Cricket: Captain Bell on song for Wellington

Wellington centurion Matthew Bell offered early evidence the burden of captaincy would not dampen his appetite for scoring runs as the home side dominated the opening day of their Shell Trophy cricket match against Canterbury at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

With Bell setting an admirable example Wellington reached 314 for four in 102 overs in their first innings after Canterbury had won the toss, and surprisingly decided to bowl first on a docile pitch.

The opener dispelled any concerns with his 134 in 343 minutes, which included 18 fours. It was his third century for Wellington, and his fourth overall in 68 first-class games.

Bell and a new arrival from Auckland, Richard Jones, took the initiative with a first-wicket partnership of 102 in 110 minutes, and then Bell and Jason Wells (65) added a further 166 in 212 minutes for the second wicket.

On 54 Bell was fortunate to survive a catch to Shane Bond at backward square off the leg-spin bowling of Aaron Redmond, who created a strong impression despite going without a wicket.

Bell has set himself exacting individual goals this season, and if he reaches them he will become a leading contender to recover his place in the New Zealand team. His objective is to score six centuries for Wellington, three in each of the trophy and Shell Cup, and 1000 runs overall in the 10 trophy rounds.

- NZPA