The Narrative of Cricket

 

The big issue around New Zealand Cricket over the last week or so has been the make-up of the incoming Australian tour in February and the old chestnut of test v ODI break-up.

At first glance the outrage at New Zealand surfeiting a home test against the world’s best side for the sake of three ODIs seemed justified.  But then again this is the rejuvenation of the Chappell-Hadlee series.  A series that was last contested as a cling-on to one-off pool games at the 2011 and 2015 Cricket World Cups

And that’s the nuance of language.  If you talk about the Rebirth of the Chappell-Hadlee series you are talking it up (NZ Cricket Press Releases); if you talk about just another lot of ODIs (talkback radio and, inevitably, Mark Reason) you are against it.  It is so transparent it’s a sport in itself.

While a three test series at home would have been the preferred option there is the reality of economics to be considered.  And the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy has a certain romance; on this side of the ditch anyway.

On Feb 28^th one of the greatest ODIs ever seen in NZ was played out at Eden Park between these sides.  NZC will be looking for a repeat of that Full House.  A CH Trophy series will bring in demonstrably more money than another test match.  A Cold Hard Fact

CHT is the only bilateral cricket trophy contested by New Zealand that actually has a name.  And it is a trophy that despite its short tenure has a warm glow about it in New Zealand.

Ironically, part of that was due to the outstanding series of 2007.  Three top-notch ODIs against an under-strength opponent that served as ideal preparation for Australia, as they went on to defend their World Cup unbeaten in the Caribbean.

There is a danger that the Cricket Snob element can get a bit carried away.  Sure, two test series are frustrating foreplay as we recently learnt in England.  But it is preceded by a three test series away, so let’s close our eyes and pretend it’s all one World Series type five test marathon.

Of course if Australia was able to spare a full month of their precious time over the last six years on this side of the Tasman we would not be having this conversation.