Cricket: Doull axed but top order batsmen survive

By RICHARD BOOCK

HAMILTON - Needless to say, after a fortnight in which all attention has been centred on New Zealand's top-order batting problems, the selectors have responded by axing the opening bowler.

Apart from the injury-forced change on the spin bowling front, the only real casualty of the squad for the third cricket test has been swing bowler Simon Doull, whose inability to return for second and third spells has seen him dropped with his wicket tally marooned on 98.

With young hopeful Bruce Martin replacing the injured Daniel Vettori and pace bowler Daryl Tuffey called in for Doull, the selectors were known to be reluctant to make changes to the batting line-up as well, and have instead reaffirmed their faith in the besieged top three - and pointed at the lack of potential replacements.

Openers Matt Horne and Craig Spearman and fallen hero Mathew Sinclair have been largely unable to cope with the Australian attack during the series, but coach and selector David Trist believes they are the best-equipped for the job and, after the previous disappointments, are best placed to understand what is required.

"There are no real challengers," Trist said. "Gary Stead, in electing to bat in the Canterbury middle order, has indicated to us that he's reluctant to open, where there's clearly an opportunity.

"We still believe the players we have are the best. There's no one obviously better, and we're not convinced that the incumbents cannot improve their game."

Trist said despite the problems at the top of the order, his batsmen remained positive and upbeat, and were encouraged by the partial success of the opening partnership in the second innings at Wellington.

With the side already absorbing two changes, he insisted it was to New Zealand's advantage if the current batting line-up remained unchanged in both personnel and position.