Ellis: Blame batsmen, not wicket
Ineffectual top order batting was just as culpable as a green Hagley Oval seamer in a Plunket Shield match lasting just 127 overs.
Competition leaders Wellington eased to a 10-wicket win over Canterbury on Friday in a shortened clash in Christchurch, which finished just after lunch on day two.
Canterbury were skittled for a paltry 53 in 18.4 overs in their second innings – their fourth lowest first-class total since 1900.
Former Canterbury man Logan van Beek starred with a hat-trick and 5-22 in the second dig, while Iain McPeake nabbed five in both innings to finish with 10-51 for the match. The game produced 419 runs across four innings and went for 127.1 overs on a Hagley deck, which typically offers a fair contest for both bat and ball as the match wears on.
Canterbury captain Andrew Ellis defended the green-tinged wicket, acknowledging the technique from both side’s top orders wasn’t up to scratch.
He said Canterbury didn’t plan to raise concerns about the pitch in their post-match review, something Wellington coach Bruce Edgar echoed.
Ellis was the lone batsman from either side to get to 50 in a match dominated by the quicks.
Canterbury amassed 156 in the first innings with Wellington sneaking past them in their first turn at bat, posting 166.
‘‘Whenever there’s bounce and seam movement it tests guys’ technique,’’ Ellis said.
‘‘It definitely highlighted a few technical issues with guys and just the ability to problem solve while you’re out there ... There’s definitely people who have to look within themselves first before blaming the wicket.’’
Ellis conceded it was a challenging wicket and believed the key to doing well was minimising the risk. He felt a score of 250 could have been the equivalent of 400, given how difficult the wicket was. Canterbury never gave themselves a chance with the bat, though.
Wellington’s fast bowlers hit perfect channels and forced
Canterbury into some clumsy shots with a stack of batsmen caught behind by the wicket.
‘‘You can’t get away from the fact when you’re faced with challenges you’ve got to find a way to overcome them. It was a tough wicket, but you get tough wickets at all levels. You can’t be a fair weather cricketer.’’
Canterbury’s inexperienced top order have battled for runs in the Plunket Shield this summer and have missed veteran Peter Fulton, who retired at the end of last season. Their lack of production is a concern and Ellis said batsmen needed to step up and show they belonged at first-class level.
‘‘Those who learn quickly and adapt quickly and become good at problem solving progress quicker. Those who don’t will fall by the wayside through natural attrition.’’