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Michael Appleton

Guest writer

Michael Appleton is a Unit Manager in MFAT’s Pacific Regional Division. The views expressed here are his own and do not represent official New Zealand government policy.

NZ’s Kane Williamson and India’s Virat Kohli chat during a Twenty20 match in Mount Maunganui in 2020. It’s not clear what Williamson is saying, but it could be, ‘If we play each other in the WTC, here’s how close it will be.’ Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Five burning questions in the NZ v India battle for cricket’s biggest prize

Following a staggering seven-year turnaround in form, the Black Caps have arrived in Southampton to take on India for the World Test Championship final.

By Michael Appleton | 16th June, 2021

India Captain Virat Kohli and New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson shake hands, both looking slightly sheepish that they forgot to wear their whites.

New Zealand v India: Who will be test cricket’s champion of the world?

The Black Caps play India in the final of the World Test Championship. Who will win? Michael Appleton breaks down the stats.

By Michael Appleton | 29th May, 2021

Former captain Brendon McCullum presenting Kane Williamson with the trophy for winning the test series against Pakistan (Getty Images)

Greatness within grasp: The 12 months that will define the Black Caps

Five key challenges await, ranging from formidable to almost certainly insurmountable.

By Michael Appleton | 8th April, 2021

Neil Wagner, currently fourth ranked test bowler in the world, expresses a modicum of satisfaction after taking an English wicket in 2019. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Slack Caps no more: the numbers that tell the story of a meteoric rise

Just a jaw-dropping collection of stats.

By Michael Appleton | 13th February, 2021

Why the drought in New Zealand opinion polling matters

Why the drought in New Zealand opinion polling matters

New Zealand has a severe lack of political polls and, without polling, political coverage relies on the opinions of a few Wellington-based journalists. Michael Appleton explains why that's a bad thing.

By Michael Appleton | 5th November, 2018

Kane Williamson of New Zealand dismisses Josh Hazlewood of Australia on a run out to win the first One Day International game between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park on January 30, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

The Black Caps begin their march to World Cup triumph, definitely, maybe

Assessing the chances of cricketing glory as the side begins its season in the United Arab Emirates.

By Michael Appleton | 31st October, 2018

Carl Berendsen addressing the United Nations, 1946

An eye, an ear, a voice: 75 years of New Zealand in the world

As NZ marks a major anniversary for what is now called the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Michael Appleton explains what it is that he and his fellow diplomats actually do

By Michael Appleton | 28th October, 2018