Cricket: New kids' cricket initiative covers old ground

Neal Parlane

A 'new' form of cricket in Auckland is nothing new to Northland school kids, with cricketing field days being used to target youngsters.

'Cricket Blitz' is a supposed new initiative launched by Auckland Cricket last week which got the seal of approval from New Zealand players Martin Guptill and Sara McGlashan.

The eight-a-side game has simple rules and minimal equipment so it can be played after school in just an hour and a half, and is designed to get more kids playing cricket in schools.

Northland Cricket Association competitions manager Neal Parlane had a chuckle when asked if the game was one Northland would try.

"We do a lot of this stuff already," he said.

"We run skill sessions in schools and then have field days where we use a similar format.

"We also introduced some inter-school matches last summer and will be looking to expand on that this year in term four and term one next year."

What Parlane and Northland Cricket are putting into schools has essentially been given the tick of approval from former Black Caps opener Guptill, saying the idea aimed at social school cricketers was a good way of getting kids excited about playing cricket.

"I think it sounds like a great concept, it's something different and provides kids who might not have given cricket a go or who've given it away, an easy way of getting out there and having a hit."

White Ferns batsman McGlashan is keen to see the game in action and hopes that kids embrace the new concept.

"I really like the fact that it's short and sharp and simple to play.

"I think kids will get into it because the game sounds like it will be exciting and fun to be part of."

Cricket Blitz

What: 8-a-side, 16 over game with teams batting in pairs for 4 overs and minus 3 for each dismissal; all players bowl; protective equipment kept to a minimum.

When: February to March, finals day in Week 8 of Term 1 (mid-March).

Where: Schools all over Auckland from Year 5 to Year 13.