in Cape Town on January 2.

Only four players - Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, BJ Watling and Trent Boult - from the Cape Town XI were in the side that defeated the West Indies yesterday.

Almost a year on, it's hard to pick a stronger New Zealand team than has played the past two tests. Daniel Vettori would come into consideration, but Sodhi is making progress. Throwing him in against the spin-playing prowess of India is a risk to be considered. Jesse Ryder might also figure. Fulton and Rutherford are under observation, but an average opening partnership of 38.41 in 17 innings compares well to John Wright and Bruce Edgar's 31.82 in 56 innings.

McCullum, who secured his second test win and first series victory yesterday,is grateful for the selection faith. "We have some guys who are hungry to perform on the world stage and match themselves against the best players rather than just being the best in New Zealand.

They have the makings.

"Ross is excepted - if he was to retire now he'd go down as one of our all-time greats."

McCullum hinted Sodhi may feature against India regardless of Vettori's fitness.

"I've got a tremendous amount of confidence in his ability, cricket awareness and character," he said of the leggie.

"We'll have to speak to Dan to see where he's at... I caught up with him the other day and he looks young, fresh, fit and healthy, which is great because he's been fighting some tough physical battles."