Martin Guptill: D
Martin Guptill further proved he isn’t up to Test batting with two ordinary scores – 18 and naught. It remains to be seen whether he will continue to make the Test side off his ODI performances only.
Tom Latham: C-
Guptill’s opening partner Tom Latham did not fare much better in Christchurch, managing just 43 from his two innings. Given that he is just 23, Latham is in no danger of losing his spot, and will be given time to move his impressive average of 38 north of 40.
Kane Williamson: B-
In the second innings, Kane Williamson came agonisingly close to a 14th Test century – just three runs short before being knocked over by Jackson Bird. Was yet again one of New Zealand’s better batsmen.
Henry Nicholls: D-
Despite two single digits scores, Henry Nicholls is another young New Zealander who will be given time to develop his game at Test level.
Brendon McCullum: A
This Test belonged to Brendon McCullum in every sence of the word. In his last game for his beloved Black Caps, he smashed a record breaking 145 in the first innings, before falling for 25 in his final bat in Test cricket.
Corey Anderson: A-
In the traditional sense of the word, Corey Anderson completed his job description perfectly. In his two batting innings he managed 72 and 40, and was economical with the ball in his 25 overs, taking one wicket.
BJ Watling: B+
He took two good catches behind off the bowling of Neil Wagner, and made late batting cameos of 58 and 46. Watling won the contest against his opposite number, and all in all, had a good match.
Tim Southee: D-
Tim Southee was wasteful with ball in hand this match, managing just one wicket from 32 overs. As one of the Kiwis’ key bowlers, his inability to find a wicket was one of the reasons Australia ran away with this one.
Matt Henry: C-
Matt Henry was a hard one to grade. Statistically, he was even worse than Boult with the ball – no wickets from 41 overs. However, he scored 21 and 66, which helped keep the Black Caps in the game. All in all, he scores out to a C-.
Neil Wagner: A+
Neil Wagner was without doubt the pick of the New Zealand bowlers. His six wickets in the first innings, including Burns, Smith and Voges, were key in keeping the Australians to the score they did manage. One wonders what the Aussies have might have scored in absence of the South African-born paceman.
Trent Boult: C
Did not stand out in either innings. Took important wickets including Warner, Khawaja and Burns, but could have done a lot more with the 48 overs he bowled.
