Richardson and Vincent: It has a ring to it
[Lynn McConnell] | [Original Article]

Mark Richardson and Lou Vincent continued the re-writing of New Zealand cricket's record books, such a common feature of the side under Stephen Fleming's captaincy. It is a feature of mature teams that the more they play together, the more records get broken.

It is all to do with knowing one another, and feeding off each other's achievements. Richardson and Vincent, now surely settled as New Zealand's Test opening partnership, achieved their second century stand after their first at St George's in the West Indies last year. Their 231-run association, before Vincent was out leg before wicket - slipping as he played a shot to Anil Kumble - was the second highest for New Zealand overseas after the 387 added by Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis in the West Indies in 1971-72.

When the side for the tour was announced, Sir Richard Hadlee said that Vincent was going to be played as an opener, and that was where the selectors felt he was best suited. It was a decision that had been a long time coming but in this innings, and in his second innings effort at Ahmedabad, he confirmed that faith, feeding off the superb fighting quality that Richardson brings to this side.

Vincent ended his innings with his Test average back up to 33.54, more reflective of his obvious ability. The six he hit off Harbhajan Singh to bring up his 50 was classical, while the reverse sweep for four off Anil Kumble was beautifully-timed. When in form, he can play some audacious strokes and the Indians had a chance to appreciate why he was able to score a century and half-century on debut at Perth, two years ago.

Many years have passed since New Zealand has possessed a batsman with Richardson's hunger. His concentration, and the ability to maximise his resources is an object lesson to young cricketers. Rarely is there a flourish to his run scoring, but that doesn't mean he can't pull out the big shots.

His battle with cramp when attempting to play the sweep shot was hilarious in its own way, and as memorable as his reaction when he claimed his first, and only, Test wicket. The left-arm slow bowler, who got the yips so badly that he resorted to batting, was given a chance for a trundle against Pakistan at Christchurch on the first drop-in pitch used in New Zealand. They don't make pancakes flatter than that pitch was, but Richardson picked up the wicket of double century-maker Yousuf Youhana, caught and bowled, and immediately took off around Jade Stadium imitating an aeroplane, much in the manner of English soccer goal scorers.

His third Test century was thoroughly deserved, and has contributed to New Zealand finishing the first day in such a strong position. New Zealand teams have been on the receiving often enough in India, and Fleming's winning the toss may be the harbinger of a first Test series victory in India.

It was unusual to see India under pressure so early in the match. Their fielding in the first session was lamentable, and you can only wonder what was going through John Wright's mind as he watched helpless from the sidelines. New Zealand teams are not naturally equipped with the riches that teams like India can call on, that is why they take their fielding so seriously. It is a weapon, not the encumbrance that it seems to be to the Indians.

New Zealand's highest opening partnerships overseas:

387 Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis, Georgetown v West Indies 1971-72
231 Mark Richardson and Lou Vincent, Mohali v India 2003-04
185 John Wright and Trevor Franklin, Lord's v England 1990
136 Graham Dowling and Terry Jarvis, Lahore v Pakistan 1964-65
131 Matt Horne and Gary Stead, Ahmedabad v India 1999-00

Centuries by New Zealanders in India:

230* Bert Sutcliffe New Delhi 1955-56
151* Bert Sutcliffe Calcutta 1964-65
137* Bert Sutcliffe Hyderabad 1955-56
129 Graham Dowling Bombay 1964-65
120 John Reid Calcutta 1955-56
113 Glenn Turner Kanpur 1976-77
106 Lou Vincent Mohali 2003-04
105 Bruce Taylor Calcutta 1964-65
104 John Parker Bombay 1976-77
103 Nathan Astle Ahmedabad 2003-04
102* Mark Richardson Mohali 2003-04
102 John Guy Hyderabad 1955-56

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