Mathew Sinclair leads the run-scoring in the State Shield with 331. Photo / Getty Images
Players with seemingly little chance of representing New Zealand have been the standout performers through the first half of cricket's State Shield one-day competition.
Mathew Sinclair continues to present a powerful case for an international recall, having shot clear in the run-scoring stakes as he did in the
four-day State Championship.
The Central Districts captain has cracked 331 runs in five games at an average of 110.3 - all at a healthy strike rate.
His batting is the key reason for Central leading both competitions but the selectors appear reluctant to pick the 33-year-old, who has failed in his most recent international chances.
Heading the wicket-taking list and the bowling averages are two imports.
Seasoned English medium-pacer Graham Napier has claimed 15 scalps for Wellington at an average of 12.3 while Otago's South African left-arm seamer Neil Wagner is next with 11 at 15.5.
Napier, whose economy rate of 3.9 runs per over is also among the leaders, can't be considered for the Black Caps but Wagner, 22, has stated a desire play for New Zealand upon fulfilling residency requirements.
Of the leading run-scorers, Northern Districts opener Hamish Marshall has scored at the fastest clip. His 207 runs have come from just 190 balls at a strike rate of 108.9.
However, Marshall, who has played 66 one-day internationals, is ineligible for a New Zealand recall as he is contracted to the non-ratified Indian Cricket League.
Marshall left New Zealand 18 months ago to sign with English county Gloucestershire and is Northern's overseas player this summer.
- NZPA
