Cricket: Harris shows he still has bite

Chris Harris offered a strong reminder that he might not be a spent force at international level with a man-of-the-match performance in Canterbury's 68-run win over Wellington at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

He hit an unbeaten 70 from 48 balls in Canterbury's 268 for five after Wellington put them in on winning the toss, and had bowling figures of two for 31 from his 10 overs in the State Shield one-day cricket match.

When dropping Harris, 34, last month for the one-day series against Pakistan, New Zealand coach John Bracewell said he needed to improve his strike rate.

Harris' innings yesterday showed that he is capable of scoring quickly, and he did it in front of one of Bracewell's fellow selectors, Sir Richard Hadlee.

Harris and Aaron Redmond, who made 19 from as many balls, produced 76 runs in an unbroken stand for the sixth wicket.

Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson acknowledged captain Harris' contribution when saying Canterbury had "outplayed" his team.

Johnson said Wellington did not bowl well at the start and finish of Canterbury's innings, and being 37 for three and 60 for four in response, Wellington were never able to challenge Canterbury's score. Wellington ended on 200 for nine.

Canterbury's innings was built around a maiden one-day century to opening batsman Shanan Stewart, who hit 102 from 137 balls and was involved in a second-wicket stand of 92 with Peter Fulton, who made 40.

Johnson said the shield game against Central Districts tomorrow was now crucial, with Wellington needing victory to maintain their challenge.

The side will be reselected today after injuries to Matthew Bell (arm), Mayu Pasupsati (hamstring), Matthew Walker (shoulder) and James Franklin (back) are assessed.

Bell and Walker made the most profitable Wellington partnership of 70 for the fifth wicket.

- NZPA