All posts tagged: New Zealand cricket leadership

South Africa vs New Zealand: Captaincy, all-round abilities not only traits that tie Aiden Markram and Mitchell Santner together | Cricket News

South Africa vs New Zealand: Captaincy, all-round abilities not only traits that tie Aiden Markram and Mitchell Santner together | Cricket News

Two captains, who are as much as passionate about the swing of the golf club as shaping legacies on a cricket pitch, will meet at the Eden Gardens for a spot in the final. Aiden Markram, a recreational golfer since he was a child, boasts a handicap of 7.6; Mitchell Santner, a more serious one, flaunts 3.4. Like the treacherous fairways and wickedly sloping greens, the paths they traversed on a cricketing field have seen deep roughs, trees shot and fearsome bunkers. But here, they are two games away from the ultimate prize, or to borrow from golf’s lexicon, wearing the green jacket. Their brand of leadership is similar. Both retreat to the background; they are one among the men, shirking from the limelight and deflecting praise towards their teammates. Santner has played under all great modern-day leaders of his country, from the hyper-aggressive Brendon McCullum to the understatedly pragmatic Kane Williamson. Yet, he has forged an identity of his own, with elements from both his lofty predecessors. Santner’s men are attacking yet pragmatic, assertive …