Cricket: Vincent sends selectors a message

Lou Vincent says he feels his game is really coming together. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Lou Vincent has reminded the Black Caps selectors they have more than just wildcard options with a brilliant unbeaten 146 against Central Districts.

Jeff Wilson's remarkable return to the national side, for the World XI matches, has grabbed the limelight and Vincent's Auckland team-mate Tama Canning added to the controversy over the weekend.

Canning, who dipped out to all-rounder Wilson, questioned the former All Black's selection.

"He [Wilson] has done all right at first-class level ... but he is not good enough at international level," Canning said.

Canning has yet to push his own case in the third round State Championship match at Eden Park - where pace-setting Auckland are set to pick up first innings points early today - but Vincent certainly has.

Chasing 350, Andre Adams joined Vincent (146) late last night with the home side handily placed at 345-8.

The day belonged to discarded Black Cap Vincent, who notched his sixth first- class century, hitting 22 fours and four sixes.

He arrived after a solid Auckland start - they were 115 for two - and took the attack to Central while most around him struggled.

Auckland's lower-order saviour was Reece Young, who scored 35 in a 111-run partnership with Vincent.

Vincent played shots all around the ground and out of it, sending one Glen Sulzberger delivery into a grassy grave on the other side of Sandringham Rd.

And his super-quick work between the wickets also played a big part in keeping the momentum of Auckland's innings going as he scored his first century since playing for New Zealand A in March.

Vincent believes he has passed the experimental part of his career, which included a brush with wicketkeeping, and can now concentrate on his main skill - batting.

He spent the winter months on the end of a brush, a paintbrush, as he renovated his new home and took stock rather than played English league cricket.

"There comes a time when you want to reflect on your career so you can really use the experience you've gained," he said last night.

"The test arena is a tough place to learn but I feel my game is really coming together.

"I've learnt how to organise my batting.

"The old Lou Vincent would have tried to use his arrogance and attack too much today and got a pretty 50. Getting the big 100s is what it's about. I had patience."

New ball bowler Lance Hamilton starred for Central Districts, taking five for 64.

Auckland wobbled as Hamilton's four-over burst with the second new ball dismissed Canning, Kyle Mills and Brooke Walker without conceding a run from the bat.