Cricket: Topsy-turvy decision rebounds on Patel

By CHRIS RATTUE

Central Districts coach Dipak Patel was surrounded by controversy after using a crazy batting line-up against Auckland in the Shell Cup at Eden Park.

Patel, who was also quizzed after yesterday's match about an incident involving his 12th man, stoutly defended the decision to open the batting with usual tailenders Michael Mason and Lance Hamilton.

The pair managed just six runs between them from 36 deliveries as Central struggled to 123, a total Auckland wiped out for the loss of one wicket with 16 overs to spare.

Aaron Barnes, with the bat, and Andre Adams, with the ball, starred as Auckland notched their second cup win in as many matches. But Central's tactics were confusing to say the least.

Hamilton and Mason had the unusual distinction of opening both the batting and bowling, although neither could claim to be masters of the willow.

Mason, the senior partner in this unlikely batting combo, had 38 runs in eight Shell Cup innings, while Hamilton had notched 14 from four visits to the crease.

Patel claimed the Eden Park wickets was not up to scratch.

"I'm sure it raised a few eyebrows, but we have struggled in the batting and I didn't want to expose my batsmen," said Patel.

"The wicket is not good enough for the one-day game. There is too much movement in the first 15 overs , too much grass and too much moisture.

"Both [Mason and Hamilton] play straight and I just wanted them to see off the first four or five overs and they did the job."

But Auckland officials privately scoffed at Patel's claims, although they did not want to indulge in a public debate.

Patel was also questioned by officials after Central 12th man Craig Findlay went on to the field apparently to ask umpire Ness Kahn for five runs to be added.

Central claimed that Auckland wicketkeeper Lou Vincent had fielded a ball using a glove removed from his hand. The matter is unlikely to be referred by the match commissioner to New Zealand Cricket.

Auckland again took advantage of inept batting by a visiting side but this was more convincing than the four-wicket win over Wellington Central's only batting glory came when Englishman Craig White cracked a six and three fours from a Kyle Mills over, but when their big shots failed Central were unable to employ good placement and running.

Allrounder Adams, who took three Wellington tailend wickets for just three runs, claimed five for 20 to spark the collapse.

The 24-year-old medium-fast bowler made his Auckland debut two years ago but was sidelined last season after suffering a shoulder injury at the world indoor cricket championships in Melbourne.

Barnes produced another fine innings of front-foot shots to steer Auckland to victory with 59 from 99 balls, although he was dropped at slip by Glen Sulzberger off Mason's bowling when on five.