Cricket: Tuffey likely to miss tour of Australia

By RICHARD BOOCK


Daryl Tuffey's enforced lay-off seems almost certain to continue during next month's test series in Australia.

New Zealand's most seasoned pace bowler is expected to be left at home for the duration of the test series, in the hope that he will re-discover his form in time for the subsequent three one-day internationals.

The scratching will come as a bitter pill for the 26-year-old, who last played for his country during the NatWest series in England and was hopeful of regaining his rhythm in time for next week's one-day series in Bangladesh.

However, the Herald understands that New Zealand Cricket coaching staff are still concerned about Tuffey's consistency and durability and believe he will be better served by continuing his rehabilitation at home.

The defection in some ways eases a headache for coach John Bracewell, who is expected to announce on Monday a test squad almost identical to the 14-man party selected for the tour of Bangladesh.

Undoubtedly the biggest discussion would have revolved around the contentious No 6 position, and the merits of either persevering with rookie Hamish Marshall or recalling the experienced Craig McMillan.

McMillan was a shock omission from the test squad for Bangladesh after Bracewell expressed a desire to find out more about Marshall in the longer game, and will be chomping at the bit to regain his test place as soon as possible.

But the reasons for including Marshall in the first place (his composure and ability to accumulate runs) seem just as valid now, and suggest that Bracewell might continue down the same path when it comes to Australia.

In fact, given the lack of domestic cricket in New Zealand at the moment, it would be a major surprise if Bracewell deviated from the squad already in action in Bangladesh, despite the dramatic difference in conditions.

That would mean retaining Paul Wiseman as a second spinner, not so much for the first test in Brisbane but for the flat and traditionally unforgiving surface at the Adelaide Oval.

And with Tuffey unavailable, it's likely that Bracewell will put his faith in the pace quartet already on tour - Ian Butler, James Franklin, Chris Martin and Kyle Mills - to tap into current form and confidence.

It would also be something of a surprise if the selectors opted to rush back rookie opener Michael Papps at the expense of Mathew Sinclair, who has opened with Mark Richardson in both of the Bangladesh tests.

Papps was initially selected for the Bangladesh tour before injuring his shoulder and being replaced by Sinclair, but his lack of match practice will probably now count against him.

More likely is the suggestion that Bracewell will opt to monitor Papps, Tuffey and McMillan in the domestic competition, with a mind to considering them further for the home series against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand will begin their four-day tour match against New South Wales on November 11, and play tests at Brisbane and Adelaide before moving on to the three one-dayers at Melbourne, Sydney and the Gabba.

The Australians will return home from their tour of India in a confident mood after outstanding allround displays in the first and third tests.