Cricket: Spitting results in fine, ban for Howell

By Terry Maddaford

Spitting at an opponent has cost Llorne Howell big bucks and the chance to play for Canterbury against Auckland in today's Shell Cup day-night game in Christchurch.

Canterbury and former New Zealand opening batsman Howell was fined $150 by the match commissioner after the incident involving David Blake in the game between Canterbury and Central Districts in Napier on New Year's Day.

But determined to stamp out such unsavoury incidents, New Zealand Cricket, which ironically appoint the commissioners, appealed against that decision, and after a hearing yesterday, national code of conduct commissioner Nick Davidson said Howell had now been given a one-match ban and the fine had been increased to $400, which Canterbury officials insisted he would pay himself.

While Canterbury coach Garry MacDonald said he would rather not comment, he let rip at the timing of the decision.

"We were told if there was to be any suspension we would know before practice, he said.

"We had our practice, in which Llorne Howell took a full part, and it was not until we were sitting down later and going over some team tactics and looking at a likely batting order that we were informed of the decision.

"The timing was very disruptive. Llorne is very disappointed that he has left the team in a precarious position."

Canterbury had already lost allrounder Chris Harris to the New Zealand team and Mark Hastings through illness for the fourth-round clash.

Canterbury have called in Robbie Frew and Carl Anderson, who will probably be 12th man, for the game against Auckland.

Former Auckland allrounder Hamish Barton will now carry a heavier workload in his first game against his old team-mates.

In the only change to the Auckland team who lost to Northern Districts on Monday, Richard Morgan returns from injury to replace Craig Pryor.

Captain Blair Pocock is moving more freely after being troubled by a groin injury.

Otago have named test offspinner Paul Wiseman in their side for today's game against Northern Districts at Gisborne's Harry Barker Reserve.

In a straight swap, he has been included at the expense of Nathan Morland.

Northern have the same side who beat Auckland with captain Robbie Hart passing a fitness test after being whacked on the eye by a bat at Mt Maunganui.

Going into today's round, Northern Districts and Auckland (who have played four games) have four points as have Canterbury and Wellington (from three). Central Districts and Otago have two (from three).