Cricket: Cited Wellington team can push for win

The Wellington cricket team will be able to chase a State Championship victory over Otago today after a judicial hearing investigating the entire side's behaviour was delayed until the end of the match.

It was originally thought the hearing would be held before the start of play here at the Basin Reserve but New Zealand Cricket sanctioned commissioner Ross Crotty, a Wellington lawyer, will not investigate Otago coach Glenn Turner's complaint until after the game has been completed.

Turner cited Wellington for "unacceptable behaviour" after the controversial dismissal of Chris Gaffaney in Otago's second innings yesterday.

Seam bowler James Franklin believed he had Gaffaney caught at third slip by captain Richard Jones only for Wellington's appeal to be turned down by umpire Mike George.

It is understood that Turner has complained that Wellington players then demanded square leg umpire Evan Watkin intervene after an unacceptable period of time. George reversed his decision on Watkin's advice.

Wellington need 79 runs to win the match outright with seven wickets and two days in hand. Rain delayed the start of play today.

While Wellington players and officials are gagged under NZC's code of conduct, their disbelief and anger at Turner's unprecedented action was obvious.

Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson believes cricket's clampdown on player behaviour is getting out of hand and questioned Turner's motivation.

"If he wants public attention, tell him to run for the mayoralty," Johnson said yesterday.

There were even suggestions that Turner had himself brought the game into disrepute by taking such action.

As one Wellington player said, how could he be cited when he was "minding my own business" at third man.

- NZPA