Cricket: Walker does all-round job

BY TERRY MADDAFORD

Before the start of Auckland's first-round Shell Trophy match against Wellington at Eden Park, Brooke Walker was regarded only as a legspinner who could bat a bit.

But by the time he walked off the outer oval yesterday with a maiden first-class century and four wickets against his name, he was firmly established as an allrounder.

Auckland had a lead of 226 when they declared overnight at 515 for seven. Walker was called into the attack after 18 overs and continued unchanged for 39.

With a defensive mode adopted by the Wellington batsmen, he had the luxury of being able to toss the ball up and invite attacking strokes and he was, at times, unplayable.

On the odd occasion he was slogged to the fence, but Auckland had the runs in the bank and their patience was rewarded.

Grant Donaldson opened for Wellington and hung about for four hours and 220 balls in making 60 and it was Walker who eventually snared him.

Matthew Bell fell to Kyle Mills for two from a dreadful shot to mid-off, Jason Wells was bowled neck and crop by Mills and Mills also had a hand in the next dismissal when he ran out James Franklin with a direct hit.

Walker took his first wicket in the innings when Tim Boyer snicked him to Blair Pocock at slip.

Before the start of play, Auckland coach Tony Sail, quietly talked about his secret weapon: "Lou Vincent will get two vital wickets," he said "and Brookey [Walker] will take five. We will win by an innings by the third-session drinks break."

He was nearly right on all counts. Vincent normally bowls medium-pace, but somehow he had been induced to bowl offspin by skipper Pocock and he took the vital wicket of Richard Petrie and then dismissed Stephen Hotter.

Meanwhile Walker had added Scott Golder and Mark Jefferson to his bag, finishing with four for 85.

Walker's small figure was drooping badly nearing the end of his spell.

"I was tired and bowling crap in the last few overs," Walker said. "My shoulder was hurting as well so I told [Pocock] to take the new ball and finish it off."

Pocock immediately followed the advice and Mills did the rest with a superb caught-and bowled of Jeetan Patel.

The innings ended 20 minutes after the drinks break.

Auckland will take an unchanged side south for matches against Otago at Carisbrook and Northern Districts at Taupo.