N.Z. looks to West Indies

Press, 28 August 1986, Page 40

N.Z. looks to West Indies

By

KEVIN HART,

NZPA staff correspondent London The planners of the international cricketing calendar could have been excused a smile of quiet satisfaction yesterday after New Zealand completed its first test series victory on English soil. New Zealand, 1-0 winner over England in the three-test series, next faces the undisputed world champions, the West Indies, at home. England, in contrast, will spend the summer doing battle in Australia for world cricket’s wooden spoon. New Zealand’s recent record — the victory over England was its third series triumph in 10 months — has strength-

ened the view of many that it is at present the second strongest team in the world. The forthcoming series against the West Indies is, therefore, apt. New Zealand’s captain, Jeremy Coney, does not subscribe to any particular ranking for his side, and feels comparisons are invidious: “But the series against the West Indies is certain to be very competitive,” he said after the third test at The Oval had ended in a draw yesterday.

“They will be very keen to avenge their loss in New Zealand in 1980 and we, of course, will be keen to do very well.”

New Zealand’s first series win over England at its tenth attempt was achieved in somewhat unsatisfactory circum-

stances. Hurricane Charlie, which reduced the fourth day to just over an hour’s play and the final day to six balls, deprived England of any chance of forcing a series squaring win.

That was a considerable frustration for England’s captain, Mike Gatting, who finally had his country’s best players, injutyfree to boot, at his disposal. In gaining a 101-run first innings lead before declaring yesterday at 388 for five, they played with an attitude and ability which belied their record of having lost three test series in the last six months.

"We played a great deal better than in the first two test§ and hopefully will

take a positive attitude to Australia,” Gatting said. England’s improved performance means its selectors will certainly opt for tried, experienced players for the tour of Australia. And New Zealand is likely to use a similar formula against the West Indies if only because the tour of England has failed to produce any startling performances by the younger players.

Of the established players, the least successful were Bruce Edgar (a test average of 23) and Jeff Crowe (average 12.75). Both will have Ken Rutherford closely challenging for the West Indies series.

A big success on the tour was the left-arm spinner, Evan Graft who

bowled 117 overs in the series compared to John Bracewell’s 77.

“The fact that county wickets tended to turn early on meant that Gray and Bracewell got plenty of bowling,” Coney said. “Gray played consistently well.”

Both spinners certainly advanced their all-roun-der status with Bracewell finishing second in the test batting averages and Gray producing two excellent, gritty innings.

The New Zealanders have three further games before their gruelling tour ends.

Two one-day matches will be played against the Netherlands before the traditional three-day tour finale against D.B. Close’s

XI begins at Scarborough on Sunday.