Pigott to lead attack

Press, 27 December 1982, Page 18

Pigott to lead attack

PA Wellington A Sussex professional cricketer, Tony Pigott, aged 24, will be Ewen Chatfield’s opening bowling partner at the Basin Reserve today when Wellington clashes with the powerful Northern Districts side.

Some Christmas Day rain seeped under the new covers at the Basin Reserve yesterday, giving the pitch a touch of green. The wicket should suit a seamer of Pigott’s ability and if the Wellington captain, John Morrison, wins the toss it would not be surprising if he gave Northern first use of pitch.

“Northern Districts must be one of the strongest sides in the competition,” said Morrison yesterday. “And we’re champions, so I guess our meeting first up could.be a game between the eventual front-runners. It is certainly vital.

“We’ll want a good start to build up points and give the side impetus for later when some of our players could be away representing New Zealand in Australia.” Morrison said that the team’s build-up had not been ideal but he was hoping experience would overcome the problems. The only new player in the Wellington side this season is Pigott, who replaces Junior Williams. 'Tve been pretty impressed with Tony,” said Morrison. “He’s quite a sharp pace and gets both seam and lift. If he can strike form he could be quite a handful, especially on the Basin Reserve.”

Pigott, who was brought to New Zealand as a -coach by the Midland-St Pat’s Club, is available only for Well- ington’s first three games.

Northern Districts’ strength lies in their batting line-up, spearheaded by. the

New Zealand captain, Geoff Howarth, the opener. John Wright, and two former test players John Parker and Andy Roberts.

But the fast bowlers, Mark Carrington and Lance Cairns, also form a formidable opening attack, backed up by the Northland left-armer, Karl Treiber, who has replaced the injured Alan Stimpson. One of the national selectors, Don Neely, will be at the Basin Reserve today and tomorrow. The other two selectors, John Guy and Frank Cameron, will spend the next three days in Auckland where Neely will join them on Wednesday.

The New Zealand team to play the international oneday series in Australia will be named on December 30.

After the first Shell Trophy matches, a round of one-day Shell Cup matches will be played.