Cricket: The comeback kid exorcises those ghosts

By RICHARD BOOCK

Chris Martin would have slept the sleep of the contented last night, having not only dragged New Zealand back into the second test but exorcised the ghosts from his previous outing in 2002.

The surprise package on the second morning, Martin made the most of some early swing and seam movement to snatch career-best figures of six for 76 and snuff out South Africa's first innings for 296.

It was the third-best performance from a New Zealand bowler against South Africa and came after Martin ripped through the opposition middle-order, taking five for 15 off 12 overs and breathing life back into the test.

Only John R. Reid, who took six for 60 at Carisbrook in 1963-64, and Geoff Rabone, who captured six for 68 at Cape Town in 1953-54, have managed better against South Africa, and Martin would have passed them both had Stephen Fleming not spilled a regulation catch at 295 for nine.

The effort was a triumph for the man known as "Tommy", who snared his maiden five-wicket bag in the 2000 Boxing Day test against Zimbabwe, and has now taken 40 wickets in 11 1/2 tests.

And it might have proved a particular relief in that his previous test involved one of the contemporary team's darkest moments - the innings and 324-run loss against Pakistan at Lahore, when New Zealand were bowled out for 74.

Martin, who was rushed home with the rest of his team-mates after a lethal bombing days later, took one for 108 as Pakistan amassed 643, and could not force his way back into the side for the subsequent tour of the West Indies.

His remarkable effort was also a triumph for coach John Bracewell, who brought Martin into the squad on the basis of his effectiveness against left-handed batsmen, and then had the courage to push for his inclusion in the playing X1.

Having chipped out South African skipper Graeme Smith on the opening day, Martin had Jacques Rudolph caught at third slip by Michael Papps, Jacques Kallis caught at the wicket, Neil McKenzie also caught by Papps, Mark Boucher caught at gully and Makhaya Ntini caught off what looked like his thigh.

"It's funny because I didn't feel any different to yesterday or any other game I've played this year, and I got results I couldn't really believe," Martin said. "It was a dream for me to be back in this team and to play a big part."

BEST AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA

Best NZ bowling performances in a test innings against South Africa:

-60: John Reid, Dunedin, 1963-64.

6-68: Geoff Rabone, Cape Town, 1953-54.

6-76: Chris Martin, Auckland, 2003-04.

5-48: Frank Cameron, Cape Town, 1961-62.

5-73: Simon Doull, Durban, 1994-95.