Cricket: Let Richardson make his mark

Former Black Caps coach David Trist has urged New Zealand Cricket to use Mark Richardson at their Lincoln Academy to help youngsters become better players.

Trist said the Academy was staffed by good men but "sometimes, I suspect, there is a need for some of the more modern and successful cricketers to have an impact."

The former Canterbury and New Zealand coach said Richardson would be perfect to teach promising cricketers that the game isn't all about talent with bat and ball. He felt Australia had a distinct advantage because their young players adapt to the mental challenge of international cricket much better than anywhere else.

"You always get the feeling the Australians are men and the New Zealanders are just nice sportsmen who play cricket.

"They [Australia] reflect maturity and that rubs off when a youngster comes in; he's expected to act in a mature fashion. We have a lot of people that come in and really are found wanting, are stressed and sometimes I think hung out to dry like poor old [Lance] Hamilton was.

"I mean, what chance did he have, really, and there has been a few others, like Michael Mason.

"There have been examples in recent times of people plucked out of nowhere and who have found the international environment just too challenging."

Critics have pointed to the Academy's lack of ability to churn out ready-made internationals, although Hamish Marshall did the 'Class of '99' proud on Thursday.

"The Academy has had successes but it's not going to be the only thing that produces good cricketers," Trist said. "A number of good players didn't go through there. They went through the hard school and played at a much later age and, when you're playing the top opposition, your mental stability and security is a benefit of age.

"Young guys coming in, it's a bit like lambs to the slaughter unless they're outstanding. Martin Crowe played at 18 against Australia, didn't really know what was going on, failed and yet he was probably one of our greatest cricketers."

Trist said for organisations to remain successful and relevant, they must be prepared to change.

"The coaching structure [at NZC] isn't immature but there is always time for new ideas. These new ideas should be innovations rather than changes from basic fundamentals."

As for Australia, Trist said any disappointments should be taken on the chin.

"There's one superb team and several very good teams of which we are one. There are also-rans. There's an uneasy gulf in a lot of international matches where you're playing a side that's too good for you then a side that's far too weak for you."