Few chances frustrate overlooked all-rounder
Todd Astle went nearly four years between test matches and it might be another long wait to play for New Zealand again.
Despite taking 130 Plunket Shield wickets over the past three and a half summers, playing domestic cricket for Canterbury appears to be the legspinner’s lot.
With left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner ensconced as the Black Caps’ No 1 option in all three forms and legspinner Ish Sodhi in favour again, it’s difficult to see Astle getting a run anytime soon.
His best long-term chance hinges on Santner suffering an injury or a future New Zealand tour to the sub-continent, where multiple spinners might be used in a test.
Astle’s plight is tough to stomach considering he was recalled for November’s first test against Pakistan at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval when Santner had a fractured wrist.
Pakistan were rolled cheaply in both innings with Astle bowling just four overs in the match. Santner returned for the second test and it was back to the domestic beat for Astle.
He was in line to make his oneday debut after being selected in the 14-man squad for the Australian leg of the Chappell-Hadlee series in November, but didn’t get a game. Astle was naturally upset not to be given a decent run in the side.
‘‘For me, it was a shame not to be able to get a bit more of a go and actually show what I can do. Especially, then to go on in that one-day Chappell-Hadlee series and to not get another go. It’s a bit disappointing.’’
‘‘I get such a good crack with Canterbury and have such a prominent role, so when you go up to that next level sometimes you don’t get those opportunities.’’
Several Canterbury cricketers weren’t amused Astle was given another brief taste of test cricket, only to be dropped.
The feeling was he deserved at least another match to show his wares against Pakistan, especially having bowled so few overs in the first test.
Astle didn’t hold any ill-feeling towards Santner and said he’d ‘‘earned that right’’ to return straight into the test 11.
International chances have been few and far between. Last January, he was rewarded for his strong play with Canterbury and featured in two Twenty20s against Pakistan in Auckland and Hamilton. Astle struggled in the opening match, going 0-28 from three overs and only bowled one over in the next game.
There hadn’t been a huge amount of feedback from coach Mike Hesson or chief selector Gavin Larsen.
‘‘It’s just that same sort of message to go away and keep doing what I’ve been doing and putting the numbers on the board. It’s just trying to bide your time I guess and when you do, make the most of it and not get too caught up if you don’t.’’
Astle’s class was evident in Saturday’s Ford Trophy final win over Wellington at Rangiora, turning the result Canterbury’s way after the Firebirds were looking threatening. He produced two wrong ‘uns, first deceiving the experienced Hamish Marshall, who had got through to 59 from 29 balls, then bowled Matt Taylor with another beauty, three balls later.
New Zealand’s seam friendly wickets means the Black Caps usually only carry one frontline spinner in their test side.
Santner and Sodhi have bowled in combination during the opening two ODIs against South Africa, but using two spinners at home in ODIs is uncommon. Astle remains diplomatic and hasn’t given up on playing internationally again.
‘‘For me, it’s now if there are opportunities and they play two spinners, perhaps overseas first, that’s when I might get my opportunity.
‘‘I’m just trying to tick away and not get too worried I suppose. It can be frustrating, but that’s the nature of the beast.’’
Astle and Canterbury return to Plunket Shield four-day action against Wellington at the Basin Reserve, starting on Sunday.