Cricket selection panel changed

Press, 2 December 1987, Page 38

Cricket selection panel changed

New Zealand’s proud record in test cricket during recent seasons was not sufficient for John Guy to retain his position on the national selection panel. Mr Guy, from Tauranga, has been unseated by the former New Zealand, Auckland and Northern Districts representative, Bob Cunis. He joins the convener, Don Neely (Wellington), and Gren Alabaster (Otago). Only four nominations were received for the three positions, and members of the New Zealand Cricket Council’s board of control favoured Mr Cunis ahead of Mr Guy, who had been a member of the panel for four years. Mr Cunis, aged 46, was once described as being “neither one thing nor the other.” He was, however, an effective mediumpaced bowler and a useful lower order batsman.

Mr Cunis played for

New Zealand between 1963-64 and 1971-72 and took 51 test wickets. Two of his finest performances were on tour to India and Pakistan in 1969-70.

Against Pakistan at Dacca he claimed four second innings wickets for 21 runs and shared a match-saving ninth-wicket stand of 96 runs with Mark Burgesss. At Hyderabad, in India, he overcame rain, riots and rows to take three wickets for 12 runs in both innings of a drawn test, delivering a total of 26 overs. In a first-class career from 1960 to 1977, Mr Cunis took 386 wickets at 26.65, and included one century in his 1849 runs (at 16.50). He later managed Northern Districts teams in Shell Series competition and was a radio commentator.

The New Zealand under 18, under 20 and Youth World Cup selectors are to be Mike Curtis (convener), the national coach, John Howell, Bruce Morrison and one of the New Zealand senior selectors. The Youth World Cup team to Adelaide will be managed by Haig Whiting, with Mr Howell as cricket manager.

Dave Elder, of Christchurch, will continue his association with the New Zealand team as manager for the home series against England early next year.

The Indian under 19 team will tour the North Island between February 7 and 20. Its itinerary includes one youth test at Hamilton and one-day youth internationals at Rotorua, Morrinsville and Auckland.