Shabby batting needs to be fixed
Black Caps aim to rectify some shabby batting heading into 5th and final one-dayer v Sri Lanka- team still to be named
8 January 2006
Rectifying some shabby batting is the aim of the Black Caps as they head into the fifth and final one-dayer against Sri Lanka in Napier today.
The team is yet to be named however, with late fitness tests to be undertaken.
Stephen Fleming has a groin strain, Shane Bond is suffering a thigh strain and Scott Styris has a sore left knee.
Styris says despite winning in Wellington on Friday, the batting lineup clearly failed to adjust to the slower pitch.
He says that has been the focus of the buildup to today's match.
Styris says some unnecessary big shots were played at times when accumulation would have been a better option.
Nathan Astle has been recalled into the side once again, but is unlikely to play if Fleming is fit.
Astle can be forgiven for questioning his position within the side.
He must be wondering when he is going to get the opportunity to actually play the domestic circuit, and adjust his game to the selectors' demands.
The raft of unexplained injuries has again offered him a yo-yo type existence, when he could have been firmly positioned in the Black Caps squad anyway.
It seems he is the victim of a policy of searching for player depth, but it appears also that New Zealand's most successful one-day player has to prove himself elsewhere when others have that chance within the Black Caps squad.
The new year seems a new beginning for batsman Hamish Marshall.
He is looking to build on the form he showed against Sri Lanka on Friday, scoring 50.
The top-order batsman has been retained in the side, lacking runs during the season to date.
He says he has finally got his form back, and is quick to hand out thanks to the selectors, coaches and team-mates who have helped him through.
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