The BLACKAPS are capable of improving on their 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final appearance but will face stiff competition from rivals including Australia, according to the “voice of New Zealand cricket”, Radio Sport commentator Bryan Waddle.
Speaking to blackcaps.co.nz ahead of next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup, to be held in Australia and New Zealand for the first time since 1992, Waddle said he had high hopes for Brendon McCullum’s team.
“New Zealand has always done pretty well at home,” Waddle said.
“We’ve got some good venues that will suit New Zealand and I think we’ve got the players who can do it.
“There’s plenty of talent there and that consistency (in the side) will be key to them, they’re staying together.”
But Waddle said he expected tough competition from teams including Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
“I think it’s going to be pretty even,” he said.
“With England I’ll have to reserve a bit of judgement until closer to the time.
“Pakistan can be a danger too.
“It’s very hard to isolate a side until you get into the tournament.”
The Wellington-born commentator had seen his fair share of World Cup cricket since starting his broadcast career in 1981.
He nominated New Zealand’s win over Australia at Eden Park in the opening match of the 1992 tournament was one of the highlights.
New Zealand came into the World Cup underdogs after a series loss to England while Australia were the reigning 1987 champions and red-hot favourites.
That was before Martin Crowe scored an unbeaten century and Gavin Larsen took 3-30 to help New Zealand to a 37-run upset win.
Although New Zealand had entered the 1992 tournament in poor form, Waddle said he had not written the home side off.
“I’ve always been a believer that New Zealand can win anything” he said.
“Once they started getting some momentum I thought they had a really good chance and I could see there was something there within that side so I didn’t discount them.
“It wasn’t reinforced until I got to the Australia game and we saw the players suited the conditions perfectly.”
The commentator said he believed planning and simplicity had been crucial for the Black Caps squad in 1992.
“They stuck to a simple plan and it worked for them.
”Being at home was good as well and they had a good close bond.”
Waddle said the captaincy of Martin Crowe had been important, along with the support of the home crowds.
“The tournament was built on the momentum of a good start and the public getting behind them.”
Waddle also ranked the BLACKCAPS win over South Africa at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg during the group stagesof the 2003 World Cup as one of the best performances he had seen.
Chasing 306, New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming scored an unbeaten 134 to lead his side to victory.
“No one expected them to do that,” Waddle said.
“Fleming’s innings in that one was outstanding, bearing in mind the situation in the game and the weather conditions, the rain.
“And New Zealand beating South Africa in 2011 to get through to the semi-finals,” Waddle added, referring to the quarter-final match where the Black Caps defeated South Africa by 49 runs, thanks to excellent bowling from Jacob Oram (4-39) and Nathan McCullum (3-24).
Waddle said he was looking forward to seeing cricket return to Christchurch’s Hagley Oval for the 2015 World Cup.
The venue will host three matches, including the opening game of the tournament between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on February 14 2015.
“It’s a great move to start the World Cup in Canterbury.”
He said he particularly enjoyed watching cricket at the “out-and-out cricket grounds” – such as Hamilton’s Seddon Park, which will see three games during the World Cup.
“And you always get a good atmosphere at Auckland and Wellington,” Waddle added.
“(But) all of the games will have something.
“The whole emphasis of the last two years in terms of New Zealand has been gearing up to the World Cup”
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