Harris lands chance to nail test spot (22 February 1999)

22 February 1999

Harris lands chance to nail test spot

Geoff Longley

Comeback cricketers Chris Harris and Matthew Hart get the chance to resurrect test careers with their inclusion in the New Zealand team to play South Africa at Eden Park starting on Saturday.

Both have been on the test rejects pile, Harris albeit only for this season, while Hart's last test was three seasons ago.

Harris has been included as a sixth batsman, in the absence of the injured Chris Cairns, and looks likely to play given the fragility of the Black Caps top order batting and South Africa's quality bowling attack.

Harris has been in and out of New Zealand teams in the five-day version of the game, unlike his one-day place which is guaranteed. A test here, two tests there, dot Harris's 14-match career since his debut in 1992-93 which has produced just 390 runs from 28 innings at 15.60. However, there is the feeling Harris has not received the consistent opportunities of some and, with Cairns out for the series, and Harris boasting a first-class average in the 40s, there is optimism he will convert that run-scoring ability to the test arena.

The selection of left-arm slow bowler Hart ahead of Otago off-spinner Paul Wiseman should prompt debate.

The selectors, Ross Dykes (convener), Steve Rixon, and Rick Pickard, have often spoken about consistency and stability in team selection.

Wiseman has been nurtured as a second spinner in the test arena alongside Daniel Vettori and made a promising start against Sri Lanka with a five-wicket bag on debut. He also performed usefully in the two-test series against India, acknowledged players of spin bowling.

Within a month, Wiseman has lost the confidence of the selectors and been shunted aside for Hart who turns the ball the same way as Vettori. Certainly Wiseman has taken only two wickets in three Shell Trophy bowling stints of late while Hart has six, but it is probably Hart's ability with the bat that has clinched his inclusion.

Hart last played for New Zealand at test level in 1995-96, but a loss of bowling form and the emergence of Vettori consigned him to the international wilderness.

Since then he has consolidated and performed solidly with bat and ball and has been one of the form players in the Shell series this summer.

While Wiseman must wonder at this turn of events, Otago bowling team-mate Shayne O'Connor will also have cause for frustration. Seldom have bowlers of ability taken three successive six-wicket hauls at first-class level, but been unable to make the side.

O'Connor's turn may come on the pacier wickets likely at Christchurch and Wellington.

It appears the Auckland wicket will take spin after the way it played in the one-day international between the two teams on Saturday. The wicket has suffered from a fungus which has affected the grass and disrupted preparation of the wicket. It has left the pitch with a mottled complexion, well grassed in places but bare in others. New Zealand Cricket chief executive Chris Doig said there was no intention of shifting away from Eden Park, but obviously there have been concerns.

The selectors have opted for youth over experience in retaining Matthew Bell for the opener's berth ahead of Bryan Young. They were keen to persevere with the Wellingtonian, who turns 22 on Thursday, despite a diffident start against India. Bell's Shell Trophy double century and a confident 37 made when pitched into the opening one-dayer against South Africa convinced the selectors he could handle the Proteas fast bowling fury.

The test will be Dion Nash's first as skipper. He becomes New Zealand's 25th test captain.

Team: Dion Nash (captain, Auckland) Adam Parore (Auckland), Matthew Horne (Otago), Matthew Bell, Roger Twose (Wellington), Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Geoff Allott (Canterbury), Matthew Hart, Simon Doull, Daniel Vettori (Northern Districts).

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