Cricket: Richardson plans change of batting image

By RICHARD BOOCK

Mark Richardson is threatening to expand on his three-card trick if a suitable opportunity arises during the second test against South Africa.

Possibly New Zealand's most eccentric team member, Richardson rose to prominence after re-inventing himself as a opening batsman, and now has a test average of 48.40.

Using a modus operandi that effectively comprised three shots, he gained world recognition for his crease-occupation, if not the flamboyance of his stroke-play, and was quickly acclaimed as New Zealand's most reliable batsman.

But Richardson has been frustrated by his productivity this season, and believes the time is right to introduce some changes.

"I've become way too negative and defence oriented," he said.

"I think I've read too much of my own press about how I'm the rock and this sort of rubbish. I really just need to concentrate on going out there and scoring some runs."

The 32-year-old left-hander posted his third test century at Chandigarh in October, and made useful contributions this summer against Pakistan (44,15,82 and 41). But he is demanding more from himself.

"Four years ago I'd found a nice balance between attack and defence, but I think I've probably become too conservative," he said.

"I've become obsessed with preserving my wicket and surviving, rather than asserting myself and being as positive as I should be."

He said for the next "wee" period he would carry a more positive attitude to the middle and try to be more influential.

"I'm going to go out there and look to score runs. I've been too scared to make a mistake or go outside my defined role, and I think that's becoming detrimental to my game."

Lampooned for his lack of mobility, Richardson has been described as one of the slowest movers in the test arena, but has begun a campaign to resurrect his reputation.

The Auckland opener has embarrassed team-mate Aaron Barnes and Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria over 100m, and is now seeking a suitable opponent from South Africa.

"I'm a bit worried, because none of their guys look too sluggish."

Richardson said the South African bowling attack was different to many test combinations around the world because it was steady, but lacked a spearhead.

"They have a guy like [Shaun] Pollock who does a Daryl Tuffey role ... someone like [Makhaya] Ntini who's a bit different and has a bit of gas; and a good bustling medium-pacer like [Andre] Nel or whoever."

Richardson said he was fascinated by the test series so far, because the teams were well-matched and it was just a matter of who played better on the day.

He said it was not much different three summers ago when South Africa played a similar style of game to New Zealand, but just seemed to play it better.

"We're talking about two very similar sides, man for man, and I think we've turned the tables on them a little now ... we're doing things fractionally better.

"There's no great culture clash like there is when we play Australia - New Zealand and South Africa are closely matched, and it just comes down to who's got that slight edge."

Richardson said if the first test at Hamilton was any guide, the series was shaping as an epic, and would continue to be closely contested throughout.

Three-card trick

Mark Richardson's three shots are based on about 73 different versions of the leave.

The theory is that he forces bowlers to straighten their line by leaving everything outside his off-stump. Then he either picks them off his pads, or hits them straight.

No.1: The straight drive.

No.2: The leg-glance

No.3: The cut-slash