Call for two trophy rounds (4 May 1999)

4 May 1999

Call for two trophy rounds

The Christchurch Press

Canterbury cricket coach Garry MacDonald has called for a double round of Shell Trophy matches next season.

MacDonald believes the competition best develops younger players and feels that it is the best competition for players being considered by New Zealand Cricket next season.

Major associations are keen on an expanded Trophy series after just one round as it has been for the last two seasons, since the introduction of Conference Cricket.

The future of Conference Cricket is under review and it could be shelved next season.

"I'm not against the Conference stuff, I'd like there to be room for both, but in the length of our season, that's probably not practicable."

MacDonald said the best arena for the promising players from the Academy to start was at Trophy level. "That's where you develop players further like the Marcel McKenzies and Michael Papps. It's tough to bring those players straight into the Cup cauldron."

MacDonald felt Conference Cricket, even if only in operation for two seasons, had worked in bridging the gap between first-class and test level.

It could make way for New Zealand A series against visiting international teams.

England A will tour later this year and NZC operations manager John Reid said that with the Black Caps away touring India in November and another 12 players playing against England A, it could negate the need for Conference Cricket.

MacDonald is also a supporter of a domestic second XI tournament concept to provide further stepping stones for development.

"Canterbury organised a four-team one-day tournament here over Christmas-New Year and that was very beneficial. With the standard of club cricket not being great nowadays around the country, we needs these sort of structures to help our players coming through," he said.

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