Search begins tomorrow for National Bank International Cricketer of the Year

Search begins tomorrow for National Bank International Cricketer of the Year
New Zealand Cricket - 11 December 2002

The first Test between the TelstraClear Black Caps and India starting tomorrow will be the first chance for players from both sides to impress the judges of this year's National Bank International Cricketer of the Year competition.

With only one series being played in New Zealand this summer, players are going to have to find form early if they are to be in the running for the 2.4 litre Hyundai Sonata, valued at $29,990, up for grabs.

National Bank sponsorship manager Gavin Larsen, who is also a member of the SKY commentary team which judges the competition, says this year the chances of a TelstraClear Black Cap picking up the Hyundai Sonata are reduced from previous seasons.

"Because it's World Cup year there is only one home series for us to judge from. In normal seasons there are two home series: this benefits the TelstraClear Black Caps over touring teams as they have more of a chance to accrue points."

"This year we might have to ship a Hyundai Sonata off to Bombay or Calcutta!"

In the National Bank Cricketer of the Year competition, the top three players (as judged by the SKY commentary team) are awarded points at the conclusion of each match. For a Test match, points values of five, three and one are available for the top three performers. During a One-Day International, three, two and one points are allocated respectively to the three best-performed players.

The player who has the most points at the end of the series is named National Bank International Cricketer of the Year. The winner will be presented with the new Hyundai Sonata at the conclusion of the seventh One-Day International in Hamilton.

Teams	India, New Zealand.
Players/Umpires	Gavin Larsen.
Tours	India in New Zealand