Cricket: Winds a blow to victory chances

By RICHARD BOOCK

The biggest challenge facing the New Zealand cricketers is not so much beating Zimbabwe in the one-off test in Wellington, as remaining upright long enough to beat them.

Comfortably in charge after amassing a first-innings total of 487 for seven and reducing Zimbabwe to 48 for two before stumps, New Zealand are the only side who can win this test.

But they still face the huge winds and showers forecast for the next couple of days, as well as some spirited defiance from the tourists.

If it were not for the squalls and showers which allowed only 29 overs yesterday, New Zealand might be well on their way towards their 47th test win.

They managed to knock over two Zimbabwean batsmen and were already looking to their two spin-bowlers for increased momentum.

As the gales challenged anything standing upright, there was time at least for Adam Parore to complete his 14th test half-century before New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was virtually forced to declare, in order to give his side enough time to get a result.

Parore made the most of the platform laid earlier in the test by Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan, passing the 50-mark for the first time in 27 test innings.

The milestone took 154 minutes, lasted 112 balls, and included 10 fours.

The continued stoppages meant Fleming soon had to pull out in order to give his side a chance of dismissing the tourists twice, and his team managed to use the 25 overs they received to good effect.

Chris Martin enhanced his already blossoming reputation with two wickets.

The bowling find of the South African tour, Martin bowled Guy Whittall in the 11th over and had Stuart Carlisle caught by Matt Horne at short cover in the 13th, to extend his impressive start in the international arena to 13 wickets in 3 1/2 tests.

New Zealand then attacked Zimbabwe on a wearing surface through their spinners.

Paul Wiseman found a demanding length into the gale, and leg-spinner Brooke Walker also impressed, despite the fact that he had fewer and less obvious footmarks into which to bowl.

Fleming yesterday confirmed that the New Zealand team management had requested that the pitch be prepared to specific requirements, but stopped short of conceding that the surface had been doctored to suit the home side.

"From my knowledge, we requested a wicket which contained a moisture rating of between 29 and 30, which is what we've had in the past three years," he said.

"We've had great surfaces here and we were just looking for the same this time around."

Whatever was ordered, the pitch which eventually emerged from under the covers was completely devoid of grass and offered considerable spin on the first day, which was particularly suspicious since groundsman Trevor Jackson traditionally errs on the side of too much moisture, rather than too little.

Fleming said the pitch was of a different character than usual, but still offered good challenging cricket.

He added that his side were still hopeful of pushing for a result tomorrow.

"It wasn't a great day for us in terms of time, but we're still optimistic that there's enough left to win the test.

"We've got a chance with the extra time added on, and the wicket is only going to wear more.

"There's a lot of work still to be done, but we rate our chances," Fleming said.

Zimbabwean skipper Heath Streak said the pitch was unusual for a Basin Reserve wicket and did suit New Zealand more than his side, but believed the home team were entitled to make the most of the home-ground advantage.

"I'm aware of suggestions that the pitch was doctored, but I doubt New Zealand wanted it quite as dry as it turned out," Streak said.

"It's like nothing they've ever prepared here before, but it's part of the home-ground advantage and wherever you go, you tend to find a pitch which suits the hosts."