Cricket: Selectors search for batting depth

The search is on for New Zealand's next test opening batsmen.

Coach/selector John Bracewell and co-selectors Glenn Turner, Richard Hadlee and Dion Nash will be out and about when the first ball is bowled in the new domestic season on Monday.

Although Bracewell will be closely involved with the busy Black Caps programme over the summer, he can see opportunities to watch more State Championship and State Shield play in the forthcoming months.

"It has been difficult for international coaches to do that at times in the past but I will see some domestic cricket this summer which is a good thing both for me and the players," said Bracewell.

"The domestic season will be huge in terms of looking at players. We have 20 contracted players but we know we are vulnerable at one and two in the batting order.

"While we have cover in players like Craig Cumming, James Marshall and Michael Papps, we don't have the experience we want and need.

"Every opener in the country will be looked at with Glenn [Turner] cast in that role given his technique and experience. We will be looking to him for guidance."

There is not the same concern at the top of the one-day batting order with Nathan Astle, Stephen Fleming and Lou Vincent cast in that role but Bracewell knows they have to be aware of the likely longevity with Astle and Fleming.

"Lou Vincent can do that job in the one-day game. He has the potential to do it in tests but you must wonder whether he has the desire," said Bracewell.

The need to develop a stable of fast bowlers remains a priority but Bracewell points out that of the 20 contracted players, only Darryl Tuffey is out with injury.

He does have concerns, however, over the demands placed on bowlers, in particular during the domestic one-day season.

"The programme is pretty tight with lots of flights, often in small aircraft. This leads to stiff players which in turn can mean injured players," said Bracewell. "It is something that needs to be managed."

He points out that last season, 33 players played for New Zealand of whom only two were dropped. The high turnover was a result of injuries.

"There will be some consultation with the State coaches but when push comes to shove we have to remember the top 20 players are contracted to New Zealand Cricket."

Ross Dykes' decision to step down, and take up his new role as chief executive of Otago Cricket, will leave a gap on the ground. Dykes was often seen at domestic matches, a fact which did not go unnoticed by the players.

Nash is likely to pick up those reins, particularly in the north.

Hadlee has again drawn up a schedule which will see the selectors at many venues over the summer as the Black Caps prepare for matches against Australia, Sri Lanka and West Indies at home and soon after that a tour to South Africa.

There is, as ever, a big gap between domestic and international cricket but Bracewell is convinced he and his selectors can find the talent to do the job.

Of one thing he is certain.

"Not only do the players have to be well enough equipped to play at that level, they also have to understand how to tour and meet the demands of cricket at that level," said Bracewell.

"It is no good being an international cricketer if you get homesick going to the corner dairy. That's all part of it."