Are New Zealand on the same slippery slope as Zimbabwe and West Indies in Test cricket? I certainly think so. The Black Caps are an excellent one-day unit but their record in Tests has been pathetic, to say the least - especially away from home.

In the recent series against South Africa, the bowlers got an early breakthrough. But their hopes were dashed as the batting twice collapsed and the team suffered their worst Test defeat.

The top order have struggled since the retirement of Mark Richardson. They have tried various combination with Michael Papps, Craig Cumming, Jamie How and Lou Vincent. Their last 100-plus opening partnership was against England way back in 2004.

'With a relatively small population and lack of quality first-class cricket, the future does not look too bright'


In the bowling department their bowlers, including the talented Shane Bond, have struggled away from New Zealand (his home record is very good, 30 wickets from six  matches). Jacob Oram and Daryl Tuffey are the main bowlers but still leak an average of 50-plus and opening strike bowler Mark Gillespie has yet to find his best rhythm.

Interestingly,  the Black Caps are a good one-day unit. They fight hard to the death with the likes of Brendon McCullum and skipper Daniel Vettori doing a very good job. But it is Test cricket that shows the true potential of a team.

And when Stephen Fleming retires, it will get a lot worse. Andre Adams, Kyle Mills, Vincent and Ross Taylor are all good ODI and Twenty20 players but they are behind the standard required at Test level.

The Black Caps always have a strong team spirit with real characters. But it will be a shame if a team like New Zealand lose their Test status because of a lack of quality players since the retirement of Chris Cairns, Nathan Astle, Richardson and Fleming. And with a relatively small population and lack of quality first-class cricket, the future does not look too bright.