ICC rules in favour of New Zealand Cricket over Tama Canning's eligibility

ICC rules in favour of New Zealand Cricket over Tama Canning's eligibility
New Zealand Cricket - 15 January 2001

The International Cricket Council's cricket committee has ruled that State Auckland Aces bowling allrounder Tama Canning be eligible for selection for New Zealand at international level, effective immediately.

The ICC has ruled in favour of New Zealand Cricket's application that Tamahau Karangatukituki Canning should not have to complete a four year residential criteria, given that both his parents are New Zealanders who emigrated to Australia just before birth.

Canning (23) opted to play his cricket in New Zealand after he was offered a placement in the BIL Cricket Academy during the winter of 1999. He was signed by State Auckland Aces last summer and played six Shell Trophy and 11 Shell Cup matches. In Shell Trophy he performed well with the ball taking 30 wickets at 19.23 while in the Shell Cup he excelled with the bat averaging 33.44 at a strike rate of 79. He was named one of three Most Promising Players by the 2000 New Zealand Cricket Almanack.

Canning had previously played two games of first-class cricket for the Australian Academy side on a tour to Zimbabwe. He was born in Adelaide on 7th April 1977.

The application to the ICC was made last month when Canning came to the attention of the national selection panel after an outstanding start to the Shell Cup. In five matches this summer he has averaged 56.00 with the bat and taken 15 wickets at 12.00 with an economy rate of 4.16 rpo.

New Zealand Cricket operations manager, John Reid, said New Zealand Cricket was gratified that the ICC had waived the final two and a half years of Canning's residential qualification requirement.

"The decision recognises the investment of New Zealand Cricket in this young man. It also acknowledges Tama Canning's commitment to playing his cricket in New Zealand. The decision allows the selectors to now consider Tama for higher honours should they wish to do so," Reid said.

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