Gower tips helped N.Z.

Press, 13 November 1985, Page 80

Gower tips helped N.Z.

NZPA Staff Correspondent Brisbane The intensive planning behind New Zealand’s test victory included discussions between the cricket manager, Mr Glenn Turner, and the England captain, , David Gower, on the strengths and weaknesses of the Australian players. Jeremy Coney said Mr Turner had been in contact with the Englishman, who recently led his country to a 3-1 Ashes win over Australia.

“Glenn has a companionship with the English players, built up over the time he played over there,” Coney said. Mr Turner himself refused to confirm that information supplied by Gower had been a factor in Australia’s downfall.

“But when you are in my job, you ought to do as much research as you can. Asking players about things is part of the planning,” he said.

Mr Turner said the test triumph was “a dream start” for himself as cricket manager and for the position which is new to New Zealand cricket.

“Things just went so well. We supported Richard Hadlee, and scored a lot of runs quickly and safely,” he said. New Zealand had outplayed Australia so thoroughly that the home side must feel they were the underdogs for the second test, Mr Turner said. The New Zealanders’ superior preparation and skill had been the vital factors.