First one-day international poised for dramatic clash

Press, 13 February 1982, Page 64

First one-day international poised for dramatic clash

From

R. T. BRITTENDEN

in Auckland

New Zealand cricket’s most dramatic day has dawned. A record crowd, perhaps 40,000 strong, is expected at Eden Park for the first of the Rothmans Cup one-day matches between Australia and New Zealand.

It is not only the appeal of limited-over cricket which will have spectators thronging through the gates. . The crowds will come in the hope of seeing what they regard as justice being done. There was a strong feeling that New Zealand suffered more than its proper share of misfortunes in Australia last summer: this new series is looked on by many as an opportunity for reprisal. To conservative eyes, it will be bizarre business — a white ball, black sightscreens and the national team wearing coloured clothing for the first time in New Zealand. Gimmickry, perhaps, but in the middle it will be grim business. The odds must be against a New Zealand victory, but

they are not long odds. Last season New Zealand won three and lost five Of its 50over matches against Australia and it has the strength to start this series satisfactorily. There must be concern about the recent form of Geoff Howarth and Jeremy Coney, but if New Zealand starts well these batsmen could be protected in some measure. When runs have been scored readily at the start, there is less likelihood of the later batsmen being put under pressure by closeset fields. New Zealand has an opening pair which has enjoyed constant success. In one-day matches against Australia last summer John Wright and Bruce Edgar averaged

nearly 50 in their opening partnerships. Wright’s personal average in these games was 49.2, Edgar’s 40.4. Much will depend on them again. New Zealand has a very formidable task, however. Unwavering accuracy will be demanded of its bowlers. Richard Hadlee and Ewan Chatfield have shown that quality regularly. Lance Cairns and Martin Snedden have not. Moreover, the probability is that Gary Troup will be omitted from the starting line-up, which means that Coney and, perhaps, Martin Crowe will have to account for 10 of the overs. That could be a dangerous period for the home side. The spearhead of the Australian bowling, Dennis Lil-

lee. who is recovering from a groin injury, may not play, but they have a very strong attack with the fiery Len Pascoe,. Jeff Thompson, Terry Aiderman and Greg Chappell. A decision on Lillee will be made this morning. Australia’s batting list is not as long as New Zealand's. but there is still plenty of it. Graeme Wood. Bruce Laird, Allan Border, Chappell. Kim Hughes, John Dyson and Rodney Marsh are all top-class performers. The Eden Park pitch is expected to play well, but the light may be a problem if the game runs its full distance. With play not beginning until mid-day, the last over might not be

bowled until 7.30 p.m.. or later. It has been agreed that only one appeal may be made by the batting side. If the second innings of the match is cut short by a successful appeal, or by a decision of the umpires that the light is unfit, the game will be decided by a scores comparison over a minimum of 15 overs. This will be the biggest and noisiest crowd which New Zealand cricket has known. Howarth has asked for its support. It is to be hoped it does not come in the form of crude criticisms of the Australians. It is time bygones became bygones.