Vincent emerges in season to remember
[Matthew Appleby] | [Original Article]

Lou Vincent has had a season to remember.

A Test debut next Tuesday in the final game of the series against Pakistan would cap a year of breakthroughs for the personable batsman.

He scored a "lovely hand" of 93 today for the New Zealand Selection XI against Central Districts, and emerged as perhaps the first man in the line to replace an injured or out of form New Zealand Test batsman.

The Warkworth-born right-hander opened at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, but has played in the middle order in his One-Day Internationals this year. He is now a regular selection for the ODI team after his debut against Sri Lanka this year. Tests are his next goal.

He told CricInfo, "that's the true cricket to play. I believe you're not really a true international player until you've played the five day game. That's the ultimate."

He chipped in with twenties and thirties in the ODIs, but at domestic level the 22-year-old Auckland batsman has something of the 'all or nothing' air of Mathew Sinclair. He has made two big Shell Cup centuries, including an Auckland record 145 against today's opposition CD in 1999/00. This year his 133 not out was matched with a single half century, as was last term's big knock.

Now with ample experience to push for a Test place, after making his first-class debut in 1997/98, it is Vincent's fielding that catches the eye. Whether it be in the slips or at cover, has been on a par with the great Chris Harris, while his energetic attitude in the field has enlivened the ODI team this season. He even claims he has not dropped a catch this year so far!

Vincent, who took 14 catches in just seven Shell Cup games this term, hit 18 boundaries in his 93, favouring the straight drive today. He said "I revolve my game around two main shots and that's the pull shot and the drive. The rest is just nudging round."

New Zealand Selection XI coach Ashley Ross feels Vincent has "developed an understanding of the correct temperament to play a sustainable innings," during this game and his previous outing at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, against Pakistan two weeks ago. "That was the final thing he needs to get him to the next level," he concluded.

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