Mufasa & Simba
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By Rahul Patil
Thirty years back Walt Disney Pictures released “The Lion King” which was the highest grossing film of 1994. In one of the most iconic scenes of all times while standing on top of Pride Rock King Mufasa says to his young cub Simba “Everything the light touches is our kingdom. But a king’s time as ruler rises and falls like the sun. One day, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new king.”
The 232 run Kane-Rachin partnership in the first test felt like Mufasa and Simba were on top of Mount Maunganui having the same conversation. The baton was being passed; the torch being relayed. The most successful blackcaps batter ever was giving a masterclass to the most promising young prospect that we have seen since Jesse Ryder. The studious pupil at the non-striker’s end was taking it all in from the best seat in the house. Mufasa scored a century in each innings, Simba matched him shot for shot with a classy double hundred in the first innings.
You cannot call Williamson’s form a purple patch anymore. It has now reached English violet proportions. He is currently at the peak of his powers and his database of experience is now so rich that he knows exactly how to play in any situation. When Ross Taylor broke Martin Crowe’s record of 17 test centuries we all knew that it would only be a matter of time before Williamson went past Taylor. With 31 centuries Williamson is now at no 13 on the all-time world test centurions list. Amongst current players only Steve Smith with 32 is ahead of him. The rate at which Kane is peeling them off he’s got a great chance to keep climbing that ladder. Touchwood his body supports his incredible talent.
After his unbelievable performance at the ODI World Cup in India it was only a matter of time before the 2023 ICC men’s emerging cricketer of the year displayed his skills in test cricket too. A Ross Taylor sized hole at number 4 has finally been filled by a worthy successor. And although the real test will be against the Aussies in Wellington and Christchurch there is something classy about Rachin’s technique and temperament which is worth investing in for sure.
Rachin’s life has changed dramatically in the last four months. From being a bit of an unknown commodity in international cricket to being the apple of everybody’s eyes; his stocks have risen phenomenally. Rachin has the talent to live up to all the expectations. He comes across as a mature head on young shoulders who’s got his feet firmly on the ground. Now that bowlers across the world are aware of what he can do they will watch hours of footage and come prepared for him. His challenge will be to always try and stay a step ahead. At 24 he’s got time on his side.
This series against South Africa has the potential to be a banana skin for the blackcaps. If they dominate and win 2-0, nobody will bat an eyelid. But if for some reason they don’t, then the repercussions will be huge. A great example of the quote credited to the former first lady of USA, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt “Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.”
South Africa’s discipline, fight and resistance lasted for the first two sessions on day 1 and they managed to restrict the blackcaps to 125 for 2 in 52 overs. But good teams know that in test cricket if you don’t lose wickets, you can always increase the run rate once the bowlers and fielders get tired. The New Zealand innings lasted for 144 overs which is a long time by modern test cricket standards. Any interest in the game was finished the moment the blackcaps scored 511 in their first innings. South Africa’s captain Neil brand who might never play for his country after this series will one day tell his grandchildren about the six wickets he picked up in a test innings vs New Zealand.
A few people were being critical on social media about the Blackcaps not enforcing the follow on. But why would you? This series is a great warm up for the blackcaps before the Australian series. Conway and Latham both need runs and time in the middle. You don’t want your bowlers to be over exerted and therefore batting again was a no brainer. They got the job done and picked up all available WTC points.
So, what can we expect in Hamilton? A chance for Will Young to have a taste of test cricket once again maybe? A possible debut for the impressive Will O’Rourke maybe? The blackcaps will be hoping for a good start from their openers. Tom Blundell needs a few runs under his belt as well and fingers crossed Daryll Mitchell recovers from his foot injury in time for the Australian series.
From South Africa’s point of view, they literally have nothing to lose (apart from a test match :- Ed). It’s another opportunity for fringe players like Keegan Petersen and David Bedingham to impress the selectors but apart from that they just need to go out there and enjoy playing at the highest level one last time before the regulars return.
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