Top batsmen 'out of nick' (18 June 1999)

18 June 1999

Top batsmen 'out of nick'

Daryl Holden

New Zealand cricket selection convener Ross Dykes thinks Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan will bounce back from their World Cup failures.

The Canterbury duo were expected to be two of New Zealand's batting weapons during the one-day tournament, but they struggled throughout.

They were found out against quality pace and swing bowling, something which was again illustrated in yesterday's semi-final loss to Pakistan.

Astle was bowled by pace sensation Shoaib Akhtar for three and McMillan was caught behind off Wasim Akram for three.

Dykes is confident they will return to their best for New Zealand's four-test tour of England which starts next week.

"Nathan's bounced back from runs of outs before and I'm sure he will again," said Dykes, who will join the New Zealand team for the opening two tests.

"Craig hasn't quite got the history behind him yet, but I'd be very hopeful he will (bounce back)."

Dykes admitted Astle and McMillan's poor form "was a concern at the moment" and that batting McMillan at three in one-dayers again "would have to be discussed".

"As far as Nathan's concerned, it was obviously a poor tournament for him, but he has been our best one-day player over the last four years. He was New Zealand's player of the year last year.

"You just don't become a bad cricket player, but he's obviously out of nick.

"Craig McMillan was given a job batting at three. He certainly didn't carry it out.

"There's a big difference between the one and the three-day game. I think, in fairness to those fellows, they have got to be allowed to play in one or two county games and see what the difference in cricket makes for them.

'They're both too good to suddenly say they're no good."

Dykes said "a lot of thought" was given by him and coach Steve Rixon to change the top order during the tournament, "but it's a very difficult one when you've got a plan which should work".

Dykes said making the semi-finals had to be regarded as a success for the Black Caps and that the Pakistani batsmen "had a wonderful day" yesterday.

Dykes is certain the Black Caps will approach the England tour with confidence.

"I think there have been a lot of good signs, certainly Geoff Allott's bowling.

"I think our bowling attack, when you add Shayne O'Connor to it, looks like it could be quite effective."

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)