Rixon impressed by steely effort (10 March 1999)

10 March 1999

Rixon impressed by steely effort

John Coffey

Coach Steve Rixon expects to see more of the fighting qualities which earned New Zealand a first-test draw when the series against South Africa resumes at Jade Stadium tomorrow.

Although New Zealand was required to follow on at Eden Park, Rixon said, the manner in which his players resisted the highly rated South African attack deserved considerable commendation.

"Even though success wasn't there in the form of a win a lot was taken out of that last day's play. Batting on any fifth-day wicket anywhere in the world is always awkward - ask the Windies," he said. Rixon believes his squad is still firmly on course for "campaign 99 in England" after heartening displays against India, and in the first three one-dayers with South Africa.

On a similar theme, opening batsman Matthew Horne - who distinguished himself with innings of 93 and 60 in the first test - said the result was "a huge boost for us.

"I still think the South Africans expected us to fall over quite easily. So that's a step in the right direction, but we've got a heck of a long way to go."

Horne had noted a strengthening in the resolve of the New Zealand side in recent seasons, saying "We are not only harder to beat, but now we are looking to win."

The revised New Zealand batting line-up, by chance, suitably fits the combative spirit proclaimed within the Black Caps camp.

Stripped of dashing stroke makers Stephen Fleming, Craig McMillan, and Chris Cairns because of injuries, New Zealand has looked to comparative grafters Bryan Young, Roger Twose, and Gary Stead to challenge one of cricket's top test-playing nations.

Left-arm pace bowlers Shayne O'Connor and Geoff Allott are rivals for the 12th-man duties.

After his heroic deeds in making the longest duck in test cricket at Auckland, and sharing a backs-to-the-wall stand with Chris Harris, Allott will be hoping history does not repeat. His predecessor at No. 11, Danny Morrison, was dropped after sharing a match-saving partnership with Nathan Astle two years ago at Eden Park.

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