Date-stamped : 25 Jun97 - 06:18
24 May 1997

Howell Eyes Canty Squad

Punishing top order batsman Llorne Howell took yesterday what he
hopes is a significant step toward making the New Zealand cricket
team when he made himself available for Canterbury again.

After three seasons with Central Districts, Howell has decided to
return to Canterbury where he began his first-class career during
the 1990-91 season.

Howell, aged 24, said the primary reason behind returning to
Canterbury was to give himself every opportunity of playing for
New Zealand.

"I enjoyed my time at Central Districts. It was good to play in a
team that had a real underdogs status, but you can't beat what
the major associations have to offer," Howell said.

"The major associations look after the players better. Often we
(Central) would meet just before a game and prepare on dodgy
wickets. I especially want to utilise the high quality practice
and playing facilities available in Christchurch."

After two poor seasons Howell left Canterbury at the completion
of the 1993-94 citing the need for a fresh start. He joined 
Central and quickly became the backbone of its batting lineup.
His inclusion in both a Selection XI and New Zealand A against
the touring England team last season testament to his current
ranking among New Zealand batting hopefuls.

Howell's availability provides another selection headache for the
Canterbury representative selectors, who had enough trouble last
season accommodating its international batsmen.

In last year's Shell Trophy final Canterbury's top and middle
order resembled that of the current New Zealand team.

Stephen Fleming batted No. 3 followed by Chris Harris, Craig
McMillan, Nathan Astle, with Chris Cairns relegated to No 7.

With New Zealand's busy international programme, Howell feels
there will be ample opportunity to cement a place in Canterbury's
top lineup.

"The New Zealand players aren't always there, so it isn't that
much of a gamble. I've got the fastest Shell Cup hundred and
generally done well in the one-day arena.

"You only have to look at last year and see what happened to
Blair Hartland. The selectors go on form, so I need to score runs
from the outset."

One area Howell wants to brush up on is his consistency in the
longer game. He was often guilty of playing a rash shot after
establishing himself at the crease.

Howell's important season should begin on August 11 when a still
to be selected New Zealand Academy XI makes a three week tour of
South Africa.


Source :: The Christchurch Press (http://www.press.co.nz)

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