Cricket: Opener Richardson a hero and a villain

By RICHARD BOOCK

Mark Richardson's powers of concentration received a torrid workout yesterday as he fought for composure during the one-off cricket test against Zimbabawe in Wellington.

New Zealand's new find on the test batting scene, Richardson managed to top score on the first day at the Basin Reserve, but also ran out his captain Stephen Fleming, and later perished the same way himself.

Fleming was on 22, and New Zealand delicately poised at 67 for two when Richardson lured his skipper down the wicket for a quick single and then attempted to send him back, leaving him well short of his ground as the throw came in from Guy Whittall.

The NZ captain looked in obvious dismay and remained on his knees for some time before making his way off the field, while Richardson was looking just as upset at the other end, and then highlighted his frustration with three ill-advised slashes at Heath Streak.

"There was a fair bit of head chatter going on after the run-out," said Richardson, when asked about his frame of mind after Fleming departed.

"It's not a good idea to run out your captain, especially when he's batting so well. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a whole lot of stuff going on up top after that."

Richardson, who was later run out at 75 after being called for a quick single by Nathan Astle, said he had to fight to regain his concentration after Fleming's dismissal, and was disappointed with his overall contribution, despite scoring his fourth 50 in six tests.

He scored one in Zimbabwe and two in South Africa, where he ended the series as New Zealand's best batsman, with an average of 46.40.

"My No 1 concern after 'Flem' left was to get my performance back in order, and to control myself again," he said. "But I wasn't overly happy with the way I played. One of my goals in this test was to raise the bar after having some success in South Africa, and I don't think I achieved that."

Zimbabwe coach Carl Rackemann also reflected on a bitter-sweet experience after witnessing yet another injury while his side performed strongly on the first day.

The tourists faced a tough task after losing the toss and being asked to bowl on a pitch which had no grass and little pace or bounce.

Their problems were made worse when opening batsman Douglas Marillier suffered a painful thumb injury while fielding. Marillier left the field after attempting to catch the second of Richardson's wild slashes, and although he apparently did not suffer a fracture, he must be in serious doubt to bat.

Zimbabwe have already lost Grant Flower and Dirk Viljoen to broken fingers and also have leg-spinner Paul Strang sidelined with an arm injury, while captain Heath Streak, former captain Alistair Campbell and Stuart Carlisle are all battling influenza.