NZ all-rounders given the message - get runs, take wickets

Lynn McConnell

December 22, 2002

Scott Styris was the player to miss out when the New Zealand selectors named their one-day side for the first two matches of the National Bank Series with India starting on Boxing Day in Auckland.

Only six months ago the Northern Districts all-rounder claimed the best bowling figures by a New Zealander in a One-Day International, against the West Indies when he took six for 25 at Port-of-Spain in Trinidad.

Selection chairman Sir Richard Hadlee said Styris was unlucky because he was competing with a number of other all-rounders but his form in the West Indies had been six months ago.

"The door is by no means shut and the onus is on him and others to score runs and take some wickets at domestic level," he said.

"It also suggests a message not only to him but other players that we need more runs and wickets as an all-rounder," he added.

The team is: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Paul Hitchcock, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Mathew Sinclair, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.

Unavailable due to injury were Chris Cairns, Chris Harris and Andre Adams.

Hadlee said the panel had been squeezed in their selection options because they thought they had seven ODIs and a number of State Shield matches to work on to finalise their World Cup 15 but they now had two of each to work on after an International Cricket Council ruling.

"That suggests that the team we have picked and with players unavailable, including Chris Cairns that a number of players are on trial and have just two opportunities to stake a claim for the final 15," he said.

Harris and Adams would be considered for game three after being assessed in State Shield matches.

Hadlee said Harris had bowled only eight first-class overs this year for Canterbury in three matches.

While he bowled in club cricket in Canterbury on Saturday, he could throw from the inner circle but had difficulty throwing from the boundary and on that basis the medical panel had advised the selectors that it was better he played at another level than be considered for international cricket.

McCullum's choice was to allow the selectors to have a really good look at him as far as his wicket-keeping was concerned to see whether he was up to the international standard that is required and it would be likely he would bat down the order.

It was a different job for him than when he was used as an opener last season.

It wasn't the end for Chris Nevin because he would be watched along with others in the State Shield before the select their final 15.

Hadlee said while it hadn't been discussed with captain Fleming it was likely that Hitchcock would be used as a change bowler in the side.

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