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MELBOURNE - New Zealand cricketer Lou Vincent was intent on not looking a fool at the MCG here yesterday.
So he went out and blazed 90 against the superspeed of Brett Lee and Shaun Tait, boosted his tri-series average to 77.33 and showed the Australians his deeds could
back his words.
The much-publicised words came from a Radio Sport interview last week when he said Australia's cricketers were arrogant sledgers, hunted "like a pack of dogs" and thought they were bigger than the game.
"I was so focused today after what I said last week I just wanted to make sure I put a performance on the board," Vincent said.
Asked if he got any extra heat from the home fielders, he was diplomatic.
"I wasn't even looking for it all, or have an ear out -- I was too busy concentrating.
"I was concentrating on a result and I got it. I think if I'd got a duck I would have looked a bit silly.
Vincent nearly choked on his cornflakes on Tuesday morning when reading his quotes as the lead sports story in The Australian newspaper.
Today was the first time he'd spoken since but he wasn't backing down, saying the on-field banter fired him up.
"I was surprised (at the reaction) but I've got the performances to back it up.
"I enjoy that side of the game. It's a competition, and sometimes it's lacking in domestic cricket.
"You want a challenge at that level but the atmosphere's a bit dull. But at this level when it's all guns blazing it's something to look forward to."
Yesterday's was one of the most significant performances of his 91-match career, even though New Zealand lost by five wickets defending 290.
It was his highest score in 15 matches against Australia, his third half-century in as many tri-series innings and nearly led New Zealand to an unprecedented three consecutive 300-plus totals.
In 34degC heat,.he added 151 for the second wicket with Peter Fulton, batted 160 minutes and faced 113 balls before Tait bowled him off his pads in the 37th over.
"At one stage I found the heat a bit tough. We ran three or four twos in a row and I felt the lungs bursting at one stage.
"I kept a solid base all the way through but I missed out on the fun times at the end when you can make up for all those dot balls. That was the only disappointing part, not staying for five or six more overs."
Then late in the rollicking run chase, Vincent made a diving catch to remove Australian centurymaker Ricky Ponting and ran out Michael Hussey for eight.
"It was probably 10 overs too late. It would have been good to get the fourth wicket with about 120 runs to get. You never know, but you can't take it away from the Aussies how well they played."
- NZPA