D'Arcy Waldegrave: It was only a matter of time before Rachin Ravindra was picked

It was only a matter of time before Rachin Ravindra made his way into the New Zealand test side. 

Sure he’s been there before, but after his astonishing ODI World Cup, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that the young batter would find his way into the premier eleven. I say premier because even though South Africa have zero respect for test cricket, true fans, old school fans, and cricket tragics, know that the original gangster version of the sport is peerless. Short version clown cricket has its place, and may well be the future of the game, but comparably, T20 to tests is like drive-thru burgers to fine dining. You can plough through as many microwaved sugar-bunned offal heart stoppers as you want, but you won’t remember a single bite, unlike a 5-hour degustation experience. With a wine match, not a frozen coke.  

So Rachin has made the step, more so the selectors have unblinkered him and set him on his way. He has been managed into his role carefully by NZC, who are cognisant of overplaying Rachin’s hand and risking killing the goose before more golden eggs are laid. Overindulging in his talent is akin to producing foie gras. A sought-after but morally corrupt and ultimately fatal blow for the prized bird. 

NZC should be applauded for the way they have handled Ravindra to date. The responsibility they have in handling this once-in-a-generation talent is heavy and so far, they have carried that weight well. 

It is, and should be, difficult to break into the test side. As hard as it is to be removed. Trust and consistency have been the hallmark of the Black Caps test team. NZ’s impressive run in that top tier has been a result of easing players in, normally after a sustained effort in the proving grounds of domestic then international short-form cricket. Losing your place is not the result of one poor series, but a period of time where output can no longer assure selectors of success.  

Henry Nichols has now felt that cold steel on the back of his neck. He had a robust test career and may well fight his way back into the team, through the lack of form of others or the ever-present ugly head of injury, but he has become the victim of the relentless march of Rachin Ravindra, such is the nature of representative sport at the highest level. 

That’ll do.  

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