NZ homes in on Super Six (22 May 1999)

22 May 1999

NZ homes in on Super Six

The Christchurch Press

New Zealand's upset five-wicket victory against Australia should provide the Black Caps with a ticket into the Super Six of the World Cup competition next month with three pool matches still to play.

New Zealand had to topple one of three higher-ranked teams in its pool, Australia, West Indies, or Pakistan, provided it also accounted for ICC minnows Bangladesh (already beaten this week) and Scotland.

But national selection panel convener Ross Dykes is not getting carried away on the strength of one success.

"It looks promising and is very encouraging but I've been in this game too long to get too excited on one win."

However, Dykes acknowledged that the Black Caps were now likely to get into the Super Six play-offs, where it would meet the top three teams from the other section.

"But we want to keep winning because the points from pool play are carried forward and it's good for the confidence."

Dykes said the inclusion of an extra batsman in the New Zealand line-up of late in preference to a bowler was not a pre-determined ploy.

"The tour selectors have obviously seen what the conditions are like, how the wickets are playing, and picked their side accordingly."

Dykes noted that in several matches so far early wickets had often fallen with the Duke ball swinging about in the English conditions.

"Given that, our side probably decided the extra batsman was more worthwhile."

The move paid a handsome dividend when Roger Twose, batting at No. 5, produced a match-winning partnership in association with Chris Cairns.

"It was great having somebody like Roger coming in after early wickets had been lost to steady the ship and keep the run rate ticking over.

"We seem to get able to get by with six front-line bowlers who are all doing their jobs at the moment."

He did not rule out Daniel Vettori being included if conditions for another game favoured spin bowlers.

Meanwhile, Dykes scotched any suggestion of a pecking order in the list of seven stand-by players on call for the World Cup and subsequent tour of England.

"We are flexible and any replacements will be considered on what the team requirements are."

Source :: The Christchurch Press