Period Of Progress For N.Z. Cricket

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31333, 1 April 1967, Page 11

Period Of Progress For N.Z. Cricket

IVEW ZEALAND’S victory 15 over the Australians at New Plymouth sparked off a remarkable resurgence of interest in the game. All that was needed, apparently, was that one victory to win the game a whole new army of supporters and silence most of those who have held New Zealand cricketers in very scant regard. It was a notable achievement, but it is strange to reflect how little credit is given for,a good performance which is not capped by victory. In the last 11 years New Zealand cricket has had some rebuffs, but in that period far more success than the average critic appreciates.

to coach the A team this season and there is a good chance that he might play as well. If be can impart his knowledge, there should be a noticeable improvement in the team’s standard of play. C, P. Dyson was Burnham’s player-coach last season but he has now moved to the North Island. It is not known who will control the club’s top team, but there are several men capable of performing this function in Burnham Camp. The club has its own court and its team will probably be more match fit than any other.

It was at Eden Parit in held the whip hand quite 1956 that New Zealand won firmlyits first test match, against e w Zealand also played xj,- iVActt- Tneit A With SOCIO GlSuDCiuMl AgßinSt the west Indies. A year the 1960 Australians. This later there was a tour by a time G. A. Bartlett was a strong Australian side and key figure. In the first some splendid bowling by mateh at Wellington, Aus11. B. Cave helped New Zea- JraU« was behind on the first land to give a satisfactory innings and, needtag 222, performance. The third test *J® d 10 f* sewen 201 Bt at Auckland was lost, Cave t“ e fimsh. being handicapped by an B. Sutcliffe and G. T. Dowlelbow injury, but ait Christ- tag made 160 for the first church, New Zealand won a wicket at Christchurch, and substantial first innings lead New Zealand led by 118, but in a drawn game and at Wei- could not quite finish off its lington the home side again formidable opponents. The Australians, requiring 272, were eight down for 211. New Zealand then won a three-match series with an M.C.C. side led by D. R. W. Silk, and this was no mean achievement, for the touring team was by no means In 1961-62, New Zealand took further steps forward. For the first time, a test was

won overseas. In fact, there were two victories over South Africa and the series was tied. The 1964-65 season had Pakistan In New Zealand, and although all the tests were drawn the borne team had the better Of the three struggles. New Zealand had a narrow first innings lead over England in the first test last season but almost lost the match. The second was also drawn, heavily tn England's favour, but at Eden Park, New Zealand led by 74 and had a good chance of winning the match. But it, too, was drawn. This season both Canterbury and New Zealand have beaten the Australians. There have been some dismal failures which have to be set against the successes, but for a cricketing nation of modest background and minor ambitions, this has been a period of distinct progress. Just as for years failures seemed to breed failures, so may these occasional victones bring more in their wake.