Cricket team backed

Press, 15 June 1978, Page 36

Cricket team backed

From R, T. BRITTENDEN, NZPA special correspondent New Zealand cricketers have been regarded by Australian and England players in a particular as poor relations but a new development, in step with modern circket practice may bring some minor financial support to the New Zealand team now in England. A highly reputable public relations firm, the Cato Johnson company, will promote the tour of England, to the benefit of the players in the side, ft should also be of considerable benefit to New Zealand cricket generally. One of the prime forms of income will be from a special tour brochure being published by the firm, for sale on county and test grounds. Cato Johnson, which also promoted the recent international double-wicket tournament in which the New Zealand captain, Mark Burgess, and Richard Hadlee won third place, may help increase interest in the New Zealand team and if this is reflected in attendances at the tour matches, it will strengthen the hand of the New Zealand Cricket council in negotiating guarantees for future New Zealand tours of England. The promotion campaign has the approval of the New Zealand Board of Control, although the proposal for it came from the players. Cato

Johnson is likely to assist members of the team in finding sponsors for the provision of playing gear. It will also seek avenues for radio advertising for team members, probably for the endorsement by them of commercial products. There may also be appearances by players at various cricket functions. They will not be expected to perform as the famous Freddie Trueman did, bursting through a

paper hoop and presenting a sort of variety act, but they may be asked to make speeches and perhaps appear at cautions or raffles of cricket bats. Yesterday morning some of the younger members of the New Zealand side made what could be termed a ’‘pilgrimage” to Lord’s. In the afternoon the team practised at the Bank of England ground at Roehampton.