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| | Monday, 1 April, 2002, 11:56 GMT 12:56 UK Drum highlights divide Drum will retire after playing just five Tests By BBC Sport Online's Martin Gough Chris Drum's decision to retire at the end of the New Zealand season served to illustrate further the divide between Test cricket's haves and have-nots. The pace bowler, 27, had only just established himself in the Black Cap side, playing five Tests this season. But his place could not be guaranteed, with injured bowlers Chris Cairns, Shane Bond, Dion Nash and Shayne O'Connor all waiting to reclaim their spots.
And, with little financial reward on offer for those not in the national side, "business interests" apparently appeared more attractive. "I was surprised and disappointed," New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said. "He made the point that, looking two years down the track, would he have a regular spot in the team? I agreed with him and respect his decision." As the current Test series, and New Zealand's disastrous trip to South Africa 18 months ago, shows, the Black Caps may be able to compete with the best when at full strength. But when a few injuries strike, their lack of strength in dept soon sees them in trouble. Low salaries Six weeks ago, Zimbabwe's Paul Strang decided to quit the international stage for a career as a television commentator, combined with an English club contract. The leg-spinner described the move as "a positive life decision" after a career that has recently been seriously troubled by injuries.
But the less experienced members of the side could only expect to make around �18,000 - if they played in every Test and one-day international in a calendar year. These salaries were increased after a pay revolt while the side were on tour in England, and found that the tour bus driver was earning more than the players. So even star players Murray Goodwin and Neil Johnson elected to give up representing their country in favour of first-class domestic contracts around the world. Domestic support In contrast, the sponsorship on offer to top players in England and Australia means that the stars could earn �200,000 in a calendar year. Australian skipper Steve Waugh last year signed a bat sponsorship deal worth AUS$300,000 (�108,500). But, perhaps more importantly, even players who do not make it as international regulars can earn a living from the game without having to seek employment during the season. An uncapped county player can expect to receive around �12,000 a year, rising with experience, and benefit seasons regularly yield �200,000. Players who, like Drum and Strang, are on the edge of Test selection, can afford to wait for their chances, while at least earning a respectable wage at first-class level.
However, whatever the benefits of having a having a well-funded domestic scene, there could also be a down-side. Australian legend Neil Harvey was to the point when asked his opinion recently on the selection debate over the Waugh brothers. "There's so much money around these days no one wants to retire," the 73-year-old declared. In Harvey's opinion at least, lower pay means that there is a regular turn-over of players, giving experience to more potential stars, even if in the process it may cut careers unnecessarily short. That argument is well-worn in county cricket, where the benefit system has been blamed for encouraging players to remain in the game long past their primes, and after the chance of international selection has passed. That, critics argue, means that younger players have less opportunity to gain the experience that could see them break into the big time. In contrast, most New Zealanders follow Drum in leaving the game in their late 20s. And, although it is perhaps sad to see a career cut short, it at least allows more youngsters to have a shot at reaching the highest level. | | See also:  31 Mar 02 | England in NZ 2002 27 Mar 02 | England 10 Dec 01 | Cricket 10 May 01 | Cricket 13 Mar 01 | Cricket Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top England in NZ 2002 stories now: Links to more England in NZ 2002 stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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