Cricket: Pocock firm against top spin

Blair Pocock has scored nine centuries in 82 first-class matches, but the unbeaten 111 he managed against Wellington at Eden Park yesterday might, in the context of the game, be the most timely.

Pocock battled for five and a half hours on a wicket that from the time 19-year-old Wellington offspinner Jeetan Patel was brought on produced almost prodigious turn. Late in the last session one or two went through the top of the wicket, making life very difficult for the batsmen, three bat-pad decisions giving evidence of that.

Pocock had moments of uncertainty, but his defence stood the test as Auckland finished at 239 for five in reply to Wellington's 289.

"We have worked very hard to win this game and I am disappointed that we lost our last two wickets so close to the close of play," Pocock said.

"The wicket was lifeless for the quicker bowlers, but we still have some batting to come and we do bat well down the order."

Pocock could not remember the last century he scored, except that it occurred two seasons ago. Last season he battled with the aftermath of a broken thumb and in eight matches compiled just 171 runs with his highest score 41. His previous century was 114 not out, also against Wellington on Eden Park.

His first 50 yesterday took 140 balls and the second 88 balls.

Pocock and opening partner Tim McIntosh put on 98 for the first wicket. McIntosh looked a very talented player last season and was even better yesterday with 52 from 88 balls including 10 fours.

John Aiken became Patel's first victim in first-class cricket when he was caught bat-pad for 25. The young Indian struck again the very next ball when Lou Vincent was out the same way. Richard King steadied the ship and was prepared to use his feet to Patel, prompting captain Richard Petrie to remove him from the attack.

But with none his bowlers looking likely to stop Auckland's climb to reach 290, Patel came back and removed King with another bat-pad decision.

For a reason that only Petrie could explain he opted to take the new ball 10 overs before the close of play, but neither Robert Kennedy nor Stephen Hodder offered any danger.

But Petrie is renowned for being unorthodox and taking the new ball was, Auckland found out, just another diabolical plot.

With would-be bowlers all over the ground appearing to be stretching and warming up for a shot of the action, and with the new ball only five overs old, Petrie called Patel over and quietly handed it back to him.

Two balls from the end of the final over Patel drew Aaron Barnes forward, the ball nicked the outside edge and slithered into the stumps, leaving Auckland 51 short of their target for first-innings points and Patel on debut with four for 59.