New Zealand Pacemen vie for slot (31 March 1999)

31 March 1999

New Zealand Pacemen vie for slot

Geoff Longley in Wellington

One pace bowling place - likely to be contested between Carl Bulfin and Shayne O'Connor - seems the only contentious point in the naming of the 15-man New Zealand World Cup one-day cricket team today.

South African batsman Jacques Kallis looks back to find his castle broken after playing on a delivery from Nathan Astle at the Basin Reserve. Kallis scored 54

The impact of returning players - Chris Cairns, Craig McMillan, and Simon Doull - will have a bearing on the final composition of the team, said national selection panel convener Ross Dykes.

He said the trio's attributes would have to be carefully considered when he, coach Steve Rixon, and Rick Pickard have their final discussions.

"We have to assess the players coming back and how that affects the balance of the team," a non-committal Dykes said last night.

"We are pretty well advanced in our thinking, but it's always good to have a night to sleep on it and re-assess in the morning."

The selectors' intention was to name the team this morning. But with the postponement of the sixth and final BNZ series one-day match after rain in Wellington yesterday, it will not be named until after the game ends tonight.

Driving drizzle forced the teams from the field with South Africa in a powerful position at 249 for four from 48.4 overs.

The 12 players in the Black Caps squad for the final three one-dayers against South Africa should have the inside running to hold their places for the tournament in May and June in England. This will be good news for borderline players, Bulfin and Bryan Young, who are in contention with others for tour places.

Young's experience (74 one-day games, average 24.52) and ability to act as a utility top order player seems likely to ensure his retention. He would also be the back-up wicketkeeper should injury strike Adam Parore. Young started his first-class career behind the stumps, for Northern Districts.

With Matthew Bell's fitness still under question, Young should head off the possible challenges from the likes of Canterbury's Gary Stead and rising young Aucklander Lou Vincent.

Bulfin faces competition from O'Connor and Chris Drum for the last pace bowling slot. His selection depends on what composition the selectors want with their bowling attack. Bulfin provides bounce and some speed; O'Connor swing, and Drum offers accuracy.

Bulfin has not been instantly impressive in his two outings so far (11 overs for 78) and is quickly discovering lapses in line and length will be heavily punished by the Proteas. But only two outings are limited opportunities for a player of potential.

O'Connor deserves close consideration. He will likely be part of the group which tours England later, and his one-day record is a respectable 29 wickets at 27.37, albeit at a rather expensive 5.28 from 23 matches. Conditions in England should suit his bowling style, but Doull provides one swing bowling option.

The other consideration is whether a second spin bowler will be taken and left-armer Matthew Hart was included in the initial 19-man list. However, with seemingly little confidence in the slower bowlers, the selectors are likely to be satisfied with the players they have, with Chris Harris supporting Daniel Vettori.

Possible squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Matthew Horne, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Roger Twose, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Adam Parore, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori, Gavin Larsen, Carl Bulfin, Geoff Allott, Simon Doull, Bryan Young.

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