Unlucky Ian Butler Out, Andy McKay In
Ian Butler was referred to as "unluckiest player to miss out" on a central contract by the New Zealand coach, Mark Greathbatch. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Butler-c48850 missed out on the central contract even though he was on the list of contracted cricketers last year. “If I have to say who was the unluckiest, it would be Ian. He has put in some world-class performances for us over the last 12 months, but he's been a bit inconsistent with it and that's hurt him.” Greathbatch told reporters.
Butler exhibited some impressive performances, especially in the Champions Trophy and the World Twenty20, where he played an important role in defeating http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 has given Test cricket much more importance. Butler has not featured in Test cricket for over six years and according to the new ranking system which determines the country’s top 25 cricketers, doesn’t have impressive figures. A source close to the selectors reported that the there were two points assigned for performances in Test cricket, with One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals only getting one point each. Tests only had 1.25 points last year, but the selectors seem to giving preference to the traditional format, by increasing the points to 2.
In the coming year, the schedule is such that New Zealand will play seven Tests, some 25 One Day Internationals (which would include the World Cup) and fewer Twenty20’s than this year. This could have played an important role in Butler not being offered a central contract. “Another area that's hurt him is the fact he doesn't play Test cricket,” Greatbatch said. “With the system we use, he's handicapped there. He's missed out, not by very much, and you've got to feel for him. He hasn't been available for Test cricket because there was the feeling his body wouldn't cope with all three [formats]. He is playing first-class cricket this summer, which we feel is a very positive step.”
A surprise selection this time around was Andy McKay, the left arm fast bowler. Since being given a central contract he revealed he was looking forward to make his Test debut, however he has the Sri Lankan tri-series to participate in before he heads off for the Tests against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750. “I've been hearing some pretty scary stories from the other quicks. I haven't had the luxury of playing there [subcontinent] yet. To get my first Test cap would be a dream come true. I've played more domestic cricket in the longer version so I'm looking forward to that.” McKay said.
McKay played for his home side http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wellington-c864 last season, 2009-2010. Even though McKay has only played three One Day Internationals and two Twenty20’s for New Zealand, his performance in his debut One Day International earlier this year was enough to impress Captain Daniel Vettori. “I haven't been radared since the Bangladesh series but for me it's just a timing thing. It's feeling good at the moment, the more I bowl the better it gets," McKay said. "That's my niche, that's what the selectors have told me, to bowl with pace and try to run in and take wickets and just be aggressive.”
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