A team that mirrors its captain

A short cricket newsletter ($) ahead of Hadlee-Chappell II

The Bounce will deliver a more full assessment of the Hadlee-Chappell¹ series on Monday, but a couple of short points of interest ahead of the pivotal second match in Cairns.

Possibly the best assessment I’ve heard about where this New Zealand side is at the moment is that they’re the perfect reflection of their skipper, who is a little lost and trying to regain his feet.

This feels about right. New Zealand looked unsure about when to attack or defend at Cairns on Tuesday and this is, quite possibly, because Kane Williamson is doubting his instincts for the first time in his career as he tries to find greatness again after a disrupted 12 months.

Sivy Kanefied @Sivy_KW578

Kane Williamson at 3 in ODIs Inns: 119 Runs: 5500 Average: 50.46 SR: 82 50s: 36 100s: 11 HS: 148 vs WI 2019 During his knock of 45 vs AUS in the 1st ODI yesterday, he crossed 5500 ODI runs at 3 & became only the 2nd player with at least 5500 runs & 50+ average batting at 3 💯

On reflection, the two most pivotal moments in the Hadlee-Chappell I came when decisions had to be made whether to put the foot down or to stay in economy mode.