Vincent gets gloves for Sri Lankan game
[Lynn McConnell} | [Original Article]

New Zealand's selectors believe they have chosen the best combination with which to play Sri Lanka in their opening game of the World Cup tonight (NZ time).

The 12 selected for the match are: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Scott Styris, Lou Vincent, Chris Harris, Jacob Oram, Andre Adams, Daniel Vettori, Daryl Tuffey, Shane Bond.

Absent from the side are: Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills and Mathew Sinclair.

The decision to use Vincent as wicket-keeper instead of the specialist preferred in the team selection for the Cup, McCullum, had been telegraphed nearly a week before the game, in the manner of politicians leaking pending new policy to soften the blow when it does come.

The side selected is clearly one aimed at curtailing the possible influence of spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. He looms large in the New Zealand psyche with 40 wickets in 24 matches against New Zealand at an average of 20.60 and a strike rate of 3.60.

However, a statistic of more comfort could be that in the only match they have played in Africa involving Muralitharan, he went for 50 runs off nine overs.

But more than anything else it is runs aplenty that New Zealand needs.

Selection panel chairman Sir Richard Hadlee said when announcing the side: "All of the players who missed out on selection have trained well and could comfortably slot into the side.

"However, we have chosen the team we believe can best execute our game plan against Sri Lanka.

"This includes the three pace bowlers, Bond, Oram and Tuffey who performed consistently for us during the domestic season.

"They should extract good pace and bounce from what looks to be a fairly hard surface at Goodyear Park.

"Andre Adams is also included in the 12 for his ability to turn a game with either his batting, bowling or fielding."

Hadlee went on to emphasise the importance of the team's first match in the competition.

"We have prepared well for this match and we are aware that the outcome of it could have a direct impact on how far we go in this World Cup."

Back