“AN EVEN CHANCE,” SAYS CAPT.

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32539, 24 February 1971, Page 30

“AN EVEN CHANCE,” SAYS CAPT.

“I feel we have a side which can fully extend the Englishmen,” said the New Zealand cricket captain, G. T. Dowling, when asked to comment yesterday on prospects for the first test, wnich starts at Lancaster Park tomorrow. “There are in our team one or two faces new to the tourists, but we have a great deal of all-round experience. “I have always considered England the hardest side in the world to beat, in theii own country. Nothwithstanding the contention that they may be a little jaded, after a protracted test series in Australia, I feel they will, nevertheless, respond to the demands of a test match,” said Dowling. CARRYING ON “I am sure they will be keen, after accomplishing their major task of winning the Ashes, to carry on and do well in both tests here, but I still feel we have an almost even chance. “Our players have had fairly continuous cricket this season, which has been a good thing. They all appear to be very fit and eager to do well in this series.” Dowling said the Lancaster Park pitch did not seem to have as much grass on it as he had hoped, but he was confident that it would meet the requirements of a four-day test match. WENT INDOORS The drizzle yesterday, which may affect the pitch to the extent that it has been denied good drying weather, sent the New Zealanders indoors for their practice. They were at the Hagley Sports Centre in the afternoon, and will practice again at Lacaster Park this morning. • The England players will also have a practice this moming. Yesterday, they rested, shopped, or played golf. •