Cricket: Close eye on the quick guy

Ian Butler

Coach John Bracewell's stance on paceman Ian Butler will come under extra scrutiny this afternoon when the New Zealand one-day squad to play Sri Lanka is announced.

Butler, New Zealand's quickest bowler since the decline of Shane Bond, was included in the test and one-day internationals squads for the tour of Australia.

But he played only the first day-nighter at Melbourne.

Butler said later he was confused and frustrated by his non-selection, particularly as the pitch for the first test at the Gabba was relatively quick and bouncy, and seemed to favour the pacemen.

But if he was a shade miffed about that, the Northern Districts' right-armer must have been beside himself at the weekend over the leaked comments made by Bracewell's brother, Brendon.

In an email sent to former New Zealand captain Ken Rutherford, Brendon Bracewell savaged the New Zealand squad, paying particular attention to Butler, who he said lacked courage and was a negative influence on the team.

John Bracewell leaped to the defence of his squad, saying anyone who doubted their depth of commitment or courage was misinformed.

Bracewell also made it clear that he did not share his brother's views.

For all that, Butler's treatment in Australia remains a perplexing issue that hasn't been adequately explained, leaving open the possibility that he might be the victim of a personality clash.

That at least should become clearer this afternoon when Bracewell names his squad for the five one day internationals against Sri Lanka, beginning at Eden Park on Boxing Day.

Logic dictates that few changes will be made to the squad that returned home from Australia, but Butler and Craig McMillan may feel under extra pressure after a deflating couple of months.

The only consolation for the pair is that contenders for the side are not exactly thick on the ground.

The only domestic cricket being played is of the four-day variety, and early-season performances have been mixed.

McMillan, who somehow preserved his place in the ODI side despite an ordinary record, could possibly be challenged by up-and-coming players such as Jamie How, Jessie Ryder and Ross Taylor.

But it is more likely that Bracewell will push for the status quo on the basis that the incumbents performed solidly to draw the series in Australia, and have the advantage of having played together recently.

Butler's biggest threat will probably come from his Northern Districts' team-mate Daryl Tuffey, who is coming back after being sidelined with a dodgy knee.

Bracewell will want to be sure first, but if Tuffey is ready to resume normal service he must be a strong chance considering his extraordinary international record in New Zealand conditions.

The only other possible bone of contention will involve the gap left by the injured Chris Harris, and whether Bracewell will want to persevere with Auckland all-rounder Tama Canning as his replacement.

Canning was rushed to Australia for the final ODI after Harris suffered his shoulder injury.

It would be a surprise move if he wasn't retained under similar circumstances for the series against Sri Lanka.

Possible squad

Stephen Fleming (c), Nathan Astle, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Hamish Marshall, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Tama Canning, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Andre Adams, Ian Butler.