Bryan Waddle’s Contributions

John Wright has always been a master of saying not very much. Wright has been a 'doer' not a talker. He never appeared comfortable doing interviews and press conferences, it wasn't his way. So it was a surprise that he handled his contract rejection with ease, diplomatically,  no anger or regrets at giving up a job I  believe he still wanted. Even in the month since the South... > Read more

It is inevitable that any judgement of the Blackcaps summer would lead to the simple question, success or failure?  But I wonder if it is as simple as all that from a team, players and coach perspective. It can be argued that some individuals can be categorised in that... > Read more

Controversy is never far away from the DRS (Decision Review System) and it (controversy that is) has reared its ugly head during the New Zealand-South Africa series. So serious was the latest controversy that the developer of the System, Ian Taylor threatened to withdraw it from the rest of... > Read more

A T20 series completed and ODI's in action in New Zealand and South Africa has already stamped its class on both forms of the game. Their strength on and off the field is perfectly apparent and gives lead to the thought that they may well be Number One in all forms of World Cricket very soon.... > Read more

Its been obvious over the duration of the Zimbabwe series that whatever New Zealand achieved there would be much acclamation.  How often did we hear, they're not much good, not worth watching. If New Zealand won they should, if they didn't they're rubbish. Thats the Kiwi... > Read more

I can't say I'm sad to see the end of the HRV CUP or the Big Bash. Yes I know it's the way the world is going and that for a small window of the domestic summer it will generate more revenue than the test game. But I reserve the right to be a traditionalist, to elevate to the... > Read more

Its hard to accept that the Indian team on show in Australia is the second best team in test cricket. Sadly the star quality has diminished to such a state that they are a shadow of the team of great players of recent years. Tendulkar seems more focussed on personal stats, his 100th... > Read more

There's nothing like a good old Aussie 'sledge' to add some spice to the Indian series. I'm surprised it took Brad Haddin so long to taunt the Indian's but after the loss to New Zealand they needed to keep their powder dry for at least long enough to record a couple of wins. Haddin has... > Read more

DAY 4 There's nothing easy about eating humble pie, it catches in your throat when you know you've got it wrong. But you have to take your medicine when it’s time and after witnessing such an outstanding bowling display yesterday it’s hard to imagine I gave up on the Blackcaps after... > Read more

HOBART TEST - DAY 3 There's a lot to be said for the modern game of cricket, it’s exciting, entertainment and still able to attract an audience that enjoys the fast paced nature of the game. This test has been fast paced but sadly not all of the cricket has been quality entertainment. Any... > Read more

HOBART TEST - DAY 2 Whether it was the headline in the Australian newspaper 'NZ is a team in decline and way out of its depth' or something else the Blackcaps effort on day two wasn't one of a team... > Read more

HOBART TEST - DAY ONE I'm sure its not how New Zealand would have wanted to start the day. Not only did they lose the toss they also lost their best player. Daniel Vettori had a slight limp when he... > Read more

I knew I was right not to make hasty judgement about the Bellerive pitch. One day out it was vastly different after some sun and a 3 ton roller. There's still a thick grass matting and its... > Read more

Its always been a mistake to make judgements on a test pitch two days out but it was hard to ignore what the curator has dished up for the second test at Bellerive. It was hard to tell the... > Read more

One of the least enjoyable features of cricket touring is the move from one venue to the next. In India its an expedition, in Australia its often more agreeable although that might be the... > Read more

There's no prize for losers a day early in a cricket test. The winners earn a day off from nets, losers get no such reward. And so it should be, New Zealand at the moment cant afford to waste any... > Read more

The ultimate embarrassment for New Zealand was an innings defeat and they almost achieved that but for the batting of Ryder, Vettori and Brownlie. The expectations were high at the start of... > Read more

Do the basics well is a simple adage of sport, a simple  adage of cricket highlighted on another day of frustration by the Blackcaps. As if there wasn't a lesson from the first two... > Read more

I'm not sure that John Wright will be overly thrilled by whats transpired on the first two days. Its not the aggressive attitude that should be concerning, its the poor execution and the seemingly... > Read more

FIRST TEST - DAY 1 The scoreboard might suggest the decision to bat first was the wrong one but on the contrary it was the execution not the decision. The first hour offered... > Read more