WKLU NOTON. New Zealand, M» 2 New Zealand si/psmTli in doubt for these

rand cricket Teat against Australia after being badly injured during net practice on Tuesday. reports AT

wmb tAlccti to Kospi IaI for treatment after being struck aver the lei) eye by teammate Chris Cairns. The 22 yvar-oM was baiting with a helmet but a short ball from Cairns forced tts wag through the protectfee grill and opened up a deep cut Just beneath the eyebrow

Parorv has been New Zealand's first choice wicketkeeper since the retirement of longtime incumbent Ian Smith after last season s World Cup. In eight.‘Tests Parorv has claimed 27 dismissals and has a Test batting average of 14.1.

New Zealand captain Marlin Crowe said he doubted whether Parorv could recover sufftcier.tly tn less than 48 hours to take his place tn the lineup far Thursday.

Tt s the worst cut I've seen and it s wicked blow," Crowe said.

The thing that you worry about is the swelling because tt s a such a bad gash around the eyes. The word Is that he doesn't look loo good."

Parores injury Is a furihcr worry to the New Zealand camp following Australia's comprehensive Innings and 60 run victory on Sunday In the first Test at Chrtslchurh.

Crowe told the selectors during the game he was pre pared lo resign and held a learn meeting before training begun Tuesday. He spoke lo his players for several minutes and al one stage asked them how much they wanted to play for New Zealand >-

Former skipper John Wright then spoke briefiy, as did coach Warren Lees.

The suitability of Crowe as skipper has had much media

coverage tn New Zealand this week and the 30 year-old said

he had wanted to clear the air wmhin ihc team

"I want everyone lo lake ihiIHw and lo Nelen and If they're asked to do something, lo give II IOO per cent ”

The Australians did not have a full net pruelkx Tues day. preferring only a light fielding session

Coach Bob Simpson said th« tourists were watching Crowe's progress closely but said the future of the New Zealand captain would have HlUr effect on their approach lo the rest of the tour

That's their problem. ~ said Simpson. "We have a very stable, happy team. We will look at it with Interest but It will have no real effect on us."

Australia will train Wednesday but an unchanged skk ts expected lo be named with Tim May and Damien Martyn to mtss out again.