Cricket: Dykes sent on rescue mission

A crisis is unfolding within the management of the New Zealand cricket team after selector Ross Dykes was rushed to South Africa at the weekend.

Dykes was scheduled to arrive in Johannesburg late last night in an apparent attempt to improve communications between NZC convener of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee and New Zealand coach David Trist.

The unprecedented action was taken after Hadlee petitioned the NZC board to employ a member of the selection panel other than Trist on the remaining section of the tour of South Africa, which includes two more one-day internationals and three tests.

Hadlee said he was frustrated at not having a say in the composition of the New Zealand line-ups that have been chosen during the African safari.

"It's pretty hard having to watch what is going on from thousands of miles away," he said. "At the end of the day I have to carry the can, and I accept that, but it can be tough when you're not directly responsible."

The latest move with Dykes, however, suggests that Hadlee's panel has had strong reservations about some of the tour selections so far, and are unwilling to leave the rest of the campaign in the hands of the incumbents - Trist, captain Stephen Fleming, vice-captain Chris Cairns, and manager Jeff Crowe.

The theory is that Dykes will be able to more accurately inform the team management of the panel's philosophy, and also help with selections.

In recent weeks, the inclusion of two wicketkeepers and the sub-standard treatment meted out to off-spinner Paul Wiseman have dominated discussions on the New Zealand team, as has the selection of 11 opening batsmen since the tour started in August.

Hadlee said New Zealand would now fall into line with some other countries in regard to selection, although whether Trist is similarly relaxed about the arrangement is anyone's guess.

NZC chief executive Chris Doig refused to comment last night.

Fast bowler Andrew Penn's prospects of joining the tour were in doubt last night after he injured his back during club cricket on Saturday.

Canterbury's Chris Martin is now a possibility to be added to the test squad in the Republic.