CAPTAINS SUM UP Talent, But More Coaching—Dexter

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30085, 20 March 1963, Page 19

CAPTAINS SUM UP Talent, But More Coaching—Dexter

The tour of New Zealand by the M.C.C. after its long stay in Australia was not taken light-heartedly by the team. The results of the matches and the performances of the individual players had shown that, said the M.C.C. captain (E. R. Dexter).

“In plain terms, the players got stuck i during the games here Trueman, I think, never bowled better in his life than he did at Lancaster Park.

“Dexter then qualified his statement about Trueman, saying that at least he bowled equally as well as he did in Australia where he was magnificent" Asked his opinions on the failures of the New Zealand batting during the series. Dexter said that it was not as bad as some people were inclined to think. “John Reid’s innings in the third test was one of the greatest centuries I have seen.’’ said Dexter Asked how he would rate Reid m international cricket, Dexter replied it would have to be a very good side which could leave out Reid, and undoubtedly he was one of the outstanding players in the world

Lack Experience “I think you have got masses of talent in the New Zealand teem but what is lacking is experience It is just that your players do not get enough cricket against good teams “In England it usually takes a player 10 full seasons of county cricket to reach his peak Your players cannot get that experience. Also

you must remember that the I'ew Zealand team was up against bowlers who did very well against the Australian teams.

“More coaching would help —preferably from professional cricketers who could impari knowledge to younger players gained from years of playing. lit did not matter whether it was an Australian or an English coach, as long as he was a good coach.” he said

Umpiring Excellent The umpiring in the matches in New Zealand was excellent, said Dexter He did not think that it mattered if umpires were no’ quick in calling no-balls—a matter which had been commented on in the series “A no-ball call is not jus’ to give the batsmen a free hit but to control the bowler hv said. Dexter had no criticism « the New Zealand pitches They had all played well giving the bowlers some assistance and also allowing the batsmen to play strokes "The Lancaster pitch was ideal for a test match." he added

One point in New Zealand’s favour in the test matches had been ite ground fielding, said Dexter It was the equal of the Australian fielding.