Cricket: ND'S Hart foundation

Two seasons ago Matthew Hart was playing so well he entertained thoughts of an international recall. Then last season he wondered why he was playing the game at all.

Welcome to the world of a first-class cricketer.

Hart, 32, has been the rock upon which Northern Districts' sides have been built since debuting for the province in 1990. His value was never better evidenced than his century last week when Northern Districts chased down an improbable 400 to beat Central Districts.

Now he hopes to be at the forefront of a Northern revival in the State Shield one-day games.

"It was good to turn it around in Napier," Hart said. "It was a great confidence booster."

The century wouldn't have hurt him either. He decided three seasons back to pay more attention to his batting, rather than the left-arm spin that gained him selection in the Black Caps in the mid-90s.

"When the bowling went downhill a bit, I enjoyed putting my head into batting a bit more.

"When you go through seasons like last year you begin to wonder if it's all worth it. You put in so much hard work that never gets seen, both in the fitness and skills side of it and nothing happens. Then you get days like Napier."

When Hart first made the Black Caps there didn't seem to be much in the way of him playing 50 tests. Then along came Daniel Vettori. But when Hart made the decision to concentrate on his batting, a spark was lit.

"I would love to have a crack as a batting allrounder. I had hopes after my season a couple of seasons ago, but last year was so dismal for myself and ND that I was too scared to even think about it." Hart admits it has been eerie this season without brother Robbie.

"When he first pulled the pin it took me ages to get used to the thought of not having him there."

The start of the one-day roadshow marks the beginning of the summer.

When previously sober teams like Wellington take on the names of exotic animals.

Defending champions Central Stags are the potential excitement machines of the competition.

With potential future England one-day opener Craig Spearman and Ross Taylor in the side, Central will score their runs fast.

State Shield Tuesday:

Central Stags v Auckland Aces, Palmerston Nth

Otago Volts v Canterbury Wizards, Alexandra

Wellington Firebirds v Northern Knights, Wellington. 

 - HERALD ON SUNDAY