Cricket: So many cracks to fill with no cement

By RICHARD BOOCK

The most frightening thought at the moment for New Zealand is that things may get worse before they start to get better.

Outbatted, outbowled, outplayed all over the field in the first test, the New Zealanders were this morning scheduled to arrive in Adelaide, where they seem sure to receive an even sterner examination of their mettle than they did at the Gabba.

Not only have the hosts gained a huge psychological hold over their guests, they have now almost fully recovered from the after-effects of India and are positively exuding confidence - the selectors naming an unchanged squad for the second test.

In contrast, New Zealand coach John Bracewell has almost no choice but to look at his options, although it's hard to imagine New Zealand avoiding further disappointment at Adelaide, whatever combination they come up with.

Certainly Bracewell, in particular, has his work cut out in terms of selection, needing not only to transform his batting line-up, but also to find a bowling attack capable of sustaining itself on one of the flattest surfaces in world cricket.

It has to be said that his first-test strategy was extremely debatable.

His decision to go with Craig McMillan instead of Hamish Marshall backfired, and his gamble on Kyle Mills' swing bowling was equally unsuccessful, the Auckland paceman struggling for consistency as the ball lost its shine.

The upshot is that Marshall should probably receive his chance in Adelaide, although there must be a question mark over his confidence considering he was overlooked in unusual circumstances at Brisbane.

McMillan's late call-up was possibly understandable, but there was nothing in his two innings at the Gabba that suggested he was returning to form. In fact, he appeared mentally fragile on both occasions and about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Bracewell's dilemma now is deciding on whether to head into the second test with two spinners, a move that would probably mean dropping a paceman and opening the bowling with Jacob Oram to accommodate Paul Wiseman.

And it seems he will at least be able to call on left-armer James Franklin, who suffered a slight groin strain on the eve of the first test, but has been steadily recovering, and is hoping to be pronounced fit in the next couple of days.

Where that leaves Ian Butler is still unclear.

Ranked behind Franklin, Chris Martin and, surprisingly, Mills at Brisbane, the most lively bowler in the touring party appears fit and strong, but evidently doesn't fit into Bracewell's game plan.

The only slight relief for New Zealand yesterday was the fact that their ignominy was overshadowed by the controversy over walking, an issue that dominated the headlines of every major Australian newspaper and was still boiling along merrily last night.

In the latest round of exchanges, Australian paceman Jason "Dizzie" Gillespie was moved to defend his team-mate Adam Gilchrist, New Zealand batsman Nathan Astle asserted his right to stand his ground, and the tourists received support from former batting great Greg Chappell.

Chappell believed Gilchrist should be praised for his stance on walking, but that his viewpoint should not be used "as a stick to beat other players up with".

"That has certainly got to be quashed," Chappell said. "I don't think one person's morality can be used by anyone or the media to beat everyone else up.

"It has always been a personal preference.

"I don't think you will ever get close to a consensus on walking. It is a personal choice."