Canterbury coach Garry MacDonald and his players were completing their final practice yesterday when news came through that Howell had been stood down for one game and his fine increased to $400 for spitting at Central Districts bowler David Blake at Napier last Friday.
The stiffer sentence resulted from an NZC appeal after Howell had originally been fined $150. A second hearing was held before code of conduct commissioner Nick Davidson on Wednesday, and he released his decision early yesterday afternoon.
``It was nice of them to let me know after practice. This thing's been going on for a week,'' said a furious MacDonald.
His mood was not improved by the loss of Howell's opening partner, Mark Hastings, because of illness. MacDonald had already been required to replace outstanding all-rounder Chris Harris, who resumes international duty against India at Taupo tomorrow.
``I think the timing of the announcement for us, when we are trying to prepare for an important game, is insensitive,'' said MacDonald.
``The punishment is for them to decide. But from a coach's point of view, trying to get a team organised -- and bearing in mind it happened almost a week ago -- you have to ask what they are up to.
``The boys are hopping mad down here. If anything it might have revved them up a little bit more for the game,'' he said.
New Zealand Cricket general manager Tim Murdoch confirmed the increased fine and one-match suspension. But he would not comment further, including saying whether or not NZC was now happy with the new penalty.
MacDonald had a ``sneaking suspicion'' of an impending ``catastrophe'' by inviting Carl Anderson to attend training yesterday. Anderson was subsequently included in the 12 to play Auckland, along with Robbie Frew, and the two players not used against Central, Hamish Barton and Brad Doody.
The Canterbury top order has yet to be finalised, but Craig Cumming is likely to open with Doody, to be followed by Frew.
``We lose Llorne's experience. Traditionally he's given us a flying start. We're all a bit shell-shocked and have got to pick ourselves up,'' said MacDonald.