McDermott in fiery form at practice nets

Press, 28 February 1986, Page 36

McDermott in fiery form at practice nets

By

JOHN COFFEY

Craig McDermott, the young Australian fast bowler, displayed anything but the manner of a potential drinks waiter as he served a ferocious cricketing cocktail to his team-mates in the practice nets at Lancaster Park yesterday.

The pace and penetration mustered by McDermott provided a convincing reply to suggestions that his participation in the second test against New Zealand could be limited to twelfth man duties.

After dismissing Trevor Franklin in his opening over, McDermott was most disappointing in the first international at Wellington last week-end. He was particularly erratic and expensive when given the second new ball. But it would surprise if McDermott is relegated to carrying the drinks when the second test begins this morning, such was the discomfort he caused those who faced him as the Australians completed their preparation. McDermott’s aggression drew favourable comments from his captain, Allan Border, at a posttraining press conference. “It looks like he has got his line sorted out,” said Border. “He’s been knocking the poles over.” Asked if he had discussed the situation with McDermott, Border replied, "I think 'Simmo’ (Bob Simpson, the assistant manager and former Australian captain) was in his ear, rather than the captain.”

Border added that McDermott should derive encouragement from the Lancaster Park pitch — “if I was him I’d be looking at that track and thinking ‘I can take some wickets on it’.”

There is a strong chance that McDermott will be given an immediate opportunity to redeem himself should Border win the toss. “If the weather is a bit

like this it would not be a bad idea to bowl first,” said Border, having glanced at the heavy cloud cover. “But if it is bright and sunny I might change my mind.” Both Border and his New Zealand counterpart,

Jeremy Coney, had plenty of praise for the conditions, especially the pitch, at Lancaster Park. “It is very promising," said Border. “It has the makings of an ideal test wicket and should give everyone, bowlers and batsmen, an equal opportunity to do well. Given good weather, there is every chance we will get a result.” Coney described it as "a good cricket wicket, with bounce for the bowlers and enough pace for the batsmen to play their shots. It has been very good for batsmen this year, but this one is greener than those used for the Shell Trophy games.” Both teams are. to be chosen this morning from squads of 13 players. Changes are inevitable from the rain-ruined encounter at the Basin Reserve. John Wright has returned to replace Franklin, and John Bracewell is expected to give variation

to the New Zealand bowling. Stuart Gillespie’s accuracy and satisfying debut must merit him serious consideration for preference ahead of Gary Troup, who has experience and the left-armer’s

line to boost his claims. The likelihood that Jeff Crowe will remain thirteenth in the national rankings was reinforced when he hit, instead of caught, slip catches at

fielding practice. If Australia revises its seam bowling, the most likely reshuffle would have Dave Gilbert replacing Simon Davis. Thought will also be given to promoting Ray Bright for his first test on four tours of

this country, but such a move would mean the demotion of Steve Waugh and an abbreviation of the batting line-up. “All 13 are in contention. That is one of the more pleasant aspects of our side, rather than having 10 or 11 certainties,” said Border.

Because of the deluge at the Basin Reserve, the Rothmans sponsored series starts afresh today. All of the participants have now had an opportunity to reapply themselves to test cricket after an abundance of limitedover games, and most of the batsmen gained valuable match practice in Wellington. “Our bowling and fielding was not as good as it could have been, and aspects of the batting can be worked on. We are seeking all-round improvement,” said Coney.

“There were obviously areas in which we let ourselves down a little bit,” said Border. “Over all, I was pleased with the way we performed, considering our recent test results.”

It is an intriguing prospect. New Zealand has an immensely proud home record to defend, and extend, while the Australians have an increasingly greater need to re-estab-lish themselves at test level.