Cricket: Walker to join team in South Africa

By RICHARD BOOCK

In the best traditions of better late than never, Auckland legspinner Brooke Walker has been drafted in to the New Zealand one-day cricket squad for the series against South Africa.

The 23-year-old replaces Glen Sulzberger in the only change to New Zealand's 15-man touring party, who will begin the six-match one-day international series against the Proteas at the end of the week.

The call-up marks a continuation of a stop-start international career for Walker, who was hardly used on last year's tour of England, was dumped for the subsequent tour to India, and then had to watch from the sideline as Sulzberger was selected to replace Daniel Vettori in Africa.

A slow bowler with an impressive record in the limited-overs game, Walker was always a better candidate for the one-dayers than Sulzberger, although convener of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee was at pains last night to defend the initial selection.

"The replacement of Glen Sulzberger is not a reflection on his performances in Zimbabwe, but rather an attempt to provide greater variety in a bowling attack which has been cruelly depleted by injuries," he said.

"Glen has impressed in all cricket over the past 12 months and has clearly established himself within the wider international squad."

Walker joins the New Zealand squad on the back of some excellent form in the shorter game, having ended last summer's Shell Cup programme with a career economy rate of 3.51, while performing well during the A team's winter tour to England.

Other features of the reviewed squad include the retention of seam bowler Daryl Tuffey, who has struggled in the international one-day environment, and the decision to keep wicketkeeper Chris Nevin on duty.

Hadlee said the selectors would continue to monitor the form of injured star Chris Cairns, who played overnight in the ICC knockout final against India, and would send for a replacement if required.

New Zealand squad: Stephen Fleming (capt), Nathan Astle, Craig Spearman, Chris Nevin, Roger Twose, Chris Cairns, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Adam Parore, Brooke Walker, Scott Styris, Paul Wiseman, Shayne O'Connor, Geoff Allott and Daryl Tuffey.

International Cricket Council chief executive David Richards said yesterday that he would resign next year and devote more time to his family and other interests.