That's good to see, more the participation at Under 19s better it is. I don't see much point in having 15 lads playing the 19s through out. I don't believe winning an under 19 world cup should be the sole purpose. Like Rahul Dravid said he'd rather be pleased if they lost the world cup but more number make it to domestic cricket and do well there. Ideally 19s being the feeder for domestic cricket. From then on if they go on to make Black Caps that's great but feeding into domestic cricket is of utmost value.Only 75% pre-selected this time.
26 players now selected for u20s in 6 months. I'm not going to criticize that, they created some 'good' problems for themselves.
Yes interesting to note a bit of dissatisfaction growing in the NZ cricket fan Twitter circle for the Super Smash and NZ domestic cricket overall, how Australia might've done a better job of getting the likes of Mackenzie Harvey and Jake Fraser-McGurk involved in their domestic cricket before this coming U19 World Cup, when in theory it should be NZ that's more of a land of opportunity on that score.First match of the Super Smash tonight at 7. If only Sky would let me watch two things at once, looks like the coverage is good all season with a lot of televised matches and live streeming on matches that aren't. Step in the right direction for domestic cricket in NZ, though sadly I've seen literally no advertising outside of the ads on sky.
Let's hope that six from Clarkson is never online, given Howsie's defection to Australia rumours.
Think he's played like 1 club game. Still a few weeks away from resuming domestic duties one would assume.Isn't Will Young supposed to be back?
Novel idea to select a spin bowler for their bowling.Dat flight and drift from Ajaz.
Sigh.
Wellington Firebirds head coach Glenn Pocknall has selected a 13-strong squad for their opening ******* Super Smash match against the Canterbury Kings at Hagley Oval tomorrow afternoon.
Michael Bracewell will captain the side which is at full strength apart from the absence of Tom Blundell who is in Australia with the BLACKCAPS.
Devon Conway will be key for the Firebirds during this year’s campaign - the 27-year-old was the leading run scorer in last year’s competition and will also take-on the wicketkeeping duties in Blundell’s absence.
Rachin Ravindra, Malcolm Nofal, Jimmy Neesham, Logan Van Beek and Jamie Gibson will all offer plenty with bat and ball and last year’s leading six-hitter Bracewell will inject power at the top of the order.
Hamish Bennett, Ollie Newton and Iain McPeake provide experience with the ball, as will Jeetan Patel who plays his penultimate match for the Firebirds tomorrow.
Tomorrow’s match is one half of a Dream 11 Super Smash double-header between Canterbury and Wellington.
The Blaze take-on the Magicians, in a repeat of last year’s final, from 12.40pm, before the Firebirds face the Kings at 4.10pm
Spectator entry is free of charge as part of Canterbury Cricket’s ‘Own The Oval’ initiative.
Wellington Firebirds squad v Canterbury Kings
Michael Bracewell (c)
Hamish Bennett
Fraser Colson
Devon Conway
Jamie Gibson
Iain McPeake
Jimmy Neesham
Ollie Newton
Malcolm Nofal
Jeetan Patel
Michael Pollard
Rachin Ravindra
Logan Van Beek