Cricket: Spin twins will play vital roles

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Canterbury's twin spin attack of Aaron Redmond and Carl Anderson, with Chris Harris as the bit player, may yet be the key to the winning or losing of their Shell Trophy cricket match against Auckland at Eden Park.

Canterbury go into the third day's play this morning in some trouble, with Auckland 87 runs to the good and with one first-innings wicket still to fall.

Canterbury are fully aware, however, that a solid second innings and a reasonable lead could have Auckland under some pressure when they bat last on an outer oval pitch which has become more and more agreeable to spin.

Auckland, resuming at 49 for no wicket, progressed steadily at around two runs an over to reach 274 for nine, with their hard-hitting tailenders Kyle Mills and Andre Adams still there to provide the late flourish.

The solid batting effort was built on a couple of patient partnerships.

Captain Blair Pocock hit the innings high of 56 in 194 minutes in joining John Aiken in a 97-run opening stand. Their good work was continued by Stephen Lynch in his first outing of the season as Auckland reached 171 for five. When Aaron Barnes departed next ball, Canterbury were back in it.

But a resolute seventh-wicket effort between former Canterbury batsman Llorne Howell and the dogged Brooke Walker swung the pendulum back Auckland's way. They added 54 runs before Howell miscued and was taken by Gary Stead off Anderson for 34.

Walker lasted a little longer before his 147-minute stay ended on 37 when he was caught and bowled by Harris,who had put down a similar chance a couple of overs earlier.

Canterbury coach Garry MacDonald acknowledged Walker's part in perhaps taking the game away from his side.

"Brooke Walker batted beautifully in conditions which were not easy," he said. "I am very impressed with his batting and he could still be a factor in the outcome.

"We reckoned that if we could have got Auckland out for 230 we would beat them. That might be a bit more difficult now."

Redmond and Anderson, for a time yesterday afternoon bowling well in tandem, hauled the game back at a time when the home side threatened to clear out.

MacDonald liked what he saw from his spinners, who picked up three wickets each.

"I thought Redmond particularly bowled very well," MacDonald said. "It was good to see the two spinners working together.

"That hasn't happened too often this season because we have had to follow on and haven't bowled for a second time."

In going in with Walker as their only genuine spinning option, Auckland might be a bowler short in Canterbury's second innings.

But the runs they already have in the bank should be enough to allow them to add another four points to the two they have already deservedly picked up.