Cricket: New Zealand not amused by Victoria

cricket

New Zealand not amused by Victoria

New Zealand plumbed new depths when they were routed for their lowest total in Australia this century against Victoria in a tour match in Melbourne yesterday. Just days after losing the opening Test by 186 runs to Australia, the Kiwis were dismissed for 82 by a Victorian line-up missing the Test bowlers Paul Reiffel and Shane Warne, with the innings occupying just 50 overs and 200 minutes. But for a 20-run partnership for the last wicket between the fast bowlers Shayne O'Connor and Geoff Allott, New Zealand would have registered their lowest ever score in Australia. That remains 64 in 1898-99 against New South Wales. However, Victoria did not find batting much easier and by the close of day two of the four-day match - in which the opening day was washed out - had reached 131 for seven, an overall lead of 49. Meanwhile, the Indian selectors yesterday recalled the bowlers Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad for next week's opening Test in a three-match series against the touring Sri Lankans.