Cautious seal of approval for test pitch
From DAVID LEGGAT in Wellington The much-maligned Basin Reserve pitch yesterday received a cautious seal of approval from the Wellington cricket captain, Robert Vance. While admitting that the pitch was far from perfect, Vance believed that criticism in recent weeks had perhaps been a bit harsh. “The pitch generally has been a little bit up-and-down,” he said. “The bounce has been a bit inconsistent which has made it a little hard to predict what the ball will do.”
The wicket block was relaid before the start of this season. Last season, said Vance, “it was a disaster.” He believed the surface would improve next season. Vance added that the Australians should not have too many causes for complaint in
the first test match of its series against New Zealand, which starts in Wellington tomorrow.
“From what I saw on television the Basin Reserve is a hell of a lot better than Perth or Sydney. Even though the bounce was inconsistent teams weren’t getting rolled over (in the Shell series this season). Some teams were scoring 300 but it took a bit bf time,” Vance said. Vance fell short of stating that the match will definitely produce a result. He added that he believed the pitch would be up to test standard. “The pitch is not as bad as it has been made out If one team bowls well on it there could well be a result, but I wouldn’t like to pick a winner.” On one point Vance was adamant The captain who wins the toss must put the opposition in to bat first
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Press, 20 February 1986, Page 48
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271Cautious seal of approval for test pitch Press, 20 February 1986, Page 48
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