Back and typing

I am back in New Zealand after my jaunt across the Tasman to watch the World XI one-dayers. Sorry for not posting while I was in Melbourne, sadly the presence of an internet connection at my hotel was not quite enough to distract me from spending far too much money eating, drinking and shopping.

There is so much that I want to discuss and so little space, so I am going to have to restrict myself. The highlight of the trip had to be the performances of Dan Vettori, who Melbourne Age columnist Greg Baum dubbed "the World's best cricketer". Close to Dan in the highlight stakes was the crowd seated immediately around us - including young "Shoulders" (who took a spectacular crowd-catch that you might have seen), the increasingly hoarse sounding members of the barmy army, the wry Indian fans in-front and behind us, the two blunt Aussies, "Mullet man", and - best of all - "Simba" (so dubbed by the Barmy Army for her mane of bleached blonde hair) and her entourage of Australian white trash who demonstrated that some people really do have no shame.

The lowlight was the performance of most of Dan's colleagues. Jacques Kallis (who single-handily derailed the World XI's run-chase in the second match), Brian Lara and Shaun Pollock stood out as the worst of a bad bunch. Pollock's inept captaincy and the World XI's complete lack of team ethic contributed to a miserable showing by the most talented group of cricketers you are ever likely to see in one place.

The Aussies might be pleased with the outcome, but the results simply papered over some genuine concerns. The new players did not demonstrate the same quality as their ageing counter-parts. Of particular concern for the Australians will be the bowlers of the future. Nathan Bracken, Cameron White and Stuart Clark all struck me as being decidedly average cricketers.

Arriving back in a wet and wild Wellington I was pleased to find that things have been ticking along nicely as far as New Zealand cricket is concerned. The New Zealand 'A' side just completed an excellent win in a first-class "test match" against Sri Lanka 'A', while the senior team has arrived in South Africa with a bit of confidence on their side. All of which is good news as it provides a nice distraction from my credit card bill...