Cricket: Adam Milne stands out in NZ A win

Adam Milne. Photo / Paul Taylor

There was no speed ball radar at the International Cricket Council Academy ground but, judging by wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi's position somewhere near the horizon, Adam Milne was bowling quick.

The 22-year-old, who clocked 153km/h with a delivery against the West Indies in January, was back at it against the United Arab Emirates in the first of four 50-over matches for New Zealand 'A'.

The tourists won by 78 runs after posting 246; the UAE replied with 168.

On the basis of his three wickets for 24 from eight overs, Milne looks a safe bet to take a spot in the New Zealand team to play five one-day internationals against Pakistan starting December 8, and possibly the Twenty20s on December 4 and 5.

He bowled opener Andri Berenger for a second-over duck, had captain Khurram Khan top edge to Ronchi for 14 and lured the in-form Shaiman Anwar into a prod off a good length which was also snared by the keeper.

Milne's efforts helped put the UAE into the ireparable position of 21 for five by the 12th over.

"People know I can bowl fast but I've been working on that consistency," Milne said. "Bowling in good areas paid off today. I've grooved my action better to help with line and length.

"It's always good to see batsmen jumping around. I'm not sure how many will be doing that in the other matches. It depends on the quickness of the pitches and I'm not sure many will get quicker than that. I'm happy to hit Luke's gloves every now and then."

Kyle Mills and Doug Bracewell (who, with Ronchi, came for the test squad to use the game for match fitness) contributed two wickets each, while Daniel Vettori took one for 41 in nine overs of spin.

New Zealand 'A' also offered a sound exhibition of batting and fielding.

Martin Guptill looked fluent with 75. He played several crisp drives and leant forward before each delivery with the toe of the bat resting in front of the back foot. It indicated he wanted to get forward and take advantage of the early powerplay by hitting over the in-field.

He received support from Anton Devcich (41) in a 111-run opening partnership. Vettori (36) and Ronchi (29) also spent valuable time at the wicket.

Even the ground fielding shaped up well, the highlight being Guptill's run out when local batsman Krishna Karate chopped the ball to point.

Shaiman Anwar, known by as 'Sixer' by locals after once hitting seven in an over in a club match, didn't disappoint. He hit five today on his way to 60 from 57 balls. Anwar and Karate (51) gave the UAE innings a degree of respectability with an 89-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
ANDREW ALDERSON TRAVELLED TO THE UAE COURTESY OF EMIRATES