Somerset
Cricketer Of The Year
Is Ryder really in contention for the top side, especially given How's recent form? He hasn't been performing particularly well in domestic cricket from what I've noticed (though admittedly its been all first class matches).I dont know about world beating, most of them average in the 20's , buts its long, and thats where our strength lies.
when Fulton comes back though it will have to change, If McCullum can continue having some success opening and secure that position it saves a lot of selection headaches, an extra middle order batsman and one les opener we have to worry about.
I remember Ryder used to open for central in one dayers, and for wellington for a short time, but then he dropped down the order. I also remember reading an article in which Ryder said he wanted to open the batting for NZ but that was a long time ago, maybe things have changed. Im not sure, but if hes an option to open i think Bangladesh and England provide a great opportunity to get him into the side, and I cant see any other player being a better long term option to open in odis
McCullum
Ryder
Taylor
Vincent
Fulton
Styris
Oram
Vettori
Franklin
Mills
Bond
I think that team is better imo. Ryders more talented than How, more of a long term option along with Taylor. And Fulton would displace Sinclair. Im a big fan of Lou and I hope he stays in the team but Im always looking for a chance for him to go down the order. He just doesnt seem that suited to opening, and I hope he just has a position where he can bat normally, rather than premeditating stuff all the time.
I don't think the selectors would drop Ross Taylor, even though his form has been patchy since...well, a while. Fulton I think deserves a place in the side, which is why I suggested him as a potential opening option, though would like to see Sinclair given an extended run (and hes hardly done anything wrong since joining the side in South Africa now).