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Selector Whitaker remains in NZ for crisis talks with Moores

10/03/2008

Coach Peter Moores has confirmed that selector James Whitaker will stay in New Zealand to discuss changes to the England team for the second Test.

Following last week's humiliating 189-run defeat to the hosts in Hamilton, in which England totalled just 110 in their second innings, Whitaker and Moores are set to compare notes ahead of the next match on Thursday.

The squad have flown to Wellington to begin their preparations with Whitaker in tow, after he changed his flight back to the UK.

"The team for the next game obviously needs some serious consideration, which we'll do and we'll look at that over the next couple of days," Moores confirmed.

"I think it just makes sense for James to stay out here. He's got no pressing commitments when he gets back - so for him to change his flight and come to Wellington for a couple of days until the start of the Test match made sense.

"When the dust settles over the next couple of days we'll be having conversations, and it makes sense for the selector to be around and be involved in those conversations until we finalise that team for the next Test."

Among the players likely to be axed from the team for the second match is fast bowler Steve Harmison, who was poor throughout as he bowled at a slower pace than normal and offered little in the way of a threat to the Black Caps' batsmen.

He took 1-97 in the first innings before a wicketless four overs in the second that saw him ship 24 runs at an average of six an over.

And it became clear the home side had begun to target the out-of-form Durham man, meaning Moores, Whitaker and team captain Michael Vaughan may now see him as more of a liability than can be afforded.