Mark Craig And The Spin Situation
How you feeling Mark?
The inability of Mark Craig, amongst other BLACKCAPS bowlers to hold up an end and build pressure on the Australian batsmen has been costly so far in the two Tests played between the trans-Tasman rivals. Craig has dropped short too often and missed the right lines resulting in Craig bowling the same number of maidens as Mitchell Marsh (4).
However, along with Trent Boult - who hasn't been at his best - Craig has taken six wickets which is the most of any other kiwi bowler in this series.
This in itself throws up an interesting situation where our two leading wicket-takers have also conceded the most runs in this series; Craig = 438 runs at 5.09 runs an over and Boult = 388 at 4.78 runs an over. Wickets are more valuable than dot balls, although if you ask Boult or Craig for their thoughts on their bowling over the first two Tests I don't think they'd be too pleased with their accuracy or consistency. Oh and for what it's worth, Craig took three wickets in Perth as Australia chased quick runs; wickets are wickets to an extent.
Given the world-class ability of Boult, it is assumed that he's just lacking some form while Craig is walking a tightrope. It's clear that Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson like Craig, so do I as we have seen Craig showcase Test-calibre spin bowling at various stages in his short career. If Craig maintains a Test bowling average of 44.52 this summer? Well the turnstile of kiwi spin bowlers might be turned on again.
That is a discussion for the end of our summer though, especially as the BLACKCAPS head to Adelaide for the third Test where the pink ball will be used. Brisbane and Perth are known for being hard tracks, generally favouring batsmen and seamers so the combination of Adelaide and the pink ball could offer Craig some assistance. This is also evident in Australia's decision to call up left-arm tweaker Steve O'Keefe who has played one Test but more importantly he has taken 18 wickets in three Sheffield Shield games in Adelaide with the pink ball.
While O'Keefe may not make the final cut for the Test, his figures with the pink ball and his inclusion in this squad suggest that spin could enjoy greater prominence. Mitchell Santner would give the BLACKCAPS their own dual spin attack which would also bolster the batting line-up with Santner and Craig both capable willow-wielders. While I would love to see both teams roll out two spinners, I also think that both teams could play it safe thanks to the uncertainty surrounding the Adelaide experiment.
If Santner is playing, then Craig will be the senior spinner who must lead the way and if Craig is overshadowed by Santner then questions might be asked about the value of a stock-standard offie vs the variety of a lefty. If Santner doesn't play then all eyes will be on Craig and whether he can find some improvement, as he did in England.
The value of leading the kiwi wicket-takers is offset by Craig's inability to help the BLACKCAPS bowling attack build pressure as a unit. Apparently Adelaide and the pink ball should help Craig out in the third Test, so as we continue in the search for a spinner who can do half as good a job as Daniel Vettori, Craig is presented with an opportunity to end this Australian tour on a positive note.