Selectors pick Petherick

Press, 24 February 1977, Page 32

Selectors pick Petherick

Peter Petherick, the Otago off-spinner who took seven wickets in an innings against; Australia at Carisbrook, has been included in a team of 13 players named for the second test at Auckland tomorrow. Jeremy Coney, who had to withdraw from the first test because of an attack of bronchitis, is back in the team, but the Otago wicketkeeper, Warren Lees, has been dropped. The team will be chosen from: G. M. Turner (captain), G P. Howarth, J. M. Parker, B. E. Congdon, M. G Burgess, G Edwards, R J. Hadlee, D. R Hadlee, E. J. Chatfield, H. J. Howarth, B. L. Caims, J. V. Coney and P. J. Petherick. It is a sudden decline for Lees, who scored a fine test century in India, and two more, with his forceful methods, in the Shell Series. He had an unhappy match at Christchurch, partly because lof injury, and his exclusion I puts a heavy burden on Edwards.

The young Nelson player I did well when forced into a wicket-keeping position for

• Central Districts this season. (But he will also be expected Ito make runs; and his firstclass experience behind the (stumps is limited. However, this exuberant youngster seems able to meet most, of the demands made on him. Petherick’s inclusion is a safeguard against the possibility of a turning pitch at Eden Park—and some help for the slow bowlers must be expected in a five-day match. Coney, in good form this season,' had to be included once he had been pronounced fit. But Chatfield’s situation is in some doubt. He was hit on the left knee when batting in New Zealand’s first innings at Lancaster Park, and it was still sore yesterday. In Australia’s second innings he had to retire for treatment after bowling a few overs, but returned to perform more than adequately. Australia is expected to . name the same 12 players used in Christchurch, with J the left-arm spinner, Ray ■ Bright, being played if conditions look promising for ■ him, at the exclusion of a . batsman, probably Alan Tur--1 ner.