Bruce Taylor new selector

Press, 28 November 1988, Page 13

Bruce Taylor new selector

Bruce Taylor, one of New Zealand’s most successful all-rounders, has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the New Zealand cricket selection panel. He replaces Gren Alabaster, who was not available. A hard-hitting lefthanded batsman and penetrative right-arm medium-fast bowler, Mr Taylor played in 30 tests between 1984-65 and 1973. Mr Taylor returns to the international scene as a member of a selection panel which also includes the convener, Don Neely, and the New Zealand touring team’s coach, Bob Cunis. Mr Taylor’s selectorial entry is unlikely to be as spectacular as his playing debut, when he performed the unique feat of scoring a century and taking five wickets in an innings against India at Calcutta. His other test century,

at the expense of the West Indies at Eden Park in 1968-69, came in just 86min. Mr Taylor’s best bowling analysis, seven for 74, was also against the West Indies, at Bridgetown in 1971-72. Mr Taylor went on to take 111 test wickets and scored 898 runs. In all first-class cricket he exceeded 4500 runs and claimed 422 wickets. Aged 45, Mr Taylor is also a national squash referee. The newcomer will also have an input in the selection of national under-age sides, including the under-19 team to tour England next year. The others on that panel are Mike Curtis, Bruce Morrison and John Howell. Mr Cunis has been reappointed New Zealand coach for the home series against Pakistan later this season. Mr W. L. O. Dearsley, of Auckland, will be manager.