Cricket: Horne slams a timely reminder

By RICHARD BOOCK

Matt Horne is not so much banging on the door of the New Zealand team these days, as nearly smashing it off its hinges.

The forgotten man of the New Zealand test squad pushed his case a significant step further yesterday when he forged another iron-clad century, this time 178 against Bangladesh.

His 19th first-class century not only promoted his chances of a return to the international scene, but also allowed Auckland to push through to the unassailable position of 404 for five at stumps last night, a lead of 284 with two days in hand.

Delayed at the start by overnight rain, Horne and overnight partner Aaron Barnes carried the game away from Bangladesh with a third-wicket partnership of 265, and when they eventually departed later in the day, Nick Horsley continued the good work with an unbeaten 57.

Although the Bangladeshi bowlers toiled throughout, they appeared to lack penetration on the low and slow Eden Park No 2 pitch and the Auckland batsmen were only too eager to spend as much time in the middle as possible.

The only disappointing note was the run out of Barnes five short of what would have been a thoroughly deserved and much-awaited second first-class century, after he, Horne and the ball all arrived at one end at the same time.

Horne departed just four overs later when he was hit low on the front pad by Mohammad Sharif, but was well pleased with his contribution and the influence he was able to make on the game.

"It's very satisfying to have made a reasonable start to the season," he said. "I still feel I haven't got a sense of rhythm in place yet, but we're getting there and I have to be pleased with the progress so far.

"I'm happy with the way things have turned out; mentally I feel okay and I was pleased to spend about 80 overs in the middle, so there's a lot to be encouraged by.

"I just want more cricket. The weather's been a big factor so far and it's hard to make the sort of progress needed if you aren't out there playing."

Horne, who brought up his century off 168 balls and his 150 off 253 balls, including 20 fours and four sixes, has always been known as an occupier of the crease, a player who pays more attention to spending time in the middle than the number of runs beside his name.

He has scored four test centuries, five half-centuries, and has an average of 30.92, a record which must have been sorely testing the New Zealand selectors before they named their squad for next week's first test against Bangladesh.

As far as his international aspirations are concerned, Horne said he preferred to concentrate on things within his control and was no longer one to get tied up in knots over a possible recall.

"I don't even think that far ahead now," he said of the New Zealand team. "I mean, yes, it would be nice to be playing international cricket again and it would be nice to be considered, but that's not something I can control, so I don't dwell on it.

"I prefer to take each match as it comes and, when I'm playing, to take each ball as it comes. I also think that you get a bit more philosophical about things after you've played for a while."