Cricket: Raw Wellington bowler proves the big shoes fit

James Franklin stepped into some big shoes yesterday, just a few days past his 20th birthday, when told by coach Vaughn Johnson he was Wellington's senior bowler for their Shell Trophy cricket match against Central Districts at the Basin Reserve.

With a background of 10 first-class matches, and just 18 wickets, he was following in such distinguished Wellington footsteps as Jack Cowie, Bob Blair, John Reid, Richard Collinge, Bruce Taylor and Ewen Chatfield.

The New Zealand under-19 captain at the World Cup in Sri Lanka in January was not worried.

The laidback Franklin went about his business with such efficiency that he achieved his first five-wicket bag for Wellington, finishing with five for 39 from 20 overs.

With the lanky left-arm swing and seam bowler leading the way, Central were dismissed for 111 in their first innings after losing the toss.

With captain Matthew Bell unbeaten on 71, and Roger Twose producing a second consecutive cavalier half-century, Wellington were 153 for three in response, and well in control after day one of the third-round match.

Twose's 57 came from just 38 balls. It included nine fours and two sixes.

Franklin emphasised what a huge talent he is. With help from legendary Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, he has worked on improving his ability to swing the ball.

It worked a treat yesterday, when he removed two of the Central batsmen with swinging yorkers.

- NZPA