Put an end to this Australian cricket blight

Joseph Romanos, writing in the Dominion Post, says that the list of 20 players contracted by New Zealand Cricket for next season is ridiculous, and highlights a problem within the game in this country.

The list, compiled by New Zealand Cricket's director of cricket, John Buchanan, and national selection manager Kim Littlejohn, was fraught with inconsistencies. Buchanan is the New Zealand Cricket supremo. The Queenslander had great success with the Australian team, but then again he did have Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist, Ponting, Clarke, Hayden, Langer, Gillespie and Lee to call on. New Zealand cricket risks being taken over by Australians.

David Leggat, writing in the New Zealand Herald, says that the absence of a number of experienced players from the New Zealand squad for the Caribbean tour, will give younger players an opportunity to perform and get noticed.

This tour is a chance to look at options. It is a trip of opportunities for several players. McCullum's absence will thrust more importance on a handful of players at, or near, the top of the order. Rob Nicol made a decent fist of his limited-overs opportunities last season against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Daniel Flynn has the ability to be more than a first-class grafter. Spinners Ronnie Hira and Tarun Nethula get their opportunities to build on a taste of international action last summer.