STEPHEN FLEMING (Captain)
STEPHEN Paul FLEMING (Canterbury). 25 years. Born Christchurch 1 April 1973. Captain. Left-hand bat.
First tour of Sri Lanka. In 4 Tests against Sri Lanka has scored 213 runs (avg. 35.50) with 3 fifties, highest score: 66 (Dunedin) 1994-95 and held 6 catches. In 11 One-day internationals against Sri Lanka, has scored 178 runs (avg. 16.18) with a highest score of 46 (Christchurch) 1994-95 and held 6 catches.
Became youngest-ever New Zealand captain at the age of 23 when he replaced Lee Germon in the final Test against England (Christchurch) 1996-97. Despite losing the Test by 4 wickets, he impressed soon afterwards by leading his country to a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka at home. Despite a 0-2 (1 drawn) defeat in Australia, New Zealand bounced back once again by beating Zimbabwe 2-0. His captaincy record reads four wins, three losses and one draw in eight Tests.
An exciting middle-order batsman whose off-side driving is fluent and elegant, his left-handed batting exudes class. Strong on the leg-side, he is a voracious puller and hooker. Became the first New Zealander to score half-centuries on debut in both Tests (92) and one-day internationals (90), the latter being a record for New Zealand. An outstanding slip field, equalled the world record for highest number of catches in a Test innings (5) and in a Test match (7) v Zimbabwe (Harare) 1997-98. Held 10 catches in the two-Test series - a New Zealand record.
Test Career Record: Debut v India (Hamilton) 1993-94 scoring 16 & 92. Batting - Tests 34, Innings 59, Not Outs 2, Highest Score 129 v England (Auckland) 1996-97, Runs 1990, Average 34.91, Hundred 1, Fifties 16, No bowling, Fielding - 55 catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v India (Napier) 1993-94 scoring 90 (run out). Batting - Matches 89, Innings 88, Not Outs 9, Highest Score 116 (n.o.) v Australia (Melbourne) 1997-98, Runs 2588, Average 32.75, Hundreds 3, Fifties 15, Bowling - Runs 28, Wicket 1, Average 28.00, Best 1/8 v Holland (Baroda) 1995-96, 5wInns 0, E/R 5.79, Fielding - 41 catches.
First-class Career Record: Debut 1991-92. In 65 matches, has scored 3847 runs (avg. 39.65) with 8 centuries, highest score 151 for New Zealand v Glamorgan (Swansea) 1994, 70 catches.
NATHAN ASTLE
NATHAN John ASTLE (Canterbury). 26 years. Born Christchurch 15 September 1971. Right-hand bat and right-arm medium-pace. First tour of Sri Lanka. In 3 Tests against Sri Lanka has scored 79 runs (avg. 26.33) with a highest score of 52 (Hamilton) 1996-97 and taken 2 wickets (avg. 39.50) with 2/51 (Dunedin) 1996-97 as best. In 7 one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, has scored 240 runs (avg. 34.28) with 2 fifties, highest score 95 (Hamilton) 1994-95 and taken 8 wickets (avg. 16.12) with 3/9 (Wellington) 1996-97 as best, E/R 3.79, 1 catch.
With skipper Stephen Fleming, he is expected to be the mainstay in the New Zealand middle-order. One of the truly exciting modern day players who started as a miserly bowler for his province and developed his batting so well, he is now the leading one-day international opener for his country. His ability to hit through the ball sweetly and drive of almost any length has seen him take the best attacks apart in the one-day game, exploiting the open spaces during the first 15 overs. Bats in the middle-order in Tests when he scored back to back centuries against West Indies at Barbados and Antigua in 1995-96, confirming his courage and talent against high class pace bowling in the Test arena. Helped New Zealand achieve the most improbable of draws against England at Auckland, 1996-97 when he guided last man Danny Morrison through 167 minutes of resistance for the last wicket which realised 106 runs without being separated. His contribution was an unbeaten 102. His tidy medium-pace bowling has also proved effective, curbing the run rates. Had a prolific 1997 season with English county Nottinghamshire scoring 644 runs (avg. 40.25) with 2 centuries and taking 22 wickets (avg. 23.86).
Test Career Record: Debut v Zimbabwe (Hamilton) 1995-96. Batting - Tests 18, Innings 33, Not Outs 2, Highest Score 125 v West Indies (Bridgetown) 1995-96, Runs 1032, Average 33.29, Hundreds 4, Fifties 3, Bowling - Runs 527, Wickets 12, Average 43.91, Best 2/26 v England (Christchurch), 1996-97, 5wInns 0, 10wM 0, S/R 105, Fielding - 14 catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v West Indies (Auckland) 1994-95. Batting - Matches 69, Innings 69, Not Outs 2, Highest Score 120 v Zimbabwe (Auckland) 1995-96, Runs 2290, Average 34.17, Hundreds 5, Fifties 14, Bowling - Runs 1576, Wickets 48, Average 32.83, Best 4/43 v Pakistan (Mohali) 1997-98, 5wInns 0, E/R 4.43, Fielding - 25 catches.
First-class Career Record: Debut 1991-92. In 48 matches has scored 2635 runs (avg. 37.64) with 8 hundreds, highest score 191 for Canterbury v Wellington (Christchurch) 1994-95, and taken 61 wickets (avg. 30.63) with 6/22 for Canterbury v Otago (Christchurch) 1996-97 as best, 5wInns 2, 10wM 0. 33 catches.
CHRIS CAIRNS
CHRISTOPHER 'CHRIS' Lance CAIRNS (Canterbury). Born Picton 13 June 1970. Right-hand bat and right-arm fast-medium. Son of former New Zealand all-rounder Lance Cairns who represented New Zealand in 43 Tests and 78 one-day internationals between 1974 and 1985. First tour of Sri Lanka. In 3 Tests against Sri Lanka has scored 101 runs (avg. 25.25) with one fifty, highest score 70 (Dunedin) 1996-97 and taken 9 wickets (avg. 23.44) with 5/75 (Auckland) 1990-91 as best. 4 catches. In 8 one-day internationals against Sri Lanka has scored 300 runs (avg. 37.50) with 3 fifties, highest score 72 (Christchurch) 1994-95 and taken 8 wickets (avg. 23.62) with 2/39 (Sharjah) 1996-97 as best, E/R 4.84, 5 catches.
This enigmatic cricketer has the talent to become a truly great all-rounder, but a combination of chronic injuries and questionable attitude has left his fans despairing at his international performances. The back injury he sustained in his Test debut against Australia, nine years ago has dogged his career. At his best, he is an outstanding all-rounder. His tall and powerful physique allows for tremendous hitting and he has the ability to let the ball rip. Has a good throwing arm. Played six seasons for English county Nottinghamshire between 1988 and 1996 winning county cap in 1993 by scoring 962 runs (avg. 43.72) and taking 53 wickets (avg. 23.43). These days he sees himself more as a batsman who bowls rather than a complete all-rounder. Showed his batting capabilities with a blistering 120 off 96 balls (122 minutes) v Zimbabwe (Auckland) 1995-96, failing by one six to equal Englishman Wally Hammond's world record of 10 sixes in a Test innings. His knock also included 10 fours. Scored the fastest one-day international hundred for New Zealand off 84 balls against India (Poona) 1995-96.
Test Career Record: Debut v Australia (Perth) 1989-90. Batting Tests 30, Innings 51, Not Outs 2, Highest Score 120 v Zimbabwe (Auckland) 1995-96, Runs 1369, Average 27.93, Hundred 1, Fifties 12, Bowling - Runs 3014, Wickets 93, Average 32.40, Best 6/52 v England (Auckland) 1991-92, 5wInns 4, 10wM 0, S/R 60, Fielding 11 catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v England (Wellington) 1990-91. Batting - Matches 91, Innings 84, Not Outs 5, Highest Score 103 v India (Poona) 1995-96, Runs 2035, Average 25.75, Hundred 1, Fifties 12, Bowling - Runs 2723, Wickets 85, Average 32.03, Best 5/42 v Australia (Napier) 1997-98, 5wInns 1, E/R 4.49, Fielding - 31 catches.
First-class Career Record: Debut 1988-89. In 141 matches has scored 6784 runs (avg. 35.15) with 7 hundreds, highest score 120 v Zimbabwe (as above) and taken 410 wickets (avg. 28.93) with 8/47 (match bag 15/83) for Nottinghamshire v Sussex (Arundel) 1995 as best, 5wInns 16, 10wM 3, 65 catches.
SIMON DOULL
SIMON Blair DOULL (Northern Districts). 28 years. Born Pukekohe 6 August 1969. Right-hand bat and right-arm fast-medium. First tour of Sri Lanka. In 2 Tests against Sri Lanka has scored 45 runs (avg. 22.50) with a highest score of 25 (Hamilton) 1996-97 and taken 12 wickets (avg. 16.08) with 5/58 (Dunedin) 1996-97 as best. 4 catches. In 5 one-day internationals against Sri Lanka has scored 20 runs (avg. 10.00) with a highest score of 18 (Wellington) 1996-97 and taken 4 wickets (avg. 47.75) with 2/29 (Sharjah) 1996-97 as best, E/R 5.33, 3 catches.
Was voted the 'Player of the Year' in New Zealand's 1996-97 season taking 31 wickets from 7 Tests at an average of 21.38 which included three five-wicket hauls. A rather under-rated seamer, his career has been thwarted by back trouble, but coming as replacement for the injured Danny Morrison in Pakistan, 1996-97, he spearheaded his country to an eight-wicket win at Lahore by taking eight wickets and the 'Man of the Match' award. Has not looked back since, taking 9 wickets (avg. 33.22) against England, 12 wickets (avg. 16.08) in New Zealand's back-to-back wins over Sri Lanka, 8 wickets (avg. 38.37) in Australia and 11 wickets (avg. 13.63) against Zimbabwe. Uses his height of over six feet to achieve good bounce and also has the ability to move the ball off the s eam. He is most dangerous bowling down the off stump line where his sharp away movement provokes chances. A hard hitting tailender, proved his capabilities by figuring in a crucial last wicket stand of 57 with Richard de Groen to set up New Zealand's 137-run win over South Africa (Johannesburg) 1994-95. His contribution was a career best 31 (n.o.) and six wickets in the match.
Test Career Record: Debut v Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) 1992-93. Batting - Tests 23, Innings 37, Not Outs 8, Highest Score 31 (n.o.) v South Africa (Johannesburg) 1994-95, Runs 382, Average 13.17, Hundreds 0, Fifties 0, Bowling - Runs 2197, Wickets 83, Average 26.46, Best 5/46 v Pakistan (Lahore) 1996-97, 5wInns 5, 10wM 0, S/R 55, Fielding - 15 catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) 1992-93. Batting - Matches 33, Innings 24, Not Outs 12, Highest Score 22 v England (Napier) 1996-97, Runs 160, Average 13.33, Hundreds 0, Fifties 0, Bowling - Runs 1172, Wickets 28, Average 41.85, Best 4/25 v Australia (Auckland) 1997-98, 5wInns 0, E/R 5.07, Fielding - 9 catches.
First-class Career Record: Debut 1989-90. In 60 matches has scored 978 runs (avg. 16.86) with one hundred, highest score 108 for Northern Districts v Canterbury (Christchurch) 1991-92 and taken 178 wickets (avg. 25.95) with 6/37 for New Zealand v Zimbabwe 'B' (Harare) 1992-93 as best, 5wInns 11, 10wM 1, 24 catches.
CHRIS HARRIS
CHRIS Zinzan HARRIS (Canterbury). 28 years. Born Christchurch 20 November 1969. Left-hand bat and right-arm medium-pace. Son of P.G.Z. Harris, a right-hand middle-order bat who played 9 Tests for New Zealand between 1955 and 1965. Second tour of Sri Lanka, first in 1992-93. His only 2 Test appearances against Sri Lanka was on that tour when he scored 84 runs (avg. 28.00) and returned figures of none for 81. 1 catch. His highest score of 56 against Sri Lanka was achieved on his Test debut (De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa) when he shared a fifth wicket stand of 151 with Ken Rutherford - a New Zealand record against Sri Lanka. In 15 one-day internationals against Sri Lanka has scored 279 runs (avg. 55.80) with one fifty, highest score 68 (n.o.) off 68 balls (R. Premadasa Stadium) 1992-93 and taken 17 wickets (avg. 29.82) with 3/43 (Hamilton) 1991-92 as best, E/R 4.12, 7 catches.
While an automatic choice in the overs-specific game, he has not been able to translate his fluency to Test cricket. Has been in and out of the side without proving that he is Test class. With his enterprising hitting, innovative bowling and magnificent fielding, he has produced some extraordinary one-day displays. None was better than the 130 off 124 balls (13 fours, 4 sixes) he scored off Australia in the 1996 World Cup quarter-finals at Madras. With skipper Lee Germon, he posted a World Cup and New Zealand fourth wicket stand of 168 off 166 balls. Although totalling 289/9, New Zealand still lost the contest by six wickets. One of the leading bowlers in the 1991-92 World Cup with his awkward inswingers bringing him 16 wickets (avg. 21.37) on the slow New Zealand pitches. Has now added a finger spun leg-break to his repertoire. His dynamic cover fielding has seen him being classed next to South African Jonty Rhodes. Had an outstanding 1996-97 season scoring 835 runs (avg. 139.16) with 3 centuries which included a career best 251 (n.o.) for Canterbury v Central Districts (Rangion). His other two centuries were 206 against the same opposition in the return leg and, 198 v Otago (Christchurch) which helped Canterbury clinch the Shell Trophy final.
Test Career Record: Debut v Sri Lanka (De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa) 1992-93 scoring 56 and sharing in record partnership (see above). Batting - Tests 12, Innings 24, Not Outs 2, Highest Score 71 v Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) 1997-98, Runs 346, Average 15.72, Hundreds 0, Fifties 2, Bowling - Runs 514, Wickets 8, Average 64.25, Best 2/57 v Pakistan (Rawalpindi) 1996-97, 5wInns 0, 10wM 0, S/R 141, Fielding - 10 catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v Australia (Sydney) 1990-91. Batting - Matches 109, Innings 97, Not Outs 31, Highest Score 130 v Australia (Madras) 1995-96, Runs 2053, Average 31.10, Hundred 1, Fifties 9, Bowling - Runs 3619, Wickets 109, Average 33.20, Best 5/42 v Pakistan (Sialkot) 1996-97, 5wInns 1, E/R 4.20, Fielding - 40 catches.
First-class Career Record: Debut 1989-90. In 56 matches has scored 3309 runs (avg. 48.66) with 7 hundreds, highest score 251 (n.o.) for Canterbury v Central Districts (Rangion) 1996-97 and taken 62 wickets (avg. 37.74) with 4/22 for Canterbury v Wellington (Christchurch) 1996-97 as best, 39 catches.
MATT HORNE
MATTHEW 'MATT' Jeffery HORNE (Otago). 28 years. Born Takapuna 5 February 1970. Right-hand bat and right-arm medium-pace. First tour of Sri Lanka. In 2 Tests against Sri Lanka has scored 103 runs (avg. 34.33) with one fifty, highest score 66 (Dunedin) 1996-97. No wicket for 22 runs. 2 catches. In 3 one-day internationals against Sri Lanka has scored 68 runs (avg. 22.66) with a highest score of 41 (Auckland) 1997-98.
A late developer, he has now matured into a determined no. 3 batsman fit to take up the role of Andrew Jones. Has also succeeded as an opener. Found himself in the New Zealand side with a string of centuries (3) that saw him run up a season's aggregate of 843 runs (avg. 49.58) in 1996-97. Then had the misfortune of having his hand broken by Dominic Cork in his Test debut knock of 42 v England (Christchurch). It didn't stop him coming to bat in the second innings at no. 8 and assisting Chris Cairns add 71 runs for the eighth wicket in a forlorn attempt to stave off defeat. Returned from injury for the series against Sri Lanka where he again impressed. Has been a revelation in the recently concluded 1997-98 season. A sort of an under-achiever, not being able to translate his talent into big runs until his maiden century in the third Test against Australia (Hobart) - a knock laced with attacking strokes. Followed it with a Test best 157 v Zimbabwe (Auckland), opening the innings with Bryan Young. With Nathan Astle, he put on 243 runs - the highest Test fourth wicket partnership for New Zealand against all countries. Helped his province Auckland clinch the 1995-96 Shell Trophy Final against Wellington by scoring a career best 190 (Auckland).
Test Career Record: Debut v England (Christchurch) 1996-97. Batting - Tests 8, Innings 14, Not Outs 1, Highest Score 157 v Zimbabwe (Auckland) 1997-98, Runs 590, Average 45.38, Hundreds 2, Fifty 1, Bowling - no wicket for 22 runs, Fielding - 5 catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v Sri Lanka (Christchurch) 1996-97. Batting - Matches 20, Innings 19, Not Out 0, Highest Score 55 v Zimbabwe (Bulawayo), 1997-98, Runs 370, Average 19.47, Hundred 0, Fifty 1, No bowling, Fielding - 6 catches.
First-class Career Record: Debut 1992-93. In 18 matches has scored 1302 runs (avg. 42.00) with 5 hundreds, highest score 190 for Auckland v Wellington (Auckland) 1995-96 and taken no wicket for 82 runs, 20 catches.
CRAIG McMILLAN
CRAIG Douglas McMILLAN (Canterbury). 21 years. Born Christchurch 13 September 1976. Right-hand bat and right-arm medium-pace. First tour of Sri Lanka. No previous Test experience against Sri Lanka. Has played only one one-day international against Sri Lanka at Hyderabad 1997-98 scoring 10 runs and holding 1 catch.
A compact and powerful striker of the ball especially through the off side, made his Test debut on the tour of Australia, 1997-98 becoming the 18th New Zealander to score a fifty (54) in his very first innings in Test cricket. Batting at no. 6, he reached his fifty with a six. Averaged 29 with two fifties in his maiden Test series and followed it up with a maiden Test century in home series against Zimbabwe - 139 at Wellington, to top the batting with 227 runs (avg. 113.50). An attacking batsman who is a product of the New Zealand Cricket Academy he scored 809 runs (avg. 73.54) with 3 centuries at the age of 20 in 1996-97, to pass John Wright's season aggregate for the province. Can also bowl useful medium-pacers. Led New Zealand Youth side to England 1996.
Test Career Record: Debut v Australia (Brisbane) 1997-98 scoring 54. Batting - Tests 5, Innings 8, Not Outs 0, Highest Score 139 v Zimbabwe (Wellington) 1997-98, Runs 401, Average 50.12, Hundred 1, Fifties 3, Bowling - Runs 63, Wicket 1, Average 63.00, Best 1/43 v Australia (Hobart), 1997-98, 5wInns 0, 10wM 0, S/R 132, Fielding - 3 catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v Sri Lanka (Hyderabad) 1997-98. Batting - Matches 25, Innings 23, Not Out 1, Highest Score 86 v South Africa (Adelaide) 1997-98, Runs 603, Average 27.40, Hundreds 0, Fifties 4, Bowling - Runs 348, Wickets 15, Average 23.20, Best 2/17 v Zimbabwe (Harare) 1997/98, 5wInns 0, E/R 4.61, Fielding - 7 catches.
First-class Career Record: Debut 1994-95. In 20 matches has scored 1435 runs (avg. 47.83) with 4 hundreds, highest score 159 for Canterbury v Northern Districts (Christchurch) 1996-97 and taken 3 wickets (avg. 79.66), 5 catches.
DION NASH
DION Joseph NASH (Northern Districts). 26 years. Born Auckland 20 November 1971. Right-hand bat and right-arm fast-medium. Second tour of Sri Lanka, first in 1992-93. In 2 Tests against Sri Lanka has scored 4 runs including a 'pair' (Napier) 1994-95 and taken 4 wickets (avg. 44.25) with 2/28 (Napier) 1994-95 as best, 2 catches. In 5 one-day internationals against Sri Lanka has scored 59 runs (avg. 19.66) with a highest score of 40 (n.o.) off 46 balls (1 four, 2 sixes) (Sara Stadium) 1992-93 and taken 5 wickets (avg. 33.00) with 3/43 (Sharjah) 1993-94 as best, E/R 5.00, 2 catches.
Recalled to the national team after a 21-month absence for the second part of the World Series Cup in Australia 1997-98, shared a New Zealand record eighth wicket partnership of 69 with Adam Parore v South Africa (Brisbane) to bring his country within 3 runs of pulling off a thrilling victory. Chasing a target of 301, New Zealand collapsed to 124 for 6, before the partnership revived the innings and nearly brought them a sensational win. Had his scooped hit to fine leg been signalled a six instead of a four (the ball hit the boundary rope), New Zealand would have needed to score only one run off the last ball of the match to win. He was eventually caught in the deep for 38 to give South Africa a win by two runs. Retained his place for the 2-all series draw against Australia and the 4-1 series win over Zimbabwe at home and, the recently concluded Coca Cola Cup tournament in Sharjah, where he recorded his best one-day figures of 4/38 against India. His finest moment was in 1994 against England when he became the first player to take ten wickets (11/169) and score a fifty (56) in a Test at Lord's. Played on seeason (1995) of English county cricket with Middlesex winning county cap by scoring 433 runs (avg. 20.61) and taking 52 wickets (avg. 29.07).
Test Careeer Record: Debut v Zimbabwe (Harare) 1992-93. Batting Tests 16, Innings 23, Not Outs 6, Highest Score 56 v England (Lord's) 1994, Runs 278, Average 16.35, Hundreds 0, Fifty 1, Bowling - Runs 1383, Wickets 51, Average 27.11, Best 6/76 v England (Lord's) 1994, 5wInns 2, 10wM 1, S/R 60, Fielding - 7 catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) 1992-93. Batting - Matches 43, Innings 28, Not Outs 8, Highest Score 40 (n.o.) v Sri Lanka (Sara Stadium), Runs 319, Average 15.95, Hundreds 0, Fifties 0, Bowling - Runs 1495, Wickets 41, Average 36.46, Best 4/38 v India (Sharjah) 1997-98, 5wInns 0, E/R 4.67, Fielding - 15 catches.
First-class Career Record: Debut 1990-91. In 73 matches has scored 1589 runs (avg. 18.91) with a highest score of 76 for Northern Districts v Wellington (Hamilton) 1996-97 and taken 169 wickets (avg. 28.91) with 6/30 for New Zealand Academy XI v Northern Districts (Rotorua) 1993-94 as best, 5wInns 7, 10wM 1, 35 catches.
SHAYNE O'CONNOR
SHAYNE Barry O'CONNOR (Otago). 24 years. Born Hastings 15 November 1973. Left-hand bat and left-arm fast-medium. First tour of Sri Lanka. No previous Test experience against Sri Lanka. In his solitary one-day international appearance against Sri Lanka at Hyderabad 1997-98 (which was also his one-day debut) took 3/44 and was out for a 'duck'.
Has impressed coach Steve Rixon with his attitude and willingness to learn. The lanky paceman has the ability to move the ball at a good pace. He is the kind of bowler who always looks for wickets even if he concedes runs in the process. Legendary Australian left-arm pace bowler Alan Davidson believes he is a genuine prospect with his ability to swerve the ball back into the right-hander. Exploited a lively Wellington pitch to take his first five-wicket (5/39) haul in one-day internationals against Zimbabwe, 1997-98.
Test Career Record: Debut v Zimbabwe (Harare) 1997-98. Batting Tests 5, Innings 8, Not Outs 4, Highest Score 7 v Australia (Perth) 1997-98, Runs 26, Average 6.50, Hundreds 0, Fifties 0, Bowling - Runs 625, Wickets 18, Average 34.72, Best 4/52 v Zimbabwe (Wellington) 1997-98, 5wInns 0, 10wM 0, S/R 64, Fielding - 3 catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v Sri Lanka (Hyderabad) 1997-98. Batting - Matches 22, Innings 7, Not Outs 3, Highest Score 8 v Australia (Melbourne) 1997-98, Runs 15, Average 3.75, Hundreds 0, Fifties 0, Bowling - Runs 773, Wickets 28, Average 27.60, Best 5/39 v Zimbabwe (Wellington) 1997-98, 5wInns 0, E/R 5.28, Fielding - 7 catches.
First-class Career Record: Debut 1994-95. In 14 matches has scored 285 runs (avg. 20.35) with a highest score of 47 for Otago v Auckland (Dunedin) 1996-97 and taken 48 wickets (avg. 27.95) with 6/55 (match bag 10/137) for Otago v Auckland (Dunedin) 1996-97 as best, 5wInns 2, 10wM 1, 6 catches.
ADAM PARORE
ADAM Craig PARORE (Northern Districts). 27 years. Born Auckland 23 January 1971. Right-hand bat and wicket-keeper. Second tour of Sri Lanka, first in 1992-93. In 6 Tests against Sri Lanka has scored 157 runs (avg. 17.44) with one fifty, highest score 60 (SSC) 1992-93 - his maiden Test half-century, and effected 20 dismissals (19ct 1st). In 14 one-day internationals against Sri Lanka has scored 363 runs (avg. 30.25) with 2 fifties, highest score 67 (East London) 1994-95 and affected 8 dismissals (7ct 1st). Also scored an unbeaten 61 off 45 balls (2 sixes, 4 fours) reaching fifty off 37 balls (Hamilton) 1994-95.
The first Maori to score a Test century, his 'bad boy' image saw a promising career as wicket-keeper/batsman cut short at a time when the Kiwis required stability. His undefeated century against the West Indies highlighted his promise as a batsman, so much so that when Lee Germon succeeded Ken Rutherford as captain, he was played as a specialist batsman after 20 Tests as a wicket-keeper. Was uncomfortable in the solo role and the move was only moderately successful. It wasn't until Germon was sacked and Parore reinstated as a 'keeper and late middle-order batsman that he began to fulfil his abundant promise. Became New Zealand's youngest wicket-keeper when he made his Test debut against England in 1990 at the age of 19 years, 163 days.
Test Career Record: Debut v England (Birmingham) 1990. Batting Tests 41, Innings 71, Not Outs 8, Highest Score 100 (n.o.) v West Indies (Christchurch) 1995-96, Runs 1752, Average 27.80, Hundred 1, Fifties 10, No bowling, Fielding - 88 dismissals (85 ct, 3 st).
One-day International Career Record: Debut v Zimbabwe (Bulawayo) 1992-93, Batting - Matches 96, Innings 91, Not Outs 14, Highest Score 108 off 95 balls (3 sixes, 8 fours) v South Africa (Centurion Park), 1994-95, Runs 2315, Average 30.06, Hundred 1, Fifties 11, No bowling, Fielding - 66 dismissals (53 ct, 13 st).
First-class Career Record: Debut 1988-89. In 95 matches has scored 4092 runs (avag. 32.47) with 6 hundreds, highest score 155 (n.o.) for Auckland v Otago (Dunedin) 1991-92, No wicket for 55 runs, 198 dismissals (185 ct, 13 st).
MARK PRIEST
MARK Wellings PRIEST (Canterbury). 36 years. Born 12 August 1961. Left-hand bat and left-arm leg-breaks. First tour of Sri Lanka. No previous Tests against Sri Lanka. Has played 2 one-day internationals against Sri Lanka returning figures of none for 79, E/R 4.93, no batting.
Made a comeback to international cricket after a gap of seven years and eight months (missing 58 Tests for New Zealand) when he was picked for the second Test v Zimbabwe (Auckland) in March this year. Scored 16 runs, but failed to take a wicket bowling 15 overs. His only previous appearance for New Zealand was on his Test debut v England (Nottingham) 1990. Has been a consistent performer for his province in domestic cricket. Was critical of the New Zealand selectors when they failed to recognise his performances during the 1996-97 season when he scored 357 runs (avg. 44.62) and took 41 wickets (avg. 24.95).
Test Career Record: Debut v England (Nottingham) 1990. Batting Tests 2, Innings 2, Not Outs 0, Highest Score 26 v England (Nottingham) 1990, Runs 42, Average 21.00, Hundred 0, Fifty 0, Bowling - Runs 81, Wicket 1, Average 81.00, Best 1/26 v England (Nottingham) 1990, 5wInns 0, 10wM 0, S/R 162, Fielding - no catches.
One-day International Career Record: Debut v Australia (Sharjah) 1989-90. Batting - Matches 17, Innings 13, Not Outs 3, Highest Score 24 v England (Oval) 1990, Runs 99, Average 9.90, Hundreds 0, Fifties 0, Bowling - Runs 590, Wickets 8, Average 73.75, Best 2/27 v Pakistan (East London) 1994-95, 5wInns 0, E/R 4.70, Fielding - 2 catches.
First-Class Career Record: Debut 1984-85. In 90 matches has scored 3465 runs (avg. 32.38) with 4 hundreds, highest score 119 for Canterbury v Otago (Christchurch) 1990-91 and taken 275 wickets (avg. 32.29) with 9/95 (match bag 12/162) for Canterbury v Otago (Dunedin) 1989-90 as best, 5wInns 11, 10wM 3, 57 catches.
Note: All first-class career records are up to end of 1996-97 New Zealand season.
(To be continued).