Cricket: NZ on a roll whatever last day brings says McCullum

CAPE TOWN - Brendon McCullum believes New Zealand will ride a wave of momentum to Johannesburg for the third test, regardless of what happens on the last day at Newlands.

The wicket-keeper yesterday lauded the performance of a batting line-up that amassed 593 for eight declared in the first innings, including a commanding 262 from Stephen Fleming and a maiden unbeaten century from James Franklin.

The tourists' morale was further improved by a near-dream debut from off-spinner Jeetan Patel, who first shared in a 58-run stand with Franklin for the ninth wicket, and then took the only two wickets to fall on Day 3; his first from his third delivery.

However, any hopes the effort might lead to bigger and brighter things were dampened in the first two sessions last night, as Hashim Amla stroked a stylish 149 before stumbling lbw to Daniel Vettori.

At tea early today (NZT), Ashley Prince was unbeaten on 38, Mark Boucher was yet to face a ball and the follow-on mark of 394 was looming.

The only Day 4 wickets to have fallen by then were those of Jacques Kallis, who miscued an attempted pull-shot when the total was 252, the wristy Amla, who was unlucky to be adjudged leg-before to Vettori, and AB de Villiers, who fell to Patel on the stroke of tea, by which stage the hosts looked fairly safe at 361 for five.

Television replays showed the delivery from Vettori taking the inside-edge of the bat before striking Amla's pad.

McCullum said whatever the final day had in store for the teams, he was sure New Zealand would head for the Wanderers this week with an increased sense of confidence, and with a belief that they could at least square the series.

"First and foremost we're looking for a win, but if it doesn't happen then we head to Johannesburg with an opportunity of saving the series, and that can be a strong motivating factor in its own right," he said.

"We've got some tough cricket in front of us here, but whatever happens I think we'll carry some good momentum into the last test."

Even though New Zealand faced a near-impossible task on the final day, McCullum said no one had given up on the chance to push for a result, particularly as Vettori and Patel were receiving more assistance by the hour.

Patel had Graeme Smith caught and bowled just before lunch on the third day, and later sent back Boeta Dippenaar with a delivery that spun back, took the inside edge and careered into the stumps.

The little off-spinner was still pinching himself at the end of the third day after he had assisted Franklin through to 122 not out, scored an unbeaten 27, taken a wicket with his third ball and then another, the only other to fall before bad light stopped play. "It was a great day to have as a debutant," said Patel.

As for his own support for Franklin when play resumed on the third day, he said it was a privilege to partner a player of such tremendous ability.

"Franky batted great. As soon as he hit that boundary down the ground I knew it was his time."