Kane Williamson over Ross Taylor – and no Stephen Fleming? Selecting New Zealand’s best Test XI since 1985
The last 40 years has seen a lot of cricket played. If we dial back the clock to 1985, the advent of T20 was a long way off and ODI cricket was in its infancy – the first ODI was played in 1971, and the first World Cup was hosted in 1975.
Picking all-time best teams can be tricky because the nature of the game, the wickets and the technology has changed. But compiling a best ever team for a specific period is a more worthwhile exercise.
With that in mind, it’s time to start selecting our best elevens of the last 40 years, by country and by format.
1. John Wright
A gritty opener who was the heart of the New Zealand batting lineup during the 1980s. Wright’s technique and determination made him a perfect fit for tough conditions.
From 48 matches, he scored 3489 runs at an average of 41.53, with a highest score of 185. His leadership and stability at the top of the order were invaluable in an era when New Zealand cricket was on the rise.
2. Mark Richardson
A late bloomer in the international scene, Richardson’s time as an opener was characterized by stoicism and consistency.
In 38 Tests, he amassed 2770 runs at a strong average of 44.67. Known for occupying the crease for long periods, his highest score was 145. Richardson’s approach provided a perfect foil to more aggressive players in the side.
3. Kane Williamson
Arguably New Zealand’s greatest ever batsman, Williamson is the modern face of Black Caps cricket. With 8658 runs from 95 Tests at an astonishing average of 57.72, including a highest score of 251, Williamson is the glue in any New Zealand side.
His elegance, technique, and ability to adapt to conditions have made him a prolific run-scorer and a key figure in New Zealand’s rise in Test cricket.
Also read: 9 longest careers in international cricket across Tests, ODIs and T20Is combined
4. Martin Crowe
An artist with the bat, Crowe was the premier New Zealand batsman of his generation.
With 4460 runs from 57 Tests at an average of 52.47, including a monumental 299 against Sri Lanka, Crowe combined class and resilience. His technique was admired globally, and his influence on New Zealand cricket continues to be felt.
5. Brendon McCullum (wicketkeeper)
Known for his aggressive style, McCullum revolutionized the way New Zealand approached Test cricket.
Scoring 1887 runs in just 28 Tests during the qualifying period, he averaged 43.88 with a stunning triple century (302) to his name. McCullum’s leadership and fearless approach ushered in a new era for New Zealand cricket. McCullum keeps wicket in our team.
6. Craig McMillan
A hard-hitting middle-order batsman, McMillan’s contribution often flew under the radar.
In 39 Tests, he scored 1899 runs at an average of 41.28, with a top score of 142. His ability to counterattack and shift momentum was crucial, making him a valuable asset at number six.
7. Chris Cairns
One of the finest all-rounders New Zealand has produced, Cairns was a match-winner with both bat and ball. In 36 Tests batting at seven, he scored 1761 runs at an impressive average of 44.02 and contributed with vital wickets.
His highest score of 158 showcased his capability to dominate attacks, and he provided balance to the side.
8. Daniel Vettori
Vettori’s value as both a spinner and a batsman were immense. In 49 Tests as a number eight during this era, he scored 2227 runs at an average of 39.76, including a highest score of 140.
With the ball, he was a constant threat, offering control and wickets on turning tracks. Vettori’s all-round ability made him a pivotal figure. He could bat almost anywhere from seven through ten, but it was at eight where he did his best work.
9. Richard Hadlee (captain)
Arguably New Zealand’s greatest ever cricketer, Hadlee was a cricketing genius. In just 36 matches during this period, he took 196 wickets at an average of 20.33. His relentless accuracy, pace, and swing made him a nightmare for opposition batsmen. Hadlee’s impact was transformative, taking New Zealand to new heights in Test cricket.
While the job of leading the side could fall to several players, we have Hadlee as our skipper. He usually batted higher than nine but finding a place for him in the side at seven or eight was hard – but you can’t pick an all-time great New Zealand side without Hadlee, so we have slotted him in at nine.
10. Tim Southee
A modern-day stalwart, Southee was a cornerstone of New Zealand’s pace attack. With 391 wickets from 107 Tests at an average of 30.26, his ability to swing the ball both ways and his longevity made him a key component of this team.
Southee consistently led the attack and contributed with valuable lower order runs. His average is slightly on the high side, but he was the ultimate team player and fully deserving of his place in the all-time XI based on his sheer volume of wickets against England and others.
11. Shane Bond
One of the fastest bowlers New Zealand has produced, Bond’s career was badly plagued by injuries. However, his impact in 18 Tests was immense, claiming 87 wickets at an average of 22.09 and a stunning strike rate of 38.7.
Bond’s raw pace and ability to dismantle batting lineups at his peak were world-class. To put his strike-rate into context Hadlee’s was 46.9, Kyle Jamieson’s is 44.4 while Southee is at 60.
12. Ross Taylor
An outstanding batsman who is extremely unlucky to miss out on selection to the starting XI. Taylor almost secured a berth at the expense of Martin Crowe.
Batting at four he scored a boatload more runs than Crowe and he averaged 47.24, but Crowe’s average at four was better than Taylor’s and this team is built on statistics and actual achievement. As a result, Taylor gets to carry the drinks.
