Drum will beat at fast pace if not required for Test

Don Cameron

December 15, 2001

Chris Drum, the 27-year-old Auckland medium-fast bowler, worked up good speed while he was demolishing the touring Bangladesh cricket side with his ten-wicket bag at Eden Park Outer Oval, but have to move even more smartly on Tuesday morning.

Drum has been included in the New Zealand 12 preparing for the first Test against Bangladesh starting at WestpacTrust Park on Tuesday. However, he is aware of the public (and perhaps untimely) statement by Sir Richard Hadlee, the chairman of selectors, that Drum is most likely to be 12th man for the Test.

Drum has taken that comment on the chin, but is also aware that Auckland are starting a State Championship four-day match against Otago at Carisbrook, and Drum would prefer action at Carisbrook to being supercargo at Hamilton.

"Things are working toward getting me to Dunedin," said Drum today, his ten-wicket smile still spread over his handsome face. "I will have to stay in Hamilton until Tuesday morning in case something goes wrong with the team, but if I am not wanted I will get to Dunedin as quickly as possible."

Drum was delighted with his first ten-wicket bag for Auckland not so much because he was playing against inexperienced batsmen, but because he worked to a good line and kept up his pace very well - his match figures were 39.3 overs, 16 maidens, 66 runs, 10 wickets.

It also convinced Drum, in his first four-day match of the season, that all his annoying past aches and injuries had gone, especially the damaged A/C joint which took him out of his comeback Test against Pakistan last season.

"I was able to give it 10 weeks rest before I tried bowling again, and it seems to be holding up very well.

"Getting 10 wickets in an Auckland win gave me a real buzz, and I am delighted that I feel fully fit, and am in the Test team frame again."

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Players/Umpires

Chris Drum

Series/Tournaments

Bangladesh tour of New Zealand

Teams

AA Priestley's XI

AA Priestley's XII

Bangladesh

New Zealand