Recalled Sinclair scared of Muralitheran

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE from New Zealand

CRICKET: New Zealand have recalled Mathew Sinclair after nearly 18 months to strengthen their batting in the First Test against Sri Lanka beginning at the Jade Stadium here on Thursday.

The Kiwis who are struggling to strengthen their side have brought back Sinclair after his contract was torn up a long time back and will bat at the all-important number three slot.

Sinclair has been in good form this season scoring his 22nd century in first class season against Northern Districts last week. Sinclair described his selection as surprising after he played his last Test against Australia nearly two years ago.

Sinclair who exuded confidence, although not when facing up to spinner Muttiah Muralitheran. 'He'll be a big threat', said Sinclair referring to Muralitheran. John Bracewell the former Kiwi off spinner who is now the coach of the Kiwis said that Sinclair had been picked on his form of last year.

Jamie How and Craig Cumming will open the home team batting and Sinclair will bat one drop. How and Cumming are relatively inexperienced. However Cumming showed fine form playing for Otago against the Lankans making a pleasing 50.

Michael Papps and Scott Styris are recovering from injury and were not considered.

Auckland swing bowler Kylie Mills suffered an untimely knee injury and inexperienced duo of Michael Mason and Iain O'Brien have been slotted into the 13-man squad.

Mills has a patella tendon injury and will be assessed to see whether he would be fit for the Second Test in Wellington, which begins on December 15.

The Kiwi batting is quite strong led by skipper Stephen Fleming. Nathan Astle, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCallum and Daniel Vettori can also make runs, in addition to the openers How and Cumming and Sinclair.

With the wicket expected to be bounce and seam friendly, the tearaway Shane Bond would lead the attack which is expected to be pace heavy with left armer Daniel Vettori to provide the spin.

Black caps squad:

Stephen Fleming (Captain), Craig Cumming, Jamie How, Matthew Sinclair, Nathan Astle, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCallum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Chris Martin, Michael Mason and Iain O'Brien.