October 9, 2024 • 18 mins
On Sports Fix with Nick Bewley for 9 October 2024, Blackcaps selector Sam Wells joins Nick to confirm the squad named to face India in the upcoming 3-test series.
Plus NZ Herald Online Sport Editor Alex Powell joins Nick to discuss the injury news surrounding Kane Williamson, the reality check for the White Ferns against Australia after an encouraging start at the T20 World Cup and the calls to shorten the NRL season to allow more opportunity for international fixtures.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks. There'd be
follow this and our wide range of podcast now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
There'd be welcome into the Sports First podcast and Nick
Newley here and for Darcy water Grave this week keeping
you up today with everything happening in sports and Altro
and New Zealand. Today is Wednesday, October ninth, twenty twenty four.
Coming up shortly, I'll be joined on the pod by
Sam Wells, the black Caps chief selector. Tom Wason's first
(00:42):
assignment as full time captain has got a hell of
a lot tougher Cain Williams and will miss the first
part of the three Test series in India due to
a groin strain.
Speaker 4 (00:52):
We'll ask Sam Wells about that and more.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
I've got some thoughts to get off my chest around
the Breakers tour of the United States during their anbl
basketball season and joining me in the chamber to knock
around a few sporting rickens is Alex Powell from The
New Zealand Here.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
Let's get to it.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
In other news, let's take a look at what's kicking
about earned sports news today. Will Young is poised to
slot straight into number three in the Black Apps batting order.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
With Kane Williamson out.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
For at least the first Test in India due to injury,
the former captain managing a groin complaint picked up in
the second Test against Sri Lanka, Mark Chapman has been
parachuted in as cover. The chief selector, Sam Wells says
Chapman will probably have to bide his time.
Speaker 5 (01:37):
I'll speak will to your first crack at the number
three spots. Through their discussions have been better around that,
so there would be a way expectation as the series
goes on and as the sny injuries or the light
then Mark comes into consideration.
Speaker 4 (01:48):
And we'll have more from mister Wells.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Shortly, sticking with cricket, the White Fern's middle order has
melted in the desert as part of a sixty run
loss to Australia at the Women's T twenty World Cup,
and Sharjer merely curse Starbot the poor picking up four
wickets and helping restricting the Aussies to one hundred and
forty eight for eight.
Speaker 4 (02:05):
But then New Zealand in reply, they went.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
From thirty four for one to sixty for six in
the space in nineteen balls eventually collapsing for eighty eight.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
What's the verdict, Sophie Divine.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
We probably got ourselves into a little bit of a
whole and showed glimpses at times, but again, you've got
to be good for long period of time against the
best team in the world.
Speaker 4 (02:23):
So you want.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
And one of Spanish football's modern day greades has hung
up the boots.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
And the estra's in the middle all alone. If Torris
can find him.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
It's snubbed away uncomfortably to fabricas.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
Surely now, surely now spaight of what.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
The World Cup for the first time on js Iniesta,
who struck that one hundred and sixteenth minute goal and
the twenty ten decider, has announced his exit. He concludes
his career that featured two European Championship titles as well
and four Champions League trophies with Barcelona leading of X.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
We've got just the ticket.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
It's Sports Fix powered by News Talks Ivy.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
I've got a bit of a b in my bonnet
about the breakers. Someone who grew up on Auckland's north
shore and dragged my mum along to the end schick
to watch the likes of Kirk Penny, mckava, Kona and
Paule Hanardi. That era is starting to feel like something
of a mirage. At its core, the team it used
(03:24):
to be a beaming light for New Zealand basketball, a
gateway to getting our best up against the top Trans
Tasman opposition. Coupled with a sprinkling of imports guys like CJ. Bruton,
Gary Wilkinson and Cedric Jackson, they're brought in to the
club's culture and identity. In the last few years, since
a change in ownership, there's been significant upheaval, to the
(03:48):
point it really feels effectively like a New Zealand team
only by virtue of its base. There's more top New
Zealand talent featuring in the Australian teams. The Breakers seem
more concerned about furthering the careers of European next gen
stars to give them a shot of making it in
the NBA. Speaking of the NBA, the Breakers are in
(04:11):
the States right now being served up as cannon fodder
for the likes of Utah and Philadelphia. Before these before
their season, just go have a look at some of
the scores. This is during the Breakers regular season and
for what a few Instagram reels a bit of merge
sold in a saturated American sports market. Now former coach
(04:32):
last year, Modi Mayor, he said when they went stateside
for their sojourn last time round, it was a unique
experience he hoped would be a blessing in disguise for
team camaraderie. They came home and lost five of their
next six competition games. I really hope the same doesn't
happen this season, but I won't beholding my breath, dude.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
This is Sportsfecs, You're daily dose of sports news, how
and by News.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Talksb Joining the podcast is black Caps chief selector Sam Wells.
They've named seventeen players for this three test ce against India.
The reason it's seventeen is because Caine Williamson will miss
the first Test due to a groin injury and Mark
Chapman has been parachuted and as bat and cover.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
As well as that Michael Brace will.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Will leave the team after the first test for the
birth of his second child. Is Sody will come in
for Test two and three for consideration.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
Sam, thanks so much for your time.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Let's just jump straight in to the big lie big
headline news Cain Williamson not available for that first Test.
It's an obvious question, I know, but how big of
a blah is that to the chances of this team
and what's already a very difficult ask.
Speaker 5 (05:45):
Yeah, obviously a big blow that Cain won't be there
at the start, But there's been period throughout the last
three while Caine unfortunately has been an author injury and
we've managed to deal with it, and we've got other
good players, obviously not the same caliber of Cain, who
might be my greatest of all time. But look, it
presents an opportunity for somebody else, and I'm sure that
(06:07):
that person is like Bill will we Young will be
king to grab that with two hands.
Speaker 4 (06:11):
Yeah, Mark Chapman and as batting cover. Just just on
Cain and his.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
Return to Crecket I've seen you've quoted you're hopeful for
the latter part of it. I mean, at this point
in time, is he any chance for the second Test
that one starts October twenty four?
Speaker 5 (06:26):
Yeah, Look, I suppose there's a chance. That's just going
to depend how things go over the next week. Why
we just thought it was the best option to keeping
it at home and avoid the flight when we realized
that he wasn't going to be any good for.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
The first test.
Speaker 5 (06:38):
So look, we'll just play it by air and see
where we lay in with that.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
You've called up Mark Chapman, as alluded to as batting cover.
He's yet to make his test boo but test debut
rather but relatively familiar to the black Caps set up
from a limited overs standpoint, Why has Mark got the
call up for this one?
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Sam?
Speaker 5 (06:55):
Yeah, we thought Mark in particular had the ability to
play the turning baorn on the low slow conditions. We
also failed. It was really challenging conditions to take someone
to in there who hadn't played quite a bit in
this subcontinent. Married together those two factors and sort of
Mark take the box from most categories.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
It feels like you're alluding to maybe a younger guy,
maybe like Muhammed Abass, who's a real exciting prospect out
of Wellington just twenty average. I think it was forty
five in the Plunket Shield last year. Is that a
kind of guy who was close? But then you have
to acknowledge where he is in terms of his career.
Speaker 5 (07:29):
Yeah, Look, I was a really exciting talent and a
few a round as well, sever and from Wellington and
Dale's at Dale, Glenn's brother down at Otago. So look,
they all put some good performances on the board in
the Plunket Shield next year. But they're quite young, quite
early in their careers, having probably all played less than
twenty first class games of Dale certainly a bit more
(07:49):
than that. But we're keeping an eye on all of
those guys. But it certainly would be challenging to call
up a young guy and ask him to play against
this Indian team having never played in the subcontinent at all,
So that's certainly something we're conscious of.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
You mentioned Will Young, who of course was already in
the squad but unused in Sri Lanka. Is it far
to say, Sam, he's his next cab off the rank
and as he best suited, as he liked for like
in terms of a first drop option batting there at
number three.
Speaker 5 (08:16):
Yeah, I think he did ask well. But three ise'
his natural position and that's where he has better most
of his career. For the Central Stags. Obviously, we've tried
them a bit at opening and elsewhere, and he's moved
around a little bit, perhaps more out of circumstances. You
get your chances where you can get them. But I
think three his natural position and you know expect him
(08:39):
to be lining up there in the first Test.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Another talking point and when you talk about experience, is
none more experience than Tim Salvey one of New Zealand's
greatest There is no debate. But he's even acknowledged himself
after the Sri Lanka tour and relinquishing the Test captaincy.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
He struggled, but he wants.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
To get back to form with the ball and concentrating
on the ball.
Speaker 4 (08:57):
What sort of role do you envisage Tim having on
this tour.
Speaker 5 (09:01):
Yeah, I expect them to get a chance and one
or two test taking the new ball and then looking
to swing the ball as he's done for the last
seventy years or so. So he's actually really exceptional record
in the subcontinent, has had a lot of success there.
So if he can recapture that form, you know, there's
suddenly a role there for him and moving forward, being
(09:21):
able to pick and choose the conditions to suit him
may may end up prolonging his career if he can
rediscover that form.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
So, as a fair to say, then in those conditions,
his placed in the eleven isn't as guaranteed as it
once was.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
Yeah, that'll have to be a decision for the Tom
and Gary on game day. But obviously no longer being
skipper perhaps makes it a bit easier or to select
other bowlers. But that will be a decision for Gary
and Tom on the day.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
How has it worked so far with Tom coming in
being part of that? How does that selection picture look
between when it comes to a squad assembly between yourself,
Tom and Gary Stead.
Speaker 5 (10:05):
Tom's not directly involved when we picked the initial squad.
Certainly Gary picks his brain a bit on what he's where.
He's thinking that the initial squad has sleeped by myself
from Gary and then that's when it gets into the
captain team is on game down and they certainly got
a big say in the playing eleven they get.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Is it fair to say, Sam, this is the biggest
challenge in international cricket going to India three Test matches?
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Yeah, Look, and they're in India, Australia and Australia. Those
are right up there at the moment as some of
the most challenging series. You can probably have England and
England as well, anytime you playing those Big three at home,
not only are they big from a cricketing perspective, but
from the amount of eyeballs washing. So it probably doesn't
get more bigger than the amount of eyeballs that will
(10:49):
be on these games. So look, it's a huge challenge
and not people aren't expecting Mujean to go over their
role in there. So the guys can get up and
put a strong performance on the board. That would be
really exciting.
Speaker 4 (11:03):
Appreciate it. So I'm Sam.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Just lastly before I let you go, a few people
wondering where Kyle Jamieson is at in terms of his
rehabilitation from that latest back issue. Do you have an
update on his return to cricket at this point in time.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
Yeah, Look, from what I've been hearing, things have been
going quite nice. If Kyle has done a lot of
work and strengthening his body and then changing the way
and as the biomechanics sort of work to relieve a
bit of pressure on that back, and from well, I
understand that's going really well and some very low level
bowling happening apparently, so all signs that are really positive
and we're all hoping the best for Kyle. But everything
(11:37):
I'm hearing is really positive.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
At the moment. The Chamber is now in session on
sports facts.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
Back in the chamber we are, this time Alex Powell
from the New Zealand Herald joins me kick around a
few sporting recons of the day.
Speaker 4 (11:51):
Alex, let's start with the black Caps.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
Oh yeah, it was already going to be tough heating
over to India for three Tests, the first of which
a week today. Now, news earlier today that came Williamson
is going to miss the first Test at least maybe
even the second due to a groin issue.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
Seems an obvious question. But I mean, how big of
a blow is this?
Speaker 6 (12:15):
I mean it's huge.
Speaker 7 (12:16):
You look at the black Caps' best players of Spurn,
which is what they're going to get in India. Kane
Williamson's you know, he's probably one of two, you know,
him and Tom Latham. So to lose him really hamstrings
this batting lineup going to India, which is the toughest
place to go. I don't know what to make of
Mark Chapman being there. I think if they are going
to replace Kane will probably be will Young at three.
But I mean we'll have to wait and see what
happens when they get over there.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
So Mark Chapman, in thirty years of age, hasn't played
a Test as yet, has been relatively familiar with the
black Caps environment. Of course, in the limited overs sets up,
Will Young is there or thereabouts.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
In the squad.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Do you think they might tinker even more with the
batting lineup? We saw Devin Conway struggle, didn't we in
Sri Lanka? And I just wonder, you know, could he
drop down? Will Young go up? Glenn Phillips potentially move
Can you see any tinkering to this batting lineup starting
with that first Test in a week?
Speaker 7 (13:13):
I mean, I think they are quite settled, or they
view themselves as being quite settled as a playing eleven,
So if anyone does go out there would just be
a straight swap. I feel Will Young's got a good
record in India, played quite well in that last toy.
He had a huge partnership with Tom Latham where they
put in about what one hundred and sixty hundred and
seventy runs, So it wouldn't be too surprising if that's
just how they went.
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Personally.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
I must have met Alex so I scanned down the list,
got to S and the help a bit and just
made sure just double check that Tim Soudy was there.
Of course, it's his first tour now since relinquishing the
Test captaincy and the Tom Latham era officially begins. Will
you add all surprised to see Tim Sowdy's name on
(13:55):
this squad list or is there's still enough value that
Tim Saldy at this.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Point of his career can bring to this group.
Speaker 7 (14:02):
Well, I mean I wasn't surprised because they said they
were going to pick him so on that in that instance. No,
if you look at Tim Salthy's record in India, it
is actually very good. He averages better with the ball
than Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood you know who are
too for me, the two premier right arm fast bowlers
in world cricket outside of India. Whether or not he plays,
I think is now going to be the huge question.
(14:26):
Does he add enough to that bowling attack If he's
not taking work it's probably not. But as a Matt
Henry or a Ben says a guaranteed improvement for me
having not played it, I mean Henry has played in India
and got smashed in what twenty sixteen, so I mean
he's probably off the table, so it's just him or
Sears for me.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
Yeah, yeah, I think whoever it's going to be, it's
going to be a tall order in the Let's stick
with cricket Alex the White Ferns Game two at the
Women's T twenty World Cup in the early hours of
this morning.
Speaker 4 (14:54):
I'll tell you what.
Speaker 3 (14:54):
I was very encouraged first up to beat India in
the fashion that they did after the record run that
they've been on in terms of what was it ten
straight defeats, it was comprehensive. There was class with both
and ball. But then we had the might of the
Aussies in.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
Our group and it was sort of back to.
Speaker 3 (15:14):
That unfamiliar or familiar feeling, I should say, of being
outclassed and they were in the game. It felt like
Merelyakira done really well to help restrict the defending champions
to one hundred and forty eight, but then the wheels
fell off in the chase.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
What did you make of it all?
Speaker 7 (15:31):
I mean, look, I was resigned to losing this game
before a ball was bold. Australia is so much further
ahead than anyone else in women's cricket. Meghan Shoot taking
three to three. There's quite a funny line about Meghan
Shoot that was at carry o'keep says, Meghan Shoot can
swing an election.
Speaker 6 (15:46):
You know, she's just that good with the ball.
Speaker 7 (15:49):
But you're right, it was promising signs at the start
and then to fall away through the middle.
Speaker 6 (15:53):
It's basically predictable, now, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (15:55):
It is a bit predictable, unfortunately, And you feel like
if one of those big three divine baits and curve
don't fire with the bat, there's slim to zero.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
Chance really of being in the game.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
And there's just so much on Amelia occurs shoulders at
the minute. So she took a fourth and then of
that total of eighty eight she top scores.
Speaker 7 (16:16):
Yeah, and you look at she's probably gonna be the
next captain of the team as well. So I don't
think we can ever understate how important she is.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
Deniseland credit last topic, Alex, I know we're both league heads.
Big news yesterday Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns squads being named
for the Pacific Championships, but a lot of noise afterwards
around the length of the NRL season. The place of
international rugby league on the calendar. On the NRL season
goes for what twenty seven regular season rounds plus four
(16:43):
weeks of finals. Chancell will Colokstart put his hand up
and said he'd love to see the season reduced in
terms of the round robin if it meant for more
international rugby league. We haven't had an ANSAC test, for example,
since twenty seventeen.
Speaker 4 (17:00):
What do you make of it all?
Speaker 3 (17:02):
It all sounds pretty good, but can you realistically see
it happening?
Speaker 7 (17:06):
What do I make of it? I'm completely on board
with it. They agree they should like the NRL. Can't
go on about how much they value test rugby league
and then not back it up with action.
Speaker 6 (17:14):
Do I think it'll happen? I don't.
Speaker 7 (17:16):
I think the NRL as a commercial product is just
too viable. You look at state of origin on top
of that, and I think the calendar will more or
less remain unchanged in terms of how much we see.
I mean, obviously it will change once new teams come
into an L. They want to take it to twenty
by in the next decade, so from there I can
maybe see it staying the same.
Speaker 6 (17:34):
If not, maybe even getting a bit longer.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
The noise out of Peter Vilandi's the ARLC chairman, was
that twenty teams could mean two conferences of ten, could
mean more games or obviously mean more games during the weekend,
but it could mean less round so time will tell. Anyway,
watch this space. Thanks so much for your time, Alex,
(17:56):
go get a cold towel and call off.
Speaker 6 (17:58):
Cheer mate, cheers mate.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
This is Sports Fix, your daily dose of sports news,
how and by News Talks.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
There be.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Well, there you have it. There is your sports fix
for another day. For more sport, don't forget to tune
into News Talks. You'd be between seven and eight pm
Monday to Friday.
Speaker 4 (18:16):
That's Sports Talk.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
It'll be me filling in for the remainder of the
week then, of course Pineyers back behind the mic. In fact,
you'll be back here tomorrow on Sports Fiks and behind
the Mic on weekend Sport. That's between twelve and three
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(18:38):
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Speaker 4 (18:44):
Easy done by.
Speaker 1 (18:45):
For now for more from News Talks, I'd be listen
live on air or online, and keep our shows with
you wherever you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks. There'd be
follow this and our wide range of podcast now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
There'd be welcome into the Sports First podcast and Nick
Newley here and for Darcy water Grave this week keeping
you up today with everything happening in sports and Altro
and New Zealand. Today is Wednesday, October ninth, twenty twenty four.
Coming up shortly, I'll be joined on the pod by
Sam Wells, the black Caps chief selector. Tom Wason's first
(00:42):
assignment as full time captain has got a hell of
a lot tougher Cain Williams and will miss the first
part of the three Test series in India due to
a groin strain.
Speaker 4 (00:52):
We'll ask Sam Wells about that and more.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
I've got some thoughts to get off my chest around
the Breakers tour of the United States during their anbl
basketball season and joining me in the chamber to knock
around a few sporting rickens is Alex Powell from The
New Zealand Here.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
Let's get to it.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
In other news, let's take a look at what's kicking
about earned sports news today. Will Young is poised to
slot straight into number three in the Black Apps batting order.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
With Kane Williamson out.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
For at least the first Test in India due to injury,
the former captain managing a groin complaint picked up in
the second Test against Sri Lanka, Mark Chapman has been
parachuted in as cover. The chief selector, Sam Wells says
Chapman will probably have to bide his time.
Speaker 5 (01:37):
I'll speak will to your first crack at the number
three spots. Through their discussions have been better around that,
so there would be a way expectation as the series
goes on and as the sny injuries or the light
then Mark comes into consideration.
Speaker 4 (01:48):
And we'll have more from mister Wells.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Shortly, sticking with cricket, the White Fern's middle order has
melted in the desert as part of a sixty run
loss to Australia at the Women's T twenty World Cup,
and Sharjer merely curse Starbot the poor picking up four
wickets and helping restricting the Aussies to one hundred and
forty eight for eight.
Speaker 4 (02:05):
But then New Zealand in reply, they went.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
From thirty four for one to sixty for six in
the space in nineteen balls eventually collapsing for eighty eight.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
What's the verdict, Sophie Divine.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
We probably got ourselves into a little bit of a
whole and showed glimpses at times, but again, you've got
to be good for long period of time against the
best team in the world.
Speaker 4 (02:23):
So you want.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
And one of Spanish football's modern day greades has hung
up the boots.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
And the estra's in the middle all alone. If Torris
can find him.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
It's snubbed away uncomfortably to fabricas.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
Surely now, surely now spaight of what.
Speaker 3 (02:40):
The World Cup for the first time on js Iniesta,
who struck that one hundred and sixteenth minute goal and
the twenty ten decider, has announced his exit. He concludes
his career that featured two European Championship titles as well
and four Champions League trophies with Barcelona leading of X.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
We've got just the ticket.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
It's Sports Fix powered by News Talks Ivy.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
I've got a bit of a b in my bonnet
about the breakers. Someone who grew up on Auckland's north
shore and dragged my mum along to the end schick
to watch the likes of Kirk Penny, mckava, Kona and
Paule Hanardi. That era is starting to feel like something
of a mirage. At its core, the team it used
(03:24):
to be a beaming light for New Zealand basketball, a
gateway to getting our best up against the top Trans
Tasman opposition. Coupled with a sprinkling of imports guys like CJ. Bruton,
Gary Wilkinson and Cedric Jackson, they're brought in to the
club's culture and identity. In the last few years, since
a change in ownership, there's been significant upheaval, to the
(03:48):
point it really feels effectively like a New Zealand team
only by virtue of its base. There's more top New
Zealand talent featuring in the Australian teams. The Breakers seem
more concerned about furthering the careers of European next gen
stars to give them a shot of making it in
the NBA. Speaking of the NBA, the Breakers are in
(04:11):
the States right now being served up as cannon fodder
for the likes of Utah and Philadelphia. Before these before
their season, just go have a look at some of
the scores. This is during the Breakers regular season and
for what a few Instagram reels a bit of merge
sold in a saturated American sports market. Now former coach
(04:32):
last year, Modi Mayor, he said when they went stateside
for their sojourn last time round, it was a unique
experience he hoped would be a blessing in disguise for
team camaraderie. They came home and lost five of their
next six competition games. I really hope the same doesn't
happen this season, but I won't beholding my breath, dude.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
This is Sportsfecs, You're daily dose of sports news, how
and by News.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Talksb Joining the podcast is black Caps chief selector Sam Wells.
They've named seventeen players for this three test ce against India.
The reason it's seventeen is because Caine Williamson will miss
the first Test due to a groin injury and Mark
Chapman has been parachuted and as bat and cover.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
As well as that Michael Brace will.
Speaker 3 (05:21):
Will leave the team after the first test for the
birth of his second child. Is Sody will come in
for Test two and three for consideration.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
Sam, thanks so much for your time.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Let's just jump straight in to the big lie big
headline news Cain Williamson not available for that first Test.
It's an obvious question, I know, but how big of
a blah is that to the chances of this team
and what's already a very difficult ask.
Speaker 5 (05:45):
Yeah, obviously a big blow that Cain won't be there
at the start, But there's been period throughout the last
three while Caine unfortunately has been an author injury and
we've managed to deal with it, and we've got other
good players, obviously not the same caliber of Cain, who
might be my greatest of all time. But look, it
presents an opportunity for somebody else, and I'm sure that
(06:07):
that person is like Bill will we Young will be
king to grab that with two hands.
Speaker 4 (06:11):
Yeah, Mark Chapman and as batting cover. Just just on
Cain and his.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
Return to Crecket I've seen you've quoted you're hopeful for
the latter part of it. I mean, at this point
in time, is he any chance for the second Test
that one starts October twenty four?
Speaker 5 (06:26):
Yeah, Look, I suppose there's a chance. That's just going
to depend how things go over the next week. Why
we just thought it was the best option to keeping
it at home and avoid the flight when we realized
that he wasn't going to be any good for.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
The first test.
Speaker 5 (06:38):
So look, we'll just play it by air and see
where we lay in with that.
Speaker 3 (06:42):
You've called up Mark Chapman, as alluded to as batting cover.
He's yet to make his test boo but test debut
rather but relatively familiar to the black Caps set up
from a limited overs standpoint, Why has Mark got the
call up for this one?
Speaker 4 (06:55):
Sam?
Speaker 5 (06:55):
Yeah, we thought Mark in particular had the ability to
play the turning baorn on the low slow conditions. We
also failed. It was really challenging conditions to take someone
to in there who hadn't played quite a bit in
this subcontinent. Married together those two factors and sort of
Mark take the box from most categories.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
It feels like you're alluding to maybe a younger guy,
maybe like Muhammed Abass, who's a real exciting prospect out
of Wellington just twenty average. I think it was forty
five in the Plunket Shield last year. Is that a
kind of guy who was close? But then you have
to acknowledge where he is in terms of his career.
Speaker 5 (07:29):
Yeah, Look, I was a really exciting talent and a
few a round as well, sever and from Wellington and
Dale's at Dale, Glenn's brother down at Otago. So look,
they all put some good performances on the board in
the Plunket Shield next year. But they're quite young, quite
early in their careers, having probably all played less than
twenty first class games of Dale certainly a bit more
(07:49):
than that. But we're keeping an eye on all of
those guys. But it certainly would be challenging to call
up a young guy and ask him to play against
this Indian team having never played in the subcontinent at all,
So that's certainly something we're conscious of.
Speaker 3 (08:02):
You mentioned Will Young, who of course was already in
the squad but unused in Sri Lanka. Is it far
to say, Sam, he's his next cab off the rank
and as he best suited, as he liked for like
in terms of a first drop option batting there at
number three.
Speaker 5 (08:16):
Yeah, I think he did ask well. But three ise'
his natural position and that's where he has better most
of his career. For the Central Stags. Obviously, we've tried
them a bit at opening and elsewhere, and he's moved
around a little bit, perhaps more out of circumstances. You
get your chances where you can get them. But I
think three his natural position and you know expect him
(08:39):
to be lining up there in the first Test.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Another talking point and when you talk about experience, is
none more experience than Tim Salvey one of New Zealand's
greatest There is no debate. But he's even acknowledged himself
after the Sri Lanka tour and relinquishing the Test captaincy.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
He struggled, but he wants.
Speaker 3 (08:54):
To get back to form with the ball and concentrating
on the ball.
Speaker 4 (08:57):
What sort of role do you envisage Tim having on
this tour.
Speaker 5 (09:01):
Yeah, I expect them to get a chance and one
or two test taking the new ball and then looking
to swing the ball as he's done for the last
seventy years or so. So he's actually really exceptional record
in the subcontinent, has had a lot of success there.
So if he can recapture that form, you know, there's
suddenly a role there for him and moving forward, being
(09:21):
able to pick and choose the conditions to suit him
may may end up prolonging his career if he can
rediscover that form.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
So, as a fair to say, then in those conditions,
his placed in the eleven isn't as guaranteed as it
once was.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
Yeah, that'll have to be a decision for the Tom
and Gary on game day. But obviously no longer being
skipper perhaps makes it a bit easier or to select
other bowlers. But that will be a decision for Gary
and Tom on the day.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
How has it worked so far with Tom coming in
being part of that? How does that selection picture look
between when it comes to a squad assembly between yourself,
Tom and Gary Stead.
Speaker 5 (10:05):
Tom's not directly involved when we picked the initial squad.
Certainly Gary picks his brain a bit on what he's where.
He's thinking that the initial squad has sleeped by myself
from Gary and then that's when it gets into the
captain team is on game down and they certainly got
a big say in the playing eleven they get.
Speaker 3 (10:21):
Is it fair to say, Sam, this is the biggest
challenge in international cricket going to India three Test matches?
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Yeah, Look, and they're in India, Australia and Australia. Those
are right up there at the moment as some of
the most challenging series. You can probably have England and
England as well, anytime you playing those Big three at home,
not only are they big from a cricketing perspective, but
from the amount of eyeballs washing. So it probably doesn't
get more bigger than the amount of eyeballs that will
(10:49):
be on these games. So look, it's a huge challenge
and not people aren't expecting Mujean to go over their
role in there. So the guys can get up and
put a strong performance on the board. That would be
really exciting.
Speaker 4 (11:03):
Appreciate it. So I'm Sam.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Just lastly before I let you go, a few people
wondering where Kyle Jamieson is at in terms of his
rehabilitation from that latest back issue. Do you have an
update on his return to cricket at this point in time.
Speaker 5 (11:14):
Yeah, Look, from what I've been hearing, things have been
going quite nice. If Kyle has done a lot of
work and strengthening his body and then changing the way
and as the biomechanics sort of work to relieve a
bit of pressure on that back, and from well, I
understand that's going really well and some very low level
bowling happening apparently, so all signs that are really positive
and we're all hoping the best for Kyle. But everything
(11:37):
I'm hearing is really positive.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
At the moment. The Chamber is now in session on
sports facts.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
Back in the chamber we are, this time Alex Powell
from the New Zealand Herald joins me kick around a
few sporting recons of the day.
Speaker 4 (11:51):
Alex, let's start with the black Caps.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
Oh yeah, it was already going to be tough heating
over to India for three Tests, the first of which
a week today. Now, news earlier today that came Williamson
is going to miss the first Test at least maybe
even the second due to a groin issue.
Speaker 4 (12:11):
Seems an obvious question. But I mean, how big of
a blow is this?
Speaker 6 (12:15):
I mean it's huge.
Speaker 7 (12:16):
You look at the black Caps' best players of Spurn,
which is what they're going to get in India. Kane
Williamson's you know, he's probably one of two, you know,
him and Tom Latham. So to lose him really hamstrings
this batting lineup going to India, which is the toughest
place to go. I don't know what to make of
Mark Chapman being there. I think if they are going
to replace Kane will probably be will Young at three.
But I mean we'll have to wait and see what
happens when they get over there.
Speaker 5 (12:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (12:37):
So Mark Chapman, in thirty years of age, hasn't played
a Test as yet, has been relatively familiar with the
black Caps environment. Of course, in the limited overs sets up,
Will Young is there or thereabouts.
Speaker 4 (12:53):
In the squad.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Do you think they might tinker even more with the
batting lineup? We saw Devin Conway struggle, didn't we in
Sri Lanka? And I just wonder, you know, could he
drop down? Will Young go up? Glenn Phillips potentially move
Can you see any tinkering to this batting lineup starting
with that first Test in a week?
Speaker 7 (13:13):
I mean, I think they are quite settled, or they
view themselves as being quite settled as a playing eleven,
So if anyone does go out there would just be
a straight swap. I feel Will Young's got a good
record in India, played quite well in that last toy.
He had a huge partnership with Tom Latham where they
put in about what one hundred and sixty hundred and
seventy runs, So it wouldn't be too surprising if that's
just how they went.
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Personally.
Speaker 3 (13:33):
I must have met Alex so I scanned down the list,
got to S and the help a bit and just
made sure just double check that Tim Soudy was there.
Of course, it's his first tour now since relinquishing the
Test captaincy and the Tom Latham era officially begins. Will
you add all surprised to see Tim Sowdy's name on
(13:55):
this squad list or is there's still enough value that
Tim Saldy at this.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Point of his career can bring to this group.
Speaker 7 (14:02):
Well, I mean I wasn't surprised because they said they
were going to pick him so on that in that instance. No,
if you look at Tim Salthy's record in India, it
is actually very good. He averages better with the ball
than Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood you know who are
too for me, the two premier right arm fast bowlers
in world cricket outside of India. Whether or not he plays,
I think is now going to be the huge question.
(14:26):
Does he add enough to that bowling attack If he's
not taking work it's probably not. But as a Matt
Henry or a Ben says a guaranteed improvement for me
having not played it, I mean Henry has played in India
and got smashed in what twenty sixteen, so I mean
he's probably off the table, so it's just him or
Sears for me.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
Yeah, yeah, I think whoever it's going to be, it's
going to be a tall order in the Let's stick
with cricket Alex the White Ferns Game two at the
Women's T twenty World Cup in the early hours of
this morning.
Speaker 4 (14:54):
I'll tell you what.
Speaker 3 (14:54):
I was very encouraged first up to beat India in
the fashion that they did after the record run that
they've been on in terms of what was it ten
straight defeats, it was comprehensive. There was class with both
and ball. But then we had the might of the
Aussies in.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
Our group and it was sort of back to.
Speaker 3 (15:14):
That unfamiliar or familiar feeling, I should say, of being
outclassed and they were in the game. It felt like
Merelyakira done really well to help restrict the defending champions
to one hundred and forty eight, but then the wheels
fell off in the chase.
Speaker 4 (15:30):
What did you make of it all?
Speaker 7 (15:31):
I mean, look, I was resigned to losing this game
before a ball was bold. Australia is so much further
ahead than anyone else in women's cricket. Meghan Shoot taking
three to three. There's quite a funny line about Meghan
Shoot that was at carry o'keep says, Meghan Shoot can
swing an election.
Speaker 6 (15:46):
You know, she's just that good with the ball.
Speaker 7 (15:49):
But you're right, it was promising signs at the start
and then to fall away through the middle.
Speaker 6 (15:53):
It's basically predictable, now, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (15:55):
It is a bit predictable, unfortunately, And you feel like
if one of those big three divine baits and curve
don't fire with the bat, there's slim to zero.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
Chance really of being in the game.
Speaker 3 (16:06):
And there's just so much on Amelia occurs shoulders at
the minute. So she took a fourth and then of
that total of eighty eight she top scores.
Speaker 7 (16:16):
Yeah, and you look at she's probably gonna be the
next captain of the team as well. So I don't
think we can ever understate how important she is.
Speaker 3 (16:21):
Deniseland credit last topic, Alex, I know we're both league heads.
Big news yesterday Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns squads being named
for the Pacific Championships, but a lot of noise afterwards
around the length of the NRL season. The place of
international rugby league on the calendar. On the NRL season
goes for what twenty seven regular season rounds plus four
(16:43):
weeks of finals. Chancell will Colokstart put his hand up
and said he'd love to see the season reduced in
terms of the round robin if it meant for more
international rugby league. We haven't had an ANSAC test, for example,
since twenty seventeen.
Speaker 4 (17:00):
What do you make of it all?
Speaker 3 (17:02):
It all sounds pretty good, but can you realistically see
it happening?
Speaker 7 (17:06):
What do I make of it? I'm completely on board
with it. They agree they should like the NRL. Can't
go on about how much they value test rugby league
and then not back it up with action.
Speaker 6 (17:14):
Do I think it'll happen? I don't.
Speaker 7 (17:16):
I think the NRL as a commercial product is just
too viable. You look at state of origin on top
of that, and I think the calendar will more or
less remain unchanged in terms of how much we see.
I mean, obviously it will change once new teams come
into an L. They want to take it to twenty
by in the next decade, so from there I can
maybe see it staying the same.
Speaker 6 (17:34):
If not, maybe even getting a bit longer.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
The noise out of Peter Vilandi's the ARLC chairman, was
that twenty teams could mean two conferences of ten, could
mean more games or obviously mean more games during the weekend,
but it could mean less round so time will tell. Anyway,
watch this space. Thanks so much for your time, Alex,
(17:56):
go get a cold towel and call off.
Speaker 6 (17:58):
Cheer mate, cheers mate.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
This is Sports Fix, your daily dose of sports news,
how and by News Talks.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
There be.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Well, there you have it. There is your sports fix
for another day. For more sport, don't forget to tune
into News Talks. You'd be between seven and eight pm
Monday to Friday.
Speaker 4 (18:16):
That's Sports Talk.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
It'll be me filling in for the remainder of the
week then, of course Pineyers back behind the mic. In fact,
you'll be back here tomorrow on Sports Fiks and behind
the Mic on weekend Sport. That's between twelve and three
on Saturday and Sunday. If you want more of this
or in your podcast feed as soon as it drops,
(18:38):
just hit the subscribe button and it will land as
soon as it's released.
Speaker 4 (18:44):
Easy done by.
Speaker 1 (18:45):
For now for more from News Talks, I'd be listen
live on air or online, and keep our shows with
you wherever you go with our podcast on iHeartRadio
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