Cricket: Astle could kneecap Cumming's chances

By RICHARD BOOCK

Craig Cumming's hopes of being reselected for the New Zealand side to play South Africa effectively hinge on the state of Nathan Astle's knee.

Both players have been included in the South Island side to play the North in Christchurch on Sunday, but one will almost certainly be left out when the New Zealand squad are picked that evening.

And with all respect to Cumming, if Astle can prove his fitness in either the State Shield final or the North-South contest, it will not be one of coach John Bracewell's most difficult decisions.

Cumming endured an unhappy start to his international career, failing eight times against Pakistan before eventually making some runs in the last two one-dayers.

The Otago captain also struggled during the State Shield round robin, at one stage making three ducks in six innings.

The suggestion has been that Cumming might struggle to retain his New Zealand berth even if Astle is ruled out, on the basis that he has shown little convincing form.

But Bracewell seems to have adopted a conservative - if not stubborn - approach to selection and will almost certainly give Cumming another chance.

On the other hand, if Astle can demonstrate his fitness, Cumming's brief and much-publicised New Zealand career will probably come to a standstill, with precious little hope of its restarting.

Astle, although batting at No 3 for most of last year, would probably return as Stephen Fleming's opening partner, where he has scored 12 of his 13 one-day international centuries.

The other problem for Cumming is that he is slowly being joined by a cluster of up-and-coming batsmen who are beginning to push more impressive claims than his own.

Canterbury's Michael Papps and Paul Fulton might not force their way into the New Zealand squad for the South African series, but they will almost certainly be picked in the A side to play Sri Lanka A next month, and could yet find themselves touring England in May.

And young Central Districts tyro Ross Taylor caught Bracewell's eye during the State Shield competition, earning a place in the North Island side and more top-level scrutiny.

The only genuine surprise was the absence of Andre Adams' name in the North Island side, ostensibly because he found himself vying against the entire New Zealand bowling attack.

Adams, who proved inconsistent against Pakistan and missed the last few Shield games with a side-strain, is expected to play in today's semifinal against Central Districts at New Plymouth.

Bracewell opted for a penetrative North Island attack, comprising strike bowlers Daryl Tuffey, Ian Butler and Michael Mason; all-rounders Kyle Mills, Chris Cairns and Jacob Oram, and spinner Daniel Vettori.

The North's batting lineup is also well-stocked with internationals, including Chris Nevin, Hamish Marshall, Scott Styris and Mathew Sinclair.

The talking point in the South squad was the return of Astle and the recognition for Fulton and Papps, who have been two of the country's best-performed batsmen this summer.

The South's jewel in the crown is Fleming, although questions remain over the general strength of his bowling attack.

Teams

North Island: Chris Nevin, Ross Taylowr, Hamish Marshall, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Kyle Mills, Daniel Vettori, Daryl Tuffey, Ian Butler, Michael Mason.

South Island: Stephen Fleming, Craig Cumming, Nathan Astle, Michael Papps, Peter Fulton, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Brendon McCullum, Stephen Cunis, Warren McSkimming, Aaron Redmond, Andrew Schwass, Chris Martin (one to be omitted if Astle is fit).