Cricket: Taylor smashes century while sun shines

Central Districts' Ross Taylor. Picture / Wairarapa Times-Age

Just as he has all summer, Ross Taylor showed impeccable timing in the State Shield one-day semifinal yesterday.

His masterly innings of 114 was the catalyst for Central Districts' reaching a challenging 274 for seven after opting to bat first against Otago at McLean Park in Napier.

The intervention of rain, with Otago on 23 for one after 3.5 overs in reply, meant the match will resume today to find who play Canterbury in the final on Sunday in Christchurch.

The odds now heavily favour Central Districts advancing, thanks chiefly to Taylor, 21, who clubbed his third shield century of the season.

Taylor's compelling contribution from just 117 deliveries served two purposes - placing Central Districts in a position of power and providing an unsubtle reminder to the national selectors of his ambitions to play at a higher level.

Taylor's credentials were spelled out in bold type yesterday as he lifted his shield aggregate to 553 at an average of 69 this season.

Central Districts coach Graham Barlow felt Taylor would handle a promotion, although he was loath to tell the national selectors how to do their job.

"The fact he's had three centuries in 10 knocks, plus a couple of 50s, is a pretty good statement about where he is at. What more can he do?," Barlow said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he is picked tomorrow. Ross Taylor has always had the potential to go to the top level and this season he has matured enormously."

Barlow considered Taylor's innings yesterday particularly special because the McLean Park pitch was not the easiest surface to bat on, with the ball not quite arriving as expected.

Central Districts openers Jamie How and Geoff Barnett struggled for their timing after captain How won the toss, with last season's beaten shield finalists taking until the 14th over to raise their 50.

Left-hander Barnett had departed by then, being removed for 13 when he chopped a ball from seamer Warren McSkimming on to his stumps.

How was just starting to come out of his shell when his innings ended for 28, the victim of a cruel run out after left-armer David Sewell deflected a straight drive from Taylor on to the stumps at the non-striker's end.

Taylor stole the show from there on, striking eight fours and two sixes as his teammates batted around him.

Useful contributions came from Bevan Griggs with 36, Jarrod Englefield 31 and Mathew Sinclair 20 as Taylor steered the Central Districts ship to calm waters.

Otago, coming into the match after shedding their under-performers' tag of previous years, appeared in control at several stages but Taylor could not be contained.

Central Districts tightened their grip on the match by removing Otago opener Chris Gaffaney for nine before the rain arrived, leaving them a huge ask - weather permitting - today.

- NZPA