A players' strike looks set to wreck the start of the New Zealand season after pay talks broke down. The New Zealand cricket board (NZC) had increased an offer to the country's international and provincial players, but it was rejected by the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association (NZCPA). NZC insists it cannot afford any more, the NZCPA have demanded to see the accounts, and the two sides have said that they have no further plans to meet.

Martin Snedden, chief executive of NZC, said that he hoped that the season would begin on time despite the deadlock. "We have acted so we can get on with the domestic season and to ensure we can field a team for the National Bank Series versus India," he said. "Our final offer was fair. It significantly increased remuneration and income security for both international and first-class domestic players. We have reached an impasse. It is now time for us to move forward and get on with the cricket season."

There has been media speculation that New Zealand might have to field a makeshift side for the forthcoming Test and ODI series against India. Snedden admitted that it was not a scenario he would like to see, but insisted that it would be done if the striking players refused to make themselves eligible for selection. "It won't be a club side but if we have to use players from outside the top group then we will," he told the Dominion-Post newspaper. "This tour is going ahead, cricket will be played this summer and it just remains to be seen by which players."

That prompted one reader to write to the Dominion-Post offering his services. "I am 43 years old, slightly overweight and a genuine number No. 11," explained Owen Ferrier-Kerr. "However, I can promise to make an effort as a medium-slow (and getting slower) bowler. I will field wherever the captain puts me without complaint." And in a dig at Chris Cairns, Ferrier-Kerr added, "I will never leave a tour with a feigned injury because the coach is being mean to me and play county cricket the next week."

If the two sides remain at loggerheads then Ferrier-Kerr might just receive a call from New Zealand's harrassed selectors.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd