Hadlee news awaited

Press, 9 February 1983, Page 46

Hadlee news awaited

from front page

“There have been no moves so far to introduce a replacement.” he said, "and any moves in the future will depend on how Richard is tomorrow.

“If he can't play we will obviously have to consider calling for somebody. We could not afford to be without a replacement player any longer than is necessary.”

The decision on naming the replacement would be left entirely to the national selectors.

Asked if he would prefer a possible replacement to be an all-rounder or a specialist fast bowler, Howarth said: “We obviously would have a preference in that respect but the final decision would be left to the selectors. If you are looking for an allrounder. guys like Martin Crowe come to mind.- If you just want a fast, bowler I understand Richard Webb

has been bowling very well lately. • '

“Whatever, if Richard did have to pull out of tomorrow's match our firt move would have to be to bring Gary Troup into the side. We could not introduce a replacement in time to take any other course. “A lot has been said in the last day or two suggesting that we, cannot win without Richard. I disagree," said Howarth.

“I think there is enough resolve in the side to overcome his loss and struggle on without him. “He would be a loss, obviously, but I think his unavailability would just make the guys knuckle down and attempt to get by as best' we could.

"We can still win even without him in our team."

Howarth made that statement fully aware of the seriousness of Hadlee's injury, after inspecting today's wicket and assessing possible match conditions and with the fresh memory of New

Zealand's loss to Australia on Sunday.

“There is no way we could consider playing Richard at anything less than 85 or 90 per cent fitness," he said. “If he was satisfied that he could get through his 10 overs and then bat and field satisfactorily, we would consider playing him. “For one thing, the wicket looks a bit green and there is a bit of juice there, so that will be helping the fast bowlers. We- would like him there to exploit it if at all possible." The state of the Sydney wicket caused some obvious dissatisfaction among the New Zealand players. It carries a heavy sole of grass for a one-day wicket and has obviously been prepared with the interests of fast bowlers in mind. That factor aside, and with Hadlee's availability yet to be determined, the only likely change to. the New Zealand side for today’s match is the reintroduction of the opening batsman, Bruce Edgar.