Sinclair gives selectors a reminder note

Mathew Sinclair drummed out a reminder to the national selectors that he still wants to be considered for the Test series with an unbeaten century for Central Districts against Otago at Alexandra in their State Championship match today.

CD had built themselves into a powerful position by the end of the day when ending at 234/3, a lead of 296 with seven wickets remaining.

Otago did not help their cause by being dismissed for 123 early this morning.

The day began with Otago reasonably confident of securing a first innings lead. At 48/2 chasing 185 they had every reason to be so but in the event they batted poorly to be all out 62 runs short of CD.

Brent Hefford made the first breakthrough of the day when getting the overnight batsmen Simon Beare (17) and Chris Gaffaney (25). Andrew Hore added 20 and Nathan Morland was 18 not out.

It was one of their most miserable batting performances in recent times. Too often they played at deliveries outside the off stump and they seemed to lack application to play in a manner which would have seen them through to the promised sunshine and much better batting conditions. Only Morland played with any discipline which was what was needed from all the other Otago batsmen. The Otago innings lasted only 47.3 overs.

Andrew Schwass headed the assault and continued his excellent summer with four wickets for 29 runs from 12 overs, while Michael Mason's economic approach was well rewarded as he took three for 30 from 15 overs and he made the Otago batsmen play at most deliveries. Lance Hamilton and Hefford bowled economically and could have easily captured more wickets than their combined total of three.

Central Districts began their second innings much the same way as their first by losing early wickets and at 32/2 Otago perhaps had a glimmer of hope in rolling them cheaply.

But both Sinclair and Ben Smith decided enough was enough and put on 129 for the third wicket with Smith finally going for an attractive 57, his 50 coming off 99 balls.

Sinclair went on to get a good century, off 154 balls, and by stumps was 118 not out. CD captain Glen Sulzberger provided a fine anchor with 28 not out. The overall lead of 296 would seem to be far too many for Otago to chase even although two days play remain and, of course, with CD having only lost three wickets the prospect of a much bigger run chase.

None of the Otago bowlers was been really caned but improved batting conditions and two classy batsmen in Sinclair and Smith had given CD quite an advantage.