Pringle wins praise (25 Sep 1996)

The inclusion of accurate medium pace bowler Chris Pringle should offer the New Zealand cricket team more life "at the death" of one-day cricket matches on its tour to Sharjah and Pakistan, captain Lee Germon said yesterday

25-Sep-1996

From The Press September 25, 1996

Pringle wins praise for tail-end accuracy

"Last season we did struggle a bit getting someone to bowl accurately at the end of an innings. "He will give us more options, not just there but also at the start of the innings with the new ball."

Germon said Pringle was invariably on target at the stumps, had the ability to bowl yorkers regularly, could change pace and had a good record.

Two seasons ago when he last played, Pringle became the fourth New Zealander to claim 100 one-day wickets at the respectable average of 23.87. Only Sir Richard Hadlee, who tops the list with 158 wickets at 21.56, has a better average of players to have taken more than 50 wickets.

Germon had sympathy for another Aucklander, Justin Vaughan, who missed selection but played with distinction on the team's West Indies tour.

"He did very well there and is obviously unlucky."

Over all, Germon is happy with the side's balance with plenty of batting and bowling options.

Yet to be decided is who will be vice-captain. The side has three former vice-captains in its ranks, Mark Greatbatch, Gavin Larsen and Danny Morrison.

"It was felt it was good to have a back-up if something happens to me and that person will probably be involved in the team selection process on tour," Germon said.

He said he hoped the recent good weather in Christchurch would continue as the New Zealand side assembles in the city for a three-day training camp next week.

"It is imperative we get outdoors as much as possible because most of us are coming out of winter. We are up against Sri Lanka and Pakistan who have already been playing alot recently."

Germon is available for the first weeks of club cricket before the New Zealand team assembles in Auckland on October 23.

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