Astle's smashing bat requires surgery
Nathan Astle is confident he can repair the bat that almost broke England's resolve in Christchurch.
Astle's astonishing, world-record innings of 222 from 168 balls allowed New Zealand to get within one more century of winning the First Test. Almost inevitably, though, an onslaught that included 28 fours and 11 sixes did more than damage the figures of Andrew Caddick and Matthew Hoggard before England completed a 98-run victory.
Astle's 2lb 12oz Kookaburra bat will need surgery before the Second Test starts at Wellington's Basin Reserve on Thursday.
"It's got a few cracks in it but I'll get it fixed up," said the 30-year-old, who didn't so much beat the old record for Test cricket's fastest double century as smash it to smithereens.
Astle reached 200 from 153 balls - 59 deliveries fewer than Adam Gilchrist's effort for Australia against South Africa earlier this month. At one stage he batsman plundered 38 runs (five sixes and two fours) from seven balls sent down by Christchurch-born bowler Caddick.
"It was an awesome thing to see and an awesome thing to be involved in," Caddick said. "But I believe it was a one-off and I don't think we'll see it again."
