Cricket: Stead Canterbury opener contender

Gary Stead will be seriously considered for an opening batting position with the Canterbury cricket team this season in the absence of Craig Cumming who has gone to Otago.

Cumming's departure breaks his regular opening partnership with Brad Doody, leaving coach Garry MacDonald to consider several options.

MacDonald said Stead had to be a contender despite not doing the job last season, although he made several appearances for New Zealand in an opener's role.

New Zealand coach David Trist last season said he would have preferred to see Stead opening for his province to help to consolidate his credentials for the job with the national team.

Stead felt Canterbury were best served by him batting at No 4, having an already established opening pair.

MacDonald also mentioned Robbie Frew and Canterbury Country player Harley James as possibilities.

As a 19-year-old, James made a half-century on his first-class debut for Canterbury against Zimbabwe in Timaru in 1997-98, but has not played for the province since.

MacDonald said the new 10-round Shell Trophy format this season would test the depth of players in each province.

- NZPA