Ian Smith likely to be restored

Press, 14 February 1986, Page 22

Ian Smith likely to be restored

But such conjecture

By

JOHN COFFEY

The tidy wicket-keeping displays of Ervin McSweeney during the World Series Cup tournament are unlikely to be enough to propel him into the New Zealand test cricket team which is to be announced tomorrow night. At the time McSweeney was picking up athletic catches off the quicker bowlers and backing his spinners with slick stumpings the test incumbent, lan Smith, was laid up with a back injury. Five years ago Smith gained his own first test selection because of a mishap to his predecessor, Warren Lees, in Australia. There was wide speculation that McSweeney might capitalise on an equally fortuitous occasion.

tended to be exaggerated by the generally overpowering nature of the television extravaganza that went with the triangular limited-over competition.

As well as McSweeney played — and the considerable praise given him at no stage extended to his batting — it would be a surprise if he was preferred ahead of Smith for the first test against Australia at the Basin Reserve next Friday. Smith wisely withdrew from the Central Districts side for two Shell Trophy rounds after having appeared in the first two matches as a specialist, if unsuccessful, batsman. He subsequently returned to

score 230 runs, twice exceeding 80, and averaging 38. Smith showed no lingering effects of his injury in his wicket-keep-ing duties. A vast gulf exists between the requirements of one-day and five-day fixtures. Smith, aged 29, has developed his ’keeping and batting skills to deservedly earn recognition as one of the finest cricketers of his kind at international level. He has given no cause in recent summers for the national selectors to even consider a change. For his part, McSweeney can be content that he is now confirmed as Smith’s understudy should circumstances again require a substitute to be found. If two wicketkeepers are taken to England later this year then McSweeney is the logical second choice. The Basin Reserve pitch has been a platform for contrasting performances this season. Central Districts, and especially Ronnie Hart and John Smith in their mammoth opening partnership, and Wellington scored heavily. So, too, did Otago and Wellington in another rain-affected match, but the home province and Northern Districts played out a first innings resiilt which later prompted criticism of the wicket block. One of the few candidates who might force his way into the national squad after an impressive Shell season, Ken Rutherford, experienced a 'rare failure at Wellington. He was leg before wicket without scoring in his only innings.

Rutherford must be a serious contender, however, in spite of his embarrassing test average of 1.71 from the 1985 West Indian tour. He proved his maturity and ability in putting that sad experience behind him and must be certain now of travelling to England.

Whether Rutherford will be rushed back into the test line-up for the opening match of the Rothmans-sponsored series is a matter of debate. If he is selected the batsman at most risk is Jeff Crowe, who was disappointing in the three tests in Australia late last year.

That would require a reshuffling of the batting line-up, with Rutherford partnering Bruce Edgar at the top and John Wright reverting to the middleorder.

New Zealand would not suffer from such moves. Australia’s new-ball bowlers would be handicapped by being faced by a right-left combination rather than two southpaws. Wright has also previously expressed a desire to discard the opening responsibilities. On the other hand, New Zealand selection panels have prospered by staying loyal to what is now a very experienced nucleus of test cricketers, and faith might be retained in Crowe for at least the first match.

John Reid, returning to the test atmosphere that he has relished, Martin Crowe and the captain, Jeremy Coney, will be the other batsman, and there is no doubt that Richard Hadlee and Ewen Chatfield, on his favourite patch of turf, will be the opening bowlers.

The manner in which Stu Gillespie responded to his unexpected promotion as third seamer at the W.S.C. tournament should lead to his retention in that capacity. If Martin Crowe can be looked upon to contribute a reasonable number of overs, no matter how reluctantly, then he and Coney would be the back-up men. .

The considerable success enjoyed by John Bracewell, as a lowerorder batsman as well as an off-spinner, in Australia gives him firm favouritism for the return series. Bracewell was especially effective against Australia’s left-handers.

No doubt many critical eyes will have gazed at the Basin Reserve pitch leading up to the test selection. It is probable, in the light of recent results, that opinion will be divided whether both Rutherford and Jeff Crowe or another bowler be included to make up the 12. If it is decided to lean towards increased pace then Gary Troup’s excellent Shell Trophy analysis boosts his prospects of yet another recall; should there be a suspicion of considerable spin Stephen Boock’s experience and creditable test record must be measured against Evan Gray’s outstanding all-round display in the trophy competition.

The New Zealand 12 might be. — Jeremy Coney (captain), Bruce Edgar, Ken Rutherford, John Reid, Martin Crowe, John Wright, Jeff Crowe, lan Smith, Richard Hadlee, John Bracewell, Stu Gillespie, Ewen Chatfield.