Reid angered by Pakistan A move (8 December 1998)

8 December 1998

Reid angered by Pakistan A move

The Christchurch Press

The future of A team tours needs debate at International Cricket Council level, believes concerned New Zealand Cricket operations manager John Reid.

His worries arise after Pakistan A's mid-match default against New Zealand A in Hamilton on Sunday.

An extremely disappointed Reid said both the Pakistan and international boards had been informed of the incident by NZC. Pakistan A refused to play after the umpires had ruled a vandalised wicket was fit to play on. Reid said Pakistan's decision was unacceptable. "If the umpire says the ground if fit for play you have to get out there."

Reid said NZC was spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the six-week tour by the visitors and pouring considerable resources into it.

"The philosophy behind these matches needs further looking at. It is the playing of the game and providing of experience that is more important ahead of the results. It is not test cricket." Pakistan A was facing defeat, trailing by 179 runs with two days play remaining. The team now plays three one-day matches, starting in Mt Maunganui tomorrow and Thursday, and ending in Hamilton on Saturday.

For New Zealand A, Alex Tait has withdrawn with a side strain and fellow Northern pace bowler Simon Doull has been retained in the side to give him more work after recent injury.

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