History suggests a result in Eden Park test

Press, 24 February 1988, Page 32

History suggests a result in Eden Park test

Recent history suggests that a result will be achieved in the second cricket test which starts at Eden Park tomorrow, and in hindsight a draw was the near-inevitable outcome of last week’s match between England and New Zealand at Lancaster Park.

Only once in the last six series had either side won the opening test in this country, and that

sequence was extended when New Zealand, needing 304 runs for victory, finished the final day at 130 for four wickets. The exception occurred in 1983, when New Zealand had wrapped up a win by an innings and 25 runs over Sri Lanka early on the third day. The other five games, against the West Indies (1987), Australia (1986),

Pakistan (1985), England (1984) and Australia (1982) were drawn, and most were rain-affected. All were played in Wellington. But there have been far more positive results achieved in second tests of New Zealand’s home series. The sole draw in the last six years was with Australia at Lancaster Park two years ago.

Before that New Zealand had enjoyed four consecutive successes — by an innings and 99 runs over Pakistan at Auckland, by an innings and 132 runs at England’s expense in Christchurch, by six wickets against Sri Lanka at Wellington, and by five wickets over Australia at Auckland.

However, the West Indians were victorious

in last summer’s second test, achieving a 10wicket margin in Auckland. The 1983 Sri Lankans did not play a test, at Auckland. But before losing to the West Indians last season, New Zealand had fashioned a proud record at Eden Park — wins over Pakistan and Australia (twice), and a draw with England in the previous four fixtures.