Cricket: Franklin celebrating an unexpected recall

James Franklin's omission from the Wellington team lasted all of three days.

The left-arm opening bowler yesterday unexpectedly leapfrogged Mark Gillespie, after Paul Hitchcock was ruled out through injury, to play in Wellington's opening match of the season against Central Districts at the Basin Reserve.

In the 17 overs possible before rain ended play for the day, Franklin secured the only wicket and had figures of one for 11 from five overs as Central Districts moved sedately to 20 for one.

Opening batsman Peter Ingram was three not out after 76 minutes at the crease.

Franklin had use of the new ball downwind from the second over. It was a stunning reversal of fortunes after the disappointment of being dropped from the squad on Tuesday.

He was on standby in case Andrew Penn (knee) and Hitchcock failed final bowling fitness tests, and it was presumed he would play only if both were unfit.

However, there was a late change of thought. Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson said there was a degree of sameness about the bowling of right-armers Penn, Gillespie, Iain O'Brien and Matthew Walker, and Franklin provided the necessary variation.

Franklin was not objecting and he was delighted to have Craig Spearman caught with the total at eight.

Johnson was happy with the accuracy of his bowlers, which was highlighted by Penn conceding just one run from his eight overs.

- NZPA