An ODI varies from a Test match in ways that each team has a limited number of overs and only one inning. The players are listed in the order of which they received their maiden ODI cap. Having genuine all-rounders a team can make or break their chances in Test cricket. The distinct advantage possessed by such multi-dimensional cricketers may be derived from their ability to transition momentum from one department to another seamlessly.
For most of its cricket history, New Zealand, like most other top teams, has been fortunate with the presence of quality all-rounders.
1. Sir Richard Hadlee
Sir Richard Hadlee is the only cricketer to be knighted while still playing international cricket attests to his greatness. Hadlee's bowling prowess was far superior to Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, and Sir Ian Botham, among the four great all-rounders of the 1980s. To put things into perspective, he amassed a mind-boggling 36 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket alone. Only Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne have taken more wickets in their careers. Hadlee's batting skills were, admittedly, inferior to those of the other participants in the top group of all-rounders. Despite this, he collected over 3000 Test runs at a decent batting average of 27.16, including two hundreds.
2. Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori has more Test wickets than Wasim Akram and Rangana Herath among left-arm bowlers. The bespectacled all-rounder took 362 wickets in 113 matches, with an average of 34.36. Given that he primarily bowled because they were unsuitable for spinners, his bowling record is rather impressive. Vettori began his career as a specialist bowler in the late 1990s, but he worked hard on his batting skills and developed into a serviceable all-rounder. The left-hander was one of the brightest cricketers of his time, capable of playing according to the scenario.
3. Chris Cairns
Despite current suspicions of match-fixing, Chris Cairns' legacy will be remembered as an immortal fighter who battled multiple ailments and still managed to carve out a tremendous career. Cairns' remarkable potential was obvious since the minute he went into the international stage, following in the footsteps of his father, Lance. His skilful batting frequently turned seemingly hopeless circumstances into match-winning ones. Cairns scored over 3000 runs, including 5 centuries, and gave telling spells with the ball when his side needed him to. His 218 scalps were worth 29.40 each and included 13 five-wicket hauls.
4. John Reid
Calling John Reid is a guy of many abilities would truly be an understatement. He could be a rugby player for the All Blacks if it hadn't been for rheumatic sickness and other misfortunes. After switching to cricket, the Auckland-born athlete quickly ascended through the ranks to become one of New Zealand cricket's early stars. Reid appeared in 58 Tests and scored 3428 runs at an average of 33.28. If his lightning stroke-play wasn't enough to harm opponents' attacks, the right-arm blended off-breaks with various seam-up deliveries to take 85 wickets. When you factor in his explosive fielding, it's no surprise that he was a fan favourite.
5. Jacob Oram
Jacob Oram was a useful player in the Test team when he wasn't unfairly pigeon-holed as a limited-overs specialist. While his tall frame helped generate more bounce on New Zealand's seam-friendly conditions, he could also dismantle bowling attacks with outstanding hand-eye coordination and clean striking. Injuries plagued him for much of his career, limiting him to only 33 Test appearances. Nonetheless, he was able to make a decent impression by scoring as many as five centuries. Oram's deceptive medium-pace allowed him to break long partnerships and pick up crucial wickets for the Kiwis.
6. Stephen Fleming
A time with Middlesex in 2001 created the groundwork for a successful re-evaluation of his batting methods. His inability to convert half-centuries to centuries did not do fair to his talent. Flemings' highest run was 274 not out against Sri Lanka on the first Test of their 2003 series, following breakout innings of 134 not out which gave New Zealand a classy World Cup victory over South Africa, as well as another victory for county cricket in Yorkshire. He followed it up with a similarly amazing 192 against Pakistan in Hamilton later that year, earning him the title of New Zealand's cricketer of the year in 2004.
7. BJ Watling
Bradley John Watling, a right-handed opening batsman, and part-time wicketkeeper grew up in Durban, South Africa, before relocating to New Zealand when he was 10 years old. In 2003-04, he was a member of the Under-19 squad at the World Cup in Bangladesh before being called up to the Northern Districts squad. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the third season for his state team, with 564 runs with an average of 37.60. He was in his top form during the one-day State Shield competition in 2008-09, scoring 509 runs at a blistering 63.62, which helped him secure a spot in the New Zealand's one-day team for the ODIs against Pakistan in the UAE.
8. Kyle Mills
He competed in the 2006 Champions Trophy, but his injury curse struck again, and he was forced to withdraw from the 2007 World Cup due to a major knee injury. In March 2008, he recovered to score a devastating 189-run Test victory over England in Hamilton but was later ruled out of the series after his knee flared up again. He recovered to play for Kings XI Punjab in the first IPL in 2009 and led New Zealand against Australia in the Chappell-Hadlee Series, picking up nine wickets at 20.33, climbing to No. 1 on the ICC ODI bowlers' rankings.
9. Grant Elliott
He had a solid season with Wellington in 2006-07, scoring 361 runs in seven matches at 45.12, including two of his three career hundreds. He played one A-team game for South Africa before switching allegiances. His initial claim to fame was his 115-point performance against Australia in Sydney, which nearly lost to New Zealand. In a problematic chase against Pakistan in the 2009 Champions Trophy semi-final, everyone was impressed with his calm.
10. Nathan McCullum
Nathan McCullum, Brendon McCullum's older brother, is an Otago off-spinner. He played in the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa with his brother. Following a strong Emerging Players Tournament performance in Australia, including a 4 for 41 against the Academy, McCullum was promoted to the senior team despite missing out on the final Champions Trophy selection. McCullum debuted in first-class cricket in 1999-2000, and since then, he has had six half-centuries and one five-wicket haul to his credit. He batted 26.66 and got 14 wickets at 56.42 in the 2006-07 State Championship. He had a strong economy rate of 3.88 per over and nine wickets in 11 games in one-day cricket.
