Cricket: Vincent looking to rediscover his touch

By RICHARD BOOCK

Test opener Lou Vincent will look to put his disappointing one-day form behind him when the first round of the domestic championship begins this morning.

The Auckland right-hander suffered a miserable run of form during last month's one-day tournament in India, scoring just 36 runs at 7.2 as New Zealand lost all but one of their completed games.

Having made himself unavailable for the series in Pakistan, the 25-year-old Vincent will attempt to rediscover his touch at Hamilton's WestpacTrust Park, where his Auckland side will begin their state championship defence against Northern Districts.

Instead of dwelling on the lean trot in the one-dayers, Vincent will no doubt remind himself of his success in the longer game, and particularly his solid performance in the test series against India.

There, he scored a half century in the second innings at Ahmedabad and an accomplished century at Mohali, and went a long way towards cementing his position as Mark Richardson's opening partner.

Vincent will have another chance to consolidate that combination in Hamilton, as the national selectors have requested that he open the batting for Auckland - in order to receive the best possible preparation for next month's test series.

Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell has agreed to the request, despite having two strong options in Matt Horne and Tim McIntosh.

For all that, whatever line-up is decided on, Northern Districts are likely to be fully stretched by Auckland, who can boast six past or present New Zealand players, and some of the best young prospects in the country.

O'Donnell's biggest dilemma today will be assessing the pitch and considering the effects of the rainfall over the past 10 days.

Young pace bowler Michael Bates seems likely to receive the nod if Auckland opt for maximum seam options, but if it is thought an extra batsman would be more useful, the experienced Aaron Barnes will make the cut.

Northern's line-up will feature test players Robbie Hart, Ian Butler and Scott Styris.

Styris was New Zealand's outstanding contributor during the tour of India, when he shone with the bat, ball, and in the field.

The host association also have the useful all-round talents of former test player Matt Hart, some impressive prospects in Nick Horsley and James Marshall, and a relatively well-balanced bowling attack.

In other opening-round matches, Canterbury will square off against Otago at Timaru and Wellington will begin their campaign at home against Central Districts.