New Zealand: Harris shines after early setback (10 Oct 1997)

October 10, 1997

Harris shines after early setback

by Geoff Longley

Canterbury all-rounder Chris Harris, the success story of the New Zealand cricket team's Zimbabwe tour, feared the worst just after the trip had started.

Harris was omitted from the only first-class lead-up match which he felt was not a good omen for his hopes to breaking into the test team.

"Usually you probably play the shadow test side in that game but I was given a chance," Harris said on his return to Christchurch yesterday with the New Zealand team.

Some unconvincing performances by the bowlers in that match opened the door for Harris who never looked back.

Harris, 27, finished the tour topping the batting averages in the two-match test series (142 at 47.3) and three-game one-day series, scoring 124 runs, and not being dismissed.

So compelling was his form that he has gone from being a borderline candidate for the test phase of the Australian tour, which is named on Monday, to a certainty.

Harris said having played several long first-class innings for Canterbury the previous season, plus coming in match-fit from a Lancashire league season had helped his cause.

However, Harris is aware the ultimate test of his ability comes in the forthcoming full tour of Australia which starts in just 10 days. "That is the biggest testing ground of all, how you perform over there."

Harris said inconsistent batting from the top order had hampered New Zealand's cause but he said Zimbabwe was a competitive side in its home conditions.

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