The Surfer

New Zealand could learn from late bloomers

Simon Katich's successful comeback after two and a half years out of Test cricket should be noted by New Zealand's brains trust, writes Richard Boock in the Sunday Star Times .

Brydon Coverdale
Brydon Coverdale
25-Feb-2013
Simon Katich's successful comeback after two and a half years out of Test cricket should be noted by New Zealand's brains trust, writes Richard Boock in the Sunday Star Times.
The 33-year-old's success as a late bloomer follows that of Matthew Hayden, dropped in 1997, recalled in 2000, Damien Martyn, dropped in 1994, returned in 2000. And Justin Langer axed in 1993, recalled in 1998. Some of their brightest batting stars of the past five years were deemed to have failed at their first attempt.
Whatever happens at the Gabba today, New Zealand coach John Bracewell and his tour selectors Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum could do worse than think about that as they ponder their line-up for the second test in Adelaide. Peter Fulton, on the outer since the end of last summer's home series against England, must be brought back. To persist with the status quo would be madness.
Mark Richardson in the Herald on Sunday considers the inclusion of Tim Southee ahead of Kyle Mills as a positive move.

Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets here