Latest New Zealand Cricket Team News
Kiwis Thrash Holders In World Cup Opener
New Zealand Cricket National Cricket Team Guide
The New Zealand national cricket team, or the Black Caps are governed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). They are full ICC members, participating in tournaments such as the men’s ICC ODI World Cup, the ICC T20 World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy.
History Of The New Zealand National Cricket Team
The New Zealand national cricket team were the fifth team to appear in Test Cricket when they made their bow in 1930 against the England cricket team, in Christchurch. It took them 26 years to record an International victory when they defeated the West Indies in Auckland. The New Zealand national cricket team have appeared in 6 ICC world finals winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2000 and the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 when they defeated India at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
Where Does The New Zealand National Cricket Team Play?
New Zealand’s largest ground used for cricket is Eden Park in Auckland, a stadium also used for Rugby Union, other more traditional cricket venues include Hagley Oval (Christchurch), Basin Reserve (Wellington), Seddon Park (Hamilton) and Bay Oval (Mount Maunganui).
Former Captains Of The New Zealand National Cricket Team
Stephen Fleming, as well as being one of the finest batsmen and second most capped Test player in the history of the New Zealand national cricket team, was a highly distinguished leader of the Black caps skippering them to a first ever ICC trophy in 2000 as well as the most Test wins as captain (28). He’s tactical nous has come to the fore since retirement as one the most decorated and sought after T20 coaches.
A little known fact is that the father of legendary fast bowler Richard Hadley, Walter, captained his the New Zealand national cricket team between 1945-51.
Top Run Scorers In New Zealand National Cricket Team History
Ross Taylor made 18,199 runs for the New Zealand national cricket team between 2006-2022 he currently leads the way for New Zealand but current star Kane Williamson is closing in on his tally.
Top Wicket Takers In New Zealand National Cricket Team History
Current captain Tim Southee is the leading wicket taker for the New Zealand national cricket team across all formats, with 714 of his right arm seamers removing batters from the game.
Memorable Games For The New Zealand National Cricket Team
“Disgraceful” according to former Australian captain Richie Beanud “one of the worst things I have seen done on a cricket field”. In February 1981 the New Zealand national cricket team were playing arch rivals Australia in a ODI at the MCG. The Kiwis needed 6 off the last ball to tie the match. Australian captain Greg Chappell instructed the bowler, his brother Trevor, to deliver the ball underarm along the ground making it impossible for batsman Brian McKechnie to hit the ball for six. Although allowed in the laws of the game at the time this was regarded as massively against the spirit of the game. McKechnie blocked the ball and tossed his bat away in disgust. Even many of the Australians in the crowd booed. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Robert Muldoon had his say calling the underarm “the most disgusting incident I can recall in the history of cricket”.
England arrived in New Zealand in February 2023 on a great run of form in Test Cricket ironically transformed by two men born in New Zealand, coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. The second Test in Wellington saw one of the great finishes when Neil Wagner dismissed James Anderson to give the New Zealand national cricket team a one run win. The series was drawn 1-1.
Rivals Of The New Zealand National Cricket Team
New Zealand’s greatest rivals are the Australia cricket team, with these two neighbouring nations playing the most frequently against one another. In addition to this, the New Zealand national cricket team also have fiercely contested against the Sri Lanka and Indian national cricket team, with the All Blacks having the best records against these teams in ODI’s.
