ESPNcricinfo marks the New Zealand players out of 10 following their 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka
Andrew Fidel Fernando08-Jan-20153:32
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10Kane Williamson (396 runs at 198, one hundred, two fifties )Not dismissed for fewer than 54 in the series, Kane Williamson was the 24-year-old colossus that transformed the Wellington Test with substantial grit and remarkable understatement, turning a losing position into one of strength. He had also been New Zealand’s top-scorer in the first innings, while the rest of the top order crashed and burned around him, and his fielding sometimes defied description. He took three spectacular catches in the series, plus one gob-smacking take to dismiss Angelo Mathews in the second innings at the Basin Reserve, effectively sealing the 2-0 result.9Trent Boult (11 wickets at 23.18)Many Sri Lanka batsmen had played good swing bowling before, but few had faced movement as late and as sharp as that which Boult produced at Hagley Oval. He took seven wickets in that match, neutralising Kumar Sangakkara to boot. His fully-flung catch to dismiss Sangakkara for 203 in Wellington was a highlight in a series brimming with New Zealand fielding highlights. With accuracy to match the hooping swing, Boult appears to have a big future ahead of him.8BJ Watling (179 runs at 89.50, one hundred, 11 dismissals)Less celebrated than others in this New Zealand side, Watling’s contributions were nonetheless immense. His keeping was immaculate, having not wasted any of the clear-cut chances that came his way, and that he has now been part of two record sixth-wicket stands that brought his side from the brink, says plenty about his character. His career-best 142 not out was chanceless.Tim Southee (8 wickets at 29.5)Boult’s wickets are also Southee’s to some extent, so well do they bowl in partnership, and Southee perhaps struck less in this series because the Sri Lanka top order has several left-handers, who are Boult’s specialty. Southee’s new-ball swing was also late and large, but did not quite summon the menacing spells with the old ball that Boult provided. Still, his accuracy rarely waivered across the two Tests, and Sri Lanka were always wary of his threat.7Brendon McCullum (217 runs at 72.33, one hundred)His 195 off 134 balls on a Hagley Oval greentop set the tone for New Zealand’s series, and had deflated the opposition before they knew how to react. Did not contribute with the bat at the Basin Reserve, but his sporting declaration on day four in Wellington was more evidence of his positive leadership. He dropped a sitter in the first innings at the Basin, but was otherwise exemplary in his ground fielding.James Neesham (119 runs at 39.66, one fifty, 6 wickets at 16.50)Made use of a dropped chance to make a brisk 85 in Christchurch, and was disciplined with the ball in both Tests. He was not as menacing as the opening pair, but picked up scalps because batsmen sought to take more risks against him. It is tempting to call them cheap wickets, but Neesham is nailing his role as the fourth seamer, and the team’s threat is amplified because of it.Trent Boult was a constant menace with his late movement and swing•Getty Images6Mark Craig (6 wickets at 32.66)Was never expected to be a strike bowler on these tracks, but he gleaned enough bounce from them to make himself a nuisance. Some Sri Lanka batsmen were guilty of taking him too lightly, but if they weren’t going to score off the spinner, where were they going to get the runs? A safe pair of hands in the slips as well, Craig has now embedded himself in the side as the No.1 spin bowler.4Hamish Rutherford (195 runs at 26.52)Was recalled after being left out for the UAE tour, but could not secure a place in the team this series. He never looked comfortable at the crease in Christchurch, and though he improved for Wellington, couldn’t quite kick on from two starts. He still has only one ton and one half-century in 16 matches.3Tom Latham (85 runs at 21.25)Still very much a young opener learning his trade, Latham had trouble getting past the new-ball bowlers on seaming tracks. Twice he edged to the keeper in Wellington. New Zealand will stick by him because his talents had already begun to manifest in previous series.Ross Taylor (81 runs at 27)Was out of sorts with the bat in both matches, but did close out a small chase in Christchurch, with 39 not out. Spilt a catch in the slips too, but held on to the next one soon after. Will hope to have a less quiet series in the ODIs.ONE TEST8Doug Bracewell (5 wickets at 23.6)Had Sri Lanka reeling in the first innings, in his first Test in over a year. Bowled at sharp speeds, stuck to tight lines, and teased both edges of the bat as he got the ball to seam in either direction. Team members report that his disciplinary issues have been dealt with as well, so perhaps an extended stint in the side now beckons.4Neil Wagner (3 wickets at 45.33)Was thoroughly outshone by his teammates in Christchurch, but put in several long spells to give them a rest. Didn’t do a lot with the ball though, and the Sri Lanka batsmen seemed to negotiate him without a lot of trouble.
