Cricketers face tough task

Press, 11 September 1989, Page 21

Cricketers face tough task

PA Wellington New Zealand, batting on a tricky wicket, faces a tough task as it bids to save the third youth cricket test against England at Old Trafford, the manager, Mr John Howell, said on Saturday. “The turn and bounce are alarming,” he said from Manchester after the test’s second day,

which ended with New Zealand needing 170 further runs to avoid the follow-on with six wickets remaining. “It is going to be a real struggle, but the resolve is there.” New Zealand, 1-0 up in the three-test series, goes into the last two days at 101 for four, in reply to England’s total of 420. The backbone of the the home side’s innings

was provided by the opener, Nick Knight, who carried his overnight score from 87 to 160. He and the middle order batsman, Keith Butler, who ended with 72, put on 160 for the fifth wicket. Mr Howell said Knight’s effort was a “magnificent” one, in view of the state of the pitch. “But, because of the wicket, he was never

quite in control and he gave us five chances — one of them early on — which we did not take.” The Northern Districts left-arm spinner, Matthew Hart, returned the best bowling figures with four for 98. But Mr Howell had special praise for Auckland’s slow left-armer Mark Richardson, who bowled with good control for his three for 100.