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Justin Langer's Postcards |
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THURSDAY 23 March 2000
Funky or Flemo a big dilemma for the selectors
Like I said the other day I am glad I am not on the selection panel for
tomorrow's second test at Wellington's Basin Reserve. With the pitch
looking as though it could seam around early, the logical choice may
favour our swing star Damien Fleming. History though suggests that the
Basin pitch may spin and keep low later in the game, and with five
wickets in the first Test, Funky Miller will also be hard to overlook.
It is going to be a tough call but I am sure with the immense experience
of the Stephen, Shane and John Buchanan the decision will be the right
one no matter how hard it will be on the guy who misses out.
The other selection issue concerns our in-form younger twin who has been
troubled today with a stiff neck. Hopefully the intensive treatment he
has had all day will help him wake up free in the morning but if today
is anything to go by he could be struggling to take the field. Last
reports suggest he is improving with every treatment; let's hope the
news is equally as positive at breakfast.
Our preparation has been excellent for this Test match. Although it is
very cold here in Wellington and the wind factor is up there with the
WACA's famous seabreeze, the team is on a high and looking forward to
making this Test a special one. Quite a number of the families have
joined us for this Test so the feeling within the camp is relaxed but
focused on the job at hand. A win here will mean we have achieved more
consecutive Test victories than any other team in the history of
Australian cricket. This factor alone will act as a huge motivation when
the first ball is bowled at 10:30 in the morning.
If I were a betting man I would predict that the captain winning the
toss will elect to bowl first on this pitch. Only time will tell this;
whatever happens we are ready to take on the Kiwis tomorrow.
From Wellington, JL
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