Cricket: New Zealand chiefs disagree

By RICHARD BOOCK

New Zealand Cricket boss Chris Doig has quietly distanced himself from Sir Richard Hadlee's comments about the honesty of injured players.

Injuries to more than half the initial 15-strong New Zealand squad touring Africa prompted Hadlee, the convener of selectors, to question the integrity of players who had been picked subject to adequate fitness.

The issue persuaded New Zealand Cricket to hold a media conference in Christchurch yesterday to explain the reasons behind the spate of injuries, and to advise of its intention to seek international solutions to the raft of spinal injuries.

However, Doig, speaking later on Radio Sport, gave another hint of some of the communication problems facing his organisation when he opted to disagree with Hadlee's sentiments.

"I don't want to get into a public disagreement with Richard Hadlee, but I don't agree with what was said and believe the answers lie in other areas," Doig said.

He said NZC was naturally concerned by the series of setbacks, but was not unduly surprised by the fitness difficulties facing pace bowlers Dion Nash and Geoff Allott, who were day-to-day propositions when selected.

However, the injury to star spin-bowler Daniel Vettori, sustained in his comeback test at Bulawayo, had raised questions about the thoroughness of the original diagnosis and bone scan. Vettori is sidelined until Christmas.

NZC would encourage more extensive and comprehensive bone scans, and would require its medical panel to provide the best advice and treatment.

"The medical team will be collating all the available international research relating to risk factors for bowlers," Doig said.

Vettori - and possibly Dion Nash - would be sent to Adelaide to be examined by Australian Institute of Sport expert Dr Peter Barnes.