Wigan’s Ford eager for his Kiwi opener to return

Jun 6 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WIGAN captain Andy Ford is hoping that New Zealand batsman Aaron Redmond will spearhead his team’s push for promotion when he comes back from Test duty in eight days’ time.

The 28-year-old Kiwi opener is battling with England at Trent Bridge, but he is due to play his first Business Assistance Liverpool Competition game at home to Huyton on June 14 and, with Wigan lying seventh, his return is most welcome.

“Aaron had signed a contract to play for us this season when he was picked for the New Zealand side in the first week of April,” said Ford.

“We got Sumit Panda in and he scored a match-winning hundred for us at Northop Hall, and then we engaged Mohammed Aslam for five matches.”

The Pakistani all-rounder made 64 in Wigan’s win at Ainsdale and took four for nine in the victory at Newton-le-Willows last Saturday, but tomorrow’s home game against Liverpool will be his last.

Barring a late call-up into the one-day squad, Australian-born Redmond should be available for the remainder of the season and the addition of the batsman who topped the First Division averages in 2007 with 1,028 runs will clearly be a boost for Ford’s men.

“We were delighted when Aaron got his chance but it was bitter-sweet news for us,” said Ford. “However, he’d done very well in provincial cricket in New Zealand and he was clearly very focused on playing for the Test side.

“Our win at Newton-le-Willows was a particularly good result because our games against them are normally draws or defeats for us,” he said. “We’ve got a solid seam bowling unit but our batting form’s been very up and down so far.

Given this latter inconsistency, the performances of all-rounder Matthew Leah – three wickets against Newton and 142 runs for only twice out in his last four – have been a encouragement to the captain.

“Matthew has been given the opportunity to show the ability he possesses and he’s really taken his chance,” said Ford.

“Also, it’s a boost to have a 40 wickets-a-season seamer like Mark Shorrocks in the team and I think 18-year-old James Taylor is one to look out for as well. His three wickets against Ainsdale were vital and he’s also been playing some valuable innings recently.”

Elsewhere in the First Division, the most intriguing fixture is at Beech Walk where leaders Leigh take on new boys Rainford. Three wins in their last five games have seen Dave Tully’s side move into third, but the Competition’s second tier features nine credible promotion candidates covered by just 37 points.