Nash dines out in style at Bradman picnic match
From NZPA/NZ Herald, January 24, 2002

BOWRAL - New Zealand enjoyed a day in the Bowral sun and Dion Nash proved he was ready for a recall with a whopping 249-run win over an Australian Country X1 at Don Bradman Oval yesterday.

The New Zealanders piled on 392 for six from their 50 overs and enjoyed the pleasant country surroundings as they dismissed their modest opponents for 143 in 40 overs.

It was far from an ideal hit-out for the New Zealanders, who must now lift several notches for their tri-series matches in Adelaide against Australia on Saturday and South Africa on Sunday.

The modest level of opposition meant run-scoring was ridiculously easy, with Brendon McCullum, captain Stephen Fleming and Nash all passing 50 at easily better than a run-a-ball.

The batting was more belligerent than Bradmanesque and every New Zealand batsman fell seemingly attempting to send the ball out of the ground. On a placid pitch, the small boundaries received a peppering and four of the nine sixes struck ended with the ball running down a neighbouring street.

McCullum and Mark Richardson set the scene when they raced to 110 off the first 16 overs before showers halted play for half-an-hour.

Richardson fell for 44 before McCullum and Fleming lifted the tempo further.

McCullum's 96 off 81 balls, including 17 fours, was likely to see him win the opener's berth this weekend along with the recalled Nathan Astle, while Richardson has probably not done enough to retain a spot.

Fleming stroked his 76 off 53 balls and Lou Vincent chimed in with 49 off 28 balls.

The most eye-raising innings came from Nash, who struck six fours and four sixes to compile his unbeaten 72 off 59 balls.

Despite the standard of bowling, Nash's timing and strokeplay was outstanding for a player who has not made the starting X1 for any of New Zealand's four tri-series matches.

He was promoted to No 5 in the order, suggesting the New Zealand selectors wanted to give him as much time as possible in the middle.

Nash also performed well with the ball, taking one for 18 from 10 tight overs.

The New Zealanders had the luxury of experimenting in the field. Fleming bowled six overs of off-spin with mixed results, while Adam Parore fielded at first slip, handing the wicketkeeping gloves to Vincent.

[Articles]