Cricket: Tactics from sub-continent

By RICHARD BOOCK

South African run-machine Jacques Kallis believes the sub-continental-type Hamilton pitch will call for sub-continental tactics when the first test resumes today at Westpac Park.

In the form of his life after averaging 178 in the past four tests, Kallis yesterday went within eight runs of scoring a century in five consecutive matches, a feat managed previously only by Sir Donald Bradman.

Possibly the best qualified to assess the pitch after a four-hour stay at the crease, Kallis said it reminded him a lot of the wickets in India and Pakistan, and that typical sub-continental tactics were now the order of the day.

"Getting a big first innings score is critical now, as it will apply pressure to the Kiwis," he said. "I definitely think we've got a good chance of winning ... it's already a bit up and down and I think it's going to turn."

The strongly built right-hander believed the Kakanui clay-based pitch would turn more as the match progressed and would also produce more of the uneven bounce that he noticed yesterday afternoon.

"I don't think batting's going to be easy if the bowlers get the ball in the right area."

Kallis appeared to be in commanding form as he sped towards what would have been his 16th test century, but started to labour against the second new ball and eventually fell to a legside trap off Jacob Oram.

However, he was far from downcast about his dismissal, saying he was pleased with his contribution given the conditions.

"Obviously it would have been nice to get a hundred, but I'm satisfied with 92. I don't think it's the easiest of wickets. It's quite slow; it's quite difficult to score on. I'll take 92 - I would have settled for that at the start of the day."

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said the key for his team was to make further inroads into the South African batting line-up this morning, and to start pegging back the opposition's early advantage.

Fleming was delighted with the way his pace attack toiled at the start and end of the day. "I guess from our point of view we've got to restrict South Africa to something like 350-400 and set about getting parity or further ahead, so we can at least place some pressure on them later in the game."

* The New Zealand team turned to a legend from another code to inspire them on the eve of the test.

All Black icon Colin Meads addressed the players and presented their black caps, including debutants Brendon McCullum and Michael Papps.