Cricket: Chance for some of the lesser lights to grab their spots

By RICHARD BOOCK

PAARL - To some it has the ring of a calamity, but for New Zealand cricket coach David Trist it is an opportunity.

Having lost his five best international bowlers in the space of three months, Trist is busy trying to prepare what is one of New Zealand's least experienced bowling attacks for the might of South Africa's test side in Bloemfontein next week.

He has seen Chris Cairns, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori, Geoff Allott and Paul Wiseman sidelined by injury, leaving him pondering a test attack which could comprise Shayne O'Connor, Chris Martin, Scott Styris and Brooke Walker.

Martin, the 25-year-old who was rushed in when Andrew Penn broke down, now seems to be the leading candidate to partner O'Connor with the new ball, with Styris and Daryl Tuffey contesting the third seamer's role, and Walker providing the spin if Wiseman is ruled out.

Trist said the ongoing injury problems made for a harrowing time sorting out the best combination of bowlers, but he refused to let himself dwell on the downside.

"We've effectively lost half our test side to injury and people might suggest we face a daunting task, but it's an exciting time as well because it's a wonderful opportunity for someone," he said. "If, out of all this, someone steps up against what is one of the best sides in the world, that's got to be very good for New Zealand cricket."

Trist was impressed by Martin's pace against the Boland side and encouraged by the second spell from Tuffey.

Styris could be included, as much for his batting as his bowling, Trist said. He had a good all-round game at Paarl, taking three wickets and scoring an unbeaten 73 to advance his claims for a test debut.

"Certainly, Scott has pushed his case," Trist said. "We used to have the best last four batters in world cricket and their absence reduces our effectiveness in the latter half of the innings. Scott offers a batting-bowling option which is certainly worth looking at.

"I don't think he's quite ready for test cricket as a batter or a bowler yet, but these are demanding times and he threw down the gauntlet. He may sneak in."

On the slow-bowling front, Wiseman's status remains doubtful after the offspinner sprained his left ankle while warming up on the first morning of the match against Boland. He is still unable to walk freely, but the team management hope he will be right for the second test at Port Elizabeth, if not for the first test, starting on Friday.

"Paul's suffered some ligament damage on the side of his ankle, but not to the point where it would rule him out of the tour," Trist said. "His availability for the first test is certainly in doubt.

"But I thought Brooke Walker had a good game and bowled well, and hopefully he'll now back up with another solid performance at Potchefstroom."