Cricket tourists may be replaced

Press, 30 November 1982, Page 38

Cricket tourists may be replaced

PA Wellington The New Zealand Cricket Council has decided to dispense with the concept of a static touring party for the international one-day series against England and Australia in Australia next January. Rather than selecting a firm touring group and sticking with it throughout the month-long tour, the council decided at its meeting in Christchurch at the week-end to retain the right to replace players during the tour. “By doing this we will be in the same position as Australia, which is able to pluck out its form players from all over the country,” said the council’s chairman, Bob Vance, last evening. “England on the other

hand is stuck with its touring party. If anyone is out of form it has to carry on. “But now New Zealand will be able to call on any player who is making big scores in the Shell series at home and use him to replace someone who is having a lean trot in Australia.” England, New Zealand and Australia are the three countries competing this season for the Benson and Hedges Cup. New Zealand's first game will be in Geelong, Victoria, on January 7, followed by the first international against Australia two days later in Melbourne. Mr Vance said the cost of any mid-tour replacements would be footed by the New Zealand council.