Softball: Future star gets chance

Black Sox coach Don Tricker gave called-in pitcher Thomas Cameron a vote of confidence as he came to terms with losing key figure Marty Grant yesterday.

New Zealand's world championship preparation included planning their pitching rotation for the bulk of the tournament which began in Christchurch last night.

Grant was forced out yesterday when he failed a fitness test on his calf muscle injury, opening the door to 22-year-old Aucklander Cameron.

Tricker, who described the 37-year-old Grant's injury as "absolutely freakish", hinted Cameron was a player who would be a key figure in the years to come - now he gets his chance earlier than expected.

"He's a pitcher we were planning to build future teams around and Thomas has been the outstanding pitcher on the domestic scene for the last two years," said Tricker.

The 22-year-old Cameron made his debut for the Black Sox in May last year on tour in Botswana and was also named New Zealand men's pitcher of the year for the 2002/03 season.

"While Marty's condition has improved greatly since Tuesday, it hasn't improved to the extent that we would be confident that he would be able to pitch at any stage of this tournament," said Tricker.

Grant was warming up and running at little more than a fast walk when he hurt himself.

"It was one of those injuries you had to see to believe. There was no contact, no physical stress ... he was just trotting around at no more than a brisk walking pace and felt pain."

While Grant won't be playing, Tricker said team management was discussing the options of retaining him for possible coaching and scouting roles.

All 15 nations in the world series had to declare their final line-ups at 9am yesterday.

Tricker confirmed that Grant, who pitched a no-hitter in the 2000 world series final, was a big part of the New Zealand game plan for these championships.

"We've always talked about how we've got a pitching staff, but Marty was clearly the spearhead of that staff."

Another of the pitching staff, Michael Gaiger, has also had injury worries with a groin strain, but is back in light training.

It means burly Wellington hurler Jimmy Wana has gone from third choice pitcher to New Zealand's only recognised one, though captain and first base Jarrad Martin and outfielder Karl Gollan are set to provide backup at Cuthberts Green.

Tricker is confident he has the pitching depth to at least get through the early part of the tournament. After the Samoan game last night, New Zealand face South Africa today and potential banana skin Australia tomorrow.

"To win a world series was always going to take more than just Marty Grant.

"We've got complete faith in all our pitching staff to do the job once we give them the ball," he said.

"The strength of this side is that we just get out and adjust to whatever is dealt to us.

"This is just another challenge and good teams respond to challenges."

- NZPA