Central on top as Patels spin a web

CRICKET

A record-breaking opening stand was about as good as it got for the batsman during yesterday’s Plunket Shield action as spin dominated at two venues.

Central Districts moved into a commanding position against Auckland at Eden Park Outer Oval, enforcing the follow on after left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel made light work of their tail on his way to a five-for.

At University Oval in Dunedin, Wellington spinner Jeetan Patel did the damage, taking

7-105, although he was unable to prevent Otago establishing a handy first-innings lead.

And at Cobham Oval in Whangarei, Northern Districts openers Daniel Flynn and Henry Cooper went massive, putting on 278 for the first wicket to have their side well placed against Canterbury.

But Central are the side closest to getting a result.

The Aces had started day three at 144-5, but Patel had them all at sea, picking up four of the last five wickets as Auckland crumbled to be 204 all out. Patel’s final figures were 5-42.

Central skipper Will Young enforced the follow on, which looked a good decision when Patel picked up another three wickets, alongside Blackcap Ben Wheeler also picking up a pair of wickets to have Auckland precariously placed at 152-5 at stumps.

Flynn and Cooper had a day out to remember in Whangarei. They resumed on day three at

81-0, but were quickly into their work as they put on another 197

runs in quick time before Flynn was dismissed for 157. Cooper followed seven overs later for 136, but the damage was well and truly done.

Their 278-run stand broke the Northern Districts record for highest opening stand by four runs. The previous best of 274 was set by BJ Watling and Brad Wilson at the same ground almost seven years ago to the day on March 10, 2011 as Northern chased down 385 in 87 overs to beat Wellington by nine wickets.

Northern declared on 409-4 from just 75 overs - a lead of 216.

Opener Chad Bowes steered Canterbury out of trouble, stroking 93 before getting out caught behind down the legside. His side reached 141-2 at stumps, trailing by 75 runs.