McKechnie in doubt for tour

Press, 3 August 1976, Page 36

McKechnie in doubt for tour

By R. T. BRITTENDEN

The New Zealand cricket team which will tour Pakistan and India in a few weeks, already weakened by the absence of Bevan Congdon, Hedley Howarth and Ken Wadsworth, may be without one or two more of the selected 15. There are grave doubts about the fitness of the Southland all-rounder, Brian McKechnie. At the start of the winter season, McKechnie suffered an injury in a rugby match. The second finger of his right hand, months after his injury, is badly swollen and somewhat discoloured.

McKechnie got through last week-end’s training at Christchurch but there are warranted fears that a blow on the finger — one which is vital to his bowling— either when batting or fielding could make him a passenger for part of the tour. McKechnie has undergone medical examinations at Christchurch and Dunedin but he is still practising with a group of players in Invercargill. It is likely that a firm decision on his fitness will be made during the meeting in Christchurch next week-end of the Board of Control. Should McKechnie be unable to take his place in the team, a probable replacement would be Geoffrey Howarth, who seems to have recovered his best form as a member of the Surrey team. His fine fielding, useful off-spin bowling and ability as a batsman give him good credentials. The other player in doubt for the tour is Dayle Hadlee, who has financial difficulties in making his tour arrangements. It is probable that his situation will also be resolved by the time the Board of Control meets on Saturday.