Cricket World Cup thoughts

It was gut wrenching not to win the world cup. This truly seemed like our best shot. However, I was even more gutted for two players – Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond.

Fleming because he is our best ever captain, a master at maximising the limited talent on offer. He deserved better as the man who has been the best captain in world cricket for many years now. The energy he put into this is wasted.

And to Bondy. I doubt he will play another world cup; this was also his best shot. Our best bowler since Haddlee had a poor game. After all the injuries and associated rehab, the greatest prize will elude him. Sport really can be cruel.

While sport is cruel, the reality is that with 150 pro cricketers in this country, getting to the semis is not all bad. Again we have punched above our weight. Don’t get me wrong, I am not making excuses, we were poor in the last two games and deserved to lose.

The tournament is over for me. I hope the Lankans take it out – it will be good for world cricket. If they don’t win I won’t begrudge the Aussies – how can you, when they are as good as they are. I doubt that I will watch the final – if anything I’ll get out of bed and watch the last few hours.

What a strange tournament – one coach is dead, probably murdered, another 4 have resigned (King, Whatmore, Fletcher and Chappell) and Brian Lara, the greatest batsman this generation has resigned.

I txted a mate after the game suggesting that Fleming would quit one day cricket. I was surprised he only resigned as captain. I don’t think that is wise. How will the new captain fare knowing the old skipper is observing . . .

It’s worth remembering that when Daniel Vettori was captain against Sri Lanka last year, Fleming was rested and he himself alluded to the fact it would be hard for him to play and not captain. It will be interesting to see how things pan out.

I also think he should step down as test captain. The reason is simple. Before he retires I want to see Stephen Fleming play 3, maybe 4 years simply as a batsman. I want to see him take responsibility for being the absolute best batsman he can be and not have to worry about being captain.

I know that is contradictory to the above, but the desire to see him finish his career as a world-class batsman outweighs other considerations.