Some bright prospects —Hadlee

Press, 9 December 1981, Page 48

Some bright prospects —Hadlee

Two of New Zealand’s most respected test cricketers, Geoff Howarth and Richard Hadlee, are holding their fifth of six regional clinics in Christchurch this week. The dearth of. promising fast bowlers in the country has been a worrying factor, although Hadlee has been some bright prospects on his tour of the country. He has to gauge James Swift, an Auckland youngster who had a most promising national under-22 tournament but he feels that Derek Stirling (Central Districts) is a good possibility for the future as is a team-mate, Gary Robertson. Hadlee is most impressed with Stephen Bateman, a member of the present clinic in Christchurch. Bateman was named in the Canterbury Shell team on Monday evening. Hadlee feels that Bateman has a bowling rhythm that is almost technically classic. “All he needs now is to learn how to put the ball on the right spot,” he said. But during the clinics Hadlee has noticed a lot of deficiencies. A general lack

of fitness is one observation that he made. However, Hadlee was adamant that the concept of the New Zealand Cricket Councils coaching clinic scheme was marvellous and one that had to be pursued. “We videotape all the players and then talk about the corrective measures that should be taken when playing the film back. If they are prepared to try suggestions then even the slightest modifications might assist them,” said Hadlee. From each clinic, Hadlee and Howarth will file reports on each player which will be referred to the national coaching committee and the provincial association. These will document the player’s attitude, approach, and ability to make corrective measures. The two test players have < ensured that there is a competitive element working throughout their clinics. Hadlee added that he would like to see the same players back in a similar scheme next season so that evaluations could be made and the progress, or otherwise, noted.