Indians praise new Aust, ’keeper

Press, 8 February 1986, Page 80

Indians praise new Aust, ’keeper

NZPA-AAP Melbourne The new Australian wicket-keeper, Tim Zoehrer, has been given the thumbs up by India’s “prince of the gloves,” Syed Kirmani, as the two teams prepare for tomorrow’s second final in the Benson and Hedges World Series Cup. Kirmani watched the fall from grace of bats-man-turned- keeper, Wayne Phillips, this season but had only kind words for the South Australian who, like himself, has been sidelined by injury. “I don’t think Wayne Phillips was all that bad. He was still learning the trade you see,” Kirmani declared after his team’s practice session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“It takes many years of dedication and train-

ing to keep wickets. Actually, you really have to be born to do the job.”

Kirmani said he had only seen Zoehrer play once, in the first WJS.C. final at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but had been suitably impressed with his composure.

He said Zoehrer looked capable of holding down the job for a long time but “it’s up to him to do the work.” Zoehrer came Into the Australian side for the first final after Phillips withdrew because of a fractured finger suffered in last week’s game against India at the M.C.G. However, the selectors had already Indicated Phillips’ tenure was at an end by selecting the young Western Australian specialist in the New Zealand touring party. An Australian Cricket

Board spokesman said Phillips would not be called on for the second final and would be allowed to nurse his injury for the tour to New Zealand.

Australia went one up in the best of three final series with a thrilling 11run victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India’s chance to take the series into a decider will come in the first WJS.C. day game of the season at the M.C.G. It will also be the last appearance at the famous ground for India’s fine opener, Sunil Gavaskar, who on this tour became the highest scorer in Test cricket history. Gavaskar’s first game at the M.C.G. was for the Rest of the World team way back in 1971-72 and since missing out In that game he has scored well

there. Like their former captain, the Indians have a liking for the big ground, having beaten Australia in both matches the two teams have played in Melbourne. Among the choices facing the Indian selectors are whether to bring in the spinners, Laxman Shivaramakrishnan and Shivlal Yadav, and whether to include Kirmani into the side. Kirmani, aged 35, would not comment on selection matters but it is known he has recovered remarkably from the groin Injury which he suffered at the start of the one day competition. Although his replacement, Kiran More, has done a fine job, the Indian hierarchy must be considering opting for Kirmani’s experience and determined batting

in such a vital game. Meanwhile, the Victorian spinner, Ray Bright, could use his favourite hunting ground, the M.C.G. to justify his likely call-up to the Australian captaincy. Bright could come into the Australian side for the second final as Allan Border’s men try desperately to wrap up the cup series, 2-0.

Bright, aged 31, has been freely discussed as Border’s replacement as captain of the Australian team to make the short tour of Sharjah in April. Border has already told the Australian Cricket Board of his reluctance to go to Sharjah, wanting to spend the time with his family before taking up his contract with Essex in the English county championship.