Cricket: Another first for Taupo

By Terry Maddaford and NZPA

It has taken just one series of the Shell Trophy to show just how ordinary much of the cricket was in the early rounds last season, when many matches failed to get beyond the third day of four.

Some pointed the finger at the pitches ill-prepared for the longer version of the game, others to the ill-disciplined batting as games failed to go the distance.

But with the three games in last week's opening round all going at least into the fourth day, groundstaff and the players have come in for an equal share of praise.

That test will be taken a step further in today's second round with the first first-class game at Owen Delany Park in Taupo.

It seems the Taupo association and cricket people have quickly forgiven and forgotten the failure of the lights during last month's one-day international between New Zealand and India and are eagerly looking ahead to today's top-of-the-table clash between Northern Districts and Otago.

The ground, the 55th to be used at this level in New Zealand, is a picture.

The pitch has enough grass to suggest it will go the distance. It was covered with scrim yesterday to protect it from the hot afternoon sun and will have a final mowing this morning.

Groundsman Wally Kilgour is confident it will play truly, while the outfield is a credit to him and his helpers.

There is absolutely no evidence of the 47 rugby matches - more than could ever be imagined at Eden Park - played on the oval last winter.

The ground, in contrast to the surrounding banks, where the grass has started to burn off, is well covered.

Both teams have named the same 12 players who fought back from first-round deficits against Wellington and Auckland to take outright points.

New Zealand Cricket statistician Frances Payne confirmed a New Zealand first for Hamish and James Marshall when they opened both innings for ND in Hamilton.

"Not only is it the first time twins have played together," Payne said, "but in opening the innings that might be an even bigger record."

There will be particular interest in Shayne O'Connor's ongoing challenge for a place in the New Zealand team, while it would only need another innings of the class shown by Mark Bailey in scoring his matchwinning century to again have his name in front of the selectors.

Meanwhile, the illness of left-arm opening bowler David Blake has forced Central Districts to make a late change for the match against Auckland, starting today in Masterton.

Central coach Dipak Patel said Blake, 12th man against Canterbury, had been laid low with a viral infection, and he would be replaced by another left-arm bowler Lance Hamilton.

Auckland have named former New Zealand bowler Kerry Walmsley to replace a more recent international Chris Drum, who has a side strain.