Cricket: Confidence boost for Sinclair as NZ struggle

7.15am - By CHRIS BARCLAY

SYDNEY - Remembrance Day turned into a forgettable experience for the New Zealand cricket team as their test series dress rehearsal against New South Wales started ominously here yesterday.

Mathew Sinclair, who easily top scored with 88, was the only batsman to derive any satisfaction as the under-strength tourists were skittled for 213 on a placid pitch in admittedly testing conditions.

Sinclair ended his 256-ball vigil under lights as rain swept over the ground but he would not offer the weather as an excuse for New Zealand's poor showing a week out from the first test in Brisbane.

"I don't think it mattered much. It was probably worse when they batted," Sinclair said after NSW reached 26 for one before rain forced a premature end to the first of four days play at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Sinclair registered his highest first class score in Australia and was the only New Zealand batsman to show any stickability against Australian test wannabees Brett Lee and Stuart MacGill.

"We wanted to bat as long as possible to get used to the conditions. Overall we're disappointed with the outcome but for me personally it was a good chance to face some reasonably good bowlers.

"It's definitely a confidence boost looking ahead (to the 'Gabba). "

Lee and MacGill shared seven wickets, with the legspinner openly doubting the New Zealander's ability to foot it with Australia from Thursday onwards.

"I got the feeling if you wanted to stay in one that wicket you'd be pretty tough to knock over. That being the case you'd have to say they didn't play us very well at all," said MacGill, who took little satisfaction from his haul of four for 57.

"It was an anti-climax for me because I wanted to stake my claim for maybe a second spot in Adelaide (second test, November 26-30) or really reinforce my status as second in command (to Shane Warne).

"I probably did that anyway but it's was just a bit flat. Hey, we might get knocked over for 150 and it'll be 'game on'. "

Sinclair, who averages 65 in first class cricket over the past 12 months, saw off Lee and MacGill's initial stints despite feeling stodgy at the crease.

"My feet weren't working well this morning but I hung in their and it got a bit easier after lunch.

"I stuck it out and tried to build some momentum. "

Sinclair's 78-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Jacob Oram was the most productive of the innings and once it ended with the score on 176 wickets fell in quick succession.

"We'd have liked to still be batting but in all fairness they bowled well," Sinclair lamented.

James Franklin claimed the only NSW wicket to fall when he had Phil Jaques (8) caught behind by Gareth Hopkins with his sixth delivery.

Franklin and Chris Martin produced lively opening spells and will need to effect early breakthroughs to keep New Zealand in contention.

On a bright note, the Black Caps should be bolstered by the return of Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori and Nathan Astle at the Gabba.

Fleming is due in Sydney on Saturday while Vettori's shoulder is responding well to treatment. Astle, who defected shortly before the toss yesterday morning, has been suffering lower back pain since arriving in Australia.

"With time and some treatment he will be right for the test series and there is nothing to suggest anything other than that," coach John Bracewell said.

Play is scheduled to start earlier today to make up for the three overs lost to rain though thunderstorms lashed Sydney last night and more rain was forecast.

- NZPA