Upbeat Crowe all praise for Kiwi youngsters

By S. Dinakar

COLOMBO, JULY 15. New Zealand cricket is going through a period of transition. Young faces coming in with some of the more established names forced by injuries to take a break in these days of hectic cricketing schedules.

Jeff Crowe, a gutsy middle-order batsman in his playing days and now the manager of the New Zealand team, believes the youngsters have come along pretty well.

The Kiwis, who arrived in Colombo on Saturday, will take on host Sri Lanka and India in the Coca Cola tri-nation one- day competition that gets underway on July 18.

``We are not going to have the same 13 players you have at the start of the season. We have to expand the pool of players,'' said Crowe while talking to presspersons on Sunday evening, after the team returned from practice session.

He was particularly pleased about the blossoming of Darryl Tuffey, the big-built paceman who delivered when more responsibility was thrust on him after the Kiwi attack was rocked by injuries. ``In the last 12 months, he has jumped fences. He is a fine prospect.''

Jeff, whose younger brother Martin is considered the finest New Zealand batsman by many, was pleased with the way Matthew Sinclair had grown in stature in both forms of the game. `` He is now on the threshold. With three Test hundreds and a one-day International century, he has a future ahead of him.''

And Lou Vincent is an exciting middle-order batsman and a wonderful fielder, according to the manager.

He believes the New Zealanders have a fighting chance in the tournament. ``Our batteries are recharged. We are coming off winter, we have not played too much cricket lately but are fresh.''

Crowe agreed that the side might be a bit rusty, but quickly expressed the confidence that his players would adjust to the conditions in time to mount a spirited challenge.

The Indians had played more cricket, having toured Zimbabwe, but they could be a touch weary, he said. On the absence of batting wizard Sachin Tendulkar till India's last league game, he added,``I feel sorry for the Sri Lankan public. But from an opponent's point of view, it makes our job easier.''

The Kiwi manager revealed the dramatic India-Australia series had evoked plenty of interest in New Zealand and had words of praise for off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who he said ``was a different bowler now.''

Coming to Sri Lanka, he rated Sanath Jayasuriya's men as the favourites. ``We respect their cricket, the way they play the game. The last time we met, we were beaten by the Lankans at home. It is not a nice feeling to lose at home, and we are keen to strike back.''

Turning back to his team, Jeff was delighted with the return of pace-bowling all-rounder Dion Nash and key left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, who are both on a comeback trail following injuries.

``They will obviously bring a lot to the attack. But they have to work their way back. Vettori will provide us with variety and his record in international cricket is very good.''

Jeff noted New Zealand's sensational victory in the ICC Knock-out Trophy last year ``gave the team the self-belief that we could do it on the Big Stage, under the spotlight.''

However, Chris Cairns, the dynamic all-rounder, who played an inspirational role in that triumph is still out following a knee operation. Will he not be missed, especially since he has a special liking for India? Jeff smiled and said ``We know he has a special liking for India. But we also know we are not going to have Cairns everyday. It is important for him to have this break. He could be back when we play Pakistan.''

The manager stressed again on the need to have more depth in the ranks. ``All teams have their ups and downs. Very few sides like Australia can maintain their level of consistency. So it is important to have the replacements on hand.''

Crowe was happy that the Kiwis came through a period of slump with a one-day series victory over Pakistan at home.

The triangular series will mark the last assignment for coach David Trist. And nothing would please the side more than presenting the coach with a title triumph. ``That would be just wonderful,'' he signed off.

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