Cricket: Facilities not good enough say players

Despite the introduction of a warrant of fitness system for all first-class grounds, a staggering 97 per cent of players believe most grounds in New Zealand have inadequate practice facilities.

The survey of 77 first-class players carried out by the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association revealed that players believed several grounds used in New Zealand fell below first-class standards.

Top of the list was Canterbury's Hagley Oval, which fell short on both off- and on-field facilities. Central Districts' Waikanae Domain and Northern Districts' Harry Barker Reserve also caused concern.

This will no doubt lead for more calls for the six first-class associations to have one first-class base for the season rather than trying to spread their resources too thin.

The Basin Reserve was voted top ground, while Eden Park was ranked number one for off-field and practice facilities. The other key finding was three out of four players wanting a Twenty20 competition introduced to the domestic game as soon as possible, though not at the expense of the State Shield and State Championship.

The Twenty20 clash between Australia and New Zealand at Eden Park was an overwhelming success and there's a growing trend for the shortened format to be used domestically.

England and South Africa already have competitions in place, while Pakistan Cricket Board yesterday announced it will hold its first domestic tournament featuring the game's rapid one-day version later this month.

While players agree that umpiring standards need to be raised (Brent Bowden was named best umpire), New Zealand Cricket administration fared well, with 92 per cent saying the national body was doing a good job.

On the playing front Daniel Vettori was voted Players' Player of the Year following his outstanding season with bat and ball for New Zealand and Northern Districts.

Vettori was also recognised as best test and one-day bowler. Stephen Fleming was best test batsman while Nathan Astle was best one-day batsman. Hamish Marshall was best fielder and Ross Taylor the best emerging player.

NZCPA manager Heath Mills said the results were interesting. "This is the third year we've conducted the survey and it's an incredibly valuable tool in terms of planning for the future. Not only for us, but NZC and the major associations also.

In other news, Fleming and Paul Wiseman won the Deloitte Performance Awards and each take home a Panasonic home theatre system.

Fleming for his fastest century of the summer with his 100 off 54 balls in the Black Caps vs FICA World X1 series at Christchurch.

Paul Wiseman secured the Performance Award for bowling with his 9 for 13 for Canterbury vs Central Districts in the State Championship.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY