Cricket: Rain threatens to end Auckland's State Shield hopes

By RICHARD BOOCK

It is not so much the cricket as New Plymouth's weather that's occupying the mind of Auckland captain Brooke Walker.

Having seen yesterday's State Shield semifinal against Central Districts postponed because of rain, Walker's side know that another deluge today will scupper their chances of qualifying for the final.

More rain would almost certainly render Pukekura Park unplayable, allowing Central to qualify for Friday's showpiece against Canterbury by virtue of their superior round-robin ranking.

"It's pretty grey and gloomy, but it's not raining right now and that's the main thing," Walker said yesterday afternoon. "We're desperate to get out there and play. But it absolutely bucketed down yesterday morning and if it rains again, I think we'll just about be knackered."

Under the Duckworth-Lewis provisions for weather-affected one-dayers, the semifinal could be reduced down to a 30-over match if necessary, a scenario that Walker said would be intriguing.

Central are known for their shot-makers at the top of the order and Auckland also have plenty of firepower, setting the scene for an entertaining shoot-out if the match were shortened.

Walker said his team were aware of their muddling form.

"We haven't played to our potential this season, but we're looking forward to putting two good performances on the board and going one better than last season's runners-up position."

Heavy rain in New Plymouth on Sunday night and early yesterday forced the postponement.

Taranaki Cricket Association chairman Neil Sulzberger said ground staff knew how long it would take for the ground to dry as a match at the venue had been washed-out earlier in the season.

"There was no hope we could play today."

Sulzberger was confident the semifinal would start on time at noon today, given the weather forecast for New Plymouth, which indicates a sharp improvement.