8 Dec 2008

Turner says batsmen need more time in nets

6:38 am on 8 December 2008

New Zealand Cricket's convenor of selectors Glen Turner says batsmen need to practice in the nets the way they want to play.

After failing against Australia, the Black Caps batting will again be under the spot light in this week's opening test against the West Indies.

Auckland's Tim McIntosh replaces Aaron Redmond in the New Zealand lineup as the selectors look for a solid opening combination.

Turner, who was perhaps New Zealand's greatest opening batsman, says to be able to bat for long periods of time you have to put in the preparation in.

He says most cricketers will bat for 20-30 minutes in the nets, which is not much help if the objective is to bat all day and is a bit like training for a marathon by running 10 kilometres.

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