Cricket: Yes, they're just wild about 'Harry'

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Chris Harris might not get too much encouragement when he knocks on the national selectors' doors these days - especially around test time - but he knows he will always be welcome in Canterbury.

His unbeaten 155 yesterday, in his 50th first-class game for Canterbury, took his tally from five State Championship innings this season to 418, an average of almost 140.

Along the way, he hoisted his 5000th first-class run and 11th century in his 90th first-class match.

But any suggestion he should bat higher than No 5 in the order finds little favour with Canterbury coach Michael Sharpe.

"We are not tempted to do that," Sharpe said.

"Chris has the ability to bat with the top and lower order. It is a really good spot for him. You can see that from the partnerships he helps to build." None was more important than his 10th-wicket stand of 75 with Chris Martin.

Martin posted a career-best 25, while Harris played the major role again, ensuring he was not out.

"We set them little targets," Sharpe said. "Our previous best this season for the 10th wicket was 35 against Wellington. That was their first goal. Then 50, and at lunch we told them to take every run rather than Harris looking to retain the strike, as he had been doing.

"He is a real team player. He makes a game of everything he does. And, he is a bit of a 'not outer,' which suits us just fine."

And drives opposing teams nuts.