The Blackcaps' inexperienced bowling attack was punished by India. Credits: Image – Photsport; Video – Newshub
Alarm bells are ringing for the Blackcaps just nine months out from the Cricket World Cup in India
A 3-0 series loss has seen New Zealand plummet from first to fourth in the ODI world rankings, and their latest defeat by 90 runs has done nothing to ease concerns over the Kiwi bowling stocks.
But a former Blackcaps coach says there’s no need to panic ahead of the World Cup – but beyond that, it’s a different story.
Outclassed, outplayed and out-experienced. India went to town on a Blackcaps bowling line-up missing their seasoned campaigners – taking 205 off the first 25 overs.
Even an inspired knock of 138 from Devon Conway couldn’t save the Blackcaps from a series whitewash.
And it was easy to tell where it all went wrong.
"The absence of Boulty [Trent Boult] and Timmy Southee has been massive for us," said Conway.
"They are very experienced bowlers and have been playing for us for a long period of time."
It was telling. Former coach John Bracewell says a result like this was somewhat inevitable without the likes of Boult, Southee and Matt Henry.
"As soon as you lose that key component of experience out of your group, the team tends to run around like headless chooks for a while," he told Newshub.
And while he says that’s not cause for concern nine months out of the World Cup, it poses the question about how ready the next cabs off the rank are.
"I don’t think there’s a problem," Bracewell continued. "But you’ve always got to look beyond that as well.
"It doesn’t necessarily lack the talent, but it perhaps lacks the experience of dealing with Asian conditions."
Blair Tickner, playing his ninth ODI, was taken for 76 runs. Meanwhile Jacob Duffy, playing his third match, became just the 15th player in ODI history to go for 100 runs in an innings.
Bracewell, though, urges perspective.
"Even though it’s been a towling, they will be better cricketers for the experience."
But that experience is not over just yet – three Twenty20s against a rampant Indian side await.
