Cricket: Sinclair double-ton puts him in frame

By Terry Maddaford

WANGANUI - As Matt Sinclair's stocks continue to rise, the odds on his winning a place in the New Zealand cricket team shorten.

In thumping a career-high 203 not out for Central Districts against Northern Districts at Victoria Park yesterday, the 23-year-old Sinclair took his tally from three Shell Trophy innings this season to 429. His 167 in his last innings, against Auckland, was also unbeaten.

In any discussion with the New Zealand selectors, it seems that Sinclair's name is getting further up the list, not so much for the 1999 World Cup but for the subsequent tour of England, for which he could be called upon as the back-up wicketkeeper.

In the three times he has reached 100 he has gone on and on. His first, two seasons ago, produced 189 and he has now backed that with two biggies this season.

Sinclair, in an innings of 470 minutes, 415 balls and 22 fours, provided the backbone of Central's 466, with captain Craig Spearman (134) the other major contributor.

Grant Bradburn, still regarded by many as a World Cup possibility, got through 41 overs at just over two-and-a-half an over, while Scott Styris, who has had his efforts recognised with his selection in the New Zealand A side to play South Africa, picked up three for 76 from 25 overs.

At stumps Northern were 55 for one in their second innings needing another 125 to make Central bat again and then go on and save the game.

Auckland have already assured themselves of first-innings points at Dudley Park in Rangiora but only after a fighting fourth-wicket partnership between Richard King and Lou Vincent.

After dismissing Canterbury for 135 (Chris Drum six for 44), Auckland lost Bryan Young, Blair Pocock and Stephen Lynch before they had scored a dozen.

Vincent, with a career-high 84, and King (25) added 90 for the fourth wicket as Auckland went on to 181 for seven declared. In their second innings Canterbury were eight for one - another wicket for Drum - before bad light stopped play.

A maiden first class century for Wellington wicketkeeper-batsman Chris Nevin was not enough to get them first innings points against Otago in Oamaru.