The State Shield

The good thing about not having any international cricket is that it has allowed our test players to have far greater participation in the domestic game. And most of them are doing very well for themselves. Most of the batsmen are getting good runs, most of the bowlers are getting good wickets and some - like Dan Vettori - are getting both. The State Shield has been a fascinating competition to watch and yesterday's ND vs Canterbury semi-final was a great game despite the relative ease of ND's victory. Perhaps the best thing about it was the hunger that the old hands showed. Players such as Vettori and Craig McMillan look to be enjoying their cricket and it seems that the more relaxed atmosphere of the domestic game has removed some weight from their shoulders. Lets just hope that the fire they have rediscovered lasts until the end of the season. And lets also hope that some of their desire starts to rub off on Chris Cairns (75 runs at 9.38 and 4 wickets at 70.5).