Utmost caution shown by test rivals

Press, 12 March 1982, Page 28

Utmost caution shown by test rivals

From

JOHN COFFEY,

in Auckland

The wise men of the Australian and New Zealand cricketing camps are approaching the second test, which starts at Eden Park today, with the utmost caution.

Only in their appreciation yesterday of the perfect summer weather—a situation forecast to continue until Sunday at least—were they either unanimous or definite. In effect, their attitudes were more conducive to the start of a series. And that was understandable, for'the first test dever had a chance to flourish against the Wellington climate. No doubt in many minds the tour itself—now a month old—is about to experience a rebirth. Only the first of the three limited-over games came up to expectations; rain ruined the match with North Island and the first test, and the Australians have adopted a lighthearted approach to their other oneday fixtures.

Perhaps Australia has benefited most from those happenings. It won the Rothmans Cup, had valuable practice against the President’s XI at Christchurch last week-end and the spearhead of its pace bowling attack, Dennis Lillee, proved he had regained fitness at New Plymouth on Tuesday. Greg Chappell, the Australian captain, was obviously heartened that Lillee was able to perform , with such freedom and no little menace, in 'the nets at Eden Park yesterday: • “He pulled up well, and its is certain that Dennis will play,” Chappell said.

Both Chappell. and his manager, Mr Allan Crompton, had other news of a healthy .nature. Graeme Wood, the left-handed opening batsman, has just a lingering tenderness to remind him of the bruised foot

that he suffered in Christchurch, and Rod Marsh’s cut hand has healed during his spell away from wicket-keeping. But the Australians will wait until this morning before announcing their team—there is no point in their doing otherwise. Ray Bright seems destined to be the perennial thirteenth man on tour, and it is likely that Len Pascoe will again also be omitted. “The odds are that we will have the same side, as in the first test,” said Chappell. He is obviously not one for pondering too long over decisions. He did not even give a glance towards the pitch area yesterday, leaving his inspection until this morning. However, Chappell has assumed the responsibility of the toss. His deputy, Kim Hughes ran out of luck by calling incorrectly at Christchurch and at New Plymouth. Geoff Howarth, though, has made an early diagnosis of the pitch. He feels that it will encourage the seam bowlers this morning, before settling down and playing slower and slower, with some spin later— “but it will be comfortable to bat on.” Howarth admits that he “may be tempted” to send Australia in if Chappell calls wrongly. On the other hand Chappell restricted himself to saying that he would be seeking to give his bowlers and batsmen the best possible conditions to display their skills.

The pitch clearly has more grass than the dry, turning surface which delighted the spinners in the test against

India 12 months ago. Undaunted, the only specialist spinner in the New Zealand squad, John Bracewell, who claimed nine wickets against India, is convinced there will be spin quite early. One could hardly expect him to feel otherwise—he did not bowl well for the President’s XI and his inclusion in the team is by no means certain. If Bracewell is selected then Martin Snedden will probably be the twelfth man. Snedden has had a mixed season, and Gary Troup had his most memorable international match at Eden Park against the West Indies two summers ago. Mr Frank Cameron, the New Zealand manager, is anxious that some of his players lack recent match .practice, and it was notable that the New Zealand practice yesterday started some time before, and ended well after, Australia’s pre-test training. Australia is entitled to favouristism now that all its batsmen have had at least one substantial innings and with Lillee eager and able to add to his world record bag of wickets. But two notable New Zealand cricketing anniversaries occur this week-end. Tomorrow it will be 26 years to the. day since the West Indies became New Zealand’s first victims in a test—that is still the • only triumph at Eden Park—and eight years ago Australia was forced to bow the knee at Lancaster Park.

An encore of those fondly remembered occasions would serve as a perfect celebration.