England Cricketers Receive Traditional Maori Welcome
29 Jan 2008
The English Cricket team has arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand for their comprehensive two month tour of the country.
As well as receiving an official Maori welcome - powhiri - they were also greeted with the news that New Zealand star bowler Shane Bond would not be playing for the home side; news that is likely to improve their prospects in both the Test and one-day series.
After days of legal discussions Bond signed a three year deal to play in the rebel Indian Cricket League.
Paul Collingwood, the England one-day captain, says the squad had been preparing to face Bond.
"He will be a big loss. He is the spearhead of their attack, difficult to face at 90mph and very effective at the death."
However Collingwood says the Kiwis will still be formidable, citing batsman Ross Taylor, all-rounder Jacob Oram, wicket keeper Brendon McCullum and skipper Daniel Vettori as major threats.
Meanwhile England's Media Relations Manager, James Avery, says the squad has a few days to catch up on rest before training for their warm up games at the weekend. And he says so far they've been thoroughly impressed with Christchurch and are enjoying the contrast in the weather.
The team opens the one-day campaign against New Zealand on February 9 following the warm up matches and two Twenty20 games. Three test matches follow in March.
These topics may also be of interest to you
|
