LEEDS — New Zealand did more than enough against England to prove it is worth much more than a two-Test series shoe-horned into the schedule as a tasty appetizer before the Ashes. Supremely positive, aggressive and efficient, the Black Caps amply justified their status as the world's third-ranked Test side in a 1-1 draw with their hosts which fluctuated from the first ball to the last. New Zealand is a team to be reckoned with. Martin Guptill and Tom Latham form a contrasting and exciting opening partnership. Kane Williamson at No. 3 has a water-tight technique and the potential to be one of the world's finest batsmen. Ross Taylor, a class act at No. 4, showed a welcome return to form after a barren run and captain Brendon McCullum is simply one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket. But there is much more. BJ Watling, Luke Ronchi and Mark Craig combine in a middle-order capable of adapting to any match situation. Corey Anderson adds another attacking dimension. The tail can more than wag too with Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Trent Boult all capable of scoring quick runs against a tiring attack. That trio form also provide a penetrative and versatile pace bowling attack. Left-armer Boult is quick and hostile while Southee hits the deck hard and gets movement in the air and off the pitch. Henry is a more than useful third seamer, fast, accurate, and consistent enough to give his captain an element of control. Craig is an under-rated spinner, economical, naggingly accurate and a weapon especially against left-handed batsmen. New Zealand also excels in the field. Taylor, Craig and Guptill are a ruthlessly efficient slip-catching unit, Watling or Ronchi quietly efficient wicketkeepers and McCullum sets an example in energetic outfielding which constantly keeps opponents under pressure. Make no mistake about it. New Zealand, World Cup finalist this year, is real deal. After years of punching above its weight, it deserves to be recognized as one of the forces in the modern game. Umpire Davis to retire Australia's Steve Davis will retire after 25 years as an umpire at the conclusion of the forthcoming One-Day International series between England and New Zealand. Davis made his first-class umpiring debut in 1990-91 and his first Test appointment came in 1997 when he stood in the match between Australia and New Zealand in Hobart. During his illustrious career, Davis has umpired in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 ICC Cricket World Cups, 2009 and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy tournaments as well as all five ICC World Twenty20 events. “It has been a difficult but considered decision. I have had a marvellous 25-year career during which I worked with some of the best umpires and match referees,” Davis said in an ICC media release. To date, Davis has umpired in 57 Tests, 135 ODIs and 26 Twenty20 Internationals. The one-day series between England and New Zealand finishes at Durham's Riverside Ground on June 20. — Agencies
