Now Black Caps take a lead role in soap opera

Paul Radley

• Last Updated: November 02. 2009 11:01PM UAE / November 2. 2009 7:01PM GMT

New Zealand have usurped their rivals and are mired in plenty of pre-series drama, taking some of the focus away from the tight battle for fourth place in the world rankings, writes Paul Radley

We have seen it all before. Player power pushes a coach to the brink. The captain, probably in tandem with his deputy, muddies the water by damning the coach with faint praise.

The coach walks. The board does a balancing act of sorts, takes away the vice-captain’s title and privileges. The team travel abroad under a cloud, knowing that only triumph will appease their doubting public.

It seems just like another day in the world of Pakistani cricket, and would usually be settled by an against-all-odds victory. Only this time, it is not them.

New Zealand may not be the most high-profile team in international cricket, but they still do a good line in crises.

This month they took the lead from their more celebrated rugby colleagues and ganged up on the coach Andy Moles.

Now they have not got one anymore. Their already put-upon all-rounder Daniel Vettori will shoulder that burden, as well as sundry others, until February. The burden on Vettori grew heavier as his assistant, Brendon McCullum, was stripped off his additional responsibilities.

Stephen Fleming, arguably the sharpest cricket brain among recent international captains, has already ruled himself out of taking the job despite a glowing testimony from Vettori.

The captain complained on his arrival here last week that his praise of Fleming had been misconstrued as an endorsement for him to be the next coach. “He has got coach written all over him,” Vettori was quoted as saying – though not necessarily right at this minute, he meant.

Fleming, who has made his first steps into coaching via the Indian Premier League side, Chennai Super Kings, said he does not have the time or desire to do the job.Therein lies the problem for the Kiwi recruitment managers. Why would anyone be bothered with the hassle of year-round travel when they can earn greater financial rewards for just over a month of 20-over cricket in India?

Pakistan must be wondering why they have been usurped from their usual role in the drama. Their build-up to the series has been relatively serene.

Their captain Younus Khan did try to resign after he thought he had been accused of match-fixing by a high-level assembly of people from his own backyard.

While everyone procrastinated, rumours gathered pace that his faithful No 2 had his eye on the top job. Which is all par for the course.

Each Pakistani cricket crisis is like a Dan Brown novel.

A little bit risky, exciting and definitely fun while it lasts.

But once you have seen one, you have a fair idea of how it is going to pan out, as well as who the perpetrator is. The Pakistan Cricket Board were not having any of Younus’ attempt to escape the mad house. They have backed their charismatic leader until the 2011 World Cup, and, of course, his position will not be questioned between now and then.

Shahid Afridi, his deputy and the most popular player in the land, also spoke out in support of his senior, reminding everyone they go way back as friends but he also provided enough to suggest that others in the team may not be happy. Younus has dropped hints over a return to international Twenty20s.

Pakistan have played just one Twenty20 match since, with the nation’s flag draped across his shoulders, he announced his decision to retire in the immediate aftermath of winning the World Twenty20 in June. “I’m here if you want me,” he changed track on arrival in the UAE.

Pakistan also have their loss in the Champions Trophy in September to avenge, but the lead-in to this series provides a far more compelling narrative than the bare facts, which also have the two sides mired in mid-table mediocrity.

The Black Caps can safeguard fourth place on the one-day international ladder with a series, while Pakistan lie just one point behind in fifth.

pradley@thenational.ae

Pakistan v New Zealand, Zayed Stadium, 3pm. Want to follow the action? Watch our live blog

Salman Butt vs Kyle Mills

Butt has a point to prove after being left out recently, but the going will not be easy against a New Zealand attack that includes three of the world’s top five bowlers. The left-handed opener should feel at home, having lived in Sharjah as a boy.

Mills is often overshadowed by his fellow Black Caps Daniel Vettori and Shane Bond, even though he is officially the top limited-overs bowler in the world. He will be keen to put his point across.

Younus Khan vs Daniel Vettori

The Pakistan captain has to prove he is worthy of the backing he has received. He had said last week “if I used to play 100 per cent, now I have to play 200 per cent” – and now the weight of runs will be the only barometer of success.

New Zealand’s Player of the Year has coped manfully with the extra demands heaped upon him. However, with no coach to share the burden, he is faced with a tough task maintaining his high standards.

Umar Gul vs Ross Taylor

The Kiwis were perturbed by the way Gul managed to find substantial reverse-swing after just 13 overs of their match at the World Twenty20 in June.At 25, the wiry quick-bowler is already proving to be a master with the worn ball.

The flat-tracks of the UAE should be right up the street of Taylor, the burly batsman of Samoan heritage who pips Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram as the most destructive hitter in the side. His wicket will be the key one.