Internet kept Hadlee up with the play in Kenya

New Zealand cricket selection convener Sir Richard Hadlee had to rely on the Internet to keep him posted during his side's winning of the ICC KnockOut tournament in Nairobi, Kenya.

Hadlee has been on business in Asia and kept up with the play via CricInfo ball-by-ball scoring.

"I was delighted with the result. It was a great team effort, and a wonderful performance from Chris Cairns in particular," he said.

While there was plenty to be satisfied with in the result, it would be a good stepping-stone for the 2003 World Cup.

The side had set itself a standard now and it needed to maintain the level seen in Nairobi.

"The team also needs to turn its focus now to the South African series," he said.

Meanwhile, John Hood, the man who headed the far-reaching review of New Zealand's cricket administration, and who called for support structures to be put in place to allow the side to be internationally competitive was delighted with the result.

"It is just fantastic news. Well done New Zealand Cricket. I am absolutely delighted.

"They've got to keep it going now, there's a big job ahead in South Africa," he said.

Unfortunately for Hood he retired early due to illness and didn't see a lot of the television coverage.

Hood, who is the vice chancellor of Auckland University, was up early and away to work, and it wasn't until one of his University councillors, the former Black Caps team manager John Graham, told him the news that he was aware New Zealand had won.