Reid to play in Chch

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32860, 8 March 1972, Page 30

Reid to play in Chch

One of New Zealand’s greatest cricketers, J. R. Reid, will this month make his first competitive appearance in Christchurch for seven years.

Rei , now 43, yesterday accepted an invitation to compete in the East-Shirley club’s sixth annual Shirley Lodge single-wicket touma-

ment at Burwood Oval on March 26.

Reid’s last appearance in a first-class match in New Zealand was the third and final test against Pakistan at Lancaster Park in February, 1965.

After the tour of India, Pakistan and England that year, Reid retired and his final games were for the World XI, which he captained in games against England. “John Reid must be the

greatest drawcard our tournament has had since it started,” said Mr N. G. Ockwell, East-Shirley’s chairman. “We invited him last year, but it clashed with a Cavaliers fixture. It was really tremendous news when he agreed to play.” The final invitations had not yet been completed, said Mr Ockwell. However, he indicated that it was likely one or two other players from outside Christchurch would be competing.