Cricket: Wiseman uses his Indian know-how to grab five

CHRISTCHURCH - The New Zealand spin bowler Paul Wiseman showed the benefits of his recent Indian experience by snaring five wickets for the South Island against North Island on day one of the four-day cricket match at Hagley Oval yesterday.

Wiseman's five for 35 from 20.2 overs of probing offspin on the opening day of the first-class season in New Zealand hurried North Island's dismissal for 174.

His bowling performance came just days after leaving the New Zealand team in India where he played the second and third tests.

"Obviously it's a bit easier coming back to play here after you've been bowling to some of the best batsmen in the world," Wiseman said.

"Conditions are pretty tough over there with the heat and the quality of their batting."

Wiseman bowled several spells, maintained good rhythm, and relished the ball turning appreciably from the southern end.

He made early inroads into the North batting, having three for nine from seven overs, dismissing both fellow returning New Zealand player Matthew Bell and Mathew Sinclair, who were building a promising second-wicket stand.

The 29-year-old Wiseman also tidied up the tail for his 10th five-wicket haul in a first-class career which began in 1991-92.

North Island, after winning the toss and batting in ideal conditions, would have been disappointed at their modest total from 65.2 overs after six of the top seven batsmen got starts.

None progressed further than the Wellington pair of Chris Nevin, 36 from 59 balls with three fours and a six, and Bell 32 from 52 balls with five fours.

South Island lost the early wicket of Robbie Lawson in the second over, but Craig Cumming and Chris Gaffaney reached 50 for one at stumps.

Gaffaney struck six fours in his unbeaten 35.

- NZPA