Wellington battle on as injury list grows

BY SAM WORTHINGTON

Another game and another opportunity for Wellington's injury-riddled cricket team.

Their Plunket Shield chances are shot but of course the long list of crocks means fringe players are playing first-class cricket instead of club.

Wellington coach Anthony Stuart said new skipper Neal Parlane and Stephen Murdoch would open the batting in the four-dayer against Canterbury starting in Rangiora today.

Never a glass-half-empty man, Stuart was encouraged by Malaesaili Tugaga's first five-for in Napier last week, and hopes that others follow suit.

Leg-spinner Robbie Schaw is likely to get a rare start with New Zealand's 12th man Jeetan Patel staying in the capital to work with Australian spin doctor Ashley Mallett.

With two rounds to go, Wellington have now lost the services of Matthew Bell (hand) and Michael Burns (ribs), who broke bones in the seven-wicket loss to Central Districts.

Stuart joked Wellington's injured XI would give the real one a run for their money and it's hard to argue.

How's this for a lineup: Bell, Josh Brodie, Jesse Ryder, Grant Elliott, Harry Boam, Dewayne Bowden, Mark Gillespie, Sunny Chan, Andy McKay and Burns.

"The only spot missing is a wicketkeeper," Stuart said.

He added that Gillespie (back), who played day four against Central as a replacement for Patel, was frustrated at not being considered for selection.

"Mark thinks he can play but we're just not confident that he's right to get through four days."

Elsewhere, Auckland host Central Districts at Colin Maiden Park, while Northern Districts will aim to wrap up the title with victory over Otago in Whangarei.

HOW THEY LINE UP

What: Plunket Shield, round nine

Where: Mainpower Oval, Rangiora

When: Today-Tuesday, from 10.30am

Canterbury (from): Peter Fulton (c), Michael Papps, Rob Nicol, Johann Myburgh, Shanan Stewart, Dean Brownlie, Kruger van Wyk, Jason Donnelly, Todd Astle, Ryan McCone, Brandon Hiini, Hamish Bennett

Wellington (from): Neal Parlane (c), Stephen Murdoch, Cameron Merchant, James Franklin, Luke Woodcock, Michael Pollard, Stewart Rhodes, Chris Nevin, Joe Austin-Smellie, Andrew Lamb, Malaesaili Tugaga, Robbie Schaw

TAB: Canterbury $1.55, Wellington $2.35

Standings: Northern 44, Central 32, Canterbury 28, Otago 26, Wellington 18, Auckland 8

- © Fairfax NZ News