Steve Smith (Aust) 9320 test runs at 58.62
Who knows whether Australia will send their best team or not. But if they do, Steven Peter Devereux Smith is at the top of the list of players to watch. He has an awful technique, but it is awfully effective. The experienced right-hander, dubbed the greatest since The Don, has only played two tests in New Zealand and he averages a disappointing 131. Disappointing for us, that is.
Suzie Bates (NZ) 5383 ODI runs at 40.78
Spot the bias. Been interviewing Super Suzie since she was a teenager. The 36-year-old is in the twilight of her career now, but it is still a thrill to see her play. And there will be plenty of opportunities to do that this summer. The White Ferns are hosting five games in the region — three T20s in Dunedin and a T20 and an ODI in Queenstown.
South Africa just keep unearthing quality fast bowlers. They had so many left over they even gave us Neil Wagner. Rabada was chiefly responsible for dragging South Africa through to a series-saving win against the Black Caps at Hagley Oval last year, and he has to be considered in the same class as the likes of Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (Eng) 3402 ODI runs at 46.60 68 wickets at 31.20
The veteran big-hitting all-rounder has helped engineer the White Ferns’ demise in two World Cups and that is two too many. Shapes as a major threat again. Is not always required at the bowling crease, but she is fairly useful with the seed as well.
The lefty has got off to a tremendous start at the World Cup, but it is his potential at test cricket which will excite the purests. The 23-year-old has made three test appearances with limited success. But his impressive first-class record suggest a very bright career ahead.
