Sinclair defies South Africa

Mathew Sinclair defied South Africa's fast bowling attack after New Zealand were sent in to bat on the first day of the second Test at St Georges Park,Thursday.

New Zealand were 206 for seven at the close, with Sinclair unbeaten on 88.

Despite Sinclair's fighting innings, South Africa's decision to send New Zealand in proved successful, although it was harder work for the bowlers than expected on a true pitch in hot, windless weather.

It was a welcome return to Test form for Sinclair, 25, who made 214 against the West Indies in Wellington in a sensational debut last December but had not reached 50 in six subsequent Test matches.

Powerful offside drives, particularly off the back foot, were the hallmark of Sinclair's batting against a pace-dominated attack.

South Africa were hampered when fast bowler Allan Donald could not bowl between lunch and tea because of a bruised right heel, while Sinclair and Craig McMillan (39) were sharing a stand of 71 for the fifth wicket.

But Donald came back to take a wicket with the second new ball when he had Adam Parore caught behind. Donald finished with figures of two for 37.

South Africa's most successful bowler was captain Shaun Pollock, who took four for 51.

The decision to send New Zealand in seemed to have backfired when Mark Richardson and Craig Spearman batted comfortably through the first hour and a half.

The pitch had good bounce and carry but although it was well-grassed there was virtually no sideways movement.

Donald made a breakthrough when he had Spearman caught at short leg and Makhaya Ntini bowled Richardson soon afterwards.

Pollock struck twice in successive overs after lunch when he held a sharp return catch from New Zealand counterpart Stephen Fleming, then won an lbw decision from Zimbabwean umpire Ian Robinson when Nathan Astle padded up to a ball which cut back.

New Zealand made one change from the side beaten by five wickets in the first Test in Bloemfontein, with Kerry Walmsley replacing fellow fast bowler Daryl Tuffey.

Seam bowler Andrew Penn failed to respond to treatment for a side muscle strain and departed for New Zealand early Thursday.

Fleming joined the touring teams long injury list when he needed two stitches in the middle finger of his left hand after he was struck by a ball during fielding practice Wednesday.

Mail Cricket Editor