Autumn work-out 'clever' (24 April 1999)

24 April 1999

Autumn work-out 'clever'

The Christchurch Press

Chris Cairns believes it's a clever move for New Zealand's World Cup cricket squad to play three one-day matches this week in autumn conditions before heading to England.

The 15-man squad, plus seven others on stand-by, assemble in Christchurch today for a week of preparation before departure.

"This sort of weather and temperature is just the sort of conditions you tend to strike in England in May,"said Cairns, who has had several seasons English county experience with Nottinghamshire.

Cairns said if the Black Caps had been going to warmer parts of the world, then he would have questioned the worth of the move.

Cricket officials are taking a risk with the weather having never played games so late in April, traditionally a time when the whites have been put aside for winter sporting pursuits.

The match with most at stake against the elements is the Chris Harris benefit match between the North and South sides at Jade Stadium tomorrow.

Organisers, who were unable to find a suitable time during an intensive season, have gambled on the late date for the 45-over encounter.

The match will mark Cairns's return to the game after a ruptured calf muscle sustained two months ago against South Africa in a one-day match.

Cairns said he had received a clean bill of health for the calf muscle and would now be stepping up the workload.

The New Zealand squad will have two further one-day matches, being split into two teams for outdoor games at Lincoln Green on Tuesday and Friday next week.

Teams for the game which starts at 11am are.

South: Matthew Horne, Nathan Astle, Stephen Fleming (captain), Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Gary Stead, Martyn Croy, Mark Priest, Shayne O'Connor, Geoff Allott.

North: Bryan Young, Matthew Bell, Roger Twose, Jacob Oram, Matthew Hart, Adam Parore, Dion Nash (captain), Daniel Vettori, Gavin Larsen, Simon Doull, Carl Bulfin.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)