McMillan To Stay On As Cover

Wednesday, November 17 2004

New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan is set to stay with the New Zealand Cricket team as they prepare for the first Test against Australia that starts in Brisbane on Thursday.

McMillan was called up as cover when New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming delayed his arrival in Australia because of a virus and when Nathan Astle twinged his back earlier in the week.

While neither is considered in serious doubt for the first Test, New Zealand coach John Bracewell said McMillan's presence was a safety net should preparations not go as planned.

"Craig gives us cover in the middle-order should either Stephen or Nathan not progress as expected. He gives us options we wouldn't otherwise have had and going into a Test match against Australia is not the time to leave yourself short of options."

Posted by Richard