Alex Chapman: White Ferns & Blackcaps veterans prove they're not done yet

Ever since it started to drop below the highest point in the sky, there have been questions - at times, grave concerns - raised over who will be next, when the sun sets on the careers of some of New Zealand’s greatest cricketers.

Well, panic no longer. The last few days have offered plenty of comfort.

Let me tell you a story.

In 2018, six years to the day next month, I sat down with Suzie Bates, prior to the White Ferns heading to the T20 World Cup – or the World T20, as it was known as then.

We chatted about all sorts, but one thing she said always pops into my mind when I see her and Amelia Kerr on the field together: “It's my job to keep her grounded," Bates joked. "I need to make sure she doesn't spend too much money on shoes.”

Kerr, then just 18, later shared that she already had over 30 pairs. Like her profile, it wouldn’t be surprising if that number has grown since.

Kerr’s now arguably the face of the women’s game in this country, and at the T20 World Cup, she backed up why she’ll continue to be for likely the next decade-plus.

Player of the tournament, the competition’s leading wicket taker, and a performance in the final of maturity and positivity to lead New Zealand to that elusive title. As many keep saying, it’s hard to believe she’s still only 24.

The numbers may not completely do them justice, but look at how the other younger players contributed. The 23-year-old Eden Carson continues to make strides and is bowling with real control, while Georgia Plimmer and Fran Jonas, both 20, seem more comfortable as people and in roles in the side.

But here’s the thing - the self-titled “grandmas” of the team aren’t done yet.

Prior to the final, Bates spoke of defying ageism and “breaking barriers every day”, while Devine was quick to emphasise in her post-match press conference that she’s not retiring. Both continue to be dangerous and genuine world-beaters.

And as for 'that' celebratory hug, hang it in the damn Louvre.

Lea Tahuhu’s the youngest of the trio and has transitioned to a different role in the side, particularly in T20s, bowling through the middle to allow the likes of 25-year-old Rosemary Mair to take the new ball.

But while Tahuhu’s MO may have changed, her impact hasn’t. The way she bowled in the 9th over of that final allowed Kerr to capitalise and take the two match-defining wickets of Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch.

Between them, the trio of Bates, Devine and Tahuhu have over 800 games of international experience, and will continue to be the secure, sturdy, powerful pillars of the White Ferns.

Chuck in the consistent names of Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday, and the steady young gloves of Izzy Gaze, and some of those pre-tournament worries may have eased.

And it’s not just them.

Who’d have thought that the Blackcaps' first win in India since 1988 would come without their best ever bat playing?

Think of those who tried but never did. New Zealand’s greatest spinner, some of the most successful bats, and sharpest cricketing minds.

Defying the weather, odds and doubters; I’ll happily put my hand up and say I was one.

And once again, as with the White Ferns, the talk out of the game is all about the youngsters.

In the same city where his grandparents are from, the next shining star of New Zealand Cricket ascended further to be part of the constellation.

Already familiar to many for what he did at last year’s World Cup, and in the same stadium where he scored one of his centuries in that tournament, Rachin Ravindra, gave everyone another reminder what he’s capable of - firstly with his masterful century and then with his unbeaten 39 in the chase to secure victory.

Less familiar to perhaps fans of the team he helped run through is Will O’Rourke (the third player from Cornwall Cricket Club mentioned in this piece by this bias writer). The height and bounce that he and his perhaps slightly undersized whites generate had India in all sorts of strife.

With the likes of Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson (remember him?!) still to come back, the pace attack looks tasty for the next few years.

But while he took a fair amount of them, it wasn’t O’Rourke who had all of the chocolates in the bowling box.

Matt Henry, yes, perhaps the unluckiest, most under-rated and under-utilised player in recent memory, once again finished with the most scalps. There wasn’t a need for Tom Latham - in this case, the Aldo Raine of the Blackcaps - to ask for them. Matt Henry just ran in and delivered.

His slightly older fellow paceman - former captain, Tim Southee - took key wickets, and batted with the maturity that so many fans and critics have been craving and calling for. His support of Ravindra in that first-innings partnership may have ended up being match winning.

Meanwhile, Devon Conway’s 91 in the first innings and defiance of a Jasprit Bumrah barrage in the second innings showed he’s still got it, despite calls for him to be dropped.

Yep, the kids will be alright, but the oldies of both teams aren’t done yet.