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Smith likely ’keeper for England series

NZPA Melbourne Test wicketkeeper lan Smith is still No. 1 candidate for the England cricket series next month, the New Zealand coach, Gren Alabaster, said yesterday. After wearing the gloves in all three tests against Australia before the New Year, Smith has played just one World Series Cup limited-over international. He fractured his right index finger on the final

morning of the third test, and missed the first few one-dayers through injury. However, he has been unable to win his place due to the consistent form and impressive batting of Tony Blain. Blain was brought into the side for the W.S.C. competition, and has played all eight preliminary matches. • Mr Alabaster confirmed that Smith remains, in his opinion, first choice for the three tests against England, starting in

Christchurch on February 12. “At the moment he is still No. 1. But since Blain arrived he has kept competently and added substance with the bat.” Smith has a particular incentive to win his place back for the W.S.C. finals, starting in Melbourne today. , At present he has played 49 one-day internationals, and will become the eleventh New Zealander to notch up 50 one-day appearances.

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19880122.2.97.8

Bibliographic details

Press, 22 January 1988, Page 13

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199

Smith likely ’keeper for England series Press, 22 January 1988, Page 13

Smith likely ’keeper for England series Press, 22 January 1988, Page 13