Cricket: Allott booking his place in history

By Richard Boock

New Zealand cricketer Geoff Allott will almost certainly end this World Cup as the most successful bowler in the tournament's history.

The Kiwi opener bowler yesterday equalled the record for wickets taken in the tournament (18), and with at least two matches remaining, seems sure to have the record to himself by the time the World Cup ends.

Allott, who has attracted star billing in the British newspapers during the past couple of days, was even more in demand last night after drawing level with the wicket-taking exploits of India's Roger Binnie (1983), Australia's Craig McDermott (1987) and Pakistan's Wasim Akram (1992).

He was getting the ball through at just over 90 mph at times yesterday as he captured three for 24, including the prize wicket of Neil Johnson.

The 27-year-old fast bowler, who said he had no idea of the tournament record when he went out to bowl yesterday, later refused to rule out the chance of playing some cricket in England where possible in the off-season.

"It's something you couldn't count out, "he said yesterday of playing overseas. "Because of injuries and form and so on, I probably would have said no a year ago, but I like the conditions over here and I certainly wouldn't discount a move.

"I'm naturally rapt at the moment to have equalled the record, but the job's not over yet and we have to work hard to achieve the desired result. It's probably true that I have far more confidence right now."

If Allott does end up with the record for dismissals during an entire World Cup tournament, the omens are good for New Zealand.

Binnie finished top wicket-taker the year India won the title, McDermott did the same when Australia won in 1987, and Wasim picked up 18 as Pakistan carried off the title in 1992.