RISHTON professional Paul Wiseman reckons that two of his predecessors in EW Cartons Lancashire League cricket will have a major role as New Zealand and Zimbabwe go head-to-head at Headingley tomorrow.

Picking out former Ramsbottom professional Chris Harris and ex-Accrington man Nathan Astle as crucial cogs in the New Zealand one-day mean machine, Kiwi Wiseman refuses to rule out the chance of surprises from either of the World Cup 'outsiders'.

But he knows how much depends on tomorrow's first game for both sides in the Super Sixes, which Zimbabwe have entered with four points already in the bag.

"You would have to say we are the two underdogs of the last six but we are rated higher in one-day cricket than Tests and the other teams will look upon us as very dangerous sides on the day," said Wiseman, who is also looking for lift-off at Rishton after a couple of recent disappointments. "Zimbabwe have gone into the Super Sixes with a huge advantage and I think they will only need to win one game to reach the semi-finals.

"They will be looking at the one against us as the game to do it.

"Our form has been below what it should be. We can play a lot better.

"But we have had some good tussles with Zimbabwe in the past. We beat them last time we met so we can go into it with some confidence.

"Chris Harris is a key man, he is one of the best players around and has been for the past two years.

"He's very experienced with well over 100 matches and his batting has gone from strength to strength.

"Chris is also one of the best fielders in the world.

"We also need Nathan Astle to fire at the top of the order."

Wiseman, who admits he did not have a good-enough season back home to be selected for either the World Cup squad or the Test series with England, feels the Kiwis have a number of other strong points.

Players such as Craig McMillan, Geoff Allott (15 wickets already) and ex-Enfield pro Gavin Larsen do an important job.

While his national side battle for World Cup glory, Wiseman will be hoping to help Rishton get back on track at Church after losing to East Lancs then going out of the inter-league cup in successive days.

"We do need a lift and we have to be going all out for wins," he said. "We have put some good performances together but we have also thrown a few games away.

"The season has been erratic. But we have talked about it and also done a bit of technical work at training."

The off-spinner/batsman feels he is getting to grips with his own form and, in particular, with the changes he needs to make to his bowling to adapt.

But he will be looking for a much-improved fielding performance at Church tomorrow from everyone, including himself.

"We do have a very good fielding side but last Sunday we put down six or seven catches and we beat ourselves," he said.

"That's very disappointing. But, if it's self-inflicted, at least we can do something about it."

Sunday's games: Burnley v Lowerhouse; Church v Rishton; Colne v Nelson; East Lancs v Todmorden; Enfield v Accrington; Ramsbottom v Bacup; Rawtenstall v Haslingden.

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