The land of the Kiwis is known for its scenic beauty – its earthquake-prone topography, gently grumbling volcanoes rubbing shoulders with snow-capped peaks, acres of rolling grasslands, deep and dark forests and fast flowing rivers. A land which lent itself magically to Middle Earth when Peter Jackson turned JRR Tolkien’s epic fantasy novel, The Lord of the Rings, into screen reality.
New Zealand and Tolkien’s masterpiece are today inextricably linked. And so, almost inevitably, at the Parks of Eden in Auckland today, a unique Fellowship marched onwards in its quest for cricket’s ultimate prize – much like the fabled quest for the magical ring in Tolkien’s book.
How it all began
The quest started in New Zealand (or should we say Middle Earth) when these adventurers kicked off their campaign in grand style against the mighty Lankans. Even though they had prepared well no one really expected what was to come next. One by one, eight teams came up in battle and the Fellowship tore each of them apart.
Such was its fury that all their opponents wilted in despair and even the Dark Lord’s forces in Yellow came a-cropper as they clashed early – a portent maybe of tougher battles ahead again. Mediocre performances of previous years were long forgotten – as a nation came together to support this motley band of heroes.
So let’s meet the Fellowship
Look no further than Captain McCullum to find your Boromir, the grim and surly son of the Steward of Gondor – strong as an ox and a natural leader of men. Ridden he has into the teeth of every battle at the front and wielded his bat with such brute force that vast totals seemingly shimmered and vanished in front of his eyes.
With him stood the Legolas-like Guptill – he of the silken touch and quiet demeanor. A great opening partner – his steady hand has guided the Kiwi ship through many stormy passages in the past month. Kane Williamson would be my choice for Frodo – the batting lynch pin around whom the team has developed itself – inspiring in the field and with a hobbit-like twinkle in his eye. Ross Taylor – the elder statesman of the team – reminds me of Elron, the Elven Lord – ever present to steer a calm course through the treacherous middle overs.
Corey Anderson is the hot headed Gimli, wielding his axe like bat with devastating effect and always fiercely loyal to the very end. And Grant Elliott could only be Aragorn, the impassive and gaunt Forest Ranger. With eyes like burning coals and ice in his veins, only he could drag the team in times of dire threat and pull them over the finishing line – like a true heir of Isildur – the legendary king of Gondor.
Southee and Bolt have delivered thunderbolts all the way – working as a pair like Merry and Pippin – they have made the best use of what the battlefield had to offer and decimated oppositions almost always. Luke Ronchi and Adam Milne displayed the courage, resilience and fortitude of Sam Gamgee as they both contributed handily whenever the situation demanded – at any stage of any game.
And keeping a patient eye on this band of journeymen on their improbable quest looms a giant wizard – Dan Vettori. The bearded veteran has seen it all and faced many a battle. But the old bones are still not ready to rest as the Gandalf of the team encompasses the entire group with his special shield of witchcraft as he guides them through the treacherous mountain passes or the deepest mines.
Together this Fellowship has now come to the last stage – as they cross the deadly seas of Tasman to enter Mordor. Major battles are still being fought amongst the Dark Lord’s own followers and it is still unclear who will come through to challenge this collective. Whether the banners are yellow or blue, the vast Pellenor-like fields of Sydney and Melbourne wait patiently for the giant war horns to blow one last time.
And come Sunday, it will be time for the Fellowship to stand up and rise in battle. Spears shall be shaken and shields will be splintered. But Captain Boromir will have his eye on the ring itself…the one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them!
Rathindra Basu lives, breathes, sleeps sports and is forever waiting for the next Indian sporting triumph. Since this usually takes much time and infinite patience he also listens to music, reads voraciously and eats almost anything that moves.
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New Zealand and Tolkien’s masterpiece are today inextricably linked. And so, almost inevitably, at the Parks of Eden in Auckland today, a unique Fellowship marched onwards in its quest for cricket’s ultimate prize – much like the fabled quest for the magical ring in Tolkien’s book.
How it all began
The quest started in New Zealand (or should we say Middle Earth) when these adventurers kicked off their campaign in grand style against the mighty Lankans. Even though they had prepared well no one really expected what was to come next. One by one, eight teams came up in battle and the Fellowship tore each of them apart.
Such was its fury that all their opponents wilted in despair and even the Dark Lord’s forces in Yellow came a-cropper as they clashed early – a portent maybe of tougher battles ahead again. Mediocre performances of previous years were long forgotten – as a nation came together to support this motley band of heroes.
So let’s meet the Fellowship
Look no further than Captain McCullum to find your Boromir, the grim and surly son of the Steward of Gondor – strong as an ox and a natural leader of men. Ridden he has into the teeth of every battle at the front and wielded his bat with such brute force that vast totals seemingly shimmered and vanished in front of his eyes.
With him stood the Legolas-like Guptill – he of the silken touch and quiet demeanor. A great opening partner – his steady hand has guided the Kiwi ship through many stormy passages in the past month. Kane Williamson would be my choice for Frodo – the batting lynch pin around whom the team has developed itself – inspiring in the field and with a hobbit-like twinkle in his eye. Ross Taylor – the elder statesman of the team – reminds me of Elron, the Elven Lord – ever present to steer a calm course through the treacherous middle overs.
Corey Anderson is the hot headed Gimli, wielding his axe like bat with devastating effect and always fiercely loyal to the very end. And Grant Elliott could only be Aragorn, the impassive and gaunt Forest Ranger. With eyes like burning coals and ice in his veins, only he could drag the team in times of dire threat and pull them over the finishing line – like a true heir of Isildur – the legendary king of Gondor.
Southee and Bolt have delivered thunderbolts all the way – working as a pair like Merry and Pippin – they have made the best use of what the battlefield had to offer and decimated oppositions almost always. Luke Ronchi and Adam Milne displayed the courage, resilience and fortitude of Sam Gamgee as they both contributed handily whenever the situation demanded – at any stage of any game.
And keeping a patient eye on this band of journeymen on their improbable quest looms a giant wizard – Dan Vettori. The bearded veteran has seen it all and faced many a battle. But the old bones are still not ready to rest as the Gandalf of the team encompasses the entire group with his special shield of witchcraft as he guides them through the treacherous mountain passes or the deepest mines.
Together this Fellowship has now come to the last stage – as they cross the deadly seas of Tasman to enter Mordor. Major battles are still being fought amongst the Dark Lord’s own followers and it is still unclear who will come through to challenge this collective. Whether the banners are yellow or blue, the vast Pellenor-like fields of Sydney and Melbourne wait patiently for the giant war horns to blow one last time.
And come Sunday, it will be time for the Fellowship to stand up and rise in battle. Spears shall be shaken and shields will be splintered. But Captain Boromir will have his eye on the ring itself…the one ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them!
Rathindra Basu lives, breathes, sleeps sports and is forever waiting for the next Indian sporting triumph. Since this usually takes much time and infinite patience he also listens to music, reads voraciously and eats almost anything that moves.