N.Z. destroyed

Press, 16 August 1978, Page 6

N.Z. destroyed

NZPA staff correspondent London New Zealand had been ''ruthlessly and efficiently destroyed" by England in the second cricket test which ended a day early at Trent Bridge yesterday morning (New Zealand time). Writing in the "Guardian," John Arlott said England had put in "an outstanding team performance." "It is difficult to see how Nev/ Zealand can add to their strength unless Graeme Thomson finds his bowling form. There was evidence yesterday, though, that they have batsmen capable of sterner and longer resistance |han they have shown before in this series." In the "Daily Telegraph" Michael Melford said the New Zealanders had "wantonly thrown away valuable wickets" with the two run-outs putting the innings under an unnecessary handicap. John Woodcock in "The Times" agreed the New Zea-

landers had added to their own problems and the loss of John Parker »nd Robort Andersen was "e dreadful waste." Jim Laker in th* "Daily Express" said New Zealand had been outclassed in batting and bowling, and had also been inferior in rhe field. The England players had been "queueing up to field in the close catching positions. This enthusiasm and efficiency makes all the difference to the bowlers," he said. In the "Sun," Steve Whiting said New Zealand had found batting against the England bowlers much like fighting Rocky Marciano, of whom it was once said: "Fighting him is like taking on an aircraft propeller." Virtually the only New Zealander to earn praise from th* British press was Bruce Edgar, who Alex Bannister in the "Daily Mail" said had shown: "Courage, composure and skill (which) were exceptional for a virtual novice.”