Cricket: Franklin swings back into form

Wellington took to Eden Park's outer oval with a must-win mentality yesterday but it soon transpired there was no need for such a hard-nosed approach.

The men from the windy city won at a canter, by eight wickets, thanks to fine bowling by James Franklin (2-22) and Mark Gillespie (3-21), which paved the way for a classy, no-nonsense run chase.

The damage was done in the opening overs as Auckland was left reeling at 34-4. But the game had arguably been won before that at the toss, when visiting skipper Matthew Bell called correctly and opted to bowl, taking a punt that the ball would swing in the hot, humid conditions. It paid off.

Franklin is unlikely to find conditions more suited to his style nor a better occasion to impress the New Zealand selectors ahead of next month's West Indies tour - and made use of his good fortune. He disposed of both Lou Vincent (8) and Richard Jones (0) in almost identical fashion, each playing over the top of inswingers that clattered into the stumps.

The rest of the order offered resistance just as brittle. Ex-Nottinghamshire medium pacer Charlie Shreck (2-34) and Jesse Ryder (2-22) received fitting rewards for their efforts as the home side stumbled to 170 all out with an over to bowl.

Auckland's demise at the crease was typical of their season so far - they have now won just once in nine outings - and it also came as no surprise that youngster Rob Nicol top-scored with a snail-paced 61. It's not the first time he's been the sole saviour. Auckland's performance with the ball was even more ill-disciplined than their efforts with the bat.

Chris Martin offered hope with the early capture of Chris Nevin's wicket but that only served to bring Stephen Fleming (66 not out) to the crease. Keen to secure a vital bonus point, the Black Cap captain gave an exhibition of his most graceful shots to put the result beyond doubt.

Jesse Ryder (49) can only have benefited from witnessing such a performance first hand but was not in the mood to sit back in admiration. He, too, had no trouble finding the rope, clearing it twice, in a hard-hitting innings that should see whispers calling for him to be recognised at the highest level grow louder.

The victory puts Wellington in the frame for a semifinal spot, while Auckland will look to salvage pride on Wednesday away to Canterbury.

Unwanted former New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan burst into form to lead Canterbury to victory and help finish Northern Districts' State Shield cricket playoff hopes in Christchurch yesterday.

McMillan cracked an unbeaten 88 off 84 balls as Canterbury overhauled Northern's 201 to win by seven wickets with 15.3 overs to spare.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY