The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Vincent, Fleming put Kiwis ahead

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Vincent, Fleming put Kiwis ahead

WELLINGTON, APRIL 12. Lou Vincent and Stephen Fleming shared an unbroken century partnership to give New Zealand a 42-run first innings lead with six wickets in hand on the second day of the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka here on Tuesday.

Vincent remained unbeaten on 79 and Fleming on 60 to guide New Zealand to 253 for four in reply to Sri Lanka's 211 before dark clouds descended on the Basin Reserve and ended play an hour before scheduled stumps.

Vincent was promoted from No. 6 to No. 4 to shield Fleming who had taken a stinging blow on the inside of the left knee while fielding at slip on Monday. Fleming spent almost half of the first day off the field and dropped down the order to receive treatment on the injury. He went to the wicket when New Zealand lost two wickets to consecutive balls in the middle of the second session, slipping to 153 for four and stumbling in its progress towards a first innings lead.

Vincent is usually a dashing batsman, but he curbed that instinct to play an innings of patience and discipline. He took 125 minutes to reach his half-century, which includes six boundaries and a straight hit six.

Authoritative

Fleming was also watchful at first but he showed signs of discomfort from his injured knee. His footwork on all but a few occasions against the deceptive Lasith Malinga was confident and authoritative. Fleming's defence was emphatic and his attacking game blossomed as he reached his half-century in 110 minutes, from 95 balls with seven boundaries. — AP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport