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Bracewell says sorry over Gilly comments

Roar Rookie
18th December, 2007
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Roar Rookie
18th December, 2007
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Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has accepted John Bracewell’s apology as the New Zealand cricket team were again forced into damage control mode over their coach’s remarks.

Team manager Lindsay Crocker confirmed Bracewell telephoned Gilchrist to apologise for any offence caused to his family, and to clarify his comments.

On Monday, Bracewell enraged the Australian team by suggesting that Gilchrist’s absence from the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy decider on Thursday was “not necessarily” due to him being rested.

As the story bubbled away in the Australian media, Crocker told reporters Bracewell had only intended to douse any thoughts that the Australian team were being arrogant.

“He was just trying to head off suggestions it was a resting and that Australia were perhaps confident enough to go in with a less than full-strength side,” Crocker said.

“We weren’t sure, we just heard that perhaps there were other reasons why he (Gilchrist) wasn’t playing the game.

“We also weren’t sure what the official line was at that time either, so he accidentally wandered into something that in retrospect is not accurate.”

The official line was that Gilchrist was given the week off to freshen up for the first Test against India starting on Boxing Day, and that it was pre-arranged three weeks ago.

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Bracewell was made aware at Sydney Airport on Monday that his comments had caused a stir, and telephoned Gilchrist in Perth after the tourists’ plane touched down in Hobart.

“He was disappointed he’d inadvertently wandered into offending the Gilchrist household, and he rang Adam Gilchrist as soon as he found out to square the ledger with him and clarify his position,” Crocker said.

Gilchrist was “grateful” for the call and accepted the apology.

Still, relations between the sides remain tense.

The New Zealand players, meanwhile, were given yesterday off as they enter their ninth week on tour, with some opting to play golf in the Hobart sun in the afternoon.

Australia, who lead the series 1-0, had a two-hour training session at Bellerive Oval.

Bracewell explained on Monday the idea was to keep his team fresh for Thursday’s match, in which they can still retain the trophy after the second match was washed out in Sydney when they were teetering at 3-30.

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“Because we’re in it, it’s a matter of making sure we’re fresh for that game,” Bracewell said.

“There’s certainly not going to be a lack of motivation for that.

“It’s all about freshening up, sharpening up, and making sure our energy levels are up and we’ve got a bit of a spring in our steps.”

Australia’s TAB Sportsbet has declared it a one-horse race, rating Australia $1.20 favourites to New Zealand’s $4.25.

© 2007 AAP

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