Sport www.guardianonline.co.nz
Friday, April 29, 2016
Ashburton Guardian 15
In brief
■ CRICKET
Williamson to lead Black Caps New Zealand cricket has confirmed Kane Williamson as the Black Caps captain in all three formats. The 25-year-old has been a member of the Black Caps since 2010 and has already led the side in 36 short-form games, while earning widespread praise for his captaincy during the recent ICC World Twenty20 in India. He is the 34th captain to skipper the New Zealand team in any full international format, and is poised to become the country’s 29th Test captain - dating back to Tom Lowry in 1930. NZC CEO David White said Williamson was the right man to lead the team forward. “Kane has been a leader within the team for a long time now and already shown himself to be an extremely capable captain,” said Mr White. “He’s respected by his peers and the wider cricket community for his professional approach both on and off the field, and has a superb cricket brain. “His drive to see the team succeed and his passion for the game are what you look for in a leader. He’s ready for the role and will only continue to grow.”
Players competing at Wimbledon are set to be drug-tested more than ever before in the buildup to this year’s championships as organisers focus resources on out-of-competition testing. Scarred by a string of recent scandals, Wimbledon announced on Tuesday it was stepping up the fight against doping, without revealing any details. But in an email, the International Tennis Federation, which administers and part-funds the Tennis AntiDoping Programme (TADP), said Wimbledon had discussed its plans with the ITF and will focus on out-of-competition testing. The additional tests, which will be funded by Wimbledon, will be carried out by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), the ITF said. - AAP
Kane Williamson will captain New Zealand.
Jones’ famous temper look to utilise this. We’re all striving for the same thing and that’s to represent New Zealand with pride and win cricket games.” Williamson also singled out the work done by predecessor Brendon McCullum, and praising the environment inside the changing-room. “I’ve certainly learnt a lot from Brendon, as has everyone who has played with him. “The culture that he and Mike
Williamson, who is currently in India playing in the IPL, said it was a challenge he was looking forward to, but one he knew he wouldn’t face without a great deal of support. “It’s certainly an honour. I’ve really enjoyed my time spent as captain and believe this team can achieve a lot,” said Williamson. “I’m lucky to have a number of experienced players around me for support and will certainly
have cultivated has been a huge part of this team’s success in recent times. “We not only have good players, but good people too and that certainly makes any captain’s job easier.” The Black Caps next tour will be of Africa in July-August, with the Black Caps scheduled to play two tests in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. - NZ Herald
New tennis coach keen to start work Andre Van Rooyen has been appointed as the new head coach of Mid Canterbury Tennis. Mid Canterbury Tennis president Tony Brosnahan said Van Rooyen will begin his coaching duties at the Ashburton Trust Tennis Centre, tennis clubs and schools in mid-July. “Andre will be a very good fit for us, being very experienced, with great coaching and playing credentials,” said Brosnahan. “He is available to coach at all levels of the game, from beginners’ programmes including Hot Shots, through club juniors, rep players, adults and even able to offer help and advice for veterans.” Van Rooyen comes to Mid
Wimbledon drug tests
Van Rooyen’s coaching experience spans beyond these shores, having also worked in South Africa, France, Germany and the UK. Before moving to New Zealand in 2008, Van Rooyen operated a tennis academy in South Africa, where a number of his students were selected to play for college teams in the USA. He has also coached and prepared players for the international competitive tennis arena, assisting those participating in the ATP satellite and challenger circuits in Africa, Europe and the US. Van Rooyen said he was looking forward to taking up his new role, and is eager to get to work.
Canterbury from Nelson, where he has been a head coach for more than four years. Before then, he coached in Southland, and also had a short stint in Timaru. During his time in Nelson, he contributed significantly to the growth of both junior and adult membership of the Nelson Lawn Tennis Club and the Tasman Bays Region. “Attracting new talent to tennis within the region is very important to me, as is developing our pool of talent further,” he said. “I’d like to see coaching programmes implemented which challenge players, whether competing at club level, regional level, or on the national stage.”
World Cup-winning Wallaby Owen Finegan is wondering how England’s Six Nations champions will cope with one of Eddie Jones’ famous temper tantrums during this year’s historic series in Australia. Never before have Australia and England - centuryand-a-half-old rugby rivals - ever contested a three-Test series. And rarely before has there been a build-up like this one ahead of the June match-ups in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. But 13 years after being dumped from Australia’s 2003 World Cup squad, Finegan remains bitter and has questioned whether Jones’ famously abrasive coaching style will work with England’s Six Nations champions. - AAP
Teen top batsman
Andre Van Rooyen
Teen prodigy Jason Sangha has become the youngest player in NSW cricket history to be awarded a state rookie contract. The 16-year-old batsman, who scored a century on debut for Australia’s under-19s last year, is just the third player behind Josh Hazlewood and Jake Doran to earn a contract while still in high school. Last year he became the youngest player in 90 years to play a second XI match for NSW. Fellow teenager Arjun Nair also earned a place in the largely unchanged senior squad. Offspinner Nair made his Sheffield Shield debut for NSW against South Australia as a 17-year-old.
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