Cricket: Wiseman, Sinclair called up

By RICHARD BOOCK

Former New Zealand test batsman Mathew Sinclair and spin-bowler Paul Wiseman have been rushed to Wellington to act as cover for Craig McMillan and Daniel Vettori, who are battling a flu-like bug and are in doubt for this morning's start to the third test.

Several members of the New Zealand side were feeling off-colour after the win at Auckland, but McMillan is the worst affected, and will be re-assessed this morning before a decision is made on his availability.

Team manager Lindsay Crocker said Sinclair and Wiseman's presence was purely precautionary, but that it was better to be prepared for the potential loss of two senior players than being caught on the hop.

Whatever happens to McMillan, the move is another sign that Sinclair is close to a recall to the national side and stands a strong chance of being included in the squad to tour England at the end of next month.

Sinclair, who made a double century on debut, another against Pakistan and 150 against South Africa at Port Elizabeth, has been one of the form batsmen during the State Shield and Championship, and for the New Zealand A side against Sri Lanka A.

He has played 20 tests for an average of 37.93, the last of which was against Sri Lanka midway through last year.

Vettori was in better shape than McMillan yesterday, and is expected to take his place in the side.

South African skipper Graeme Smith revealed yesterday that his side had met for a virtual blood-letting session on Wednesday, as the reasons behind his team's disappointing tour were put under the microscope.

"We had a really strong discussion yesterday, and I think the guys know what they're going to do," he said.

"It was open and honest, and we were all letting each other know how we felt, and how we thought that we had let each other down on this tour."

He said it was clear from the discussion that the team believed there was still something to salvage from the tour, and that they had the necessary energy, commitment and determination to finish on a strong note.