Posted February 10

The retirement of Australian skipper Mark Taylor was accompanied by apt tributes, for he produced a splendid record as test captain, with the best win ratio in history. As the equal holder of Australia's highest ever test score with the immortal Bradman, as the scorer of more test runs than any Aussie bar Border, and as the outright holder of most test catches he earns the accolade I gave him recently: GREAT.

Now the muscular wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist has set a new record Australian ODI score with his 154 in the final round of the CUB series, taking his team into a clear lead and now favourites for the finals against England starting at the SCG on Wednesday. He is a spectacular player, severe on the short ball and able to drive down the ground with ferocity. Thanks to Gilchrist and other backup players Australia have now won their last five ODIs and are starting to loom as contenders for the coming World Cup.

Spinfest

Anil Kumble shook off his large workload in New Zealand to equal the record of the great Jim Laker, only the second bowler to take all ten. His 14 wickets in the match is nowhere near Laker's 19 at Manchester in 1956 but is still one of the leading test performances. It came after Pakistan's openers Afridi and Anwar had put on over 100 for the first wicket, a reward for patient, probing spin bowling.

We were perhaps fortunate that Kumble did not strike his best form here although I thought he bowled too defensively to grab a bag. It is so different in India on a turner on the last day with the opposition set 419 to win. The batsmen are in a crowded house and they can't make good music with all those predatory catchers round the bat. Ten wickets in an innings! Even Paddles couldn't quite manage that.

Shell Cup Final

Another triumph to Canterbury although Wellington seemed to hold the cards for much of the game. Winning the toss was a big edge for Roger Twose as he was able to unleash Carl Bulfin on the hapless Cantabs. Howell lasted two balls and Astle and McMillan only a few more. Bulfin was ebullient, great speed and movement, sideways and upward, kicking in the batsmens' faces. Why wasn't he bowled right out?

It was miraculous that Canterbury set 218 after that start and it was achieved by Stead, that steadfast servant of the red and blacks. He is typical of Canterbury sportsmen, always available, not always chosen, but ready to lie down for his beloved province. It was a masterstroke to make him captain for it ensured the kind of responsible, no frills innings that hauled Canterbury through.

Then he handled his bowlers brilliantly, using his wide range of options to create a sense of panic among the Wellington batsmen. Only the equally loyal Gavin Larsen in his stand with Chandler gave Wellington a sniff. Once they were broken it was the end, although one couldn't help but think that some of those lbw's by two of the world's top 12 umpires looked marginal. There was an impression it was time to get the game over.

Leg before wicket is supposed to be given only when the "ball would have hit the wicket". The word "would" sounds to me like leaving absolutely no doubt, but several times the ball would have had to travel some five or more feet to reach the timber. I was also troubled by the no ball rulings, with Bulfin unfairly called while in the other innings Astle was taking wickets with obvious infringements. The World Cup will spotlight this.

North too Strong for South

With Canterbury's dominance in Women's interprovincial cricket it was surprising that the North won the first of three matches to precede the visits by South Africa and Australia. The idea is to give the international players more intense competition and Emily Drumm was one to benefit. She and Anna O'Leary made excellent fifties and Emily lead the North with some positive captaincy. Look out for two more good games.

England Under 19 Go One Up

The first Youth Test went England's way when New Zealand couldn't maintain a sound start and fell 63 runs short on the final day. It was another splendid match and ensures two more keenly fought tests. It is a hard task to score 374 in the fourth innings of any match, especially at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth where the pitch eventually turns. New Zealand lost its last half in a rush but that oftens happens when the patient bowlers finally get on top and the ball grips in the dust. No need to write our boys off. I expect them to give a strong reply in the second test now underway at the Basin.

Hail the Proteas!

After a 5-0 test and 6-1 ODI cleanup of the Windies South Africa are going to be formidable. Our lads are ready and know what is ahead of them. It is as promising a scenario as one could hope for. Bring it on next weekend ! Email Dave your thoughts.