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'The Barrett boys are keen cricketers' – former NZ cricket rep Kieran Read hints at possible team for cross-code T20 clash

August 27, 2018

A NZ rugby XI will face off against a cricket XI in Christchurch early next year.

All Blacks captain Kieran Read is lining up a plethora of stars for his rugby XI, set to take the field in a charity T20 cricket clash in January next year.

After the match, scheduled for Christchurch on January 25, was confirmed earlier today, Read fronted media, discussing his side - to be coached by Sir Graham Henry.

Read, who played youth cricket for New Zealand under-17s , couldn't help but drop the names of several keen cricketers from within the rugby fraternity, looking to unleash a number of stars against the likes of Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum.

"The Barrett boys are keen cricketers, Israel Dagg, the likes of Andy Ellis who played to a high level as well," Read said.

"Probably the biggest thing for us rugby players is that (we've) potentially put on a few extra KGs from when we did play cricket.

"Getting our arms over, and swinging a cricket bat at the speed we need to is probably going to be the big challenge.

"It's going to be a big summer for us."

Read also spoke about the prospect of playing under Sir Graham Henry, having been regularly in touch with his old boss in recent time.

"As soon as I found out I was going to captain the side, Ted (Sir Graham) hasn't stopped ringing me and texting me."

"I've been trying to prepare for the last two weeks, and he only wants to talk about cricket games.

"He's looking forward to it, we can't wait."

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