Cricket: Stags declare on day two

CD spinner Ajaz Patel nips in the bud an attempt from Firebirds batsmen to make a cheeky single at McLean Park, Napier, yesterday. Photo / Paul Taylor

A lot of work still needs to be done but the Central Districts Stags have put themselves in a good position in Napier before day three resumes today.

Yesterday, it came to pass when George Worker scored 123 runs to claim his fifth century on day two of the Budget Rental four-day Plunket Shield match at McLean Park.

"It's George's third in this season," said Devon Hotel CD coach Heinrich Malan, lauding the batsman on the fringe of selection for still putting in the hard yards for his domestic team.

"I'm really pleased for him. He keeps asking the questions of selectors," Malan said of the lefthander.

It also immensely pleased the South African coach to see wicketkeeper/batsman Dane Cleaver claim a milestone maiden century, 151 not out, as the Stags declared in 119.4 overs with the total at 242-6.

So is he the new Kruger van Wyk, the retired captain who had a penchant for stopping the rot when the top order caved in?

"No, he doesn't have to be the new Kruger. He's just Dane Cleaver," Malan said.

He felt Cleaver, of Manawatu, brought the contemporary No7 skills to CD's equation as someone who was aggressive and trusted his instincts to do what was required.

"That's the beauty of it. The attacking style now is the new defence," he said, likening Cleaver's dexterity to that of outgoing Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum.

Wellington were 231-5 at stumps yesterday with Stephen Murdoch (89 runs) and Luke Woodcock (70) providing the platform.

"Blair Tickner took a superb catch [off a Bevan Small] to dismiss Murdoch," Malan said of the seamer who also took the prized wicket of Firebirds opening batsman Michael Papps for a duck.

Spinner Ajaz Patel took 2-27 while returning seamer Kurt Richards claimed 1-38.

Malan said the Stags needed to take early wickets this morning with the new ball not too far away.

CD have yet to claim a win in the shield this season after winning the Ford Trophy.